In an evolving industry like Cybersecurity, it makes sense for an enthusiast to stay updated with the latest happenings. And who else but the CIO and CISO leaders can inform us or at least take us close to the inside story? If you work in the IT security industry and want to be ahead of your peers, then you need to follow these leaders asap. They can not only inspire you to aim higher and expand your knowledge but also add meaning and substance to your social media profile. They are there on LinkedIn and so are you – so why not follow them or if you are lucky enough, connect with them?
There are so many of them but we have identified the top 10 CIOs and CISOs you need to follow on LinkedIn so that you don’t have to do the research. Follow them, now!
Igor Tsyganskiy, Microsoft
Global CISO at Microsoft
Igor Tsyganskiy has been a part of Microsoft’s Global CISO since January 2024. He brings with him a lot of experience in technology and security. In his current role as the CISO, Tsyganskiy has been playing a key role in driving Microsoft’s digital transformation efforts and enhancing its security measures.
A technologist and dynamic leader, Tsyganskiy has worked in high-scale, high-security environments, and has a deep understanding of technology strategy. Before joining Microsoft, he was the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Bridgewater Associates LP, a leading hedge fund that manages assets for institutional clients like pension funds, endowments, and central banks.
Tsyganskiy also held key positions outside of Microsoft, including Senior Vice President of Product Management at Salesforce and head of SAP’s advanced technology group. This has given him an edge over his current role and leadership.
Phil Venables, Google Cloud
VP and CISO – Google Cloud
Phil has an influence that surpasses the corporate world. He has served on the boards and advisory councils of numerous private companies and is actively involved in not-for-profit organizations that shape the future of technology and cybersecurity. As a member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), Phil directly advises the U.S. President on critical matters where science, technology, and innovation intersect with policy.
As a Co-Founder of the Center for Internet Security (CIS) and a driving force behind several other key initiatives, Phil has played a pivotal role in developing global standards and best practices for securing IT systems. His leadership in organizations like Sheltered Harbor and the Financial Systemic Analysis and Resilience Center (FSARC) demonstrates his commitment to enhancing the resilience of our financial systems against cyber threats.
Phil also contributes to academia as a board member at prestigious institutions like NYU Tandon School of Engineering and the NYU Stern School of Business’s Volatility and Risk Institute. His insights help shape the next generation of leaders in technology and risk management.
In addition, Phil’s lifetime membership with the Council on Foreign Relations and his involvement with the NIST Information Security & Privacy Advisory Board further underscore his expertise and influence on a global scale.
Jerry Geisler, Walmart
EVP & Global CISO at Walmart
If you’re looking to gain insights from a leader at the forefront of global information security, Jerry Geisler is your man. As the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Walmart, Jerry oversees a vast security landscape, protecting the data of millions of customers and associates worldwide. His role is crucial in steering Walmart’s global Information Security strategy, ensuring that the enterprise remains at the cutting edge of security innovation and business enablement.
Under Jerry’s leadership, Walmart’s Information Security program has become an industry leader, renowned for its forward-thinking approach to IT, ICS, cloud, platform, and product security domains. Jerry’s expertise extends beyond his corporate responsibilities, as he actively contributes to the broader Information Security community through speaking engagements, publications, and his participation in key industry forums.
Jerry is an advisory board member for the Team8 incubator and venture capital fund. He has a role on the program committee for the Executive Security Action Forum. This highlights his influence and commitment to advancing the field of cybersecurity. His participation in forums like Security 50 and the Corporate Research Board further underscores his thought leadership and industry impact.
Jerry’s background is as impressive as it is diverse. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he has earned degrees in Criminology, Organizational Management, Ethics, and Leadership, and an MBA from John Brown University. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his completion of professional education programs at the Harvard Kennedy School (Cybersecurity & Policy) and Carnegie Mellon University (CISO Institute), alongside holding numerous technical certifications.
Chandra McMahon, CVS Health
SVP & CISO at CVS Health
Chandra is a leader who is shaping the future of cybersecurity at one of the largest healthcare companies in the world. As Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at CVS Health, Chandra manages the company’s entire Enterprise Information Security program, ensuring the protection and integrity of customer and company data across all business units. Her leadership in this critical role reflects her deep expertise and forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity.
