To The Point - Cybersecurity

Welcome to a brand new episode of To The Point Cybersecurity, brought to you by Forcepoint! This week, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher dive into a side of cybersecurity that doesn’t often get the spotlight: the ever-evolving world of memory, storage, and hardware security. They’re joined by JB Baker, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at ScaleFlux—a seasoned expert with more than 20 years of experience at top companies like Intel, Seagate, and LSI. Coming fresh off the buzz of DEF CON and Black Hat, Rachael and Jonathan kick things off discussing grassroots cyber initiatives, before shifting gears to critical threats like Rowhammer attacks and new vulnerabilities emerging as AI transforms our approach to data and memory architecture. JB unpacks the complexities of error-correcting codes (ECC), new approaches to memory protection, and how open-source, community-driven projects are reshaping data center security. From quantum computing’s impact on the encryption landscape to the ongoing power challenges facing data centers, this episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and a look at how the future of hardware security will shape everything from AI to edge computing. Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional, hardware enthusiast, or just curious about the unseen backbone powering our digital world, you won’t want to miss this conversation! For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e348

Welcome back to "Forcepoint: To the Point Cybersecurity." In this episode, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher are joined by Walter Haydock, founder and CEO of Stackaware. Walter brings a unique perspective from his time in the Marine Corps and Homeland Security, and now leads the charge in AI governance and risk management. Today’s conversation dives deep into the maze of AI regulation, focusing on the newly emerging ISO 42001 standard and what compliance really means for organizations. Walter unpacks the complexities facing companies as they navigate a patchwork of state, national, and international laws—highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by Colorado’s groundbreaking AI legislation and Europe’s evolving approach. Tune in as they discuss how to build a solid foundation for digital transformation, the three layers of AI risk, and the importance of transparency and clear policy in responsible AI adoption. If you’re a CISO, security professional, or just curious about what the future holds for AI governance and cybersecurity, this episode is packed with practical insights and thought-provoking analysis. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e347

Welcome back to To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast, brought to you by Forcepoint! In this week’s episode, co-hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher continue their conversation with Russell Teague, CISO at Fortified Health Security and a contributor to the White House National Cybersecurity Healthcare Strategy. With over three decades of experience spanning healthcare, tech, pharma, and finance, Russell dives deep into the current state of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector. In this insightful Part 2, the trio unpacks hot topics like the HIPAA Security Rule update, how budget uncertainty is creating decision paralysis for healthcare organizations, and the real-world impact this has on cyber preparedness. Russell discusses the importance—and challenges—of moving toward a secure-by-design approach for medical devices, the complexities of third-party and even fourth- and fifth-party risk, and why building strong vendor relationships and risk management programs has never been more critical. Looking to the future, they also tackle the role of AI and workforce shortages in healthcare cybersecurity, highlighting how AI could help close the security gap and how new talent—whether from the military, clinics, or other backgrounds—can find a path into this essential field. If you’re interested in where healthcare cybersecurity is heading and want practical advice straight from a top expert, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Be sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode of To the Point Cybersecurity! For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e346

On this episode of To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast, hosts Rachel Lyon and Jonathan Knepher dive deep into the evolving threat landscape in healthcare cybersecurity with special guest Russell Teague, CSO at Fortified Health Security. With over three decades of experience across sectors like healthcare, pharma, and finance—and as a contributor to the White House National Cybersecurity Healthcare Strategy—Russell brings incredibly valuable insights to the table. Together, they unpack the most pressing cyber threats facing healthcare organizations today, including ransomware as a service, third-party risks, and the growing impact of AI on both offense and defense. Russell discusses the unique challenges rural and small healthcare providers face, the critical importance of operational resiliency and incident readiness, and why data management remains a top priority in protecting patient information. Tune in for practical advice, free resources, and expert analysis of what's needed to stay ahead of attackers in one of the world’s most targeted industries. Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, healthcare leader, or just interested in the intersection of technology and patient care, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e345

Welcome back to the "To The Point Cybersecurity" podcast! After a short hiatus, hosts Rachel Lyon and Jonathan Knepher return with an exciting new episode featuring Greg Hatcher, co-founder of White Knight Labs—dubbed the "Ocean’s Eleven of cybersecurity." Greg brings a unique perspective from his days in Army Special Forces and his deep expertise in offensive cybersecurity operations. In this episode, the conversation dives into the world of red teaming, how it differs from traditional penetration testing, the realities of social engineering and physical access exploits, supply chain and AI security threats, and the ever-evolving role of CISOs in defending their organizations. Whether you're curious about insider threats, the challenges of shadow AI, or just want a glimpse into some of the most compelling stories from the front lines of cyber offense, this episode delivers insights, cautionary tales, and actionable advice for organizations looking to stay one step ahead. So sit back, tune in, and get ready to go "to the point" on everything cybersecurity! For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e344

