Influencing Change as Security Leader: Communication Is Key

From working in B2B industries to now shifting to a B2C industry, Nicole Darden Ford, CISO, Nordstrom, is confident of bringing a fresh perspective to tackling the retail sector’s complex cybersecurity and fraud challenges.

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“The threat landscape’s a little different, very amplified. Because there’s fraud, there are all sorts of different cyberattacks that are occurring all the time. So, it just made sense for me, if I was going to make a transition, to go to an industry that is super interesting,” said Ford.

In her new role, Ford dedicates time to understanding both customer and employee experiences by working directly in the retail environment. This hands-on approach helps her design cybersecurity processes that are effective yet unobtrusive. “I spend a few weeks working in the store, branching, learning more about what happens in the store so that I can understand, put myself in the shoes of our customers as well as our employees who work in the store.”

In this video interview with Information Security Media Group at RSA Conference 2024, Ford also discussed:

• The role of leadership in cybersecurity;
• The unique challenges of the retail industry;
• Adapting cybersecurity measures in the retail industry.

Prior to Nordstrom, Ford was the vice president, global information security, and CISO at Rockwell Automation. She has guided complex organizations through security transformation journeys, built best-in-class cybersecurity programs and led high-performing teams. She is a CyberEdBoard member.