Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson

Erez Liebermann, partner at Debevoise & Plimpton and a leading voice in cybersecurity and data privacy joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Together, they unpack how legal and security teams can act as strategic partners, aligning regulatory compliance with business priorities while preparing for and responding to incidents. Erez offers actionable insights from real-world experience on breaking down silos, building trust, and balancing transparency with legal prudence during breaches. Listeners gain practical strategies for fostering cross-functional collaboration, improving incident response, and strengthening organizational resilience in today’s evolving threat landscape. Resources:  View Erez Liebermann on LinkedIn   View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:  Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast  The BlueHat Podcast   Uncovering Hidden Risks        Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Amy Edmondson, Harvard Business School professor and psychological safety pioneer joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Together they discuss how creating psychologically safe environments allows teams, especially in high-pressure fields like cybersecurity, to speak up about early warnings, embrace the red, and learn from failure. Amy shares her framework for distinguishing between intelligent, basic, and complex failures, and offers practical guidance for leaders looking to build high-performing, resilient teams in uncertain, fast-moving environments. Resources:  View Amy Edmondson on LinkedIn             View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:  Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast  The BlueHat Podcast   Uncovering Hidden Risks     Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts      Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Nasrin Rezai, SVP and CISO at Verizon joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Nasrin shares practical defense strategies for hard-to-secure legacy systems, emphasizes the importance of zero trust, and explains why cybersecurity is now a matter of national defense. Despite the challenges, she closes with optimism, believing that innovation, collaboration, and a new generation of cyber leaders will shape a more secure future.    Resources:   View Nasrin Rezai on LinkedIn       View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:   Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   The BlueHat Podcast    Uncovering Hidden Risks           Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts      Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. Jeetu shares insights on the urgent need for machine-scale defenses, the potential for defenders to finally tip the scale against attackers, and the importance of collaboration across the industry. They discuss the evolution of agentic AI, the challenges of innovation fragmentation, and why cybersecurity must become more accessible and effective to keep pace with modern threats.    Resources:   View Jeetu Patel On LinkedIn   View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:   Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   The BlueHat Podcast    Uncovering Hidden Risks           Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts      Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Dr. Aleise McGowan, Chief Information Security Officer of BlackGirlsHack and a 20-year cybersecurity veteran, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Aleise shares how a career-defining hack early on shifted her trajectory from developer to defender, and why she believes the future of security lies in resilience, diversity, and human-centered leadership. She talks about what separates good and great leaders during the first hours of an incident response and why delayed action equals exponential damage. She also spotlights her work with BlackGirlsHack, a rapidly growing nonprofit that opens doors for underrepresented talent in cyber, and makes the case that building an inclusive security workforce isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.    Resources:   View Aleise McGowan on LinkedIn   View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:   Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   The BlueHat Podcast    Uncovering Hidden Risks           Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts      Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Yonatan Zunger, Corporate Vice President and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for Artificial Intelligence at Microsoft joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. They dive into the evolving cybersecurity landscape shaped by generative and agentic AI, discussing both the opportunities and the risks. Yonatan shares insights on how organizations should think about AI as a junior employee - not infallible, but useful when paired with human oversight. They also explore the principles of safe AI development, how to balance innovation with governance, and why AI could finally enable persistent cybersecurity defense in a way never before possible.    Resources:   View Yonatan Zunger on LinkedIn   View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:   Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   The BlueHat Podcast    Uncovering Hidden Risks   Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts      Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Dr. Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman of RSA Conference and Managing Partner at Crosspoint Capital joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. They discuss what goes into planning the world’s largest cybersecurity conference—from theme selection to llama-related surprises on the expo floor—and how the RSA community continues to evolve. Hugh also shares how his background in applied math led him from academia to cybersecurity, his thoughts on the human element in security, and what keeps him optimistic about the future of the industry.    Resources:   View Hugh Thompson on LinkedIn    View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn          Related Microsoft Podcasts:   Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   The BlueHat Podcast    Uncovering Hidden Risks          Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts      Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

