CyberOXtales

OX Security

Join Neatsun Ziv, CEO of OX Security, in this bi-weekly, 20-minute video podcast designed for senior-level security professionals. Each episode features one guest and includes 3-5 questions, delving into key areas such as cybersecurity leadership and strategy. Gain insights into the strategic aspects of being a CISO, developing effective cybersecurity policies, building a security-minded culture, and aligning security strategies with business objectives. Stay updated on emerging threats and trends, focusing on the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and techniques affecting application security. Additionally, explore compliance and regulatory updates, with discussions on the evolving landscape of compliance and regulations impacting application security, including CISA Directives, GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. Learn how CISOs can navigate these requirements effectively. Featuring conversations with CISOs, security experts, and thought leaders, this podcast is your go-to source for high-level and strategic communication of risk.

  1. 07/22/2025

    Risk Rewired: Samir Sherif’s Cybersecurity Playbook for Executives

    Risk Rewired: Samir Sherif’s Cybersecurity Playbook for Executives In this episode of CyberOXtales, Samir Sherif challenges executives to drop outdated boundaries and start thinking in systems. Drawing on years in both financial services and security operations, he outlines why integrating the Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) is no longer optional. It's essential for resilience. Samir maps out how AI is doing more than just reducing noise in SecOps. It’s already making Level 1 decisions, and soon it’ll take on Level 2 logic, pushing organizations to rethink their human capital strategies. But the tech alone isn’t enough. Culture matters. He breaks down how shifting from a vulnerability-based mindset to a risk-centric language can unlock alignment across engineering, IT, and business functions. This is a no-nonsense guide to breaking silos, choosing the right tools, and designing for continuity from the code layer to the C-suite. If you're leading a digital transformation, this episode belongs in your war room. About Our Guest Samir Sherif is a veteran Chief Information Security Officer with decades of experience across banking, enterprise software, and infrastructure. He has served as CISO at F5 Networks, Absolute Software, and Imperva, and previously spent over 20 years at Citigroup leading application security. Samir currently sits on multiple advisory boards including Mitiga, NetSPI, Secure Code Warrior, and others. His perspective blends technical expertise with board-level strategy to build integrated, resilient security programs. Connect with Samir LinkedIn Key Takeaways SOC and NOC must merge both technologically and culturally to tackle today’s threatsFocus on risk instead of vulnerabilities to drive better decision makingAI is already reshaping Level 1 and Level 2 operationsBusiness resilience depends on shared visibility across tech and securityTrue integration requires cultural change, not just new toolsListen to this episode of CyberOXtales to hear how Samir Sherif is helping organizations rethink security from the inside out.

    18 min
  2. 05/21/2025

    Building a Risk Narrative: Gary Hayslip’s Cybersecurity Playbook for Executives

    Building a Risk Narrative: Gary Hayslip’s Cybersecurity Playbook for Executives In this episode of CyberOXtales, host Neatsun Ziv, CEO of OX Security, sits down with Gary Hayslip, CISO at SoftBank Investment Advisors, to explore how CISOs can build risk narratives that influence business decisions. Gary shares lessons from his experience in five CISO roles and emphasizes why cybersecurity leaders must act as business executives first. He outlines how to align strategy with operations, engage with boards through compelling storytelling, and maintain peer-driven situational awareness in a fast-moving threat landscape. About Our Guest: Gary Hayslip is the Chief Information Security Officer at SoftBank Investment Advisors (the Vision Fund). With a career spanning more than two decades, including roles in both government and private sectors, Gary has led security teams at Webroot, the City of San Diego, and more. He’s a systems thinker with a strong operational background rooted in his military service and is known for his strategic approach to cybersecurity leadership. Connect with Gary: LinkedIn Key Takeaways: CISOs are Business Executives First – Gary emphasizes that cybersecurity leadership today is about managing risk, enabling operations, and supporting business goals.Build a Tailored Risk Narrative – A one-size-fits-all story doesn’t work. Risk narratives must reflect the unique needs, operations, and regulatory context of the business.Storytelling Drives Strategy – Gary uses risk/threat matrices, control frameworks like NIST CSF, and ongoing assessments to communicate a clear story to executive teams.Peer Networks are Essential – Active engagement with fellow CISOs helps benchmark strategy and adds credibility in boardroom discussions.Balance Ops and Strategy – Mornings are for operational awareness; the rest of the day is for strategic collaboration, reporting, and forward-looking planning.Listen to this episode of CyberOXtales to learn how Gary Hayslip builds risk narratives that resonate—from the boardroom to the security operations center.

    25 min
  3. 04/09/2025

    The CISO's Role in an AI-Driven Enterprise: Damian Hasse’s Cybersecurity Playbook for Executives

    In this episode of CyberOXtales, host Neatsun Ziv, CEO of Ox Security, explores the evolving role of CISOs in AI-driven companies with Damian Hasse. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, security leaders must navigate new risks, balance innovation with protection, and ensure compliance with emerging regulations. Damian shares firsthand experience leading security in an AI company, offering insights into AI-specific threat landscapes, risk management strategies, and how CISOs can build resilient security programs in an environment where data is the most valuable asset. About Our Guest: Damian Hasse is an experienced cybersecurity leader with a deep focus on securing AI-driven environments. As the CISO of Moveworks, his expertise spans risk management, security architecture, and governance, ensuring that AI companies can scale while maintaining a strong security posture. Connect with Damian: LinkedIn Key Takeaways: AI Security is a Moving Target – AI models introduce unique risks, from adversarial attacks to data poisoning. CISOs must adapt quickly to emerging threats.Balancing Innovation and Risk – Security leaders in AI companies can’t be the “Department of No.” Instead, they must integrate security into AI development without slowing innovation.The Role of Regulation in AI Security – The regulatory landscape for AI is still evolving. CISOs must stay ahead of compliance challenges, from GDPR to AI-specific policies.Operationalizing AI Security – Implementing robust access controls, model integrity checks, and continuous monitoring is essential for securing AI pipelines.AI Threat Intelligence is Key – Security teams must develop proactive defense mechanisms to protect AI systems from adversarial threat.

