CyberWire Daily

Steve Blank, national security, and the dilemma of technology disruption. (Part 1 of 2)

Sep 22, 2024

Steve Blank, co-founder of Stanford's Gordian Knot Center, dives deep into national security innovation. He discusses the urgent need for the U.S. Department of Defense to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies amid global challenges like those posed by China. Blank tackles the 'dilemma of technology disruption,' highlighting bureaucratic hurdles and how military experiences can drive innovation in cybersecurity. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming outdated practices to enhance defense strategies for modern warfare.

40:25

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Steve Blank

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Quick takeaways

Steve Blank emphasizes that the U.S. Department of Defense must overcome bureaucratic challenges to accelerate defense technology innovation and implementation.

The podcast highlights the necessity for the national security community to adopt agile practices akin to high-tech industries for effective innovation.

Deep dives

The Risks of Common Password Practices

Common password sharing practices within organizations pose significant security risks. Many employees resort to sending credentials through unsecured channels like email or Slack, despite knowing the dangers. Additionally, storing login information in shared spreadsheets further exacerbates the problem. These human errors account for more than 68% of all data breaches, highlighting the urgent need for secure solutions.

Intro

2min

Exploring Technology Innovation in National Security

2min

Evolving National Security Technologies

12min

Navigating Change in Military Organizations

7min

Navigating Military Innovation and Crisis Response

13min

Exploring Defense Technology Investments and Future Innovations

3min

In this 2-part special edition series, guest Steve Blank, co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University, speaks with N2K's Brandon Karpf about national security and the dilemma of technology disruption.

In this series, Steve Blank, a renowned expert in national security innovation, explores the critical challenges facing the U.S. Department of Defense in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. From the rise of global adversaries like China to the bureaucratic obstacles hindering defense innovation, Blank breaks down the “dilemma of technology disruption” in national security. Learn how the U.S. can overcome its outdated systems, accelerate innovation, and prepare for the future of defense technology. Whether you’re interested in defense tech, cybersecurity, or government innovation, this episode offers deep insights into the intersection of national security and technological disruption.

For some background, you can check out Steve’s article “Why Large Organizations Struggle With Disruption, and What to Do About It.”

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