Q & A with Brian Pickell
In an era where security threats are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent, the role of leadership in cybersecurity is more critical than ever. Executives must recognize that effective cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue but a strategic imperative that requires their active involvement and commitment. For Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I decided to sit down with Brian Pickell, CEO of KPInterface and an expert in implementing effective cybersecurity strategies for businesses. In this Q&A, Brian shares insights on what cybersecurity leadership means, the impact of executive buy-in on cybersecurity programs, and the challenges organizations face in prioritizing cybersecurity. By understanding these key components, other executives can take meaningful steps to strengthen their organizations’ defenses against ever-evolving threats.
Brian Pickell, CEO of KPInterface
What does cybersecurity leadership mean to you?
Cybersecurity leadership means that the people at the highest echelons of each organization, first of all, understand the prevalence of cybersecurity threats that exist against all companies. They must also understand the potential and likely consequences of a cybersecurity incident. From there, they need to take action and deal with those risks seriously.
Leadership is demonstrated by making cybersecurity a priority, setting an example by participating in strategy and execution, and allocating the right resources. I should say, rather than just funding, they need to develop and implement a proper cybersecurity strategy. Leaders must ensure other leaders in the company follow suit and remain committed and vigilant.
How can this influence the success of a cybersecurity program?
With corporate leadership in place, the cybersecurity program can be implemented, communicated, and enforced to align with its objectives. Without leadership, execution will likely be chaotic and lack priority, leaving holes in the organization’s defenses.
If leadership isn’t fully on board, the implementation will be disjointed and ineffective, creating vulnerabilities. In cybersecurity, it’s not enough to invest in technology; it requires leadership to ensure proper implementation and employee participation.
Have you seen examples, positive or negative, of leadership impacting cybersecurity outcomes in other organizations?
Absolutely. I’ve seen CEOs and CFOs fully committed to cybersecurity strategies, which has a direct impact on successful implementation. These leaders use their influence to align the organization and keep things on track, ensuring proper participation from all employees.
On the other hand, I’ve seen organizations where leadership isn’t engaged, and as a result, the cybersecurity efforts fall short. Even when they financially invest in technology, a lack of participation from employees leaves the company exposed. Cybersecurity breaches often occur through human error, so it’s crucial for employees to receive training and use security tools to their full potential.
What challenges do organizations face when making cybersecurity a top priority?
The biggest challenge is that many organizations don’t fully appreciate the cybersecurity threat landscape or the potential consequences of an incident. Because of this, other business priorities tend to take precedence.
A key step many companies overlook is conducting regular cybersecurity assessments to identify their strengths and weaknesses. These assessments should be done at least once a year, but ideally, intermittent evaluations throughout the year are necessary because the threat landscape changes daily.
How can leadership foster a company-wide culture of cybersecurity awareness?
Making cybersecurity a priority must come from leadership. Leaders should communicate this focus to the staff and reinforce it throughout the year, demonstrating commitment through investments in cybersecurity initiatives.
What role do employees play in an organization’s cybersecurity efforts? And how can leaders support them?
Employees play a vital role by participating in security tools, such as password management, awareness training, and following policies. They need to know how to respond if they suspect a threat.
Leadership can support employees by clearly communicating expectations and providing the necessary technical resources and training. Many challenges come from employees being hesitant or unsure about new tools and policies, so leadership must give them the opportunity and encouragement to engage with cybersecurity initiatives.
How would you handle resistance to cybersecurity initiatives within an organization, as the leader of an organization?
Participation would need to be mandatory, with everyone understanding the consequences of non-compliance. Communication from managers is key, and employees need to know where they stand. If someone chooses not to participate, they expose the company to risk and are not acting as a team player, which would be addressed accordingly.
What trends or threats in cybersecurity are you paying attention to right now?
Many of the threats I’m seeing are financially motivated. Email spoofing and scams aimed at tricking employees into paying fake invoices or wiring money are becoming more sophisticated. While companies have checks and balances, these remain some of the biggest risks.
Another issue is misconfigured security systems. For example, a VPN is only effective if properly set up and maintained. A lack of diligence in configuration can lead to vulnerabilities. Leadership must ensure technology teams—whether internal or external—stay updated on best practices through regular training, conferences, and webinars. Cybersecurity isn’t a one-and-done task; it requires continuous monitoring and review, ideally at least quarterly. Leaders must also verify that security providers are meeting their obligations, as they are ultimately responsible for the organization’s protection.
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