Time to Choose a Security Vendor: Dart Board or Spin the Wheel?

Time to Choose a Security Vendor: Dart Board or Spin the Wheel?

Author: David Spark, Mike Johnson, and Andy Ellis September 30, 2025 Duration: 44:17

All links and images can be found on CISO Series.

This week's episode is hosted by David Spark, producer of CISO Series and Mike Johnson, CISO, Rivian. Joining them is Pavi Ramamurthy, global CISO and CIO, Blackhawk Network.

In this episode:

  • We can't promise safe, but we can promise ready
  • Are we accidentally building security nightmares?
  • Being held accountable for things you had no say in
  • The safe space problem in vendor evaluation

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Adaptive Security

Sponsored by Adaptive Security — the first cybersecurity company backed by OpenAI. Adaptive helps security leaders defend against AI-powered social engineering threats like deepfakes, vishing, and GenAI phishing with advanced phishing simulations and next-generation security awareness training. Adaptive's new AI Content Creator enables teams to instantly convert threat intelligence and compliance updates into interactive, multilingual training — no instructional design required. Trusted by Fortune 500s and backed by Andreessen Horowitz and the OpenAI. Learn more at http://www.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: 50

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