Podcast Summary
In this engaging episode of the CyberHub Podcast, James Azar welcomes Esther Pinto, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Anecdotes, for an insightful discussion about her journey from the Israeli Air Force to cybersecurity, and the unique challenges of being a CISO at a startup. James and Esther reflect on their shared experience at the Panorays CISO-Founder All-Star Game, a fun precursor to their in-depth conversation about cyber leadership.
Key Highlights
Getting Started in Cybersecurity
Esther’s career in cybersecurity began in the Israeli Air Force, a common pathway for many Israeli professionals in the field. Her military experience gave her the foundational skills to thrive in cybersecurity.
The Role of a Startup CISO
Esther explained how her role as a CISO at Anecdotes has evolved over the years, shifting from a reactive role focused on immediate business needs to a more strategic, long-term approach. She emphasized the importance of aligning security initiatives with business goals to build trust with customers and partners.
"At the beginning, you're very much aligned with the business goals and reactive, but now it’s more about planning and being strategic."
Balancing Security and Business Needs
Esther discussed the delicate balance required when prioritizing security measures at a startup, where agility is key, but security cannot be compromised. She noted the importance of having a framework like ISO or ISMS to anchor security efforts, even when a company’s products and offerings shift quickly.
“You have to create trust with the CEO and the co-founders. Let them know, ‘I’ve got it, I’m owning it, let me do my job.’ That’s the art of being a startup CISO.”
Security Culture in Startups
Esther dispelled the myth that it’s easier to build a security culture in a startup. While startups offer the opportunity to develop personal relationships across small teams, they also present unique challenges with shifting priorities and limited resources. For Esther, building trust and clear communication is key to ensuring security is ingrained in the company’s culture.
"You have to be a people person to succeed in a startup. Getting that buy-in from management and employees requires strong communication and soft skills."
Resilience and Duty
Esther, a reservist in the Israeli Air Force, also reflected on the challenges of balancing her role as a CISO with her reserve duty, especially in the aftermath of the October seventh attack in Israel. Despite the ongoing conflict, Esther continues to manage her security responsibilities and appreciates the resilience that defines her country and her team.
“I’m focused on protecting my country, but I can’t forget my responsibilities as a CISO. The business is important because it helps the economy—it’s all connected.”
Key Takeaways:
The role of a startup CISO requires not only technical expertise but also strong business acumen, soft skills, and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Aligning security initiatives with business goals builds trust and ensures that security supports business growth.
Building a security culture requires fostering relationships and creating a sense of ownership among all employees, especially in small teams where resources are stretched.
Balancing national duty with professional responsibilities showcases Esther’s commitment to both her country and her work.
This episode is filled with valuable insights for CISOs, especially those navigating the unique challenges of cybersecurity in startup environments.
Call to Action
Be sure to follow Esther on LinkedIn for more thought leadership, and check out the podcast for additional CISO interviews!
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From the Israeli Air Force to CISO Stardom: Esther Pinto on Building Security Culture at Startups