Matthias Muhlert exemplifies Information Security leadership with over two decades of transformative contributions. His career is marked by a commitment to empowering teams, optimizing processes, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure operational excellence and strategic alignment with business goals. Currently, as the ""Cyber Chef for Pies, Pints, Pastries, Parties, and Pizza"" at Dr. August Oetker KG and serving as ECSO CISO Ambassador for Germany, Matthias is dedicated to fortifying digital landscapes against evolving threats. His journey includes leading global security initiatives, fostering resilient and agile security frameworks, and building robust relationships across organizational levels. Matthias's expertise is validated by certifications such as ISO 27001 ISMS Manager, CISM, CISSP, and Certified Ethical Hacker. His roles have ranged from automotive CISO to spearheading IT security in banking, showcasing his ability to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity in diverse settings. At Oetker-Group, Matthias is responsible for developing and setting security standards across all companies, orchestrating a group-wide security community, and devising comprehensive strategies for information and OT security. His tenure at HARIBO GmbH & Co. KG involved heading the information security management system, establishing a dynamic ISMS, and pioneering an AI decision model in collaboration with other companies. As CISO at Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG, he led local and global teams, introduced an information risk management methodology, and contributed significantly to international security standards. Matthias's earlier roles include leadership positions at HELLA Corporate Center GmbH (CISO), UniCredit Bank AG (VP Information Security), and Kabel Deutschland GmbH (Main Information Security Manager), where he developed and implemented robust IT and data management strategies, led significant security development projects, and facilitated compliance with international standards. His career also spans roles as a Senior IT Security Consultant and CERT Manager at Verizon Business EMEA and as the Head of Penetration Testing Department at NESEC Gesellschaft für angewandte Netzwerksicherheit mbH. A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, Matthias excels in identifying and mitigating security risks, conducting business process reviews, and developing appropriate solutions. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Network Computing from TU Bergakademie Freiberg, and he is fluent in both German and English. Matthias is not just a strategist but a connector, bridging gaps between technology and business, ensuring security is not just a protocol but a business enabler. His efforts to craft a cohesive European cybersecurity community underscore his commitment to collaborative growth and collective security resilience.
Review by Raman Narasimhan Coverage & Scope Navigating the Cyber Maze by Matthias, offers a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, covering key aspects like risk governance, cyber resilience, security frameworks, and the role of automation in threat detection. The book effectively breaks down complex cybersecurity strategies into manageable insights, making it useful for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Spread across 24 chapters under six well-defined sections, the author masterfully structures the content, guiding readers from psychological principles and building a cyber-resilient culture to the practical use of tools like Kanban and the effective application of red, blue, purple, and yellow teaming strategies. The book explores both theoretical and practical aspects, integrating real-world case studies that demonstrate how organizations have successfully implemented Kanban principles, risk assessment models, and security automation techniques. Flow & Structure The flow of the book is structured and methodical, guiding the reader from foundational cybersecurity concepts to advanced topics such as: · Cybersecurity frameworks & governance models · Red teaming, blue teaming, and risk-based security strategies · Incident response exercises · Use of AI and automation for threat detection The content is highly engaging, enriched with scenarios, case studies, and best practices, making it easier to connect concepts to real-world cybersecurity applications. Anti fragility and cyber fantastic helps the reader to understand and develop a mindset and lifestyle that thrives on challenges, stress, and change. Practical Use & Application One of the standout aspects of this book is its emphasis on practical applications. Instead of just presenting theoretical cybersecurity models, it demonstrates how companies have successfully adapted cybersecurity strategies to real-world challenges. Case Studies & Examples The book features several case studies that illustrate its principles in action. Few examples include: Case Study Key Takeaways Financial Services Firm: Implementing Kanban for Cybersecurity A mid-sized financial services firm used Kanban boards to streamline security operations, improve threat monitoring, and enhance response times. Healthcare Provider: Balancing Cybersecurity & Compliance A healthcare provider struggled with increasing cyber threats and stringent regulatory requirements. They implemented secure workflow structures and staff training, which significantly reduced cyber risks. Global Bank: Enhancing Security with KPIs A leading bank optimized its cybersecurity investments by tracking incident detection times, response effectiveness, and false positives, leading to improved resource allocation and risk mitigation. Tech Company: AI-Driven Security Optimization A tech firm reduced mean time to respond (MTTR) by 40% through AI-powered security analytics and machine learning-driven risk assessments. These case studies provide valuable insights into cybersecurity best practices, allowing readers to apply these learnings to their own organizations. Final Thoughts Navigating the Cyber Maze is a well-structured, practical, and insightful guide for cybersecurity professionals, risk managers, and compliance officers. Its real-world case studies, structured frameworks, and proactive security strategies make it an excellent resource for navigating today’s digital threats. Don't forget the excitement the author brings with Cyber Chuckles, adding humor to each section and making complex cybersecurity concepts both engaging and memorable.