Christina Morillo
Head of Information Security
New York Giants
Christina Morillo is the Head of Information Security for the New York Giants. As an enterprise information security and technology leader, Christina brings a unique blend of technical, tactical and strategic experience. But what sets her apart is her collaborative approach and emotional intelligence. She doesn't just build and lead enterprise information security programs, she does so in close partnership with business and technology stakeholders, ultimately driving strategic objectives and program maturity. As an author and parent, she hopes to make security accessible, approachable and digestible while keeping people and organizations secure.
A fun fact about Christina is that she is a foodie at heart, and she also enjoys experimenting with new recipes and loves to create fusion dishes that blend flavors from different cultures.
Learn more about the New York CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I started my career working helpdesk/desktop support roles for enterprise organizations. The tactical experience gleaned from these IT roles led me into network and system administration. My first true cyber/infosec role was in Identity and Access Management (IAM) for a NYC-based financial organization. My system admin background and understanding AD and on-prem infrastructure, is what landed me the role. From there I was lucky enough to work for a few more large financial companies, including two of my dream companies Microsoft and now an NFL Sports Team.
While one size does not fit all, I really appreciate my technology background and having the hands-on technical chops to navigate different domains within Information Security/Cyber with a bit more ease.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Lead by example, setting the standard through your actions, demonstrating the behavior and work ethic you expect from your team. In essence, walking the walk, not just talking the talk.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
Ensuring cybersecurity in a high-profile, high-stakes environment has been top of mind for me.
One of the greatest challenges in my role is managing the unique cyber risks that come with a high-profile organization. The combination of our public visibility, extensive digital operations, and the need to protect sensitive data, from player information to game strategies, demands a highly vigilant and dynamic approach.
To address this, we're implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes continuous monitoring, advanced threat detection, and robust incident response protocols. We also prioritize collaboration across all levels of the organization, ensuring that our security measures are integrated into every aspect of our operations, from front-office management to game-day logistics. Additionally, we also foster a culture of security awareness and resilience which allows us to protect our team's assets and ensure that we can operate confidently in today's complex digital landscape.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
The key to success lies in building your own career strategy, rather than simply following the crowd. You must have a clear vision of where you want to go and chart your own course to get there, and maybe the vision won't be so clear to begin with and that's fine, as long as you remain flexible.
This means understanding your unique strengths, values and passions, and leveraging them to create opportunities that align with your goals. Instead of adhering to conventional paths, be bold in exploring new directions and embracing challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. True success comes from taking ownership of your journey, continuously learning, and adapting your strategy as you grow. In the end, it will be your individuality and resilience that will set you apart and drive you toward your own definition of success.
How do you measure success as a leader?
As a leader, I measure my success by the growth and success of my team and the impact we collectively make on the organization. Success isn't just about meeting targets or achieving business goals, it's about empowering others to reach their full potential, fostering a culture of collaboration, and creating an environment where innovation and creativity thrive.
I also consider success to be reflected in the trust and respect I earn from my team and stakeholders, as well as long-term sustainability and resilience of the strategies we implement. Ultimately, success as a leader is about making a meaningful difference, not only in the business outcomes we achieve, but in the professional and personal growth of those I lead.
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
Being a part of the Evanta community is invaluable for sharing knowledge, staying ahead of evolving threats, and learning from peers who face similar challenges. The community provides a collaborative network for exchanging best practices and sharing industry standards and is instrumental in driving the conversation around cybersecurity at the executive level, making it an essential platform for both personal and professional growth.
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