Guardians of the Data - Episode #4 - Trevor Dolan, Cyber Security Executive Advisor at NinjaJobs

🎙 Episode 4: Balancing Compliance and Data Protection Fundamentals with Trevor Dolan

In this episode of Guardians of the Data, host Ward Balcerzak sits down with Trevor Dolan, Cybersecurity Executive Advisor at NinjaJobs, to explore how organizations can balance regulatory requirements with the fundamentals of strong data protection.

Trevor breaks down the five pillars of building effective data protection programs - governance and leadership, risk assessment, policies and procedures, training and awareness, and organizational structure. He also shares practical strategies for teams facing budget or staffing challenges, and offers career guidance for professionals entering the cybersecurity field.

‍In this episode:

• Establishing strong governance and leadership as the foundation for data protection
• Conducting honest risk assessments using frameworks like NIST CSF and CIS Controls
• Building clear, effective policies and procedures that align with regulations
• Moving beyond box-checking with targeted training and critical thinking exercises
• Prioritizing high-risk areas when budgets are tight or teams are lean
• Using data to build consensus and drive smarter decisions
• Why data protection programs must be living, evolving efforts

💡 Quote of the show:

“Make sure that those expectations are well communicated, but do it in a way that helps them to really incorporate that in their day-to-day so that they feel empowered as far as protecting the organization's data, and they feel part of the mission.” – Trevor Dolan

▶️ Watch the full episode above, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.