Mick Ebsworth
Director, Information Security & Infrastructure
Co-op
Mick Ebsworth has been in the IT industry for 40 years, with a wealth of knowledge from mainframes, through client server orchestration and Internet design and adoption. Mick worked in Information Security since 1993, learning the expectations of the role through many diverse business needs, ensuring Information Security implementation enables appropriate risk decisions making Infosec a business enabler.
A fun fact about Mick: Since turning 50, every other year he takes a golfing holiday abroad to play golf with buddies he has known since school.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I started my career working in early-days Mainframe technology and working shifts delivering an IT service. As the dynamic of the environment changed to be service-led with business engagement, it drove the need for greater speed for disaster recovery. This provided the initial route to Information Security Management. A strong spell in banking, followed by consulting and then delivery to Government, Insurance, Oil and Gas, etc. has helped shape the requirements to enable business driven security controls protecting growth and revenue ambitions.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Hire better, more knowledgeable people than you. Set your team free to grow their capabilities. Lead the debate but do not manage day to day deliverables. Trust your experts.
What is the greatest challenge security leaders face today, and how are you addressing it?
Third party delivery, keeping them focused on what matters most and how their behaviours, failures and successes change the business dynamic.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
Communication – listen to the needs and make sure security is seen as a supporter, learn what needs to be decisive and what can be collaborative. Demonstrate both the thought process and the value that security brings to the table.
How do you measure success as a leader?
The level or risk is commensurate with the value of the investment to protect the organisation.
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