Joining the podcast this week is Mishi Choudhary, SVP and General Counsel at Virtru. Mishi shares with us some legal perspective on the privacy discussion including freedom of thought, the right to be forgotten, end-to-end encryption for protecting user data, finding a middle ground between meeting customer privacy demands and complying with legal requirements, getting to a federal privacy regulation, and so much more! You won’t want to miss what is a truly spirited and candid conversation – in two parts! Mishi Choudhary SVP and General Counsel, Virtru A technology lawyer with over 17 years of legal experience, Mishi has served as a legal representative for many of the world's most prominent free and open source software developers and distributors, including the Free Software Foundation, Cloud Native Computing Foundation, Linux Foundation, Debian, the Apache Software Foundation, and OpenSSL. At Virtru, she leads all legal and compliance activities, builds internal processes to continue to accelerate growth, helps shape Virtru and open source strategy, and activates global business development efforts. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e343

Joining the podcast this week is Mishi Choudhary, SVP and General Counsel at Virtru. Mishi shares with us some legal perspective on the privacy discussion including freedom of thought, the right to be forgotten, end-to-end encryption for protecting user data, finding a middle ground between meeting customer privacy demands and complying with legal requirements, getting to a federal privacy regulation, and so much more! You won’t want to miss what is a truly spirited and candid conversation – in two parts! Mishi Choudhary, SVP and General Counsel, Virtru A technology lawyer with over 17 years of legal experience, Mishi has served as a legal representative for many of the world's most prominent free and open source software developers and distributors, including the Free Software Foundation, Cloud Native Computing Foundation, Linux Foundation, Debian, the Apache Software Foundation, and OpenSSL. At Virtru, she leads all legal and compliance activities, builds internal processes to continue to accelerate growth, helps shape Virtru and open source strategy, and activates global business development efforts. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e342

Joining the podcast this week is Dmitry Bestuzhev, senior director of cyber threat intelligence (CTI) at Blackberry. He gives Petko an inside look into the key types of CTI and how the insights can be used to build context and determine response in specific circumstances, such as in the recent case of attempted targets at NATO. Dmitry also turns our attention to the risks posed by public charging stations - a ploy dubbed “Juice Jacking.”   Dmitry Bestuzhev, Senior Director CTI at BlackBerry Dmitry Bestuzhev is Senior Director, CTI (Cyber Threat Intelligence) at BlackBerry. Prior to BlackBerry, Dmitry was Head of Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team for Latin America, where he oversaw the company's experts' anti-malware development work in the region. Dmitry has more than 20 years of experience in IT security across a wide variety of roles. His field of expertise covers everything from traditional online fraud to targeted high-profile attacks on financial and governmental institutions. His main focus in research is on producing Threat Intelligence reports on financially motivated targeted attacks. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e341

Joining the podcast this week is Dmitry Bestuzhev, senior director of cyber threat intelligence (CTI) at Blackberry. He gives Petko an inside look into the key types of CTI and how the insights can be used to build context and determine response in specific circumstances, such as in the recent case of attempted targets at NATO. Dmitry also turns our attention to the risks posed by public charging stations - a ploy dubbed “Juice Jacking.”   Dmitry Bestuzhev, Senior Director CTI at BlackBerry Dmitry Bestuzhev is Senior Director, CTI (Cyber Threat Intelligence) at BlackBerry. Prior to BlackBerry, Dmitry was Head of Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team for Latin America, where he oversaw the company's experts' anti-malware development work in the region. Dmitry has more than 20 years of experience in IT security across a wide variety of roles. His field of expertise covers everything from traditional online fraud to targeted high-profile attacks on financial and governmental institutions. His main focus in research is on producing Threat Intelligence reports on financially motivated targeted attacks. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e340

This week we’re joined by Julia Fallon, Executive Director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) and she shines a light on the appeal of school systems to cyber attackers. (HINT: it is access to PII to open credit cards, mortgages and more in the name of children that often is only detected many years later.) We also discuss the connection between schools and insurance companies, trends in how school systems are fortifying their security measures, the evolution of infosec to become a front office issue, and what schools can do to integrate cybersecurity into curriculums to both bolster security and lay a pathway for future cyber professionals.   Julia Fallon is the Executive Director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), where she works with U.S. state and territorial digital learning leaders to empower the education community to leverage technology for learning, teaching, and school operations. Involved with learning technologies since 1989, her professional interest lies in making the case for public school systems wherein educators are able to optimize technology-rich learning environments to equitably engage the learners who fill their classrooms. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e339

