CyberWire Daily: Episode Summary Title: Alyssa Miller: We Have to Elevate Others [BISO] [Career Notes]
Host/Author: N2K Networks
Release Date: March 30, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of CyberWire Daily, host N2K Networks interviews Alyssa Miller, the Business Information Security Officer (BISO) at S&P Global Ratings. Alyssa shares her inspiring career journey, insights into effective leadership within cybersecurity, and emphasizes the critical importance of diversity in the infosec community. Her candid discussion offers valuable lessons for both seasoned professionals and those aspiring to enter the field.

Alyssa Miller’s Career Journey

Alyssa begins by reflecting on her unconventional path to cybersecurity. Initially, she pursued a pre-med major but found herself struggling with college-level chemistry after three semesters. “[01:05] I was what can I change my major to?” Alyssa recalls, highlighting her early academic challenges. Her interest in computers led her to discover computer science, a field she had been passionate about since hacking computers at age 12 and programming even longer.

Deciding to pivot, Alyssa switched her major to Management Information Systems (MIS) to blend technical skills with business acumen. “[01:30] I changed schools and major to get into more of an MIS degree to bring in more like the business side of it.”

During her studies, Alyssa secured her first full-time tech job with a large financial services company as a programmer for their electronic payment systems—a role she held for 15 years. After nine years, she transitioned to the company’s penetration testing team, marking her entry into the cybersecurity domain. “[02:15] When I'm 19, full of piss and vinegar, it's kind of a weird culture shock moving into that world.”

By age 31, Alyssa was leading the vulnerability management and security testing programs for a Fortune 200 financial services firm, overseeing a team of 35 and managing security through a major merger that expanded the company to 35,000 employees.

Transition to Consulting and New Opportunities

Seeking broader experiences beyond financial services, Alyssa ventured into consulting with a reseller. However, she faced setbacks, including being passed over for a promotion despite strong endorsements. “[03:00] Things where I didn't feel like I got treated fairly, that really kind of crushed my self-confidence.”

This experience led her to an individual contributor role as an application security consultant, where she thrived in public speaking and international travel. However, the emergence of COVID-19 opened new doors, leading Alyssa to her current position as BISO at S&P Global Ratings through her professional network. “[05:40] It was an opportunity to do something really amazing.”

Leadership Philosophy: Inspiring and Elevating Others

Alyssa’s leadership style centers on inspiration and empowerment. She references an article she authored on LinkedIn titled, “Bosses Demand Leaders Inspire,” encapsulating her approach. “[06:15] I want to hire people who are intelligent, who have potential to grow and to be amazing and wonderful.”

She believes in providing a clear vision and direction while granting her team the autonomy to drive initiatives and challenge her when necessary. “[06:45] I view myself as the one that's there to give them a vision, give them some direction with some objectives, and leave it to them to really drive us forward.”

Alyssa emphasizes the importance of elevating others, invoking the proverb, “a rising tide raises all ships.” “[07:10] I'm a big proponent that we have to elevate others.” She strives to create an environment where team members can excel, which in turn enhances the overall effectiveness of the security programs she leads.

The Importance of Diversity in Infosecurity

A significant portion of Alyssa’s discussion focuses on diversity within the infosec community. Drawing from her hacker-background roots, she notes the positive impacts of inclusive efforts. “[07:50] The reality is there are so many people in this community now who are just committed to really trying to elevate others and really help improve the welcome nature and the diversity, quite honestly, of this space.”

Alyssa argues that diversity of thought is essential for effective problem-solving in information security. She points out the limitations of homogenous teams, stating, “[08:20] We can't deny that the culture you come from shapes your experiences in a very real way.”

To foster genuine diversity, Alyssa advocates for representation beyond mere demographic checks. “[08:45] Diversity of thought does not come from having 20 white male cisheteros in a room. They can't speak to the experience of a black woman or a Hispanic man or a transgender woman.”

She underscores the necessity of understanding and valuing different perspectives to address security challenges effectively. “[09:10] We need to be able to understand their motivations, speak to their motivations, and show them how we bring value to what it is that's most important to them.”

Conclusion

Alyssa Miller’s journey from an aspiring pre-med student to a leader in cybersecurity exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the power of embracing one’s passions. Her leadership philosophy, centered on inspiring and elevating team members, coupled with her advocacy for diversity, highlights crucial elements for success in the ever-evolving field of information security. Alyssa’s insights offer a roadmap for professionals aiming to foster inclusive, innovative, and effective security environments.

Notable Quotes:

• “[01:05] I was what can I change my major to?”
• “[02:15] When I'm 19, full of piss and vinegar, it's kind of a weird culture shock moving into that world.”
• “[03:00] Things where I didn't feel like I got treated fairly, that really kind of crushed my self-confidence.”
• “[05:40] It was an opportunity to do something really amazing.”
• “[06:15] I want to hire people who are intelligent, who have potential to grow and to be amazing and wonderful.”
• “[07:10] I'm a big proponent that we have to elevate others.”
• “[08:45] Diversity of thought does not come from having 20 white male cisheteros in a room.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates Alyssa Miller’s career trajectory, leadership insights, and her unwavering commitment to diversity in cybersecurity, offering listeners valuable perspectives on building effective and inclusive security teams.