Community Member Spotlight: Mea Clift
Within the landscape of cybersecurity, the importance of compliance cannot be overstated. Cybersecurity professionals are tasked with safeguarding sensitive data and digital infrastructure, making compliance a critical aspect of their work. In this member spotlight article, we sit down with Mea Clift, Head of Cybersecurity at Woodard & Curran, a wastewater and environmental consultancy firm. Clift is not only a respected cybersecurity professional but also an active member of the Cyber Security Tribe community. Within this article, that has the full video interview contained, she shares her valuable insights into the world of cybersecurity, with a particular focus on compliance.
Mea's Journey in Cybersecurity
Clift's journey in the field of cybersecurity spans an impressive 25 years. She began her career immediately after high school and steadily worked her way up through various roles, including GRC (Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance) positions. Today, she leads cybersecurity efforts at Woodard & Curran, where her team has transitioned from a few policies to a mature cybersecurity posture.
Her journey is a testament to the opportunities and growth that the field of cybersecurity offers. It also highlights the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the industry.
Compliance as More than a Checkbox
One of the key insights shared is the idea that compliance should not be reduced to a mere checkbox exercise. While compliance involves adhering to regulations, frameworks, and auditing processes, it holds a deeper significance. Compliance provides organizations with a roadmap to enhance their cybersecurity posture continually.
Rather than viewing compliance as a static requirement, Clift emphasizes its dynamic nature. Compliance assessments serve as opportunities to identify and address vulnerabilities, streamline processes, and adapt to evolving threats. This approach underscores the need to view compliance as a tool for maturing an organization's security practices.
The Pitfalls of Superficial Compliance
Clift raises a critical issue prevalent in the cybersecurity landscape – the temptation to superficially meet compliance requirements without genuinely addressing security concerns. She illustrates this with a cautionary tale involving an organization that claimed compliance with multi-factor authentication but failed to implement it effectively. This oversight led to a security breach and subsequent legal consequences.
This example highlights the potential risks of focusing solely on compliance checkboxes without a deeper commitment to security best practices. It underscores the importance of implementing robust security measures rather than mere token gestures of compliance.
The Future of Compliance in Cybersecurity
As the conversation shifts towards the future of compliance in cybersecurity, the insights become even more valuable. She touches upon the upcoming SEC rulings and how they will impact compliance in the public sector and anticipates a shift from checkbox compliance to a more comprehensive approach, given the potential legal repercussions of non-compliance.
Clift also discusses the need for AI governance within organizations. While this area is still evolving, she emphasizes the importance of balancing the advantages of AI with responsible use. As AI continues to permeate various industries, the governance framework will play a crucial role in protecting data and intellectual property.
Clift 's Team and Cybersecurity Ownership
In closing, Clift sheds light on her team's structure and the role of cybersecurity ownership within her organization. She operates with a lean team, consisting of herself and an intern. While she owns cybersecurity compliance, she collaborates with various departments, including legal and procurement, to ensure alignment with the business's goals.
Clift's perspective on cybersecurity emphasizes its role as a company-wide effort rather than a siloed function. She highlights the importance of understanding the business drivers and continually adapting security practices to protect the organization effectively.
Takeaways
Mea Clift's journey in cybersecurity and her insights into compliance provide a valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Her emphasis on viewing compliance as a dynamic process, rather than a checkbox exercise, underscores the need for a proactive approach to security. As cybersecurity continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding organizations' digital assets, she serves as an inspiring example of leadership in the field. Her dedication to securing data and infrastructure while promoting responsible AI use makes her a valuable asset to both the Cyber Security Tribe community and the broader cybersecurity community as a whole.
