Cyber Insiders Podcast: Jonathan Lloyd White on Driving Cybersecurity Maturity in Global Organisations

In today’s security operations landscape, security leaders face the dual challenge of dealing with evolving threats while sifting through a vast array of tools offered in an increasingly fragmented technology market. Moreover, they must simultaneously stay abreast of evolving compliance requirements. For global organisations spanning multiple countries, these challenges are further compounded, adding layers of complexity to their endeavours.

The interconnectedness of businesses and products across international borders poses new challenges for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Threats and risks can vary significantly based on the function and level of cyber maturity within each business unit. Thus, how can a major global enterprise ensure cyber resilience across its operations and maintain security in the face of an increasingly complex threat landscape?

In this episode of Cyber Insiders, we speak with Jonathan Lloyd White, Group CISO at Natura & Co, a global company operating in 73 countries. We delve into the cybersecurity challenges he faces in safeguarding such a complex organisation, the approach he takes and learn what it’s like to lead cybersecurity across diverse cultures and businesses.

Topics covered include:
• The challenges of managing a geographically dispersed team and the need for a holistic approach to cybersecurity.
• Evaluating cybersecurity investments and ensuring they align with business objectives and provide value across diverse regions and cultures.
• The importance of viewing cybersecurity as an integral part of the broader business ecosystem, including supply chain management.
• Assessing cybersecurity maturity and managing risks by mapping controls to potential threats.
• Effective engagement and communication with the board.

Key Takeaways

Leverage Regional Expertise: Operating across diverse regions brings forth unique challenges, including understanding cultural nuances and tailoring cybersecurity strategies to specific business units. Jonathan recommends that security leaders establish strong connections with local teams and leverage regional expertise. This approach helps to ensure that cybersecurity efforts are effectively aligned with business objectives and that teams are coordinated.

Collaboration is Essential: Jonathan’s approach to cybersecurity is grounded in collaboration, adaptability, and a relentless focus on business outcomes. With operations spanning different time zones and cultural landscapes, effective communication and collaboration are paramount during cybersecurity incidents. It’s important to establish clear protocols and leverage cross-functional expertise to ensure smooth crisis management and incident response.

Benchmark and Assess Cyber Resilience: Assessing cybersecurity maturity and managing risks are foundational elements of any robust cybersecurity strategy. It’s important to use frameworks and external partners to evaluate maturity levels and map controls to potential threats. By continuously monitoring and adapting to evolving threat landscapes, organisations can enhance their cybersecurity posture and mitigate risks more effectively.

Future Trends and AI: From the rise of artificial intelligence to the complexities of supply chain risk management, cybersecurity leaders must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing emerging threats and emerging defences. Jonathan emphasises the importance of staying informed, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness across the organisation.

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About Adarma
We are Adarma, leaders in detection and response services. We specialise in designing, building and managing cybersecurity operations that deliver a measurable reduction in business risk. We are on a mission to make cyber resilience a reality for organisations around the world.

Our team of passionate Cyber Defenders work hand in hand with our customers to mitigate risk and maximise the value of their cybersecurity investments. Powered by the Adarma Threat Management Platform and optimised to our customers’ individual needs, we deliver an integrated set of services that improve your security posture, including best-in-class Managed Detection and Response services.

We operate with transparency and visibility across today’s hybrid-SOC environments to protect our customers as they innovate, transform, and grow their businesses. Adarma delivers the cybersecurity outcomes you need to make a remarkable difference.