ABOUT AUTHOR
ABOUT AUTHOR
ABOUT AUTHOR
About the Author - Nick Shevelyov
About the Author -
Nick Shevelyov
About the Author - Nick Shevelyov
Nick is a cybersecurity strategist, board advisor, and founder of vCSO.ai, bringing over 25+ years of experience, including 14 years as Chief Security Officer at Silicon Valley Bank. In this book Cyber War… and Peace, he blends historical insight with modern cyber strategy to show leaders how to turn digital risk into resilience. Through lessons drawn from pivotal moments in history, Nick reveals timeless frameworks to strengthen organizational security, rethink challenges, and build a more resilient digital future.
Historic Wisdom for Today’s Digital Threats
About the Author -
Nick Shevelyov
Historic Wisdom for Today’s Digital Threats
The tools that power your business can also expose it. Managing digital risk isn’t optional it’s critical for survival.
History’s toughest leaders overcame chaos and uncertainty. Their stories offer battle-tested strategies that still apply in today’s threat landscape.
In Cyber War…and Peace, you will learn:
How to apply historical insights to modern cyber risk
How to build resilience at any scale
How to rethink threats and use proven tactics for lasting security
How to align security with business goals for smarter decision-making
Praise for Cyber War …and Peace
Testimonials
What Readers are Saying
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
"Wisdom is costly and telling stories is hard. If your job includes explaining cyber risk management to non-technical executives, the sound historical wisdom in Nick’s book will help get your point across."
Earl Crane, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
“[Cyber War…And Peace is] an analogical thinking Rosetta Stone, translating lessons from the past into cyber risk insights today.”
Jay Chaudhry
Founder and CEO, ZScaler
"It is very rare to find a seasoned security, risk, and privacy executive who can successfully combine storytelling, historic military leadership analogies, and technology and management challenges into a very compelling, readable, and relevant reference book that reads like a novel. Most importantly, rather than teaching the reader how to “do” security, privacy, and risk management, Nick describes how to “think” about it and stay in front of the challenges and ever-changing landscape."
DR. JAMES RANSOME
CISSP, CISM, VETERAN CISO, CPSO, AND AUTHOR
"The book goes beyond theory to teach adaptability as a security superpower. Drawing lessons from Napoleon’s Austerlitz strategy, Nick shows how CISOs can manage chaos by knowing when to stand firm and when to maneuver with precision. He illustrates how guile, timing, and flexibility are essential tools for navigating today’s high-stakes threat landscape."
STUART EVANS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
Download a Sample Chapter (PDF)
About the Author -
Nick Shevelyov
Download a Sample Chapter (PDF)
If you want to review the book’s methodology and framing firsthand, Chapter 1 of Cyber War…and Peace is available as a free PDF.
This opening chapter introduces the historical and strategic lens used throughout the book to interpret modern cybersecurity risk, connecting military doctrine, governance models, and real operator experience into an actionable perspective for executives and security leaders.
To access the complete framework and full set of case-driven lessons, purchase the full book here: