If We Can't Do Better, at Least Do It Faster

If We Can't Do Better, at Least Do It Faster

Author: David Spark, Mike Johnson, and Andy Ellis February 24, 2026 Duration: 41:37

All links and images can be found on CISO Series.

This week's episode is hosted by David Spark, producer of CISO Series and Andy Ellis, principal of Duha. Joining them is Vikas Mahajan, vp and CISO, American Red Cross.

In this episode:

  • Questionnaires aren't risk management
  • The good old days were worse
  • Buying or building your SOC
  • Start the conversation, not the checklist

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Adaptive Security

Sponsored by Adaptive Security—the first cybersecurity company backed by OpenAI. AI impersonation and deepfakes have made trust the new attack surface. Adaptive runs realistic social-engineering simulations and instantly turns threats, policies, and compliance needs into interactive, multilingual training. Trusted by Fortune 500s. Learn more at adaptivesecurity.com.


Hosted by David Spark, Mike Johnson, and Andy Ellis, the CISO Series Podcast digs into the often complex, sometimes contentious, but always critical relationships that define modern cybersecurity. This isn't a lecture from a lone expert; it's a conversation built on the real-world friction and collaboration between the security teams who implement solutions and the vendors who create them. Each episode moves beyond theory to explore the practical mechanics of how these groups can actually work together more effectively. You'll hear frank debates, tactical advice, and shared stories that reveal what truly improves security posture for organizations of all sizes. The discussions are grounded in the daily challenges and strategic decisions faced by practitioners, offering listeners a unique, dual-perspective on the technology and news shaping the industry. Tune into this podcast for an unvarnished look at the partnerships that build stronger defenses, proving that better security is ultimately a team effort forged through open dialogue and shared goals.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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