Data Security Decoded

Welcome to the ⁠Data Security Decoded⁠ podcast, brought to you by ⁠Rubrik Zero Labs⁠. In each episode, we discuss cybersecurity with thought leaders and industry experts, getting their take on trends, themes, and how they see data security evolving. This is a must-listen for security and IT leaders looking to better understand trends shaping data security and how they can achieve cyber resilience.  In this episode, our host, ⁠Caleb Tolin⁠, is joined by ⁠Errol Weiss⁠, Chief Security Officer at ⁠Health-ISAC⁠ and former cybersecurity leader at ⁠Citi⁠ and ⁠Bank of America⁠. Errol shares his journey from the NSA to building one of the most collaborative threat intelligence networks in healthcare, discussing cyber recovery, the minimum viable hospital model, and why culture and community matter in achieving true resilience. Errol Weiss has been a driving force in advancing cybersecurity resilience across critical sectors, beginning with his early work at the National Security Agency and later leading security programs at Citi and Bank of America. As Chief Security Officer at Health-ISAC, he built a threat operations center from the ground up, delivering original threat intelligence to healthcare organizations that often lack the resources to do it alone. With deep experience across consulting, finance, and healthcare, Errol has become a leading voice in shifting the conversation from protection to recovery, promoting a resilience-first mindset, collaborative intelligence sharing, and a human-centric security culture. Join Caleb and Errol as they explore what makes healthcare cybersecurity unique, how to embed security into clinical culture, and why building a “human firewall” is just as critical as any technical control in today’s evolving threat landscape. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Intro 01:33 - Moving from consulting and finance to healthcare cybersecurity 02:12 - What ISACs are and how Health-ISAC supports threat sharing 04:39 - Building a threat operations center from scratch 06:38 - Collaboration differences between finance and healthcare ISACs 07:24 - Shifting from disaster recovery to cyber recovery and resilience 09:12 - Why HIPAA 2.0 is unlikely to advance and what’s happening instead 11:58 - How policy mandates collide with healthcare’s talent and budget challenges 13:01 - Biking, mental clarity, and leadership outside of work 14:26 - Embedding security into healthcare culture and creating a human firewall 16:43 - The rise of the minimum viable hospital concept 18:20 - Why Errol remains optimistic about AI and the future of cybersecurity Episode Resources: Health-ISAC Official Site National Council of ISACs website  Rubrik Zero Labs website Caleb Tolin on LinkedIn Errol Weiss on LinkedIn

Navigating Modern Cybersecurity: From Supply Chain Risks to AI Evolution. In this episode of ⁠Data Security Decoded⁠, ⁠Allison Wikoff⁠, a 20-year veteran in information security and threat intelligence, explores current cybersecurity challenges, emerging threats, and practical defensive strategies for organizations of all sizes. What You'll Learn: How to prioritize vulnerability management by focusing on critical edge devices and access points Why understanding your network architecture is crucial for effective threat defense The reality of AI in cyber attacks: current uses, limitations, and practical defense strategies How to build supply chain resilience through vendor assessment and backup supplier planning Why older vulnerabilities remain a primary attack vector and how to address them effectively The framework for developing an actionable threat profile tailored to your organization's needs Key Insights: Threat actors increasingly target known vulnerabilities over sophisticated zero-day exploits Supply chain security requires understanding vendor access levels and maintaining secondary suppliers AI adoption in cyber attacks remains focused on basic tasks like improving phishing emails and code generation Organizations should prioritize patching vulnerabilities in edge devices like VPNs and WAFs Building an effective security strategy starts with understanding your organization's specific threat profile Partnering with vendors and suppliers can help smaller organizations enhance their security capabilities Highlights: [00:00:00] Vulnerability Exploitation Trends Allison Wikoff reveals that vulnerability exploitation has become a dominant attack vector across both criminal and state-sponsored threat actors. The shift marks a departure from traditional assumptions that mainly espionage-focused groups leveraged vulnerabilities. [04:30] Supply Chain Security Essentials   Wikoff emphasizes that modern supply chain security requires looking beyond just your own organization's defenses. Organizations must thoroughly understand their vendors' access levels and potential impact on operations. [07:23] AI in Cybersecurity: Reality vs Hype Tolin shares that while AI adoption by threat actors is increasing, it hasn't revolutionized attack tactics as many feared. Current AI usage focuses mainly on improving phishing email quality and assisting with malware code generation. [14:08] Threat Profile Development Tolin advocates for organizations to start by understanding what assets would interest attackers rather than chasing every new threat. The rapidly changing threat landscape makes it impossible to defend against everything, requiring a focused approach based on your specific risk profile. Episode Resources:  Caleb Tolin on LinkedIn Allison Wikoff on LinkedIn PwC website PwC - Year in Retrospect Report 2024 Rubrik Zero Labs website

