Peter Rosario
Chief Information Security Officer
USI
Peter Rosario is the Chief Information Security Officer at USI Insurance Services and Governing Body Member of the New York CISO Community.
Learn more about the New York CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
My journey to my current role began with a passion for information security and a desire to make a difference in this field. I have 19 years of experience in finance, which I honed while creating successful security programs at an international bank and a healthcare organization. In 2014, my current organization (USI) recognized the need for a security-focused professional, and I was fortunate enough to be the right fit for the job. Since joining the company in 2015, I have successfully created another security program.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
One of my guiding leadership principles is leading by example. I strongly believe that I should actively listen to my team, give credit where it is due, and value their opinions. My team is composed of inquisitive and diverse individuals who never settle for the status quo, and this has enabled me to create a collaborative team that can effectively solve technical and business issues.
With disruption and transformation being a key theme of recent years, where do you see the CISO role going in the next 1-2 years?
I see the CISO role evolving in response to the ever-changing technology and threat landscape. The CISO's role has become critical for most organizations, and they are now recognized as business enablers. As such, CISOs will need to stay informed and adaptable to emerging security challenges and threats.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a CISO?
For someone just starting out as a CISO, my advice would be to listen actively, communicate effectively, and remain flexible. Take the time to understand the organization's risks and protections before taking action. Get to know your team, recognize their strengths, and empower them. Communicate with clarity and frequency to ensure everyone is aware of the risks at hand. Be flexible because security is not black and white.
Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself.
Three fun facts about me are that I love outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, and skiing. I enjoy taking on DIY projects, and I find them very fulfilling. I also find it enjoyable to mentor the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
What is the value of joining an Evanta community?
Joining an Evanta community provides an excellent opportunity to network and learn from like-minded individuals. Being part of a community with whom you can share ideas and discuss relevant topics is invaluable. The community is composed of brilliant minds with vast knowledge in various sectors, and this provides a great chance to establish both professional and personal relationships.
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