This week, Audra is joined by Megan Stifel, chief strategy officer for the Institute for Security and Technology, to discuss how ransomware has evolved from a business nuisance to now a threat to national security. Megan also shares how the United States' overall response to ransomware has the potential to impact the types of attacks faced by its organizations and touches on the need for greater transparency when it comes to international cyber information sharing. Megan Stifel is the Chief Strategy Officer for the Institute for Security and Technology. She is the founder of Silicon Harbor Consultants, which provides strategic cybersecurity operations and policy counsel. Prior to founding Silicon Harbor Consultants, she was an attorney in the National Security Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). She most recently served as Global Policy Officer and Capacity and Resilience Program Director at the Global Cyber Alliance. She was previously the Cybersecurity Program Director at Public Knowledge. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e337

Welcome back to Forcepoint’s To the Point Cybersecurity podcast! In this episode, co-host Jonathan Knepher sits down with Petko Stoyanov—cybersecurity expert and former Forcepoint host—for a thought-provoking discussion about the evolving landscape of AI in cybersecurity. Together, they unpack the shifting trends seen at this year’s RSA conference, exploring how artificial intelligence is moving from marketing buzzword to mission-critical security feature. Petko dives deep into the real-world impact of generative AI models, the increasing sophistication of both attackers and defenders, and the pressing need for “security by design” in today’s fast-moving digital world. They discuss the new questions CISOs and CIOs should be asking about AI—like where models are hosted, what data they process, and how to manage risks in regulated industries. Petko shares eye-opening anecdotes about the potential for AI to accidentally leak sensitive data, the rise of targeted phishing in new languages powered by generative models, and why the CISO role is broader and more challenging than ever. The conversation also touches on the future of automation, the risk of deepfakes and disinformation, and how organizations can stay resilient in an era where the line between attacker and defender is increasingly blurred. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e337

Welcome back to To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast! In this week’s episode, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher continue their fascinating conversation with Erika Dean, Chief Security Officer at Robinhood. Erika brings over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, including an impressive tenure at Capital One, where she held multiple cyber leadership roles. In this second part of their discussion, Erika dives deep into the challenges of timely and transparent incident disclosure, the balancing act of regulatory compliance, and the importance of ongoing education for both companies and regulators as technology rapidly evolves. She also shares insights on the emerging regulatory landscape for AI and crypto, her unique journey into cybersecurity, and what keeps the field exciting—and sometimes stressful. Stay tuned for an engaging conversation packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and forward-looking perspectives on the future of fintech security. You won’t want to miss Erika’s take on everything from managing a major incident to the quirks of Hollywood’s portrayal of hackers! For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e336

Welcome to another episode of the To the Point Cybersecurity podcast, brought to you by Forcepoint. This week, hosts Rachel Lyon and Jonathan Knepper sit down with Erika Dean, Chief Security Officer at Robinhood, to dive deep into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats facing the fintech industry. With over two decades of experience—including leadership roles at Capital One—Erika sheds light on today’s most pressing security challenges, from lightning-fast and sophisticated phishing schemes to the growing risks posed by deepfakes, nation-state infiltration, and complex third-party vendor networks. In this episode, Erika reveals why collaboration and intelligence sharing are more important than ever, discusses the unique challenges of securing crypto and blockchain environments, and explains how companies can strike a balance between transparency and security when dealing with incident disclosure rules. Whether you’re a cybersecurity pro, fintech enthusiast, or just curious about how the digital world is changing, this conversation is packed with insider perspectives and actionable insights. Stay tuned—there’s plenty to unpack as we explore how companies like Robinhood are adapting to keep their platforms, customers, and data safe in a rapidly shifting threat landscape. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e335

Welcome back to To the Point Cybersecurity, where hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher take you inside the ever-evolving world of cyber threats, digital defense, and the impact of technology on our daily lives. In this episode, they sit down with Ricoh Danielson—national security expert, digital forensics pro, and US Army combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan—to unpack the intersections of cyber warfare, digital forensics, and the shifting global threat landscape. Get an inside look at how Ricoh’s experiences on the battlefield shaped his career in cybersecurity, and how the strategies used in combat translate directly to the frontlines of cyber defense in both government and the private sector. From ransomware negotiations to the emerging risks of volunteer cyber armies and nation-state actors, Ricoh brings real-world stories and sharp insights on how prepared we really are—personally, organizationally, and nationally—for the next wave of hybrid warfare. Plus, hear candid discussions on the shortcomings of current policy, the growing role of artificial intelligence in both attack and defense, and what practical steps individuals and businesses can take to harden their cyber resilience. It’s an eye-opening conversation that puts the realities of global conflict, digital forensics, and security leadership into a uniquely personal perspective. Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional, business leader, or just trying to keep your data safe, this episode peels back the curtain on what’s really at stake in today’s interconnected world. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e334

