Dr. Bilyana Lilly, a cybersecurity expert and CEO, discusses her novel 'Digital Mindhunters,' which delves into espionage and AI threats posed by Russia and China. She explores the shift from academic research to fiction, highlighting contemporary disinformation tactics and vulnerabilities in democracy. Lilly shares her real-life inspirations for character development and reflects on geopolitical tensions, including her encounters with Russian soldiers. This conversation illuminates the urgent need for cybersecurity awareness and resilience.
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insights INSIGHT
Targets of Information Warfare
Information warfare targets every individual, not just decision-makers or soldiers.
Everyone is vulnerable to manipulation because of their emotions, beliefs, and desires.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Russian Influence Campaigns
Bilyana Lilly gives examples of Russian influence on Bulgarian journalists and politicians.
Similar Russian campaigns have targeted far-right politicians in Europe, showing how widespread this tactic is.
insights INSIGHT
Exploiting Grievances
Extremist narratives thrive on emotion and ignorance amplified through unregulated information spaces.
They target marginalized groups with existing grievances, adding fuel to the fire.
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In a high-stakes game of espionage and deception, a female analyst uncovers Russia's plot to wield artificial intelligence, espionage, and disinformation as weapons of chaos against the United States.
Bilyana Lilly
Dr. Bilyana Lilly's "Digital Mindhunters" is a gripping thriller that explores the complex world of cyber espionage and disinformation. The novel follows a female analyst as she uncovers a Russian plot to weaponize AI against the United States. The story delves into the intricacies of international intrigue, highlighting the dangers of cyber warfare and the manipulation of information. It also features a parallel threat from a Chinese spy network, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. The book offers a realistic portrayal of modern geopolitical threats, emphasizing the vulnerability of individuals and nations alike. Ultimately, "Digital Mindhunters" serves as a cautionary tale about the ever-evolving landscape of cyber warfare and the importance of vigilance.
In a high-stakes game of espionage and deception, a female analyst uncovers Russia's plot to wield artificial intelligence, espionage, and disinformation as weapons of chaos against the United States. As she races against time to thwart an assassination plot, she finds herself entangled in a web of international intrigue and discovers a parallel threat from a Chinese spy network aiming to steal data, manipulate American voters, and harness technology to dismantle the very foundations of U.S. democracy. In a world where lies are a weapon and trust is a luxury, she navigates the treacherous worlds of arms dealers, hackers, and spies to protect her country.
About the author
Dr. Bilyana Lilly is a cybersecurity and information warfare expert. She advises senior executives in the private and public sector on how to mitigate cybersecurity risk across their enterprises. Dr. Lilly serves on the Advisory Boards of the venture capital firm Night Dragon and the cybersecurity firm RunSafe Security. She chairs the Democratic Resilience Track of the Warsaw Security Forum and is an adjunct senior advisor for critical infrastructure and resilience at the Institute for Security and Technology. Her previous roles include a manager at Deloitte's Financial Cybersecurity Practice and a fellow at the RAND Corporation. Dr. Lilly holds a PhD in policy analysis and cyber security, and three master's degrees, including an honors degree from Oxford University. Her book "Russian Information Warfare" became a bestseller and is on display at the Pentagon. Dr. Lilly is a mentor and a speaker at RSA, DefCon, CyCon, and the Executive Women's Forum. She has been denounced by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and called cyber expert by Tom Hanks.
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