Top 10 Cybersecurity Podcasts for CISOs and IT Managers

The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and the broader team of security leaders has never been more important than it is today. The cybersecurity world is facing constant change, and CISOs and IT managers have to translate technical details into business context, guide vendor management decisions, and oversee incident response for increasingly complex security challenges.

And those challenges are only becoming worse:

What this means for you: if you’re responsible for shaping security posture, overseeing application security, vulnerability management, or aligning cyber defense with business goals, you need to find a way to stay sharp and informed. 

The podcasts that follow provide timely, practical insight into the cybersecurity space. They cover everything from artificial intelligence‑driven threats and cloud security dynamics to board‑level communication, vendor management, and emerging threats.

P.S.: If you want to build authority and attract leads for your IT or cybersecurity firm, launching a podcast is a smart move. Content Allies helps B2B tech teams create and grow podcasts that drive real business results. 

 

Why Podcasts Are Invaluable for CISOs and IT Managers

In the world of information security, staying ahead means digesting diverse perspectives on cybersecurity trends, cyber threats, cloud security, vendor management, and more. Podcasts can deepen your understanding of the security space while you’re commuting, exercising, or just taking a break from your daily cycle of alerts and dashboards.

Here’s why they’re especially useful for professionals like you:

  • Podcasts allow you to hear unfiltered insights from seasoned security leaders, including how they’ve responded to major data breaches, aligned their security posture with business goals, and communicated risk to non‐technical execs

  • With podcast episodes typically 20‑60 minutes long, they fit naturally into your busy routines. This frees up time where you can reflect on your own security strategies rather than constantly reacting to alerts.

  • Use of audio content is skyrocketing because people get genuine value out of it. 51% of people aged 16+ consumed a podcast in the last month, and 33% did so in the last week. Globally, there are over 548 million podcast listeners in 2025, and the listener base is projected to reach around 630 million later in the year.

  • Because podcasts thrive on storytelling and personal experience, they can help you explore complex security concepts (like zero trust, penetration testing, or vulnerability management) in a more relaxed, contextual way. That means you get fresh angles you might bring back to your team or board.

 

TL;DR Top 5 Cybersecurity Podcasts for CISOs and IT Managers

  • CISO Confidential: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how real CISOs handle breaches, board pressure, and business impact, straight from leaders who’ve lived through security crises.

  • CISO Edge (Gartner Cybersecurity Podcast): Learn how to shift from tactical firefighting to strategic influence, using insights backed by Gartner research and real-world leadership experience.

  • CISO Series Podcast: Explore the real dynamics between vendors and security teams with candid stories that blend operational detail and strategic leadership.

  • CISO IT (Automox Podcast): Bridge the gap between IT operations and security strategy with practical conversations on automation, architecture, and leading risk-focused security programs.

  • The CISO’s Gambit: Hear how top CISOs align cyber risk with business speed, adapt zero trust at scale, and communicate trade-offs in large, complex environments.

 

Top 10 Cybersecurity Podcasts for CISOs and IT Managers

In this section, we’ll analyze ten great cybersecurity podcasts so you can pick the one that brings you the most value.

CISO Confidential offers a rare “inside the war room” look at real security incidents, straight from the leaders who lived through them. Each episode digs into the high-stakes moments of a breach or cyber crisis.

You can expect stories about technical failures, tough calls, boardroom dynamics, and leadership pressure. It gives you the raw and unscripted reality of how CISOs respond when things go sideways.

What you’ll hear

The conversations are refreshingly candid. Guests walk through specific incidents and talk about what triggered the breach, how the team reacted, and where things unraveled. 

One standout episode features Tony Martin-Vegue breaking down a SQL injection attack that led to serious data exfiltration. But what makes it valuable is how he navigated the internal politics, the communication strategy, and what he learned from the fallout.

Why it stands out

This podcast blends operational detail with executive-level thinking really well. It doesn’t stay stuck in tech talk, nor does it drift into vague leadership clichés. It zeroes in on the moments where security, business, and human decision-making collide. As such, you’ll walk away with lessons like how to speak the board’s language to how to lead through ambiguity.

You’ll get the most out of this if you’re:

  • A CISO, IT manager, or senior security leader trying to build a response-ready team and communicate more effectively with the business side.