Welcome back to the "To the Point" cybersecurity podcast! In this episode, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher continue their enlightening conversation with Maria Roat, former US Deputy Federal Chief Information Officer and Small Business Administration CIO. Maria brings her wealth of experience from both government and private sectors to the table, sharing practical advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, insights on how CIOs can tackle prioritization in the face of endless cyber threats, and what it takes to drive sustained improvement in large organizations. The discussion also dives into the challenges of serving on diverse boards—from healthcare to cybersecurity consulting—and how Maria adapts her advocacy and expertise for each unique environment. She opens up about the importance of mentorship in the field, sharing powerful stories and encouraging both mentors and mentees to connect and learn from one another. Plus, Maria gives us a glimpse into her personal journey, adventures, and love for lifelong learning—whether that’s traveling the world or taking on a Spartan race with her family. Tune in for an episode packed with career wisdom, leadership strategies, and Maria’s signature perspective on creating an impact across the cybersecurity landscape. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e333

Welcome back to To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast, brought to you by Forcepoint! In this week’s episode, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher are joined—once again—by the remarkable Maria Roat, former US Deputy Federal Chief Information Officer and past CIO of the Small Business Administration. With over three decades of federal IT and cybersecurity leadership experience, Maria shares an insider’s view on how organizations can remain vigilant amid the waves of change, such as leadership transitions and rising cyberattack tactics. Tune in as Maria recounts real-world challenges, like handling phishing attacks during critical moments and fostering a culture of cyber awareness, even when the threat isn’t headline news. She also offers invaluable advice on building resilient, long-term cybersecurity strategies that persist through policy changes—and weighs in on the critical role of communication, both for technology professionals and leaders. Whether you’re in the public or private sector, considering a career in cybersecurity, or seeking strategies for small business protection, this episode is packed with practical insights and candid discussion. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e332

Welcome back to another episode of To the Point Cybersecurity, where hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher dig into the evolving world of cyber threats, national security, and the intersection of technology and society. In this episode, we continue our conversation with John Cohen, Executive Director of the Program for Countering Hybrid Threats at the Center for Internet Security. John shares real-world examples from the frontlines, detailing how threat actors—from nation-states to extremist groups—leverage open forums and online platforms not only to carry out cyberattacks, but also to coordinate, inspire, and instruct physical violence. He explains the challenges of rapidly getting critical threat intelligence into the right hands, the importance of distinguishing between protected speech and real threats, and the new mindset needed to effectively respond to increasingly hybrid and ideologically-driven dangers. Tune in for insightful stories, actionable advice for both the public and private sectors, and a candid discussion on the societal challenges of disinformation, online radicalization, and the need for open conversations to build resilience in our digital and physical worlds. And to learn more about Center for Internet Security’s Threat WA initiative visit https://www.cisecurity.org/threatwa . For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e331

Welcome to a brand new episode of To the Point Cybersecurity! This week, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher are joined by John Cohen, Executive Director of the Program for Countering Hybrid Threats at the Center for Internet Security. With more than forty years of experience in law enforcement, counterintelligence, and homeland security, John brings a wealth of insights into the ever-evolving landscape of multidimensional threats—where cyber, physical, and information operations are increasingly intertwined. In this episode, John unpacks how bad actors, from foreign intelligence to criminal organizations, are leveraging online platforms and social media not just to carry out cyberattacks, but also to influence public perception, disrupt critical infrastructure, and undermine trust in institutions. The discussion dives into real-world scenarios—like attempts to disrupt elections, attacks on local government systems, and the complex challenges these “hybrid” threats pose to traditional cybersecurity models. You'll hear how new frameworks and collaborative approaches are helping state and local governments—and the private sector—move the needle toward greater resilience. Plus, John explains key initiatives like ThreatWire and Secure Cyber Cities, which are reshaping how threat intelligence is gathered, shared, and acted on in real time. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that blends practical advice, thought-provoking examples, and a forward look at the shifting threat landscape. Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional, policymaker, or just curious about how online threats are changing our world, this episode is packed with timely insights you won’t want to miss! Learn More By Visiting The Center for Internet Security https://www.cisecurity.org/threatwa For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e330

Welcome back to the To the Point cybersecurity podcast! In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher are joined once again by Dr. Bill Anderson, Principal Product Manager at Mattermost and founder of Oculus, for a deep dive into some of the most pressing cybersecurity topics of today. Bill draws on his background in cryptography and experience with the defense and intelligence communities to break down the ever-evolving landscape of regulatory compliance, incident response, and the growing role of automation and AI in securing critical infrastructure. Tune in as they discuss how regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CMMC are shaping industry standards and why proactive preparation is essential for effective cyber incident response. Bill also sheds light on the impending advent of quantum computing, the "store and harvest" threat, and the urgent need to adopt post-quantum cryptography. Plus, he takes us on a personal journey through his career in cybersecurity and offers predictions about the next wave of innovations that could change our digital lives. Whether you're a security professional or just fascinated by the future of technology, this episode is packed with insights on how to navigate and stay ahead in a rapidly changing cyber world.   For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e329