AVP, Threat Intel

As the AVP, Threat Intelligence at Travelers, you will lead the Specialty Cyber Threat Intel team, developing strategies to mitigate emerging cyber threats. Your responsibilities will include monitoring for new cybersecurity risks, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance our risk management practices, and mentoring team members to bolster our operational capabilities.

To qualify for the AVP, Threat Intelligence role at Travelers, candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of experience in information security or threat intelligence and at least 5 years of leadership experience managing technical teams. A strong understanding of cyber-attack methodologies, incident response processes, and tools like Shodan and SentinelOne is essential.

The AVP, Threat Intelligence at Travelers plays a critical role in safeguarding businesses from cyber threats, ensuring that we remain a leader in the insurance market. By developing innovative strategies and partnerships across departments, you help inform both policyholders and internal teams about emerging risks, ultimately maintaining the trust that our customers place in us.

Travelers offers a comprehensive benefits package for the AVP, Threat Intelligence role, including health insurance from day one, a generous retirement plan, paid time off, and a wellness program. We also encourage volunteering and community involvement, fostering a culture that values work-life balance and employee wellbeing.

At Travelers, the culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and mutual support. As AVP, Threat Intelligence, you'll work with a dedicated team that values each member's contributions and actively seeks to mentor and develop talent. The environment promotes open communication, continuous learning, and shared success, making it a fulfilling place to advance your career.

In this role, I would leverage my leadership skills by fostering an environment of collaboration and open communication. It's essential to empower team members through mentorship and defined objectives, ensuring everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute to our cybersecurity goals.

I have hands-on experience with threat intelligence tools like Shodan and SentinelOne. I utilize them for analysis, investigating vulnerabilities, and monitoring threat actors. I believe staying updated with these tools is crucial for effective threat management.

I would implement a combination of metrics and intelligence sharing mechanisms to monitor emerging cyber threats. This includes real-time threat assessments and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure proactive measures are taken based on the latest intelligence.

My approach to cross-functional collaboration is to establish strong relationships with various departments. I believe in regular communication, setting shared objectives, and aligning our cybersecurity goals with business priorities to foster interconnected efforts in threat mitigation.

Yes, during a previous incident, we had to adapt our strategy swiftly in response to a ransomware threat. We modified our threat monitoring processes and quickly implemented targeted communications with the affected stakeholders to mitigate risks effectively.

Mentorship is incredibly important to my career approach, as I believe in nurturing talent and sharing knowledge. As a leader, I seek to provide opportunities for learning and growth for my team, which ultimately strengthens our overall capabilities and performance.

I believe the most significant current risks include ransomware attacks and phishing scams, as they target organizations of all sizes. Keeping abreast of evolving tactics and ensuring our defenses correspond to these threats is essential in maintaining effective cybersecurity.

I would ensure the team stays updated by organizing regular training sessions, attending industry conferences, and subscribing to leading threat intelligence sources. Continuous learning is vital in the fast-paced cybersecurity landscape, and I would encourage knowledge sharing within the team.

Communication is critical as it bridges the gap between technical insights and business decisions. In my role, it's important to translate complex threats into understandable information for stakeholders, ensuring everyone recognizes their role in our cybersecurity efforts.

My long-term goals include advancing our threat intelligence capabilities and establishing Travelers as a leader in proactive cybersecurity measures. This involves continuously evolving our strategies, building strong interdepartmental relationships, and effectively mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.