Is Defense Winning? | A Black Hat USA 2024 Conversation with Jason Healey | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli

Guest: Jason Healey, Senior Research Scholar, Cyber Conflict Studies, SIPA at Columbia University [@Columbia]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhealey/

At BlackHat: https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/briefings/schedule/speakers.html#jason-healey-31682

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Hosts: 

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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Episode Notes

Opening Remarks:

Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli set the stage with their signature banter, creating an inviting atmosphere for a deep dive into cybersecurity. Marco introduces a philosophical question about measuring success and improvement in the field, leading seamlessly into their conversation with Jason Healey.

Meet the Expert:

Sean introduces Jason Healey, a senior research scholar at Columbia University and a former military cybersecurity leader with extensive experience, including roles at the Pentagon and the White House. Jason shares his excitement for Black Hat 2024 and the anniversary celebrations of ITSPmagazine, expressing anticipation for the discussions ahead.

The Role of Defense in Cybersecurity:

Jason previews his journey from military service to academia, posing the critical question, “Is defense winning?” He provides a historical perspective, noting that cybersecurity challenges have been present for decades. Despite significant investments and efforts, attackers often seem to maintain an edge. This preview sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how to measure success in defense, which he plans to address in detail at the conference.

Shifting the Balance:

Jason highlights the need for a comprehensive framework to evaluate the effectiveness of defense mechanisms. He introduces the concept of metrics like “mean time to detect,” suggesting that these can help gauge progress over time. Jason plans to discuss the importance of understanding system-wide dynamics at Black Hat, emphasizing that cybersecurity is about continual improvement rather than quick fixes.

Economic Costs and Broader Impacts:

Sean shifts the discussion to the economic aspects of cybersecurity, a topic Jason is set to explore further at the event. Jason notes that while financial implications are substantial, other indicators, such as the frequency of states declaring emergencies due to cyber incidents, provide a broader view of the impact. He underscores the need to address disparities in cybersecurity protection, pointing out that not everyone has access to the same level of defense capabilities.

Community and Collaboration:

Marco and Jason discuss the importance of community involvement in improving cybersecurity. Jason stresses the value of shared metrics and continuous data analysis, calling for collective efforts to build a robust defense against evolving threats. This theme of collaboration will be a key focus in his upcoming session.

Looking Forward:

As they wrap up, Sean and Marco express their anticipation for Jason’s session at Black Hat 2024. They encourage the audience to join in, engage with the topics discussed, and contribute to the ongoing conversation on cybersecurity.

Conclusion:

Sean concludes by thanking Jason for his insights and highlighting the importance of the upcoming Black Hat sessions. He invites listeners to follow ITSPmagazine's coverage for more expert discussions and insights into the field of cybersecurity.

For more insightful sessions and expert talks on cybersecurity, make sure to follow ITSPmagazine's Black Hat coverage. Stay safe and stay informed!

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This Episode’s Sponsors

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Resources

Is Defense Winning? (Session): https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/briefings/schedule/index.html#is-defense-winning-40663

Learn more about Black Hat USA  2024: https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/

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