As a featured IT security leader, Tobi has spent more than 15 years fortifying security operations in today’s burgeoning cybersecurity environment. As a former CISO, Tobi brings a wealth of experience in implementing security solutions. He has streamlined IT security processes and emerged as a national leader in the field. Tobi is currently the Vice President of Global Sales Engineering at XM Cyber. He’s a master at mixing technical knowhow with an intuitive grasp of business imperatives, making the intricate world of cybersecurity feel relevant to corporate strategy.
Tobi’s impact has been felt at every organization he has touched throughout his career. Most prominently, he worked as a cybersecurity architect at the prestigious MD Anderson Cancer Center. His primary responsibility was creating preemptive security infrastructures that protected sensitive patient information, but still allowed for necessary industry regulation compliance. This experience has provided Tobi with a unique perspective on the challenges organizations encounter as they work to manage cybersecurity risks to the organization.
Beyond Tobi’s hands-on approach, Tobi has made his mark on the educational landscape of cybersecurity. Additionally, via the Simply Cyber platform, he has reached and taught tens of thousands of student cybersecurity practitioners. Here he imparts invaluable wisdom on enterprise security and cyber defense approaches. His deep commitment to education and understanding of the importance of inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is evident.
Expertise in Continuous Threat Exposure Management
Tobi’s expertise extends to Operationalizing Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), a framework designed to enhance an organization’s security posture. By leading organizations through the five stages of CTEM, he ensures they can better identify their vulnerabilities, assess their risks, and develop strong mitigation strategies. Such a systemic approach makes organizations more resilient against cyber threats while creating a culture of security from the inside out.
Tobi believes it’s important to think about how we can structure our reporting so that it’s looking forward. He issues them omens that illuminate coming weaknesses and sorts of danger. This provides business leaders with the data they need to understand where their cybersecurity investments can be best applied. This proactive approach to cybersecurity is essential in a time when cyber threats are rapidly evolving and growing more sophisticated by the day.
His contributions through CTEM have been recognized at some of the most innovative security conferences in the world, where Tobi is a regular speaker discussing his lessons learned and experiences. As a speaker, he inspires audiences with real world lessons that are immediately applicable to their own organizations. His presentations often highlight the necessity of integrating cybersecurity strategies with overall business objectives, ensuring that security measures align with organizational goals.
Bridging the Gap Between Cybersecurity and Business
Nobody knows better than Tobi how essential it is to communicate the effect of risk concisely and clearly to business decision-makers. In his current role at XM Cyber, he ensures technical and business stakeholders work hand-in-hand. He does a great job of contextualizing the value and need for cybersecurity, making it real and relevant to core business priorities. Shifting from complex technical concepts down to actionable business insights is key. This foundational security skill helps ensure a common enterprise goal of stronger collaboration between technical IT security teams and executive leadership.
Tobi’s principal focus is on the intersection of security and business strategy. Such an approach enables organizations to develop a 360-degree view of their risk landscape. He advocates for a holistic approach to cybersecurity, where security is not merely viewed as a technical issue but as a fundamental component of business resilience.
Tobi runs Security in Color, a newsletter, digest, and community for diversifying and connecting the information security profession. His articles and thought leadership pieces explore contemporary issues in cybersecurity, offering valuable perspectives on how organizations can navigate the complexities of today’s threat landscape.