
Cyber Leaders
The Cyber Leaders podcast focusses on the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, delivering cutting-edge insights and trends with energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism. With high level expertise and thought leadership, we aim to provide invaluable perspectives and actionable strategies to empower leaders in navigating the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity.
Latest episodes

Jul 18, 2025 • 39min
Series Two Round-Up
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

Jul 11, 2025 • 49min
Life, Limb, and Infrastructure with Tim Conway
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

Jun 27, 2025 • 38min
Cyber Warfare, Disinformation, and Geopolitical Risks with Dr. Bilyana Lilly
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

Jun 27, 2025 • 52min
Fighting Back with John Hubbard
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

Jun 20, 2025 • 44min
Translating Cyber Risk for a Chaotic World with Tarah Wheeler
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

Jun 13, 2025 • 46min
The Cyber Battlefield with Max Smeets
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

Jun 6, 2025 • 46min
Securing the Supply Chain with Christine Gadsby
In this episode, Ciaran and James meet Christine Gadsby, Vice President and CISO at BlackBerry, to talk supply chain security; from exploding pagers to software liabilities. Christine reflects on how the industry is maturing around regulation, secure development, and vendor accountability as well as what happens when even hardware becomes a weapon.Contact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org

May 30, 2025 • 47min
Inside Pacific Rim with Ross McKerchar
In this episode, Ciaran and James are joined by Ross McKerchar, CISO at Sophos, to discuss one of the most significant – and to some, controversial – counter cyber operations ever carried out by a private company. Ross shares insights from the frontlines of the Pacific Rim campaign, as well as the shifting dynamics of the cybersecurity industry and what active defence really looks like in practice.Contact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org

8 snips
May 23, 2025 • 40min
The Fifth Domain: NATO’s Cyber Frontline with Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer
In this engaging discussion, Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer, NATO's CIO, shares his unique perspective on cybersecurity within a military alliance of 32 nations. He delves into the evolving cyber threats and the complexities of collective defense in today's digital landscape. From personal anecdotes about moments like Stuxnet to the significance of NATO's governance, Manfred illustrates the challenges and innovative strategies in cybersecurity. He emphasizes the need for collaboration and proactive measures to ensure resilience against emerging technologies in a contested cyberspace.

May 23, 2025 • 33min
Insider Threat with Lisa Forte
In this episode, Lisa Forte, founder of Red Goat, joins Ciaran and James to discuss risk, security and the threat from within. Lisa offers her expertise on insider threat, crisis management, and high risk adventures. Highlights:Insider threat; the breakdownU.S. CERT definitions and mitigationDefining Insider Threats | CISA | Insider Threat Mitigation Guide NPSA guidance and toolsInsider Risk | NPSA | Reducing Insider Risk | NPSA A pervasive problemSANS – Decoding: “Insider Threat” Forget the outside hacker, the bigger threat is inside • The Register Surveillance won’t curb insider threats — but workplace culture can | Security Magazine Red Goat Security research into the barriers preventing reporting.Insider Threat Report 2019 Additional Resources:Red Goat Cyber Security Whistleblowing for employees Contact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org