Cyber Leaders

In this episode, Ciaran and James speak with Heather Barnhart, Senior Director of Forensic Research at Cellebrite and Head of Faculty and DFIR Curriculum Lead at SANS, about the challenging world of digital forensics. Heather shares her experiences working on high-profile criminal cases, discusses the importance of thorough logging, and reflects on the real-world impact of cybersecurity on people’s lives.Contact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org

Marin Ivezic, Founder of Applied Quantum and former CISO with extensive cybersecurity experience, and Dr. Kawin Boonyapredee, Chief Strategy Officer with a strong background in cybersecurity, delve into the impending challenges posed by quantum computing. They discuss the potential of quantum to shatter current encryption methods and the urgency for organizations to adopt quantum readiness strategies today. With insights on post-quantum cryptography and practical steps for security leaders, they make a compelling case for proactive adaptation in the face of this evolving technology.

Paul Chichester, a seasoned leader at the UK's National Cyber Security Centre with over 30 years at GCHQ, shares his insights on evolving cyber threats. He delves into the shift from traditional espionage to rampant ransomware attacks and outlines key moments in cyber history, like WannaCry and Colonial Pipeline. Paul emphasizes the need for public-private partnerships in defense and stresses the importance of transparency in security operations. He also discusses how AI is a double-edged sword for both attackers and defenders.

In this episode, Ciaran and James are joined by SANS Chief of Research and Head of Faculty, Rob Lee, to tackle the one big issue on everyone’s mind, AI. Rob shares his expert insight on the rapid rise of AI, from mainstream adoption to cognitive impact, and examines the threats, opportunities, and where human judgment still matters.Contact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org

In this bonus episode, Ciaran and James look back on the memorable moments of Series 2, revisiting insightful interviews and compelling discussions. They explore recurring themes such as cyber conflict, critical infrastructure protection and the shifting threat landscape. It’s a chance to reflect and gear up for what’s ahead in Series 3.To see links and learn more about the show, visit https://www.sans.org/cyber-leaders-podcast/Contact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org

In this episode, Ciaran and James are joined by Tim Conway, Technical Director of ICS and SCADA, to discuss the hidden systems that keep society running, from power plants to water grids. Tim sheds light on the unique challenges of securing industrial control systems, the dangers of complacency, and why the OT world is often overlooked until something goes terribly wrong. To learn more about our guest Tim Conway and for links from the episode, visit https://www.sans.org/podcasts/cyber-leaders/Contact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org

In this bonus episode, Ciaran and James sit down with Dr. Bilyana Lilly, to discuss cyber disinformation, diplomacy and defense. Here Bilyana sheds light on how geopolitical risk affects technology, including cyber threats, information warfare, and the evolving global security landscape.To learn more about our guest Dr. Bilyana Lilly and for links from the episode, visit https://www.sans.org/podcasts/cyber-leaders/Contact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org

In this episode, Ciaran and James are joined by Senior SANS instructor John Hubbard to discuss the ever-changing threat landscape and how SOC teams can stay ahead. John shares his expertise on spotting threats early, how to test your defences before the real attackers show up, and why he’s on a mission to simplify cybersecurity operations for the next generation of defenders.To learn more about our guest John Hubbard and for links from the show, visit https://www.sans.org/podcasts/cyber-leaders/Contact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org

In this episode, Ciaran and James sit down with Tarah Wheeler, scholar, campaigner and entrepreneur, to discuss risk, safety and security in an increasingly unstable digital world. Tarah shares her expertise on protecting the most vulnerable, navigating legal grey zones in cybersecurity research, and translating complex technical issues into action for policymakers and small businesses alike.Find more information about our guest Tarah Wheeler and episode links at https://www.sans.org/podcasts/cyber-leaders/Contact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org

In this episode, Ciaran and James meet Max Smeets, Co Director of Virtual Routes and Senior Researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies at ETH Zurich, to discuss how digital threats are reshaping geopolitics. Max shares his expertise on the cyber dimensions of modern warfare, and the impact of ransomware attacks on global security.Contact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org