If you're a CISO or IT manager who wants practical insight, then CISO Edge is perfect for you. Hosted by Gartner VP & Analyst Chris Mixter, the show dives into how cybersecurity leaders can move from tactical problem-solving to delivering real business value. 

What you’ll hear

Each episode features a purposeful topic like “How CISOs can build a personal brand that resonates with the C‑suite” or “When vendor consolidation works and when it doesn’t.” 

For example, in the episode “CISOs, Stop Worrying About Your Budget and Focus on Your Brand,” you’ll find out what building an intentional brand really means for your role and how it changes how others see your team.

What’s common across episodes:

  • A research‑driven approach (you’ll hear Gartner analysts break things down)

  • Real‑world implications (how decisions affect budget, structure, and influence)

  • A business‑and‑security mindset

What sets it apart, and what you’ll get out of it

This podcast stands out because it doesn’t assume you’re purely technical or purely business‑oriented; it blends both. The host and guests pull from Gartner research and leadership experience, so you’re hearing frameworks and case‑based insights. 

That means you’ll pick up ideas like how to frame security priorities so execs pay attention, how to structure your team so you’re not always in reactive mode, and what kind of metrics or language will help you shift from cost‑center to strategic asset.

Best for you if you’re:

  • Leading or heavily contributing to your organization’s cyber‑strategy and need to think beyond incident response

  • Responsible for engaging with senior business stakeholders and want to sharpen how you talk about risk, value, and security’s role

  • Looking to build influence (for yourself and your function) and want concrete examples of how others have done that well

Pro tip: Security leaders need credibility as well as visibility. A well-crafted podcast can position your CISO or technical founder as a trusted voice in the cybersecurity space. See how we helps leaders build authority through podcasting.

The CISO Series Podcast gives you a front‑row seat into how senior security professionals and vendors work together. Hosted by tech journalist David Spark alongside veteran CISOs Mike Johnson and Andy Ellis, the show uses an honest, conversational tone to explore topics that matter to security leaders: not only what you should do, but how you’ll actually get things done.

What you’ll hear

You’ll get episodes that explore how vendors and security teams behave, and sometimes misbehave, in real‑world situations. Some episodes also break down how the CISO role is evolving, how business context changes security decisions, and how talent, culture, and communication factor in.

The show also mixes serious talk with a lighter, candid vibe where guests share mistakes, doubts, and what they wish they’d done differently.

Why it stands out and what you’ll get out of it

What makes this podcast especially valuable for CISOs and IT managers is its dual focus: operational and strategic. It doesn’t stay stuck in either tech‑gadget land or big picture fluff. Instead, it’s regularly grounded in the real world of influencing stakeholders, structuring teams, choosing vendors, and steering security from the business side. 

That means you’ll come away with improved vendor‑selection decision frameworks, sharper ideas around talent/role‑design, and stronger context on how the business expects security to deliver.

You’ll get the most out of this if you’re:

  • Leading or influencing your organization’s information security strategy, especially in how it connects to business goals

  • Responsible for vendor relationships, security team composition, budgeting, or being the bridge between tech‑security teams and the business

  • Looking for episodes you can easily share with your colleagues (like risk, board, and vendor management) to spark conversation or shift thinking

CISO IT hits the mark for practical, cross-domain insights, too. It’s hosted by Jason Kikta, Automox’s CISO, who walks listeners through the often‑undiscussed link between strong IT operations and effective cybersecurity. 

What you’ll listen to

The episodes dig into questions like:

Why it stands out for CISOs & IT Managers

Many podcasts either stay purely tech‑how‑to, or they float in abstract leadership theory. This one sits at the intersection of IT operations and security leadership. That means you’ll get content such as:

  • How to structure IT so security isn’t always playing catch‑up

  • Decision frameworks around automation, patching, and exposure timing

  • How to talk about IT/security priorities with execs and boards in terms of risk rather than just tools

Best for you if you’re:

  • Responsible for shaping IT operations and security strategy (especially if you’ve got teams doing both)

  • Tasked with automation, patch management, configuration control, or reducing mean time to remediate

  • Wanting to evolve how your security function is perceived inside the business

The CISO’s Gambit podcast unpacks things like how to reduce risk, flatten control costs, and keep security from being a drag on user experience and business velocity.

