Ira Winkler’s Open Letter to the ISC² Board: Ethics, Certifications, and Credibility

The Professional CISO

Are the cybersecurity job numbers you’re hearing really accurate? In this compelling episode of The Professional CISO Show, host David Malicoat is joined by Ira Winkler, Vice President and CISO at CYE, to challenge the job market statistics promoted by ISC² and discuss their ethical implications for the cybersecurity profession.

Ira shares the story behind his open letter to ISC², breaking down their claim of 4.8 million job openings and calling for greater transparency and accountability. This eye-opening conversation explores the disconnect between industry narratives and real-world hiring practices, as well as the critical role professional organizations play in maintaining credibility and trust.

Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional, a hiring manager, or someone looking to enter the field, this episode provides invaluable insights into certifications, ethics, and the realities of the job market.

Key Highlights:

• Misleading cybersecurity job statistics: What’s really happening?

• The ethics of promoting certifications with exaggerated claims.

• The reality of hiring for cybersecurity roles: Entry-level vs. skilled positions.

• How professional organizations can regain credibility and trust.

• Ira Winkler’s take on professionalizing the cybersecurity industry.

🎧 Plus, don’t miss Ira’s quickfire answers in our signature “10 Questions” segment at the end!

Key Points Covered:

• [00:00] Introduction and overview of the episode

• [02:00] Ira Winkler on his open letter to ISC² and its impact

• [08:00] Breaking down ISC²’s job market statistics and the truth behind the numbers

• [15:00] Ethical concerns and the responsibility of professional organizations

• [22:00] The challenges facing cybersecurity leaders in hiring

• [30:00] Ira’s career reflections and lessons for professionals

• [37:00] Quickfire 10 Questions with Ira Winkler

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Guest Information:

Ira Winkler

• Vice President and CISO at CYE

• Acclaimed cybersecurity professional and thought leader

• Author of several books on cybersecurity awareness and ethics

Related Episodes:

• Gary Hayslip on Professionalizing the CISO Role

• Matt Walker on Leadership and Cybersecurity Challenges

Hashtags:

#Cybersecurity #ISC2 #ProfessionalCISO #IraWinkler #CyberLeadership #CyberEthics