AI-powered SOC platforms are revolutionizing cybersecurity by dramatically reducing false positives and enabling analysts to focus on high-value security work. In this episode of ⁠Data Security Decoded⁠, join ⁠Caleb Tolin⁠ as he sits down with ⁠Grant Oviatt⁠, Head of Security Operations at Prophet Security, to explore how AI agents are transforming security operations centers (SOCs) and reshaping the future of cyber defense. What You'll Learn: How AI agents achieve a 95% reduction in false positive alerts while maintaining high investigation accuracy Why AI won't replace SOC analysts but will elevate their roles by eliminating tedious tasks The framework for building trust in AI security tools through evidence-backed investigations and transparent decision-making How AI is lowering barriers to entry for cybersecurity careers by focusing on analytical thinking over technical expertise The critical balance between AI automation and human context in security operations. How to evaluate and implement AI security solutions, including key criteria for testing accuracy and effectiveness Highlights: [02:57] Dramatic Reduction in False Positives Through AI-Driven Investigation [07:21] AI Augmentation vs. Replacement: Elevating Security Roles [09:34] Lowering Barriers to Entry in Cybersecurity [17:41] Building Trust Through Transparent AI Operations [21:58] Strategic Implementation of AI Security Solutions Episode Resources: Caleb Tolin on LinkedIn Grant Oviatt on LinkedIn Prophet Security website Rubrik Zero Labs website

In this episode of ⁠Data Security Decoded⁠, host ⁠Caleb Tolin⁠ sits down with ⁠Gabrielle Hibbert⁠, a social policy expert and researcher, about her innovative work developing a nutrition labeling system for generative AI tools. This framework aims to bridge the gap between complex AI technology and consumer understanding, while addressing critical transparency and data privacy concerns. What You'll Learn: How nutrition labels for AI tools can make complex technology accessible to non-technical users Why current privacy policies fail to protect consumers, with 93% of users unable to understand them The three-pillar approach to AI transparency: general usage information, safety measures, and potential risks How companies can balance corporate sensitivity with consumer transparency in AI tool deployment Why Generation Z and Millennial users feel increasingly burdened by technology, and how transparency can help The regulatory framework needed to standardize AI tool labeling across industries How iterative processes and APIs can keep AI nutrition labels current with rapid technological changes The importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in developing effective AI transparency standards Episode Highlights: [00:00:55] Creating Consumer-Friendly AI Transparency Labels [04:58] Building Universal Understanding Across Technical Levels [22:13] Regulatory Framework Integration [27:21] Dynamic Updates Through API Integration Episode Resources: Caleb Tolin on LinkedIn Gabrielle Hibbert on LinkedIn FCC Broadband Labeling System New America – Translating the Artificial Report Page FDA Nutrition Label Design Standards

Welcome to the ⁠Data Security Decoded⁠ podcast by Rubrik Zero Labs. In this episode, our host ⁠Caleb Tolin⁠ speaks with ⁠Joe Hladik⁠, a veteran security expert with two decades of experience, to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, incident response, and the critical challenges of data security in today's distributed environments. What You'll Learn: How the cybersecurity landscape has evolved from traditional nation-state threats to modern ransomware operations Why data sprawl creates complex security challenges as sensitive information moves across platforms and users The real-world challenges organizations face when managing vulnerability patches and business continuity How identity management has become more complex than just "the new perimeter" in cloud environments Why data security posture management is crucial for protecting sensitive information across distributed systems The ways modern threat actors combine financial and political motivations in sophisticated attack campaigns The conversation draws from "The State of Data Security: A Distributed Crisis," a new report from Rubrik Zero Labs, and provides practical insights into how organizations can better manage their data security posture while addressing emerging threats in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Episode Highlights: [20:05] Understanding Data Sprawl and Security Posture Management [27:05] Identity Management as a Dynamic Security Challenge  [08:40] The Evolution of Cyber Threats and Motivations [32:28] The Future of Security Research and Response Episode Resources: Caleb Tolin on LinkedIn Joe Hladik on LinkedIn The State of Data Security: A Distributed Crisis, Rubrik Zero Labs Report

