The following panelists discuss why it is critical to take into account the risks and exposure that may arise while engaging in business partnerships in the session: “Cybersecurity Risk and Exposure a Key Factor in Partnership Decisions.” The session was a part of the Cybersecurity Midwest Summit 2022, hosted by CDO Magazine and ComSpark.

• Robert Missak, Vice President of Engineering, North Central, GuidePoint Security

• Michael Loggins, Council Member, Forbes Technology Council

• Robert Schofield, Director, Technical and Business Security Lead, Global Business Services, Procter & Gamble

• Steven Ramirez, VP and CISO, Renown Health

PJ Kiggins, Senior Account Executive, North Central, GuidePoint Security, moderates the session.

Missak points out that having a technical partner to turn to when navigating challenging situations can save time.

Renown Health takes a lean approach and uses managed service providers and security operation centers where appropriate, says Ramirez. He adds that the organization has prioritized identity and access management, using technical vendors and subject matter experts to drive maturity and train teams.

Continuing, Schofield encourages customers to go out of their way to make their vendors feel valued. He points out that internally, partnering is more about politics, networking, and getting to know people in the business. 

Missak observes that the relationship between the security program and internal audit has improved significantly over the past three to seven years, pivoting from a confrontational stance to one that enables and protects the business.

Watch other Cybersecurity Midwest Summit 2022 sessions HERE