Cyber Leaders

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

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

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

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

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.

We're Back for Season 2!Catch up on episodes from Season 1: 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 ring in the new year with a look back at the standout guests and thought-provoking topics from series one. They also take a sneak peek at what 2025 holds for the ever-evolving world of tech security.And to top it off, there’s a special announcement to chase away those January blues.Highlights:Typhoon VariantsCiaran and James take a look at developing cyber threats from China, including:Volt Typhoon: a persistent botnet with wide-reaching impactsVolt Typhoon back with vengeance | Blowing out the botsSalt Typhoon: a new wave of cyber espionageWall Street Journal article: How Chinese Hackers Graduated From Clumsy Corporate Thieves to Military Weapons | Department of Treasury PressReleaseNew year, new legislationAs the U.S. pulls back on regulation, other nations are strengthening theircybersecurity laws.Australia’s new law mandates ransomware attack reportingMandatory ransomware payment reporting | Cyber SanctionsUK: Cybersecurity and resilience bill focused on ransomware mitigationCyber Security and Resilience Bill | Ransomware Legislative Proposals: Government ConsultationAdditional Resources:Cyber Leaders Series One EpisodesThe myth of the 8-character passwordLazarus Heist: The intercontinental ATM theft that netted $14m in two hoursCyber Threat ConferenceContact: Have questions or comments? Email us at ciso-network@sans.org