Welcome to the ⁠Data Security Decoded⁠ podcast by Rubrik Zero Labs. In this episode, our host ⁠Caleb Tolin⁠ speaks with ⁠Pavlina Pavlova⁠, a researcher and cybersecurity advocate focusing on data weaponization and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. Pavlina defines data weaponization as using data to manipulate, deceive, coerce, or attack someone to inflict harm. Her research investigates why cyber attacks and their impacts often have gendered dimensions, with certain populations experiencing more severe consequences. The conversation explores how attacks on critical infrastructure, particularly healthcare, create immediate impacts. While cyber attacks aren't becoming more sophisticated, they're growing more vicious. Ransomware attacks against healthcare facilities disproportionately affect women, who often serve as caregivers and rely more heavily on healthcare services. Pavlina examines the geopolitical dimensions of cybercrime, noting how certain nations harbor cybercriminals aligned with their foreign policy goals. These sanctuary jurisdictions make accountability difficult and contribute to attacks aimed at disrupting societal resilience. Join Caleb and Pavlina as they discuss policy frameworks addressing gender dimensions of data weaponization, explore international cooperation efforts, and share practical advice for under-resourced organizations to improve their cyber resilience despite limited funding. They also examine the critical role of responsible data collection and the importance of donors specifically allocating cybersecurity funding when supporting vulnerable organizations. Episode Highlights: [01:02] Defining Data Weaponization [04:11] Critical Infrastructure Targeting [09:29] Geopolitical Dimensions of Cybercrime [13:24] Policy Frameworks and International Cooperation [19:31] Resources for Under-resourced Organizations Episode Resources: Caleb Tolin on LinkedIn Pavlina Pavlova on LinkedIn New America report by Pavlina Pavlova Cyber Peace Institute United Nations Cybercrime Convention

Welcome to the ⁠Data Security Decoded⁠ podcast by Rubrik Zero Labs. In this episode, our host, ⁠Caleb Tolin⁠, is joined by ⁠Michael Razeeq⁠, a cybersecurity policy researcher specializing in advocating for Civilian Cyber Corps (C3s). Michael shares insights into how these volunteer forces, C3s, are transforming community cyber defense, addressing workforce shortages, and providing both preventive and reactive cybersecurity services to underfunded organizations. Michael's research provides a unique perspective on the emergence of the Civilian Cyber Corps across various models, from university cyber clinics to state-level programs. These task forces address gaps in cybersecurity defense where resource constraints leave organizations vulnerable. As a ⁠2024 #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellow at New America⁠ and 2025 Fellow at UC Berkeley ⁠CLTC⁠, he advocates for a "whole society" approach to cybersecurity, highlighting successful implementations in states like Ohio and drawing inspiration from Estonia's cyber defense unit. Join Caleb and Michael as they explore the operational frameworks of C3s, discuss the challenges of recruiting and vetting volunteers, examine legal considerations for establishing programs, and share insights on measuring both quantitative and qualitative impacts of these initiatives. They also look at the future of C3s through increased collaboration and partnerships like the Cyber Resilience Core. Episode Highlights: [01:30] The Rise of Civilian Cyber Corps (C3s) [13:11] Pathways to Establishing C3 Programs [19:47] Left of Boom vs Right of Boom Services [26:49] Addressing C3 Implementation Challenges Episode Resources: Caleb Tolin on LinkedIn Michael Razeeq on LinkedIn “Civilian Cyber Corps: A Model Law for States” by Michael Razeeq for New America  New America’s #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellowship Program UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity Program CISA Cybersecurity Resources for High-Risk Communities

Welcome to the Data Security Decoded podcast. In this episode, our host, ⁠Richard Cassidy⁠, is joined by ⁠Carolin Desirée Toepfer⁠, founder of ⁠Cyttraction⁠ and CISO as a Service for multiple organizations across Europe and North America. Carolin shares her journey from building websites and online communities to becoming a cybersecurity leader, offering insights into the unique challenges of European cybersecurity, AI security frameworks, and transforming cybersecurity training into data integrity training that better aligns with business needs. Carolin's unique position as a CISO for multiple organizations gives her exceptional perspective on cybersecurity challenges across different industries and company sizes. Her approach focuses on addressing gaps in the European cybersecurity landscape where, according to Cisco studies, only 2% of companies are well-prepared. As founder of Cyttraction, an edtech company focused on cybersecurity training, she advocates for reframing security training to emphasize data integrity and digital identity protection, making it more relevant to business stakeholders. Join Richard and Carolin as they explore the evolution of the CISO role in Europe, discuss the global skills shortage in cybersecurity, examine cultural differences in security awareness between North America and Europe, and share insights on effective training strategies that accommodate modern attention spans and learning preferences. Episode Highlights: 00:02 - Introduction and CISO as a Service Role 01:57 - European Cybersecurity Landscape and Challenges 03:26 - Path to Becoming a CISO 06:17 - Regional Differences in Cybersecurity Approaches 09:53 - AI Governance and Business Impact 14:39 - Reframing Security Training for Business Alignment 19:20 - Measuring Training Effectiveness 24:01 - Future Outlook for Cybersecurity Episode Resources: Richard Cassidy on LinkedIn Carolin Desirée Toepfer on LinkedIn Cyttraction Learning Platform The State of Data Security: The New Rules Breaking the Banks report from Rubrik Zero Labs

