David Lackey
CISO & Chief Privacy Officer
World Vision
David is the CISO and Chief Privacy Officer for World Vision USA. David has over 27 years of combined information technology and information security experience with a deep understanding of the cyber security landscape, including emerging technologies, cloud computing, threat intelligence, risk management, incident response and regulatory compliance.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
My fascination with cyber security began in the late 1990s when I installed my first firewall and a SNORT IDS sensor. The thrill of the investigation and understanding attacker techniques captivated me.
The first virus I encountered was a DOS boot sector virus known as the Michelangelo virus. The first significant business disruptions I witnessed were caused by the "ILoveYou" VBS worm, which spread via email, and the IIS Code Red worm. From that moment, I dedicated myself to protecting any organization I worked for from such attacks.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
I like to empower the people that I have the privilege to lead to be the best versions of themselves.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
In my opinion, the greatest challenge facing CISOs today is the alignment of their cyber security strategy with business objectives. Achieving this alignment can transform the perception of CISOs from being seen merely as naysayers to being recognized as enablers of the business.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
For new CISOs, the key to success lies in having a plan and vision that aligns with a clear strategy for success. Socialize all of these things, and you will win the confidence of your team and peers.
How do you measure success as a leader?
The greatest measure of success for a leader is the confidence that their team and peers place in their leadership.
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
Evanta gathers CIOs and CISOs together, providing a platform for real-world conversations on business-impacting issues.
Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
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