Three Proven Paths to CISO Success
Discover the unconventional career routes to becoming a Chief Information Security Officer and master the essential skills that separate successful CISOs from those who struggle in the C-suite.
Best quote from Three Proven Paths to CISO Success
Successful CISOs think of themselves as business leaders who happen to specialize in cybersecurity, rather than cybersecurity experts who happen to work in business.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
Become an effective ciso
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Become security leader via tech & exec skills
As cyber threats evolve and digital transformation accelerates, organizations need security leaders who combine technical expertise with business acumen. This learning plan bridges the gap between cybersecurity knowledge and executive leadership, ideal for technical security professionals looking to advance into leadership positions.
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
This path is essential for aspiring security professionals looking to transition into offensive security roles. It provides a comprehensive bridge from foundational networking to expert-level incident response and forensic analysis.
Becoming an ethical hacker
This plan is essential for aspiring security professionals looking to bridge the gap between theory and practical exploitation. It is designed for IT enthusiasts and career-changers who want to master both the technical tools and human psychology required to defend modern systems.
Learn Beginner Network Security
This learning plan is essential for aspiring IT professionals and beginners looking to pivot into the high-demand field of cybersecurity. It provides a comprehensive bridge from theoretical network concepts to practical, hands-on defensive and offensive skills.
Be a CEO
This plan is designed for aspiring executives and senior managers ready to transition into C-suite roles. It provides the strategic framework and leadership tools necessary to navigate complex organizational challenges and drive sustainable growth.
Master Cyber Sales & CISO Outreach Skills
This learning plan is essential for cybersecurity sales professionals looking to bridge the gap between technical solutions and executive business needs. It is designed for account executives and revenue leaders who want to master high-stakes CISO outreach and enterprise-scale relationship building.
Master CISSP for better jobs
CISSP certification is the gold standard for cybersecurity professionals seeking senior-level positions and significantly higher compensation in the industry. This learning plan is ideal for security practitioners with some experience who want to advance into leadership roles, as well as IT professionals transitioning into cybersecurity who need comprehensive knowledge across all security domains. Mastering CISSP opens doors to roles like Security Architect, CISO, and Security Consultant at top-tier organizations.
Grow security career, skills, and relations
This comprehensive path bridges the gap between technical mastery and executive leadership in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. It is designed for aspiring and mid-level security professionals who want to pair hands-on operational skills with strategic career growth.
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
