The Power of Whistleblowers: CISOs’ Perspective on Allies or Adversaries

Should CISOs Consider Whistleblowers a Friend or Foe?

The Emergence of Whistleblowing in Cybersecurity

In recent years, we have witnessed high-profile cases of whistleblowing in the cybersecurity industry, highlighting its increasing relevance and impact. These cases include Peiter (Mudge) Zatko’s experience at Twitter and the FCA action against Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). While the details of these cases are not the focus here, they do shed light on the concept and implications of cybersecurity whistleblowing.

Zatko, who was considered the head of security at Twitter, attempted to address numerous security issues at the platform but was ignored. After being summarily dismissed, he became a whistleblower by going public. The Penn State case involves a lawsuit filed by CIO Matt Decker, alleging cybersecurity violations and mishandling of Confidential Unclassified Information (CUI) at Penn’s ARL.

These cases are not isolated incidents. Whistleblowing has become a significant aspect of cybersecurity, and it is here to stay. The impending question is how should organizations respond to whistleblowers—should they be seen as friends or foes?

The Shift in Perceptions on Whistleblowing

Traditionally, whistleblowers were often stigmatized as complainers, and their future employment prospects were damaged. The power of corporations usually prevailed over the lone individual trying to expose wrongdoing. However, the landscape has changed in the digitized business world, particularly in cybersecurity.

Today, whistleblowers in cybersecurity possess deep and widespread insights into the operation of a company, often protected by law from retaliation. Their motivations have expanded beyond mere ethical concerns to include legal compliance and potential financial rewards. Whistleblowing now serves as a transparency mechanism that helps protect customers and promote corporate governance.

Whistleblowers as Early Warning Safety Valves

Rather than viewing whistleblowers as threats, CISOs should consider them as valuable allies. According to Claude Mandy, chief evangelist for data security at Symmetry Systems, ensuring that potential whistleblowers have a means to raise anonymous cybersecurity concerns without fear of repercussion is essential for corporate governance. Whistleblowers provide an early warning system that can help mitigate risks and correct any non-compliance issues promptly.

Igor Volovich, VP of compliance strategy at Qmulos, compares whistleblowers to canaries in a mine, critical for maintaining the safe operation of a company. Retaliation against whistleblowers is illegal, and dismissing their concerns as mere personal ethical values is no longer sufficient. Whistleblowing is now a matter of law, and organizations have a responsibility to address these concerns to avoid legal and reputational consequences.

The Complex Problem and the Need for Transparency

Addressing the challenges posed by whistleblowers requires a multifaceted approach. Boards may not always be aware of non-compliance issues due to a focus on profit and the delegation of cybersecurity and compliance responsibilities to specialized teams. Compliance can often become a checkbox exercise, hiding the reality of non-compliance behind a façade.

Transparency and effective reporting are essential in managing whistleblowing effectively. Anderson Lunsford, CEO and founder at BreachRx, highlights the dangers of a lack of transparency and poor reporting. The failure to record and act on early warnings can lead to disastrous consequences. The potential for personal gain through whistleblowing, along with the increasing complexity of IT and security infrastructures, further magnifies the risks.

Maximizing the Friend, Minimizing the Foe

To navigate the landscape of whistleblowing effectively, organizations must undergo a mindset shift. Rather than treating whistleblowers as adversaries, they should consider them as allies for transparency and corporate integrity. Companies should embrace an internal reporting mechanism that encourages employees to voice concerns and ensure these issues are addressed promptly.

While it may be impossible to eliminate whistleblowers entirely, their experiences and insights should be utilized for the betterment of the organization. The more transparent a company is internally and externally, the less likely it is to incur the negative consequences of whistleblowing. The whistleblower serves as a source of light, exposing internal malfeasance that can be corrected before causing widespread damage.

It is crucial for organizations to acknowledge the existence of whistleblowers and address their concerns swiftly, positively, and sympathetically. The potential impact of whistleblowers has increased dramatically with SEC rules, making it essential for companies to treat whistleblowers with the same level of attention given to other threats.

Conclusion: Shifting Perspectives

In the realm of cybersecurity, CISOs should view whistleblowers as valuable allies rather than adversaries. The shift in perception acknowledges the importance of transparency, compliance, and early warning systems in strengthening cybersecurity defenses and ensuring regulatory compliance. By embracing a constructive approach to whistleblowers, organizations can foster a culture of integrity, proactive risk management, and continuous improvement in their cybersecurity practices.

As the landscape of cybersecurity continuously evolves, CISOs must adapt and maximize the potential benefits of whistleblowing while minimizing the risks associated with non-compliance and security breaches. Embracing whistleblowers as allies and addressing their concerns promptly and sympathetically is essential for organizations seeking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and maintain public trust.