Chandra’s career is dotted with a variety of influential roles in some of the most prominent companies in the industry. Before joining CVS Health, she served as Chief Information Security Officer at Verizon, where she was responsible for safeguarding the data and systems of one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies. Prior to that, at Lockheed Martin, Chandra served as CISO and later advanced to the level of Vice President of Commercial Markets, delivering cybersecurity solutions to Fortune 500 companies in critical industries like finance, utilities, and technology.
Her influence extends beyond her corporate roles. Chandra is an active member of the Aspen Institute Cyber Strategy Group, a leading forum that brings together public and private sector leaders to turn pressing cybersecurity challenges into actionable solutions. Her contributions to the industry have been widely recognized; she has been named to the CSO Hall of Fame, SecurityConnect Top 100 CISOs, and CyberDefense Top Global CISOs.
Chandra’s educational background is just as impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Virginia Tech and a Master’s degree in Engineering Science from Penn State University. Her commitment to professional development is evident through her certifications as a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP), and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).
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CJ Moses, Amazon
Chief Information Security Officer and VP of Security Engineering at Amazon
If you’re passionate about both motorsports and cybersecurity, CJ is someone you need to follow on LinkedIn. As the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and VP of Security Engineering for Amazon Web Services (AWS), CJ leads security for one of the world’s most influential cloud and machine learning providers. But what sets him apart is his dual career as a successful racing driver and a top-tier cybersecurity executive.
CJ’s journey in motorsports began in 2005 with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), where he quickly made a name for himself, winning multiple championships and accolades, including the prestigious Driver of the Year Award. His dedication and skill on the track have earned him numerous podium finishes, pole positions, and, most notably, the 2022 SRO GT America GT2 Championship title.
In parallel with his racing career, CJ has built an impressive career in cybersecurity. At AWS, he is responsible for the security of a $80 billion revenue run rate company that serves millions of customers worldwide, including high-profile names like CrowdStrike, Formula 1, Capital One, Netflix, and SRO GT World Challenge. His leadership in cybersecurity is rooted in his extensive experience within the US Federal Government, including roles with the FBI and the US Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), where he pioneered computer intrusion investigations, laying the groundwork for the modern cybersecurity industry.
Brent Conran, Intel
CISO, Intel
If you’re looking to connect with someone who has mastered the art of leadership in both the public and private sectors, Brent is a must-follow on LinkedIn. With an impressive background as a CIO, CISO, and CSO, Brent brings a wealth of experience in information security, operations, infrastructure architecture, and engineering. His track record in customer-focused risk reduction is unparalleled, whether it’s through systems integration and design, large-scale project management, business development, or process implementation.
Brent’s career is marked by a series of high-impact roles that showcase his leadership and strategic thinking. In the corporate world, he has managed strategic planning for a multinational corporation with annual revenues of $68B, demonstrating his ability to lead in complex, high-stakes environments. His public sector experience is equally impressive, having served as Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer for the U.S. House of Representatives, where he introduced cutting-edge security incident management systems, emergency response preparedness plans, and disaster recovery programs.
Brent has also made significant contributions to the financial industry, where he has implemented defense-in-depth security architectures and introduced the first intrusion detection and monitoring systems for a major Wall Street firm. His specialization in business transformation, strategic planning, continuous process improvement, and organizational change management sets him apart as a leader who not only understands technology but also knows how to drive meaningful change within organizations.
Brent’s expertise extends across IT governance, business continuity, disaster recovery, and all aspects of physical, information, and strategic security. His strong experience in operations and financial management, project and portfolio management, and internal and external communications make him a well-rounded leader who can navigate the complexities of today’s business environment.
Gary Harbison, J&J
Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Johnson & Johnson
If you’re looking to connect with a seasoned leader who has shaped the future of information security across multiple global Fortune 500 companies, Gary Harbison is a must-follow on LinkedIn. As the Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Johnson & Johnson, Gary brings over 19 years of deep expertise in the Information Security domain, backed by a total of 21 years in IT. His impressive career spans roles in both the private sector and the US Department of Defense, giving him a unique perspective on security challenges and solutions.
Gary is not just a security expert—he’s a visionary leader with a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams. He has developed and executed security and risk management programs designed to adapt to changing business needs and evolving threats. His ability to align security strategies with key business objectives makes him a trusted partner to senior executives and boards alike.
