Intelligent CISO exclusively speaks to Saudi Arabia-based Ali AlKhamis , CISO , Raya Financing , winner of CISO of the Year at Lynchpin Media ’ s Intelligent ICT Awards 2024 Middle East . He shares his insights on leading a successful cybersecurity team , positioning cybersecurity as a strategic business enabler and tackling the challenge of balancing day-to-day operational demands with driving innovation .

How do you cultivate leadership within your cybersecurity team and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation in cybersecurity practices ?

Leadership within a cybersecurity team relies heavily on how cybersecurity is positioned as a business enabler within the organisation , particularly in the financial sector . It ’ s about shifting the perception of cybersecurity from being just a budget-heavy function to one that plays a critical role in collaboration and communication across all departments .

To foster leadership and a culture of continuous learning , I ensure that cybersecurity initiatives are driven by a comprehensive strategy aligned with the organisation ’ s overarching goals . For example , as a CISO , I receive strategies from all departments during the busiest quarter of the year . My responsibility is to create a unified cybersecurity strategy that integrates with these departmental goals , ensuring alignment and enabling the business processes .

This approach not only supports innovation in cybersecurity practices but also demonstrates how cybersecurity can actively contribute to the organisation ’ s success , positioning it as a key enabler rather than just a cost centre .

How do you measure the success of your leadership and team development initiatives within your cybersecurity department ?

I measure the success of my leadership and team development initiatives using both quantitative and qualitative metrics . On the quantitative side , I track key indicators such as incident response times , the number of threats detected and addressed promptly , and the effectiveness of our cybersecurity awareness programmes – measured by reduced errors or failures among employees .

Qualitative metrics focus on feedback from my team , which helps me understand their growth , satisfaction and how they perceive their contributions . For example , in 2024 we reduced response times by 35 %, showcasing the impact of our training and improved processes . However , I also consider how this achievement reflects on the team ’ s morale and confidence .

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