What you’ll hear

Each episode features leaders from top organizations, discussing topics like zero trust, emerging risk landscapes (like AI‑driven threats), and how CISOs are rethinking their role in the boardroom and beyond. 

For example, in one episode, the guest explores how manufacturing’s legacy infrastructure can still adopt zero-trust practices. You’ll also get practical talk about bridging security, privacy, and business operations. 

Why it stands out & what it brings you

Here’s what differentiates The CISO’s Gambit: it asks how best practices scale, how they live in large, complex organizations, and how leaders communicate the trade‑offs to execs and boards. As such, you’ll walk away with sharper thinking around things like how to frame cyber risk as business risk, how to align security priorities with business velocity rather than slow them down, and how to stay ahead of what’s coming instead of reacting to what already showed up.

Ideal for you if you’re:

  • A CISO or senior IT or security manager responsible for shaping strategy

  • Needing to engage with executives, business units, or stakeholders beyond the security team

  • Looking to stay current on broader risk trends like digital sovereignty, manufacturing resilience, and AI attacks, and how other organizations are adapting

Pro tip: Great cybersecurity podcasts often repurpose content across channels like short video clips, LinkedIn posts, or sales enablement assets. At Content Allier, we can help you get in front of your audience, wherever it may be.

6. CISO’s Secrets

CISO’s Secrets

The CISO’s Secrets podcast gives you a clear, unfiltered look at how seasoned security leaders think, act, and adapt inside large, complex organizations. Hosted by Grant Asplund and produced by Check Point, this show dives straight into practical, real-world leadership stories. 

Although this show hasn’t been active since 2023, it’s still worth tuning in for the insights and stories.

What you’ll hear

Episodes typically run around 40 minutes, which makes them ideal for a commute or lunch break. Each one features a conversation with a CISO, CIO, or senior security executive from well-known companies, and they explore topics like risk management, securing hybrid workforces, dealing with burnout, budget challenges, and aligning security goals with business outcomes. 

A great example: S5 E7 with Aman Raheja, CISO at Humana, where he talks about shifting from reactive security to being a strategic business enabler.

Why it stands out

This podcast focuses on how security leaders actually make decisions, earn trust, and move the needle inside their organizations. It’s full of firsthand stories from people leading global security programs, sharing how they’ve handled pressure, communicated with execs, and adjusted their strategies when the real world didn’t match the plan.

You’ll especially benefit if you’re:

  • A CISO or senior IT or security leader focused on aligning security with business strategy

  • Actively involved in budgeting, staffing, or restructuring a security program

  • Looking for peer-level insights into leadership, communication, and organizational influence

7. The Virtual CISO Podcast

The Virtual CISO Podcast

The Virtual CISO Podcast is hosted by John Verry (CISO & Managing Partner at Pivot Point Security) and produced by the same firm. The podcast delivers practical lessons from seasoned security leaders and practitioners. 

What you’ll hear

Episodes dive into real‑world dilemmas like: how to secure a microservices architecture (Ep 119) or understand what hackers do behind the scenes (Ep 109). You’ll also find plenty of discussions around regulation, frameworks (like ISO 27001, CMMC, and FedRAMP), cloud transition, and vendor risk.

Why it stands out & what you’ll get out of it

What makes this podcast stand out for someone in your role is its consistent focus on translation: translating tech into business risk, translating security ops into executive language, and translating frameworks into actual team actions. That means better vocabulary for conversations with your board or business unit heads and a deeper awareness of how peers are tackling compliance and architecture issues.

You’ll especially benefit if you’re:

  • Leading or influencing the security strategy in your organization

  • Dealing with compliance/regulation frameworks, vendor risk, or bridging security and business

  • Looking for peer‑level stories and decision frameworks you can share with your team or execs

8. Cyber Security Business (by K logix)

Cyber Security Business (by K logix)

The Cyber Security Business podcast gives you an inside look at how top security leaders approach the business side of cybersecurity in terms of how CISOs actually influence, justify, and lead. Hosted by Kevin Pouche, COO at K logix, each episode features a senior security executive walking through real-world challenges and lessons learned from the front lines.

What you’ll hear

Episodes cover everything from building a strong identity program to leading small but effective teams and making the case for bigger security budgets. 

For instance, Episode 27: Identity breaks down how a fast-moving enterprise built a scalable IAM program, while “How to Make Your Case and Justify Security Budget” focuses on translating technical risk into business language that executives can easily act on.

