Mike Heritage
VP, Cyber Security
Financial Times
Mike Heritage is the Vice President of Cyber Security at the Financial Times, a leading global news organisation known for its authoritative analysis of financial markets. Mike spends his time between London and North Wales where in his spare time he drives tractors and keeps bees.
Learn more about the UK & Ireland CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I spent 26 years in law enforcement, mostly in covert policing. In the last part of my career, I moved to Computer Forensics working with the Met Police PeCU and helping to set up the National Cyber Crime Unit as part of the newly formed NCA. This gave me the opportunity to move to the private sector where I spent time in Telecoms and Consultancy. Most recently, I was Head of Information Security at The Very Group before ending up leading Cyber Security at the Financial Times.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
I believe in fostering an environment where openness to challenge and the recognition of good ideas are paramount. I believe that true innovation and progress stem from a culture where team members feel empowered to question the status quo and present their perspectives without hesitation.
What is the greatest challenge security leaders face today, and how are you addressing it?
Cyber Security is always evolving, and leaders need to be outward facing to understand where the next big threat is coming from, be it GenAI or global unrest. These threats need to be balanced against the requirements of the business to operate in an increasingly hostile world. Getting the basics right allows for an agile approach to these new threats.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
Understand the business, and make sure the basics are in place.
How do you measure success as a leader?
If I can enable a business to grow and develop securely, then I will take that as a success.
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