From CIA to CISO: AI security predictions and career strategies | Guest Ross Young

Mar 31, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Ross Young, CISO in residence at Team8 and former CIA professional, shares his unique journey from intelligence to cybersecurity leadership. He dives into the transformative impact of AI on security roles, emphasizing how it will redefine the landscape. Ross offers career strategies, advocating for continuous learning and networking as essential for success in this field. He also explores how AI creates new risks while enhancing security measures, urging professionals to adapt and innovate in an ever-evolving digital world.

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ANECDOTE

Ross's Education and Early Career

Ross Young shared how he chose a cybersecurity MBA to blend technical and leadership skills.
He used the government's Scholarship for Service to get a free master's and a government job afterward.

ANECDOTE

CIA Career Growth Strategy

Ross described climbing ranks at the CIA by seeking new roles and networking.
Promotion depended on operating in conversations above current grade and showing impact.

ADVICE

CISO vs CISO in Residence

CISOs should expect many non-technical duties like procurement and HR.
A CISO in residence role focuses on innovation and supporting other CISOs beyond traditional responsibilities.

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Ross Young, CISO in residence at Team8, joins this week's Cyber Work episode to share insights from his fascinating career journey from the CIA to cybersecurity leadership. With over a decade of experience across intelligence agencies and major companies, Young discusses the rapidly evolving AI security landscape, predicts how AI will transform security roles and offers valuable career advice for cybersecurity professionals at all levels. Learn how security professionals can stay relevant in an AI-driven future and why continuous learning is non-negotiable in this field.

00:00 Intro
00:27 Ross Young's journey in cybersecurity
01:18 Cybersecurity job market insights
02:12 Ross Young's educational path
07:38 Experience at the CIA
10:38 Transition to the private sector
13:15 Current role at Team8
18:30 Daily life of a CISO in residence
22:12 Impact of AI on cybersecurity
25:23 Identifying phishing emails
25:49 New risks with AI models
27:08 Exploiting AI for malicious purposes
30:55 Defending against AI exploits
32:24 AI in security automation
33:30 Common mistakes in AI implementation
36:59 Future of cybersecurity with AI
43:18 Advice for security professionals
46:17 Career advice

– View Cyber Work Podcast transcripts and additional episodes: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast

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