Why it stands out

What makes Cyber Security Business different is its consistent focus on leadership impact. You’ll learn how CISOs communicate value, manage expectations, and align security priorities with business goals. For CISOs and IT managers, it’s a masterclass in connecting security strategy to business outcomes, without losing sight of operational realities.

You’ll get the most out of it if you’re:

  • A CISO or IT security leader responsible for shaping strategy and influencing executives

  • Building or restructuring a security team and need to show measurable business value

9. CISO Tradecraft

CISO Tradecraft

CISO Tradecraft is hosted by G. Mark Hardy and Ross Young, two well-respected voices in the cybersecurity leadership space, and teaches the business, strategy, and communication skills that separate top-tier CISOs from the rest. It’s all about helping you move from a security expert to a business leader who happens to specialize in security.

What you’ll hear

Each episode explores leadership-centric topics like maximizing cybersecurity ROI, reducing technical debt, improving board communication, and managing emerging challenges like AI and privacy overlap. 

You’ll hear clear frameworks, smart commentary, and war stories from guests who’ve dealt with federal, enterprise, and startup environments. 

One standout episode, “Maximize the Outcomes Per Dollar in Cyber”, walks through how to get the most out of your security spend, which is ideal if you're facing budget pressure or defending investments to the C-suite.

Why it stands out

This show focuses on the big-picture thinking and soft skills required to lead a modern security program. That means things like building trust, selling risk strategies internally, and aligning your work with business outcomes. It’s got a serious tone but stays approachable, with just enough structure to be actionable.

You’ll get the most out of it if you’re:

  • A security leader responsible for strategy and organizational influence

  • Looking to elevate how you speak about risk, value, and security to non-technical stakeholders

  • Keen to build or refine your security leadership playbook with input from people who’ve done the job at a high level

Pro tip: Want to speak directly to decision-makers like CISOs or CIOs? Invite them as guests on your show. Here are the guidelines to design a podcast that doubles as a relationship-building tool for enterprise sales.

10. Fortinet Cybersecurity Podcast

Fortinet Cybersecurity Podcast

Fortinet Cybersecurity Podcast’s team of experts brings analysis on everything from service‑provider challenges to the latest threats in cloud and edge infrastructure.

What you’ll hear

Security pros talk about issues like generative AI threats, disinformation campaigns, and how major service providers are adjusting. You’ll also get industry‑specific breakdowns , for example, how OT/industrial firms approach attack‑surface reduction, or how education sectors confront ransomware risk. 

The episodes range from shorter 15‑20-minute sessions to deeper dives, so it’s easy to find something that fits your schedule.

Why it stands out

What makes this podcast especially useful is how it intersects technical context and business leadership. That means you’ll get insights like how CISO decisions are impacted by global threat shifts, how to position security investments given changing attacker behaviour, and how to communicate value beyond “we stopped this attack”. 

As someone responsible for both operations and stakeholder influence, this makes it a very practical listen.

You’ll get the most out of it if you’re:

  • Responsible for shaping or supporting the security strategy

  • Tasked with connecting technical cybersecurity risk to business outcomes (C‑suite, board, and risk management)

  • Keen to stay ahead of emerging threat trends, learn how peer organizations are responding, and translate that into actionable insight for your team

 

How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Podcast for You

If you want to produce your own show one day, start by being a better listener. Understanding what makes a podcast worth your time will help you design one your audience will love. After producing tens of shows, here’s what we’ve learned at Content Allies about choosing the right podcast to follow and how those lessons can guide your own.

Which cybersecurity podcast should I choose?

1. Look for Cybersecurity Podcasts With Real Depth

One time, a CISO client told us he stopped listening to half the cybersecurity podcasts in his queue because they all sounded like “security news with background noise.” He wanted something that taught him to think, not just reminded him the world was on fire.

The best podcasts don’t chase the latest breach headline. They unpack the why and the what next. Look for hosts who take you inside the decision-making process: how a team handled a breach, what trade-offs they faced, and what they’d do differently next time. 

That kind of depth builds loyalty. And if you’re planning your own show, it’s the difference between being another voice in the feed and becoming a trusted resource.