On this special episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea, Ann brings listeners inside the 2025 RSA Conference to explore the intersection of AI, quantum computing and cyber resiliency with two visionary experts: Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Vinod Vaikuntanathan and Dr. Sasha O’Connell from The Aspen Institute. Vinod shares how quantum computing poses a serious threat to current encryption methods and explains the urgent need for post-quantum cryptography, while Sasha shares her non-technical path into cybersecurity, her work leading Aspen Digital’s global policy efforts and the launch of the new public campaign aimed at making cybersecurity accessible and actionable for everyone.     Resources:   View Sasha O’Connell on LinkedIn   View Vinod Vaikuntanathan on LinkedIn           View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:   Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   The BlueHat Podcast    Uncovering Hidden Risks           Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts      Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Christina Morillo, Head of Information Security at the National Football League’s New York Giants joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Christina discusses the ins and outs of building a resilient cybersecurity strategy, the importance of entering organizations with curiosity—not checklists—and why listening is always her first step. Christina breaks down common cybersecurity misconceptions, shares how to move from strategy to implementation, discusses the importance of storytelling in governance and shares how she addresses burnout and mental health in her teams.  Resources:  View Christina Morillo on LinkedIn    View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn   Related Microsoft Podcasts:    Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast  The BlueHat Podcast   Uncovering Hidden Risks           Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts      Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Jack Rhysider, the creator and host of cybersecurity podcast Darknet Diaries joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Jack shares his journey from network security engineer to self-taught storyteller, detailing how his passion for cybersecurity and relentless dedication to learning and marketing helped him build an independent media powerhouse. He discusses the challenges of growing the podcast from scratch, the intensity required to succeed, and why telling well-researched cybercrime stories keeps him motivated.  Resources:  View Jack Rhysider on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn   Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast  The BlueHat Podcast   Uncovering Hidden Risks         Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Ryan Field, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer at Bank of Hawaii joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. With over two decades of experience in IT and cybersecurity, Ryan shares his approach to security leadership; and the importance of fostering collaboration and diverse perspectives. He discusses the unique challenges of cybersecurity in banking and financial services, how organizations across Hawaii are coming together to build a more resilient security workforce, and how shifting from enforcers to influencers is transforming security culture.     Resources:   View Ryan Field on LinkedIn         View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn          Related Microsoft Podcasts:      Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   The BlueHat Podcast    Uncovering Hidden Risks              Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts         Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Micah Czigan, Chief Information Security Officer at Georgetown University joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. With a career spanning the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and private sector cybersecurity, Micah shares his journey from marine biology to cryptologic communications, ultimately finding his passion for cybersecurity. He discusses the parallels between military strategy and cybersecurity and what business leaders can learn from the unique and critical threats facing universities.     Resources:   View Micah Czigan on LinkedIn         View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn          Related Microsoft Podcasts:      Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   The BlueHat Podcast    Uncovering Hidden Risks              Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts         Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Igor Tsyganskiy, Microsoft's Global Chief Information Security Officer, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea for an engaging conversation on the challenges and optimism driving the fight against cyber threats. Igor shares insights from his diverse career and breaks down why cybersecurity is best understood as a battle of graphs versus lists, the importance of raising the cost for attackers, and how AI is shaping the future of defense strategies. Igor also highlights the critical role of collaboration across industries, emphasizing that security is a collective effort.     Resources:   View Igor Tsyganskiy on LinkedIn        View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:   Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   The BlueHat Podcast    No Slides Attached Podcast             Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts         Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down—neither should you. In this podcast, Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at Microsoft, sits down with top security minds to break down the risks, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping the digital world. Whether it’s AI, emerging threats, or keeping up with the evolving cybersecurity landscape, these conversations will keep you informed and ready. Season 8 premieres February 25th—get ready.

