In the relentless world of cybersecurity, Zscaler’s CISO doesn’t just defend—they outmaneuver…
The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has undergone a radical transformation. No longer confined to the back office as a gatekeeper of firewalls and compliance checklists, today’s CISO is a strategic leader—one who must balance risk management with business innovation, all while defending against an onslaught of AI-driven attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and nation-state espionage.
In this high-stakes environment, security leaders aren’t just protecting data—they’re enabling digital transformation, safeguarding customer trust, and ensuring that security doesn’t slow down progress. The best CISOs operate like chess masters, anticipating threats three moves ahead while keeping the business agile enough to adapt.
Levi Bolourie, VP and CISO at Zscaler, approaches cybersecurity with a simple but powerful mantra: “Keep the bad stuff out and the good stuff in.” Yet in today’s threat landscape—where AI-powered attacks evolve by the hour, supply chain breaches lurk in trusted vendors, and nation-state hackers infiltrate corporate IT teams—that mission is anything but simple.
This glimpse into a day in the life of Zscaler’s security chief reveals how Levi balances strategy, innovation, and constant vigilance to keep the digital fortress strong.
For Levi, security isn’t just about locking doors—it’s about building a foundation that allows Zscaler to innovate fearlessly. “We’re not the ‘Department of No,’” he says. “Our job is to find secure ways to say ‘yes’—so the business can move fast without breaking things.”
The Modern CISO: Strategist, Innovator, and Crisis Negotiator
Gone are the days when security leaders operated in the shadows. At Zscaler, the CISO is a pivotal force—balancing risk and innovation to keep businesses moving forward safely. “My mission isn’t just about locking things down,” says Zscaler’s CISO. “It’s about enabling trust so the company—and our customers—can innovate without fear.”
Inside the CISO’s Playbook
The Three Threats That Keep a Zscaler’s VP and CISO Up at Night
- AI: The Cybersecurity Arms Race
“AI is a force multiplier—for both defenders and attackers.” While it supercharges threat detection, hackers are weaponizing it to automate phishing, deepfakes, and zero-day exploits. - Supply Chain: The Trojan Horse No One Sees Coming
“You can have the strongest security, but one weak vendor can bring it all down.” Third-party risk is now a top priority. - Insider Threats: When the Enemy Is Already Inside
Nation-state actors are planting operatives inside companies—making zero-trust access and continuous monitoring non-negotiable.
A Day Unscripted: Adapting to the Unexpected
- 6:00 AM: Before the first coffee, Levi is already scanning overnight alerts—because cyber threats don’t wait for business hours. “It’s like having a newborn.” “You’re always on call.”
- First Critical Hour: Triage threats, brief teams, and adjust priorities. “Is that login from Antarctica a hacker or just a VPN glitch? Time to investigate.”
- Between the Fires: Mentor team members, refine Zscaler’s “Z on Z” self-defense strategy, and squeeze in a threat intel briefing. “No two days look alike—that’s what keeps it interesting.”
Inside the One Meeting a Zscaler CISO Never Skips
For Levi Bolourie, VP and CISO at Zscaler, effective security leadership hinges on a well-structured meeting cadence. Three key discussions shape his daily decision-making, ensuring that security remains proactive rather than reactive.
1. Incident Response War Rooms
When cyber threats emerge, swift and decisive action is critical. Levi’s team follows a structured protocol to contain risks efficiently:
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First 15 minutes: Validate attack vectors and assess scope.
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Golden hour: Deploy containment strategies while preserving forensic evidence.
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Ongoing: Provide executive briefings with business impact assessments.
2. Threat Intelligence Syncs
Twice-weekly intelligence briefings turn raw data into actionable security measures:
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Identify emerging attack patterns mapped to Zscaler’s infrastructure.
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Address vendor-specific vulnerabilities requiring immediate patches.
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Share threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) with product teams.
3. Risk Committee Reviews
These monthly deep dives ensure that security investments align with business priorities. One recent example:
“Last quarter, our threat data helped redirect $1.2 million toward API security—directly protecting 17 enterprise contracts in negotiation,” Levi shares.
Leading from the Front: Culture, Tools, and Tough Calls
Hybrid Team Rules of Engagement
- Trust > Micromanagement: “I’d rather empower someone and course-correct than suffocate them with oversight.”
- Results Over Face Time: With a global team, asynchronous collaboration and clear goals trump rigid schedules.
The Tech Stack That Delivers
- AI on the Front Lines: From anomaly detection to automating repetitive tasks.
- Zero Trust as a Mindset: “Assume breach isn’t just a slogan—it’s how we architect everything.”
Fuel for the Fight
What keeps CISO going? “Seeing my team nail a tough problem. Or when a client says, ‘You just saved our business.’ Those moments make the 3 AM alerts worth it.”
The Future According to Zscaler’s CISO
Where the Role Is Headed
- From Cost Center to Growth Driver: Future CISOs will weigh in on mergers, product launches, and market expansion.
- AI’s Next Act: “We’ll need AI to beat AI. The arms race is just starting.”
Why This Role Matters More Than Ever
In a world where a single breach can erase billions in market value, the CISO is no longer a support function—it’s a core pillar of business strategy. For Levi, success isn’t just about stopping attacks; it’s about building a culture where security enables progress.
“My team’s wins aren’t just measured in threats blocked. They’re in the deals we helped close, the products we safely launched, and the customers who trust us because we never take shortcuts.”
“Security isn’t about saying ‘no.’ It’s about finding smarter ‘yeses.’ “
