In the intricate world of cybersecurity, few positions hold as much weight and responsibility as that of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). At the helm of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Chris Betz occupies this pivotal role, overseeing the protection of one of the world’s largest cloud computing platforms. In a recent conversation, Betz shared his journey from Capital One to AWS, offering unique perspectives on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the critical role of trust in the digital age.

Betz’s transition from Capital One to AWS was not merely a career move but a testament to the growing significance of cloud-based security solutions. “One of the things, as I spent several years there, that I kept on realizing was how much our work relied on the security of AWS. As you know, Capital One is all in the cloud and has closed its data centers. And so that journey at Capital One, the security work at Capital One with AWS led me to appreciate how incredibly important the technology we bring is to that trust and the security of so many businesses.”

Reflecting on his tenure at AWS, Betz highlighted the subtle yet profound shifts in perspective that come with assuming the role of CISO. “It’s one thing to hear about those conversations about security being Job Zero, the top priority at AWS. It’s another thing to live it, have those conversations, and be challenged by my business and technology partners about whether we are moving fast enough. Are we raising the bar enough? Are we staying ahead of the threats?”

Central to Betz’s approach is the recognition that effective cybersecurity transcends mere technical proficiency—it requires a fundamental shift in mindset and culture. “It does. There’s not a… Well, I mean, I’m in security, so every conversation I have will have that to some degree. But it’s amazing to be in meetings that are not even on security topics. As a senior leader, one of the things I do appreciate about AWS is that they involve security in non-security specific meetings. And I get to be part of those conversations and have other people bring up, ask about security, and think about how we do that better. Just like you said, that culture that is everywhere really, really matters.”

When measuring a security program’s effectiveness, Betz eschews conventional metrics in favor of a more nuanced approach. “It’s an excellent question. And often, when I’m asked that question, people expect me to jump to metrics or measurements. And there’s certainly a slew of metrics and measurements we can use to help describe what’s going on in security. But one of the things that I think is truly a leading indicator is the degree to which the business and the technology organizations see security as an enabler of them achieving their programs.”

In the realm of boardroom discussions, Betz emphasizes the need for security leaders to tailor their communication to the unique dynamics of each board. “That is a great question. And honestly, I have never seen two companies who do it the same way. Part of that is because it’s important to discuss risk within the business context.”

As Betz continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, one thing remains clear: the CISO’s role is more critical than ever. With cyber threats growing in frequency and sophistication, organizations must invest not only in technology but also in the people and processes that form the foundation of effective cybersecurity. At AWS, under Betz’s leadership, the pursuit of security excellence remains steadfast, ensuring that businesses can trust in the integrity and resilience of the cloud.