Lessons from the School of Security Hard Knocks

Today's guest is Lynn Dohm, Executive Director at Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS). In today’s episode, Lynn discusses WiCyS and her role as Executive Director, how WiCyS became a non-profit organization, how the pandemic affected the organization, WiCyS’ partnerships, whether she is optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the cybersecurity workforce, Chicago versus Detroit pizza, and as always, her toughest lesson learned.

Today's guest is Scott McCrady, CEO of SolCyber. In today's episode, Scott discusses SolCyber and his role as CEO, what brings customers to MSSPs, how the security landscape has changed over the past ten years, how the attack surface and threat actor has changed in recent years, his perspective on cyber insurance, his preferred topic of conversation at a cocktail party, and as always, his toughest lesson learned.

In a special edition of the podcast 'Lessons from the School of Security Hard Knocks' we delve into a compelling discussion that shines a spotlight on the incredible women who are redefining the cybersecurity landscape.  Let's dive into the incredibly intriguing subject of "Women in Cybersecurity" with the winners of the RunSafe Cybersecurity Leadership Awards: Christine Gadsby, Kiersten Todt, and Madison Horn. This episode also features Laurie Williams, Vijaya Kaza, Lee Kappon, Teresa Shea, Jen Sovada, Candice Frost, and Megan Samford. These cyber leaders are at the forefront, sharing their invaluable experiences and the toughest lessons they've learned along the way. Their lessons are not only enlightening but also instrumental for anyone striving for success in this ever-evolving domain. Tap to listen, and let's join forces in championing diversity, inclusion, and innovation in cybersecurity. Together, we can create a safer and more resilient digital world. #WomenInCybersecurity #CybersecurityLeaders #DiversityInTech

Today's guest is Christine Gadsby, VP of Product Security Operations at Blackberry. In today's episode, Christine discusses Blackberry and her role there, what organizations should consider around software supply chain security, what Blackberry is doing about SBOM security, what advancements she has seen and hopes to see in open source software, Blackberry's role in security for critical infrastructure, her thoughts on the National Cybersecurity Strategy, whether she is optimistic or pessimistic about the future of companies' critical infrastructure security, and as always, her toughest lesson.

Today's guest is Madison Horn, CEO of Critical Fault and former US Senate nominee. In today’s episode, Madison discusses Critical Fault and her role there, how trends in cybersecurity have changed over the past 10 years, her thoughts on the Biden administration’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, the seriousness of China’s threat on critical infrastructure, the biggest threat to our national security, if we are facing a new world order, what cybersecurity issues Congress should focus on, whether she will consider running for office again in the future, and as always, her toughest lesson learned.

Today's guest is Colonel Candice Frost, Adjunct Professor of Security Studies Program at Georgetown University. In today's episode, Colonel Frost discusses her transition from her military career to the private sector, serving as commander of the Joint Intelligence Operations Center for USCYBERCOMMAND, how she approaches near term threat horizons vs longer term threat horizons, lessons we can learn from the war in Ukraine, what she looks for in leaders, pressing national security issues, critical infrastructure threats, how we can improve public/private partnerships, and as always, her toughest lesson learned.

Today's guest is Teresa Shea, President of Oplnet LLC. In today's episode, Teresa shares how she got involved in signals intelligence, the role universities should play to develop future security leaders in cyber offensive and defensive domains, the differences and similarities between government-sponsored R&D and venture capital, the role threat intelligence plays in cyber operations for defensive purposes, how enterprises can gain insight on offensive methods to inform their security posture, her thoughts on the National Cybersecurity Strategy document, whether she is optimistic or pessimistic about the future of cybersecurity, how someone should prepare for a career in cyber operations, and as always, her toughest lesson learned.

Today's guest is Jen Sovada, President of Public Sector at SandboxAQ. In today's episode, Jen discusses SandboxAQ and her role there, what role quantum computers can play in internet security, what surprises her about her students today, serving as chair of the board of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum, creating a talent management framework, whether she is optimistic or pessimistic about the future of cybersecurity, viewing AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, and as always, her toughest lesson learned.

Today's guest is Bob Ackerman, Founder & Managing Director of AllegisCyber Capital. In today's episode, Bob discusses AllegisCyber Capital and his role there, how he got his start, the three things they look for in founders, the market of VC Capital in cybersecurity and the future for IPOs, his thoughts on the the national cybersecurity strategy, the liability shift in critical infrastructure from asset owners to product manufacturers, his thoughts on the future of the United States' cyber resilience, and as always, his toughest lesson learned. Robert R. Ackerman Jr. founded AllegisCyber Capital—the world’s first dedicated cyber venture firm—to be “for cyber entrepreneurs by cyber entrepreneurs.”Bobis also the Co-founder of cybersecurity and data science foundry DataTribe, Co-founder of CyberGRX, and Chairman of the annual Global Cyber Innovation Summit—the “Davos of Cybersecurity”—for leading Global 2000 CISOs, cyber innovators, and policy leaders. With a 20+ history in early-stage cybersecurity investing,Bobis titled as one of “Cyber’s Money Men'' by major business publications for his experience and leadership in cybersecurity VC investing, named one of “Technology’s Top 100 Investors” by Forbes and featured on Forbes Midas List, and recognized as one of two leading cyber investors in the world by Cyber Defense magazine.

Today's guest is Kiersten Todt. In today's episode, Kiersten discusses her time at CISA and her recent transition from Chief of Staff, how the industry has matured over the agency's lifetime, progress made within cybersecurity and infrastructure, the urgency of solving memory safety, how the government can encourage a liability shift from asset owner/infrastructure provider to product manufacturer, learnings from tabletop exercises, the greatest threat facing cybersecurity today, whether she is optimistic or pessimistic about the future of cybersecurity, and as always, her toughest lesson learned.