The cyber landscape is evolving—are you keeping up? Join Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at Microsoft, as she dives into the latest trends shaping security, AI, and digital transformation with top industry experts. From emerging threats to game-changing innovations, this is the podcast for leaders and techies who need to stay ahead. New episodes coming soon—stay tuned!

In this milestone 100th episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea, we celebrate with a special "Best Of" compilation featuring some of our most remarkable guests. Join us as we revisit highlights from conversations with Charlie Bell, Marc Goodman, Dr. Andrea Matwyshyn, Dr. Fiona Hill, Runa Sandvik, Hyrum Anderson and Ram Shankar Siva Kumar, MK Palmore, Marene Allison, Mike Hanley, and Theresa Payton. This episode brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience, reflecting on our journey and looking ahead to future challenges and innovations.  We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated listeners for your invaluable support. Thank you for being a part of our Afternoon Cyber Tea community.   Please note: Afternoon Cyber Tea is going on an indefinite hiatus.  Resources:       View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:    Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast  The BlueHat Podcast   Uncovering Hidden Risks           Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts      Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Rohan Kumar and Shawn Bice join Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Both Corporate Vice Presidents at Microsoft, Shawn, who oversees Microsoft's cloud ecosystem security organization, and Rohan, responsible for security platform, data security, compliance, and governance, share their journeys in technology and the critical role data plays in cybersecurity. The discussion highlights the transformative potential of AI, particularly Generative AI, in automating and augmenting analysts' work, allowing them to focus on critical tasks. They stress the necessity of a platform-based approach to centralize data from various sources, making it easier to manage and analyze. Addressing ethical AI and data use is crucial, and immediate action is needed to mitigate future risks. The episode underscores the increasing complexity of digital environments and the need for scalable, AI-driven solutions to handle the growing volume of data and threats.   Resources:  View Rohan Kumar on LinkedIn   View Shawn Bice on LinkedIn        View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:  Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast  The BlueHat Podcast   Uncovering Hidden Risks  Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Alberto Yepez, Co-founder and Managing Director at ForgePoint Capital, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Alberto shares his journey from an engineer at Apple to a pioneering entrepreneur and influential investor in the cybersecurity industry. Ann and Alberto discuss the evolution of cybersecurity, emphasizing the critical role of AI in both enhancing and securing technological infrastructures. Alberto provides insights into the industry's current trends and the renewed optimism following the RSA Conference, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships and government involvement in fostering a resilient cybersecurity landscape.     Resources:  View Alberto Yepez on LinkedIn        View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:  Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast  The BlueHat Podcast   Uncovering Hidden Risks         Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Katie Jenkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Liberty Mutual, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. For the past six years, Katie and her team have been responsible for ensuring the protection of company data, defending the brand, and minimizing the business impact of cyber-attacks. At Liberty Mutual Katie is the executive sponsor of multiple DEI programs, such as Women in Technology, and holds advisory roles at several venture capital and private equity firms. She also acts as an advisor and guest lecturer for multiple universities. Ann and Katie discuss how security supports the company mission at Liberty Mutual, the culture of security transformation within Liberty Mutual, and the advice Katie has for her peer leaders.    Resources:  View Katie Jenkins on LinkedIn       View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn   Related Microsoft Podcasts:  Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast  The BlueHat Podcast   Uncovering Hidden Risks         Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Robyn Frye, Vice President at Workday join’s Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Robin has spent the last 20 years working in security and compliance consulting and is currently the Vice President of Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance at Workday. Robyn shares her background, growing up in Silicon Valley and her journey into cybersecurity. The conversation touches on the significance of mentorship and sponsorship in career growth, with Robyn providing practical advice on how individuals can seek out mentors and sponsors to support their professional development. Ann and Robyn provide insights into the current landscape of cybersecurity and offer actionable strategies for promoting diversity, inclusion, and talent development within organizations.    Resources:  View Robyn Frye on LinkedIn      View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:  Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast  The BlueHat Podcast   Uncovering Hidden Risks        Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.