Microsoft Security Blog: Meet the Deputy CISOs who help shape Microsoft’s approach to cybersecurity

Source URL: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/04/08/meet-the-deputy-cisos-who-help-shape-microsofts-approach-to-cybersecurity/
Source: Microsoft Security Blog
Title: Meet the Deputy CISOs who help shape Microsoft’s approach to cybersecurity

Feedly Summary: Meet the minds behind how Microsoft prioritizes cybersecurity across every team and employee. Three deputy CISOs share their experiences in cybersecurity and how they are redefining protection.
The post Meet the Deputy CISOs who help shape Microsoft’s approach to cybersecurity appeared first on Microsoft Security Blog.

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: This text outlines Microsoft’s establishment of a Cybersecurity Governance Council, its deputy chief information security officers, and their responsibilities in enhancing cybersecurity and risk management across the company. These leaders are integral in blending innovation with security efforts in an evolving technology landscape, particularly in AI and cloud security.

Detailed Description:
– **Microsoft Cybersecurity Governance Council**: Launched in 2024, it aims to provide comprehensive oversight of cybersecurity risk, defense, and compliance.
– **Deputy Chief Information Security Officers**: Key figures include Igor Sakhnov, Mark Russinovich, and Yonatan Zunger, who hold critical roles in managing and mitigating security risks.

– **Leadership Responsibilities**:
– **Igor Sakhnov** focuses on identity-related security risks and leads data and platform engineering.
– **Mark Russinovich** deals with security risks under the Azure platform and engineering systems, emphasizing durable risk mitigations.
– **Yonatan Zunger** addresses potential AI-related security issues and incident response, ensuring robust security tools and frameworks are in place.

– **Interplay of Security and Innovation**:
– The text highlights a recurring theme across all leaders: the challenge of balancing security with technology innovation.
– Strategies include:
– Early integration of security measures in product development (shift-left approach).
– Recognizing that both security and usability are critical and should be cohesive.

– **Misconceptions in Cybersecurity**: The leaders share common misconceptions they encounter in the cybersecurity landscape:
– The notion of pursuing a ‘perfect solution’ versus a realistic ‘assume breach’ mentality.
– Confusing security, privacy, and safety as separate entities rather than interconnected concerns.

– **Advice and Perspectives**:
– Each leader reflects on personal career development and the importance of broader organizational influence over localized improvements.
– Acknowledges the vital role of collaboration across various teams for effective security implementation.

– **Future Events and Initiatives**:
– The text mentions upcoming events like Microsoft Secure and RSAC 2025, which focus on innovations in security, particularly in the context of AI.

In summary, this text is significant for security and compliance professionals because it offers insights into how a major tech company like Microsoft is facing cybersecurity challenges through strong leadership, innovative strategies, and a focus on resilience rather than perfection. It highlights the integral role that cybersecurity plays within the company’s broader technological developments, especially in AI and cloud environments, providing a blueprint for other organizations to follow.