Gary’s areas of expertise are extensive and include Security Strategy & Program Development, Risk Management & Assessment, Business Continuity Management, Cyber Threat & Intelligence Programs, Data Security & Governance, and much more. He’s also experienced with critical compliance and privacy programs like PCI and HIPAA and has a strong focus on people leadership, engagement, and awareness.
In addition to his role at Johnson & Johnson, Gary serves as an advisor to several cybersecurity startups, sits on multiple Executive Advisory Boards for leading cybersecurity companies, and is a sought-after speaker at industry events. His insights into cloud and application security, identity and access management, and product security programs are invaluable for anyone in the tech and security fields.
George Stathakopoulos, Apple
Vice President of Corporate Information Security at Apple
George Stathakopoulos is a must-follow on LinkedIn if you’re keen on insights from one of the foremost leaders in corporate information security. As the Vice President of Corporate Information Security at Apple, George brings extensive experience and a track record of excellence in the consumer electronics industry.
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George’s expertise spans scalability, enterprise software, culture change, online services, and vulnerability assessment. His leadership journey includes pivotal roles such as Vice President of Information Security at Amazon and General Manager of Product Security at Microsoft. This diverse background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of security challenges and innovations across major technology platforms.
With a Computer Science degree from Portland State University and a background in military and protective services, George combines technical acumen with strategic leadership. Following him on LinkedIn provides access to his valuable perspectives on securing large-scale enterprise environments, driving culture change in technology organizations, and navigating the evolving landscape of online services and vulnerabilities.
Sunny Bedi, Snowflake
CIO & CDO at Snowflake
Sunny Bedi is a LinkedIn profile you won’t want to miss if you’re interested in the intersection of data, IT, and security within high-growth tech companies. As the Chief Information & Data Officer at Snowflake and a board member at GitLab, Sunny is a key figure driving innovation and excellence in the tech industry.
Since joining Snowflake in 2020, Sunny has played a pivotal role in scaling the company’s IT, data, and security functions, which were crucial to their successful IPO. He launched the “Snowflake on Snowflake” program, a groundbreaking initiative that leverages Snowflake’s own technology to refine its products and enhance the customer experience. This initiative highlights Sunny’s commitment to not just leading but actively improving the user experience through direct feedback and strategic architecture.
Sunny’s impressive career also includes significant leadership roles at NVIDIA, where he contributed to their remarkable growth from under 2,000 to 15,000 employees. His background spans across VMware, JDSU, Deloitte Consulting, and Andersen Consulting, showcasing a deep and broad expertise in IT and operations.
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With a BS and MBA from the University of San Francisco and an Executive Education in Leadership and Technology from Stanford University, Sunny brings both academic rigor and practical experience to his roles. Following Sunny on LinkedIn means gaining insights from a seasoned leader who is at the forefront of technology and business transformation. His updates often include valuable perspectives on scaling operations, enhancing data strategies, and driving technological innovation—making his profile a must-follow for professionals keen on staying ahead in the tech industry.
David Reber, NVIDIA
Chief Security Officer and Head of Product Security at NVIDIA
David Reber is a leader in the cybersecurity space whose insights on LinkedIn are invaluable for anyone interested in cutting-edge security practices and the future of technology. As the Chief Security Officer and Head of Product Security at NVIDIA, David plays a crucial role in safeguarding one of the most innovative tech companies in the world.
David’s extensive experience spans over a decade of service as a senior staff officer in the U.S. Intelligence Community, where he honed his expertise in advanced cyber operations and offensive security research. His career also includes a pivotal role as Senior Director of Security for Nutanix Frame and Government Cloud Services, where he was responsible for ensuring the security of enterprise cloud architectures and mobile tactical communications.
David’s background in secure cloud service architecture, global enterprise security, and insider threat management makes him a thought leader in the industry. With a bachelor’s degree in Information Sciences and Technology from Pennsylvania State University, he combines academic knowledge with practical experience to address some of the most complex security challenges in the tech world.
Conclusion
By following these influential CIO and CISO leaders on LinkedIn, you can gain invaluable insights into the ever-growing cybersecurity landscape. Their shared knowledge and experiences can equip you with the tools to navigate complex threats and make informed decisions.
