Microsoft has a new chief security officer – what could this mean for Windows security?
Microsoft has announced major changes in security leadership, which will see existing CISO Bret Arsenault transition to a new role as Chief Security Advisor.
As part of the shake-up, former Chief Strategy Officer Tsyganskiy will take on the new position as Global CISO for the Redmond giant beginning January 1, 2024.
In a LinkedIn messageCharlie Bell, Microsoft's Security EVP, indicated that changing threat landscapes contributed to the company's decision to overhaul its security portfolio.
New CISO from Microsoft
Bell added: “The speed, sophistication and scale of cyber attacks are increasing. This requires a new focus.”
Arsenault served as the company's CISO for fourteen years. As Cheif Security Advisor, Bret will focus on escalating the company's impact across the entire ecosystem: Microsoft, partners, customers, government agencies and key communities.
Bell also shared some of Tsyganskiy's history: “Igor is a technologist and dynamic leader with a storied career in large-scale/high-security, demanding environments. He brings deep knowledge and experience from his previous role outside Microsoft…'
Tsyganskiy recently held four positions at asset management firm Bridgewater Associates, including CTO. Previously, Tsyganskiy was SVP for Product Management at Salesforce and head of the Advanced Technology Group at SAP Labs.
Responding to Bell's announcement on LinkedIn, Tsyganskiy said: “Thank you Charlie Bell, I am humbled and honored to take on the responsibility of protecting Microsoft with a large and dedicated community of security professionals around the world. Thank you Bret Arsenault for the hard work and great contributions you have made to our industry.”
Whether or not there has been a major reason for the shake-up of the company's security leadership is unclear. However, Microsoft has been at the forefront of a number of incidents in recent months, including a number of Windows vulnerabilities.