    47 min
  4. 03/19/2025

    Thriving as a First-Time CISO: Devin Rudnicki’s Cybersecurity Playbook for Executives

    This cybersecurity playbook is inspired by Devin Rudnicki’s insights on navigating the CISO role, mastering communication, and aligning security programs with business outcomes, as shared on CyberOXtales. The Playbook Objective: 💡 This playbook provides actionable strategies from Devin Rudnicki, CISO at Fitch Group, on navigating the CISO role, building cross-functional security programs, and aligning security initiatives with business outcomes. Key Goals Include: Equip new and aspiring CISOs with a roadmap for their first 90 days.Highlight the importance of communication and stakeholder management.Provide strategies for aligning security programs with business outcomes.Emphasize building cross-functional security committees. Step 1: Master Communication – “It’s 150% of the Job” Objective: Establish trust with leadership and effectively communicate cyber risk. Action Items:Speak the Board’s Language: Present risks as business impacts, not technical threats.Develop a Risk Narrative: Tie security initiatives to business outcomes using real-world scenarios.Create a Security Scorecard: Use clear metrics (e.g., time-to-patch, phishing click rates) to frame progress.Pro Tip from Devin: “Communication is not part of the job—it’s 150% of the job.” Step 2: Build a 30-60-90 Day Plan for Success Objective: Align security priorities with business needs in the first 90 days. 30 Days: Focus on learning and listening.Meet key stakeholders: Board members, CIO, CRO, and department heads.Audit the current security program and identify gaps.60 Days: Begin setting a strategic direction.Develop a draft security strategy aligned with business outcomes.Start forming a cross-functional security committee.90 Days: Present and gain buy-in.Finalize and present the security strategy to leadership.Launch quick-win security initiatives for early impact. Step 3: Create a Cross-Functional Security Committee Objective: Break down silos and drive security initiatives collaboratively. Action Items:Form the Committee: Include stakeholders from Risk, IT, Legal, and Operations.Establish Regular Meetings: Review security metrics and program updates.Assign Ownership: Make security a shared responsibility across departments. Step 4: Align Security with Business Outcomes Objective: Shift from a compliance-based to an outcome-driven security approach. Action Items:Conduct Business Impact Analyses (BIA): Identify and protect the most critical business processes.Develop Risk Scenarios: Show leadership how security mitigates business disruption.Track Outcomes, Not Tools: Measure success through reduced incidents, faster recovery times, and improved risk scores. Step 5: Leverage Past Experience to Drive Success Objective: Use technical expertise to build credibility and empower the security team. Action Items:Lead by Example: Participate in security tool evaluations and incident response exercises.Bridge Technical and Executive Teams: Translate complex technical challenges into business language.Mentor the Team: Share experiences from your own career to develop talent.

    20 min
  5. 02/19/2025

    From Risk To Resilience - The CISO’s Perspective: Rohit Parchuri’s Cybersecurity Playbook for Executives

    In this episode of CyberOXtales, host Neatsun Ziv, CEO of OX Security, sits down with Rohit Parchuri, CISO at Yext, to discuss the art of building a culture of security within organizations. Rohit shares his journey from a budding cybersecurity enthusiast in South India to becoming a strategic leader responsible for managing cyber risk at the executive level. The conversation delves into the complexities of the CISO role, the significance of a structured cyber risk program, and the importance of aligning security efforts with business priorities. With actionable insights, Rohit highlights how organizations can empower their teams, establish risk committees, and seamlessly integrate audit processes to create a resilient cybersecurity strategy. About Our Guest: Rohit Parchuri is a seasoned cybersecurity professional and the Chief Information Security Officer at Yext, where he oversees strategic risk management and cybersecurity operations. With a technical foundation in electronics and communications and a passion for understanding cyber risks, Rohit has navigated diverse roles in network security, compliance, application security, and governance. His approach combines technical acumen with a focus on empowering organizations to embrace a culture of security. Connect with Rohit: LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Security Culture Is Key: Driving a company-wide culture of security ensures every employee contributes to the organization’s safety.Risk Management Should Align with Business Goals: Cyber risk programs should reflect the organization’s strategic priorities and compliance obligations.Communication Matters: Translating technical cybersecurity risks into language executives can act on is crucial.Collaboration Drives Success: Establishing committees and fostering teamwork ensures cohesive and effective cybersecurity efforts.Audit Integration Enhances Oversight: Seamlessly integrating audit processes into risk management provides a unified view of organizational risks.

    26 min

About

Join Neatsun Ziv, CEO of OX Security, in this bi-weekly, 20-minute video podcast designed for senior-level security professionals. Each episode features one guest and includes 3-5 questions, delving into key areas such as cybersecurity leadership and strategy. Gain insights into the strategic aspects of being a CISO, developing effective cybersecurity policies, building a security-minded culture, and aligning security strategies with business objectives. Stay updated on emerging threats and trends, focusing on the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and techniques affecting application security. Additionally, explore compliance and regulatory updates, with discussions on the evolving landscape of compliance and regulations impacting application security, including CISA Directives, GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. Learn how CISOs can navigate these requirements effectively. Featuring conversations with CISOs, security experts, and thought leaders, this podcast is your go-to source for high-level and strategic communication of risk.