Fast Facts

• Suzanne Hall appointed as CISO in Residence at Security Risk Advisors (SRA).
• Hall has led cyber strategies at organizations like Circle K, AARP, and the American Red Cross.
• SRA recently partnered with Finite State to deliver advanced security for critical sectors.
• Appointment comes amid tightening regulations like the FDA’s Cybersecurity Guidance and the EU Cyber Resilience Act.
• Hall is a recognized industry leader, honored by the Executive Women’s Forum and featured in prominent tech publications.

A New Captain for Cyber’s Rough Waters

Picture a storm-tossed ship: the digital seas churned by relentless hackers, shifting laws, and the ever-present risk of data leaks. Security Risk Advisors (SRA) has just handed the wheel to Suzanne Hall, their new CISO in Residence, tasked with charting a course through these turbulent waters. Hall’s arrival is more than just another executive shuffle - it’s a calculated bet on experience, strategy, and an insider’s knowledge of the world’s toughest cyber battlegrounds.

From Boardrooms to Breach Response

Hall’s résumé reads like a who’s who of cyber leadership: stints at global consultancies EY and PwC, and top security posts at brands ranging from the Washington Nationals to the American Red Cross. She’s no stranger to the front lines, having managed both the technical trenches of cyber defense and the high-stakes conversations in the boardroom. Her accolades - including National Information Security Executive of the Year - reflect a career spent not just reacting to cyber threats, but anticipating them.

Her new role at SRA is designed to do just that: help organizations move from a reactive to a proactive stance. As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated - think ransomware gangs, supply chain breaches, and “zero day” exploits - companies need more than off-the-shelf solutions. They need tailored strategies that weave together technology, regulation, and business reality.

Regulation: The New Battlefield

Hall’s appointment comes as governments worldwide tighten the screws on cybersecurity standards. The FDA’s Final Cybersecurity Guidance, the EU Cyber Resilience Act, and U.S. Executive Order 14028 are just a few examples of the new legal landscape. For companies, this means more than installing firewalls - it’s about proving, on paper and in practice, that their digital defenses are airtight.

SRA’s recent partnership with Finite State, focused on critical sectors like healthcare and automotive, underscores the urgency. Today’s attackers often target industries where a digital breach can have real-world consequences - think hospital equipment, power grids, or car software. Hall’s experience navigating regulatory minefields and building security frameworks will be vital for clients racing to comply and defend.

Where Leadership Meets the Front Line

What sets Hall apart isn’t just her technical expertise, but her ability to translate “cyber speak” into language that business leaders - and regulators - can act on. As cyber risk becomes a board-level issue, the role of the CISO is evolving from IT guardian to strategic advisor. Hall’s appointment signals SRA’s commitment to not just keep pace, but to help define the next chapter in enterprise security.

In an era where the cost of a cyber misstep can be measured in both dollars and reputation, SRA’s move is a reminder: the right leadership is as crucial as the right technology.

WIKICROOK

• CISO (Chief Information Security Officer): A CISO is the executive in charge of a company’s information and data security strategy, overseeing cybersecurity policies and risk management.
• Cyber Resilience: Cyber resilience is the ability of systems to resist, adapt to, and quickly recover from cyberattacks or digital disruptions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory compliance is the process of ensuring organizations follow all relevant laws and rules set by authorities to operate legally and securely.
• NIST/ISO Alignment: NIST/ISO Alignment means structuring cybersecurity efforts around globally recognized frameworks to improve security, manage risks, and meet compliance standards.
• Zero Day Exploit: A Zero Day Exploit is a cyberattack that targets a software flaw unknown to the vendor, leaving no time for users to defend against it.