CDT Is Recruiting for Deputy State Security Officer

The California Department of Technology is looking to fill its deputy state CISO role through a job posting published Thursday.

While the posting raises questions about possible leadership shifts within the department, what we do know is that Deputy State CISO Doug Novak stepped in as the state’s acting cybersecurity lead following the departure of CISO Vitaliy Panych in July.

It’s unclear at this point whether the posting is a sign of an impending appointment or some other development. Industry Insider — California is working to clarify the details behind this recruitment and will publish that information when it becomes available.

As for the job itself, here are the details:

California Department of Technology
Deputy State Chief Information Security Officer (Career Executive Assignment)
$10,349 to $21,370 per month
Application deadline: Sept. 25

The California Department of Technology is seeking a deputy state chief information security officer to help lead statewide cybersecurity policy, risk management and security operations. Reporting to the state chief information security officer, the executive will oversee areas including risk governance, audit and compliance, security assurance, security solutions and threat management while helping carry out California’s statewide security strategy.

The position also has a major role in cybersecurity incident response and threat intelligence, including operational support for staff working within the California Cybersecurity Integration Center. The deputy will advise department executives on security risks and policy, work with state agencies and other government partners and help guide areas including emerging technology security, artificial intelligence governance, privacy compliance and cybersecurity legislation.

Desired candidates include executives with extensive cybersecurity management and policy experience, particularly those who have led multiagency security efforts, incident response programs or 24/7 security operations. The department is also seeking experience advising senior government leaders, developing cybersecurity talent, establishing security performance measures and coordinating with state, local and federal partners.

More information about the role is available in the job posting and duty statement.

Editor’s note: This story was drafted in part by generative AI and edited by humans for accuracy, bias and clarity. Have feedback? Send it to Ben Miller.