Making Security a Part of Product Development with Naomi Buckwalter

Secure Talk Podcast

I’ve participated or led technology product teams for 25 years. And engaging in effective security practices was three simple activities: least privileges, change management and network/server configurations. But in an ever-changing security environment, how do security leaders engage product teams in effective practices? Join us on Secure Talk with Naomi Buckwalter, the Senior Director of Product Security at Contrast Security.

Throughout our conversation, Naomi shares her intriguing journey into the field of cybersecurity, from her early interest in tech and her educational background to landing a significant role at Vanguard Financial and eventually becoming a thought leader in cybersecurity. She explains the critical distinction between secure architecture reviews and secure code reviews and delves into the importance of trust and collaboration between developers and security engineers. Naomi also emphasizes the importance of inclusive hiring and discusses how she has successfully integrated individuals from non-traditional backgrounds into cybersecurity roles. As the founder of Cybersecurity Gatebreakers she helps technology teams find “young-in-career” talent ready to make an effective contribution. A poignant part of the discussion revolves around the concept of 'sec-splaining,' the need for excellent communication, and why security should be seen as a service to the business. This conversation is a must-listen for cybersecurity experts looking to enhance their understanding of team building and effective security management for software development.

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Additional Resources:
Books:
"The Smartest Person in The Room" by Christian Espinosa

https://christianespinosa.com/books/the-smartest-person-in-the-room/

"Five Disfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni

https://www.amazon.com/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Fable/dp/0787960756