2. Choose Podcasts That Help You Think Like a Security Executive

Many of our clients tell us, “I listen for frameworks I can steal.” The podcasts that stuck with you aren’t the ones listing tools. They are the ones helping you talk to your CEO about risk and ROI.

If you want to learn (or produce) a show that stands out, focus on that board-level bridge: how security translates into business impact. Great podcasts make executives think differently about value instead of focusing purely on vulnerabilities.

3. Follow Cybersecurity Podcasts Hosted by Seasoned Cybersecurity Practitioners

A host’s background shapes everything. One of our clients (a compliance automation company) had been trying to book big-name guests but wasn’t seeing results. 

We advised them to pivot: invite operators instead of influencers. Their audience exploded overnight.

It’s because listeners crave authenticity. 

When a CISO talks about the meeting where the budget got cut or the breach that made them rethink priorities, that’s real education. When you’re choosing what to listen to (or planning your own show), prioritize people who’ve lived what they’re teaching.

4. Prioritize Cybersecurity Podcasts That Explore Future Threats

Security evolves daily. And the mark of a great podcast is that it stretches your view forward.

Pick shows that help you think ahead on topics like how AI will impact data privacy, how zero trust is evolving in hybrid environments, or what new threat landscapes are emerging in critical infrastructure or supply chains.

Pro tip: If you’re ever planning your own podcast, aim to help your audience anticipate the future.

5. Find a Cybersecurity Podcast Format That Fits Your Busy Schedule

One of our hosts, a VP of Security, told us he listens while making his kid’s lunch. That’s the modern reality: everyone’s multitasking. The best cybersecurity podcasts respect that.

Look for (and create) formats that fit real life: 20-minute commute listens, snackable interviews, or thematic deep dives that can play in the background. Even shorter formats can pack a punch, especially when they focus on a specific domain like penetration testing, product security, or security operations.

 

Power Your Cybersecurity Podcast with Content Allies

When you're helping shape your company's risk posture, managing cyber defense programs, or building executive trust as a Chief Information Security Officer, the right podcast can be a powerful tool for learning as well as for leading.

As you've seen in the podcasts we covered, the most actionable insights come from security pros dealing with the same complexities you face every day. Challenges like vendor management friction, aligning security strategy with business goals, keeping up with cloud security risks, or translating complex security concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

Security leaders need context, clarity, and shared experience. And that’s exactly what the best cybersecurity podcasts deliver.

If you're thinking about launching a podcast to share your security solutions or to amplify your company’s voice in the cybersecurity space, we're here to help.

At Content Allies, we support cybersecurity companies and IT leaders with strategy, production, talking points, and distribution. We make it easy for you to create content that connects with your audience, builds trust, and grows your brand.

Let’s talk. Reach out today, and we’ll help you launch a podcast that speaks directly to the security leaders who need to hear from you.

 

FAQ: Choose the Right Cybersecurity Podcast

What makes a cybersecurity podcast valuable for CISOs and IT managers?

The best podcasts are focused resources that explore effective security measures, unpack threats in cybersecurity, and dive deep into critical aspects of cybersecurity leadership. A strong podcast about cybersecurity gives you candid stories, frameworks, and decision-making insights that actually help in the day-to-day.

How do I make time for podcasts in a busy security leadership role?

Cyber crime doesn’t take a break, but you can stay sharp by turning downtime into learning time. Whether it’s during your commute, a walk, or between meetings, a well-produced podcast about cybersecurity can help you stay current on vendor risk, cyber liability insurance, and other fast-moving areas of your role.

Are these podcasts technical, strategic, or both?

Most of the top cybersecurity podcasts strike a balance: they get technical when it matters, but they always loop back to strategy. Expect real talk on vulnerability management, cloud security, and zero trust, as well as broader discussions on board communication, cyber liability insurance implications, and popular cybersecurity debates shaping the industry.

How does Content Allies help cybersecurity brands?

We help cybersecurity firms and leaders launch authority-building podcasts with expert support on strategy, production, messaging, and audience growth so you can focus on sharing your expertise while we handle the rest.

What kind of cybersecurity clients does Content Allies work with?

We’ve partnered with cybersecurity vendors, solution providers, and thought leaders to create shows that resonate with CISOs, online security analysts, and IT decision-makers. Whether you’re targeting a niche vertical or a broader security audience, we’ll help you craft content that lands.

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