The Latest on Microsoft Security with Ann Johnson

16 snips

May 1, 2025

Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President and Deputy CISO at Microsoft, discusses her 40-year journey in cybersecurity. She emphasizes the importance of honest communication in leadership and the need to foster a collaborative security culture within Microsoft. The conversation touches on the complexities of technology, the role of AI, and its impact on creativity. Ann also highlights her commitment to STEM scholarships and the significance of blending humanities with technology to preserve artistry in an AI-driven world.

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ADVICE

Importance of Honest Feedback in Leadership

Leaders need honest feedback from brave people around them to avoid failure.
Cultivate a circle willing to tell you the truth respectfully and constructively.

ANECDOTE

Ann's Role in Microsoft Security

Ann Johnson joined Microsoft to build a team that explains how Microsoft secures itself.
She finds this role the most enjoyable job she's had in a long time.

INSIGHT

Microsoft Security Organizational Structure

Microsoft Security is a distinct peer organization alongside Azure, Xbox, LinkedIn, and others.
It includes the Office of the CISO and teams building security products sold externally.

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Microsoft has its fingers in a lot of pots, but just how secure are said pots? On this episode, Corey is joined by Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President and Deputy CISO of Microsoft's Customer Security Management Office. Ann talks about her 40-year professional journey and how it's culminated in her current role. Corey is known to “punch up” at the big guys in the tech industry, but he and Ann talk about the challenges of corporate leadership and being a public face in such a prominent company. Since it’s 2025, of course, they’re going to talk about AI’s pros and cons (and why it shouldn’t be used to make art).

Show Highlights
(0:00) Intro
(0:51) The Duckbill Group sponsor read
(1:25) What Ann's been up to since she and Corey last spoke
(2:29) The makeup of Microsoft Security
(4:28) The unique company culture at Microsoft
(8:42) What's going on with Microsoft Azure
(10:31) How Ann handles the immense pressure of working in Microsoft Security
(14:13) The toxic nature of online criticism
(19:57) The Duckbill Group sponsor read
(20:24) The value of telling your leaders the truth
(23:31) Ann's thoughts on the current state of AI
(28:44) Properly defining what AI can and can't do
(30:54) Why Ann helps fund multiple STEM scholarships
(32:16) The need for the humanities alongside tech
(33:38) Where you can find more from Ann Johnson

About Ann Johnson
Ann Johnson is Corporate Vice President and Deputy CISO at Microsoft. In this role, Ann drives all external engagement for the Microsoft Office of the CISO. She is a long-tenured, recognized thought leader on cybersecurity, published author, and a sought-after global speaker and digital author specializing in cyber resilience, online fraud, cyberattacks, compliance, and security. 

Ann challenges traditional schools of thought and cyber-norms–from the way the tech industry tackles cyber threats to the language it uses to communicate–and encourages the industry to get outside its comfort zones and expand how it addresses the evolving threat landscape with the power of technology and people. As a global cybersecurity leader and strategist, she is looking ahead at how today’s cybersecurity investments will impact tomorrow’s cybersecurity reality.  

Ann currently serves on the Board of Directors of N-Able, Human Security, Datavant, and is Member of the Board of Advisors for Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, WA and the Signal Cyber Museum Society. Ann is also an Executive Sponsor of the Microsoft Women in Cybersecurity Group.

Links

Ann Johnson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-johnsons/
Microsoft Security: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security
Afternoon Cyber Tea: afternooncybertea.com

Sponsor

The Duckbill Group: duckbillgroup.com