Former Twitter Chief Security Officer Lea Kissner Appointed As New Head Of LinkedIn's Cybersecurity Efforts

Posted: 9:40 AM PDT · August 28, 2024

A New Chapter in LinkedIn’s Security Team

LinkedIn has announced the appointment of Lea Kissner as its new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This development marks a significant milestone for the company, and we take a closer look at Kissner’s background and what this means for LinkedIn’s security efforts.

Table of Contents

Who is Lea Kissner?

Lea Kissner has been appointed to lead LinkedIn’s security team, bringing with them an impressive track record of experience in cybersecurity and privacy. Prior to joining LinkedIn, Kissner served as the CISO at cloud security startup Lacework, where they were responsible for developing and implementing the company’s information security strategy.

A Familiar Face Returns

Before their tenure at Lacework, Kissner was the CISO at Twitter until November 2022. Their departure from Twitter coincided with Elon Musk’s takeover of the social media giant, which is now rebranded as X. During their time at Twitter, Kissner played a crucial role in shaping the company’s security and privacy practices.

A Strong Background

Kissner’s experience in cybersecurity and privacy extends beyond their roles at Lacework and Twitter. They previously served in senior positions at Google and Apple, where they worked on various initiatives related to data protection, security, and compliance.

Replacing Geoff Belknap

Lea Kissner replaces Geoff Belknap, who served as LinkedIn’s CISO until June. In a separate post, Belknap congratulated Kissner on their appointment, saying that the company is in "great hands." This endorsement speaks volumes about the respect and trust that Belknap has for Kissner’s abilities.

What This Means for LinkedIn

Kissner’s appointment as CISO marks a significant development for LinkedIn’s security team. With their extensive experience in cybersecurity and privacy, they are well-equipped to lead the company’s efforts in protecting user data and maintaining a secure online environment.

The Importance of Cybersecurity in Today’s Digital Landscape

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become an essential aspect of any organization’s operations. As more companies transition to online platforms, the risk of cyber threats and data breaches increases. Therefore, having a skilled and experienced CISO like Lea Kissner at the helm is crucial for ensuring that LinkedIn’s security practices are up-to-date and effective.

The Role of a CISO

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) plays a vital role in an organization’s security efforts. Their primary responsibilities include:

Developing and implementing information security policies
Overseeing security training programs for employees
Collaborating with other departments to ensure that security practices are integrated into all aspects of the business
Identifying and mitigating potential security risks

Lea Kissner’s Qualifications

With their extensive experience in cybersecurity and privacy, Lea Kissner brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to LinkedIn. Their qualifications for this role include:

A deep understanding of information security principles and practices
Experience in developing and implementing security strategies
Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate teams
Familiarity with industry regulations and compliance requirements

Conclusion

Lea Kissner’s appointment as LinkedIn’s CISO marks a significant development for the company’s security team. With their extensive experience in cybersecurity and privacy, they are well-equipped to lead LinkedIn’s efforts in protecting user data and maintaining a secure online environment.

As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, cybersecurity has become an essential aspect of any organization’s operations. Having a skilled and experienced CISO like Lea Kissner at the helm is crucial for ensuring that security practices are up-to-date and effective.