Welcome to the ⁠Data Security Decoded⁠ podcast, brought to you by ⁠Rubrik Zero Labs⁠. In each episode, we discuss cybersecurity with thought leaders and industry experts and get their take on trends, themes, and how they see data security evolving. This is a must-listen for security and IT leaders looking to better understand trends shaping data security and how they can achieve cyber resilience.  In this episode, our host, ⁠Ghazal Asif⁠, Global VP of Channels, Alliances, and Inside Sales at Rubrik, is joined by ⁠Kris Lovejoy⁠, Global Security and Resilience Practice Leader at ⁠Kyndryl⁠. With over two decades of leadership experience, Kris has built a career focused on advancing technology ecosystems that drive human progress. At Kyndryl, she leads initiatives to design, manage, and safeguard the world's most reliable technology infrastructure. Previously, Kris served as EY’s Global Cybersecurity Leader, where she worked with diverse teams across 150+ countries to solve complex cybersecurity challenges. She has also held leadership roles at IBM, including VP of IT Risk and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and served as CEO of BluVector, a Comcast company. Kris also sits on the board of Dominion Energy, where she supports efforts to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. Join Ghazal and Kris as they explore actionable strategies for integrating cyber resilience into business operations, the importance of regulatory readiness for global organizations navigating new compliance frameworks, and how diverse teams drive innovative problem-solving in cybersecurity. Episode Highlights:  00:00 - Intro 03:45 - Evolving Perspectives on Compliance and Regulation 07:25 - Why Diversity in IT and Security Teams Drives Better Solutions 09:59 - Cybersecurity vs. Cyber Resilience 14:25 - Practical Strategies for Building Cyber Resilience 17:40 - Communicating Security Strategies to Non-Technical Leaders 20:25 - The Paradox of Per Capita Spend 26:09 - Regulatory Readiness in a Complex Global Landscape 28:09 - Preparing for Cyber Threats: The Critical Role of Basic Hygiene 30:18 - Looking Forward: Optimism for the Future of Cybersecurity Episode Resources Rubrik Zero Labs The State of Data Security: Measuring Your Data's Risk report Ghazal Asif on LinkedIn Kris Lovejoy on LinkedIn

Welcome to the ⁠Data Security Decoded⁠ podcast, brought to you by Rubrik Zero Labs⁠. In each episode, we discuss cybersecurity with thought leaders and industry experts, getting their take on trends, themes, and how they see data security evolving. This is a must-listen for security and IT leaders looking to better understand trends shaping data security and how they can achieve cyber resilience.  In this episode, our host, ⁠Travis Rosiek⁠, Public Sector CTO at Rubrik, is joined by ⁠Nicole Tisdale⁠, Founder of Advocacy Blueprints, former Director of Legislative Affairs for the National Security Council, and author of ⁠Right to Petition⁠. Nicole shares her journey from rural Mississippi to national security leadership, offering insights into cybersecurity equity, workforce development, and public policy's critical role in addressing underserved communities' unique challenges. Nicole’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping transformative policies, including spearheading The White House’s advocacy that secured a $1 billion cybersecurity grant program and the nation’s first cyber incident reporting law. Representing the United States in global policy dialogues across 30 nations, she has been a prominent voice in advancing security and equity on the international stage. Now as the Founder of Advocacy Blueprints, Nicole continues to champion cybersecurity and civic engagement, equipping organizations and individuals with the tools to influence policy effectively. She is also the author of Right to Petition, a practical guide for empowering citizens in advocacy. Join Travis and Nicole as they delve into the challenges of bridging policy gaps for underserved communities and her vision for equitable cybersecurity policies that prepare, respond, and recover in today’s digital landscape. Episode Highlights:  00:00 - Intro 02:57 - Advocacy for Underserved Communities 06:21 - Addressing Cybersecurity Gaps in Rural and Low-Income Communities 07:17 - Defensive vs. Offensive Cybersecurity Policy 12:10 - The Role of Proactive Policy in Cyber Resilience 18:35 - The Importance of Cybersecurity Workforce Development 21:41 - Regional Nodes for Workforce Growth and Local Cybersecurity Defense 25:48 - Connecting Workforce Development to Community Economic Stability 30:05 - The Ripple Effects of Cyberattacks on Healthcare Systems 34:57 - Cybersecurity as Critical Infrastructure Protection: The Rural Perspective 38:39 - Advocacy Blueprints: Empowering Communities to Influence Policy 45:15 - Effective Advocacy: Known Information and Resource Alignment in Cyber Policy 48:03 - Advice for Government Leaders During Leadership Transitions 55:59 - Optimism About Cybersecurity’s Future Episode Resources: Rubrik Zero Labs The State of Data Security: Measuring Your Data's Risk report Travis Rosiek on LinkedIn Nicole Tisdale on LinkedIn Right to Petition by Nicole Tisdale