Special Guest: Bryan Carnahan, Director of Governance, Risk and Compliance

Discover the ins and outs of cybersecurity compliance as Bryan Carnahan joins me, Paul Blacker, to dissect the transition to Virginia's SEC 530 standard, a critical move for state agencies and their vendors. As the March 31st deadline approaches, we reveal how falling behind can result in more than just cyber vulnerabilities; it could lead to nightmarish audits and shaky cyber insurance. With Bryan's expertise in governance, risk, and compliance, we shine a light on the alignment of SEC 530 with NIST's security controls, offering an insider's perspective on creating fortresses out of digital infrastructures.
Get ready to rewrite your approach to cybersecurity preparedness. You'll understand why assuming "it's not a matter of if, but when" isn't just cautious—it's crucial. Our conversation pivots to the invaluable role of fractional CISOs, those strategic maestros who guide organizations through the maze of regulatory demands, balancing security with business growth. Whether it's crafting an incident response plan or aligning with regulations like HIPAA and PCI DSS, we cover how these experts ensure your cybersecurity measures are not just up to date, but are paving the way forward.
Lastly, the unique cybersecurity tangles of higher education take center stage. Whether it's tackling public state or private university challenges, we emphasize the need for comprehensive assessments and robust defenses, from multi-factor authentication to shoring up against social engineering. We stress the importance of continuous improvement, from routine vulnerability scans to advanced penetration tests, ensuring every organization can leapfrog from basic protocols to cutting-edge security measures. With our guidance, say goodbye to burying your head in the sand and hello to informed compliance and ironclad risk mitigation strategies.