🧠 Build Your Own ‘Security Advisory Board’

Gaining External Expert Perspectives

By Eckhart Mehler for CISOsCISO — a perspective on cybersecurity leadership, governance and the decisions that determine whether organizations retain control.

In today’s rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) must transcend traditional defensive roles to become strategic enablers and innovation leaders within their organizations. The complexity and sophistication of emerging threats necessitate continuous learning and an openness to diverse perspectives. Establishing a Security Advisory Board (SAB) composed of external experts offers a strategic advantage by providing fresh insights, challenging existing assumptions, and highlighting potential blind spots.

🔍 The Strategic Imperative for an External Security Advisory Board

The cybersecurity domain is characterized by relentless change, with new vulnerabilities, regulatory shifts, and technological advancements emerging regularly. Traditional internal mechanisms, while valuable, may not suffice to keep pace with these developments. An external SAB introduces a breadth of experience and knowledge that can:

• Anticipate Emerging Threats: By leveraging the foresight of seasoned professionals from various sectors, organizations can proactively address potential risks before they escalate.
• Validate Strategic Decisions: External advisors provide an objective lens to assess and refine security strategies, ensuring they are robust and comprehensive.
• Foster Cross-Industry Learning: Insights from diverse industries can reveal innovative approaches and best practices applicable to your organization’s unique challenges.
• Identify and Mitigate Blind Spots: External perspectives can uncover overlooked vulnerabilities and areas requiring attention, enhancing overall security posture.
• Drive Practical Innovation: Engaging with experts who have navigated similar challenges can lead to the adoption of effective, real-world solutions.

Case in Point: In December 2024, Dtex, a firm specializing in insider risk management, established an advisory board featuring former intelligence officials Susan M. Gordon and Mike Studeman. Their involvement aims to elevate awareness and address the growing concern of insider threats, underscoring the value of integrating external expertise into organizational security strategies.

🧩 Structuring an Effective Security Advisory Board

The composition of your SAB is critical to its success. Aim for a diverse group that brings varied experiences and viewpoints. Consider including:

• Former CISOs and CTOs: Individuals who have led security initiatives in different industries can offer valuable insights and lessons learned.
• Specialized Consultants: Experts in areas such as artificial intelligence security, regulatory compliance, or operational technology can provide depth in specific domains.
• Academic Researchers: Scholars focused on emerging cyber threats can introduce cutting-edge research and theoretical frameworks.
• Ethical Hackers and Red Team Leaders: Professionals skilled in offensive security can identify vulnerabilities from an attacker’s perspective.
• Legal and Risk Advisors: Experts familiar with information security law and risk management can navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

Key Considerations:

• Optimal Size: A group of 4–7 members facilitates meaningful discussions without becoming unwieldy.
• Clear Expectations: Define the frequency and format of meetings, such as quarterly sessions or ad-hoc consultations.
• Appropriate Compensation: Recognize the value of advisors’ time and expertise through suitable remuneration.
• Confidentiality Measures: Implement non-disclosure agreements to ensure open and secure exchanges of information.

📈 Integrating the SAB into Organizational Practices

To maximize the impact of your SAB, integrate it into your organization’s strategic and operational processes:

• Strategic Planning: Engage the SAB in developing and reviewing long-term security strategies to ensure alignment with evolving threats and business objectives.
• Incident Response: Involve advisors in post-incident analyses to gain insights into response effectiveness and areas for improvement.
• Threat Intelligence: Utilize the SAB for horizon scanning and interpreting complex threat landscapes.
• Executive Engagement: Facilitate interactions between the SAB and executive leadership to provide external perspectives on security initiatives.

Example: A financial institution preparing for a SOC 2 audit leveraged a CIS SecureSuite Membership to implement robust security controls effectively. The guidance from external experts was instrumental in achieving compliance within a tight timeframe.

🚀 Enhancing Leadership through External Collaboration

Establishing a Security Advisory Board is a testament to a CISO’s commitment to adaptive leadership and continuous improvement. By embracing external expertise, organizations can navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape more effectively, fostering resilience and innovation.

Next Steps: Consider identifying potential advisors within your professional network or industry associations. Initiate conversations to gauge interest and align on mutual expectations.

Let’s Connect: I welcome the opportunity to discuss experiences and insights related to forming and leveraging Security Advisory Boards. Feel free to share your thoughts or reach out for a deeper conversation.

Publication Note & Disclaimer
This article was originally published on LinkedIn on March 24, 2025 and may have been edited or updated for publication on this site.

It reflects my personal professional perspective and does not represent the official policy or position of my employer. Drafting and editorial refinement may have been supported by commercially available AI-assisted tools. The analysis, conclusions and final curation are entirely my own.

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