A Framework for Evaluating National Cybersecurity Strategies | A Black Hat USA 2024 Conversation with Fred Heiding | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli

Jul 25, 2024

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Guest: Fred Heiding, Research Fellow, Harvard

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

On Twitter | https://twitter.com/fredheiding

On Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@fredheiding

On Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/fheiding/

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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

In this Chats on the Road episode as part of the On Location with Sean and Marco series, hosts Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli invite listeners into an engaging dialogue with Fred Heiding, a research fellow in computer science at Harvard. The episode dives into the intricacies of national cybersecurity strategies, exploring the intersection of technology, policy, and economics in safeguarding nations against cyber threats.

Fred opens up about his journey from a technical background to a more policy-focused role at Harvard’s Kennedy School, driving home the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to cybersecurity. This sets the stage for a captivating discussion on the collaborative research project he's leading, which aims to evaluate and enhance national cybersecurity strategies worldwide.

Listeners are treated to an insightful narrative on how the project originated from an insightful question Fred posed at a Harvard conference, leading to a fruitful partnership with national security researcher Alex O'Neill and Lachlan Price, a pivotal figure in crafting Australia's renowned cybersecurity strategy. Together, they've been investigating the effectiveness of various national strategies, emphasizing the need for context-specific evaluations.

A major highlight of the episode is the discussion on the inclusion of emerging technologies, particularly AI, in these cybersecurity policies. Fred provides an optimistic update on how even slightly older documents are proactively addressing future-proof strategies against new technological threats. This is paired with a deep dive into the concepts of resilience and the importance of creating detailed, actionable policy documents that can be evaluated for effectiveness over time.

Sean and Marco steer the conversation towards the practical implications of these strategies, questioning how economic factors influence cybersecurity policy and the trade-offs between system security and usability. Fred’s insights into the economic dimensions of cybersecurity, including the balance between investment in protection and the potential costs of cyber attacks, add a valuable perspective to the discussion.

The episode promises to inspire listeners with Fred’s forward-thinking approach and the practical applications of his research. As Fred previews his upcoming presentation at Black Hat, excitement builds for those interested in the detailed findings and innovative strategies he will share.

Tune in to this episode for a thought-provoking exploration of national cybersecurity strategies, enriched by Fred Heiding’s expert insights and the dynamic interaction between the hosts and their guest. Whether you're a policymaker, technologist, or cybersecurity enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable takeaways and a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving cyber landscape.

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Contributors to A Multilateral Framework for Evaluating National Cybersecurity Strategies (BlackHat Session):

Fred Heiding | Research Fellow, Harvard

Alex O'Neill | Independet

Lachlan Price | Research Assistant, Harvard

Eric Rosenbach | Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard

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This Episode’s Sponsors

LevelBlue: https://itspm.ag/levelblue266f6c

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