Episodi

  • Exploring AI Trends and Cybersecurity Evolution in the Federal Tech Landscape with Jason Miller

    Exploring AI Trends and Cybersecurity Evolution in the Federal Tech Landscape with Jason Miller

    · Tech Transforms

    Jason Miller is the Executive Editor of Federal News Network and has covered the federal technology space over the course of five Presidential administrations. He brings his wealth of knowledge as he joins Tech Transforms to talk about AI, the top things government agencies are working towards this year and his predictions around FedRAMP changes. Jason also pulls on his decades of experience as he discusses events that changed the nation's approach to cybersecurity and the longstanding need to have data that is better, faster and easier to use.

    Key Topics00:00 AI's impact on texting and cloud's significance.04:17 Federal Enterprise Risk Management in government tech.07:20 AI trends shifting toward real-time application.11:22 2025 and 2027 deadlines for zero trust.13:31 CISOs and CIOs adapting to modern technology.16:45 Frustration with FedRAMP leads to reform efforts.21:39 Applying similar model to expand decision-making.23:37 GSA discussed OSCAL at private industry day.27:55 CISA's role has grown within DHS.30:33 Increased transparency in cybersecurity changed approach significantly.34:17 Reflecting on the 2006 significance of data.39:19 AFCEA events bring together good people.42:53 Fascination with government architecture and dedicated government workers.44:35 Promoting positivity and accountability in government industry.
    Cybersecurity Evolution: Examining Technology's Political Neutrality and AI Commitment Through Administrative ChangesConsistent Focus on Cybersecurity Evolution Across Political Administrations

    Jason expressed a clear conviction that technology issues are largely immune to political fluctuation and are a continuity in government agendas. Reflecting on his experience across five administrations, he noted that the foundational technological discussions, such as cloud adoption, cybersecurity enhancement and overall IT improvement are fundamentally preserved through transitions in political leadership. He highlighted that the drive to enhance government IT is typically powered by the resilience and dedication of public servants, who generally carry on valuable reforms and initiatives regardless of the sitting administration's politics. These individuals are essential to sustaining progress and ensuring that technology remains a key priority for effective governance.

    Federal IT Policies Consistency: "No one comes in and says, I'm against AI, or cloud is bad, move back on premise, or cybersecurity, defund cybersecurity. I think those are the issues that stay the same." — Jason MillerExecutive Orders and AI Adoption

    Addressing the specifics of executive orders, particularly those influencing the implementation and development of artificial intelligence (AI), Jason examined their historical persistence and their potential to shape operational practices in the government sector. He and Mark discussed how the stability of AI-related orders through various administrations is indicative of a broader governmental consensus on the integral role AI holds in modernizing federal operations. Despite changes in leadership, the incoming officials frequently uphold the momentum established by their predecessors when it comes to leveraging AI. Indicating a shared, bipartisan recognition of its strategic importance to the government's future capabilities and efficiencies.

    Cybersecurity Evolution: Zero Trust Principles and Network Security Challenges in Federal AgenciesZero Trust and Cybersecurity Budgeting

    During the podcast, Carolyn and Jason delve into the current trends and expectations for federal cybersecurity advancements, with a particular focus on zero trust architecture. Their discussion acknowledged that agencies are on a tight schedule to meet the...

  • So What?: Understanding Disinformation and Election Integrity with Hillary Coover

    So What?: Understanding Disinformation and Election Integrity with Hillary Coover

    · Tech Transforms

    Can you spot a deepfake? Will AI impact the election? What can we do individually to improve election security? Hillary Coover, one of the hosts of the It’s 5:05! Podcast, and Tracy Bannon join for another So What? episode of Tech Transforms to talk about all things election security. Listen in as the trio discusses cybersecurity stress tests, social engineering, combatting disinformation and much more.

    Key Topics04:21 Preconceived notions make it harder to fake.06:25 AI exacerbates spread of misinformation in elections.11:01 Be cautious and verify information from sources.14:35 Receiving suspicious text messages on multiple phones.18:14 Simulation exercises help plan for potential scenarios.19:39 Various types of tests and simulations explained.23:21 Deliberate disinformation aims to falsify; consider motivation.27:44 India election, deepfakes, many parties, discerning reality.32:04 Seeking out info, voting in person important.34:18 Honest cybersecurity news from trusted source.38:33 Addressing bias in AI models, historic nuance overlooked.39:24 Consider understanding biased election information from generative AI.
    Navigating the Disinformation QuagmireDissecting Misinformation and Disinformation

    Hillary Coover brings attention to the pivotal distinction between misinformation and disinformation. Misinformation is the spread of false information without ill intent, often stemming from misunderstandings or mistakes. On the other hand, disinformation is a more insidious tactic involving the intentional fabrication and propagation of false information, aimed at deceiving the public. Hillary emphasizes that recognizing these differences is vital in order to effectively identify and combat these issues. She also warns about the role of external national entities that try to amplify societal divisions by manipulating online conversations to serve their own geopolitical aims.

    Understanding Disinformation and Misinformation: "Disinformation is is a deliberate attempt to falsify information, whereas misinformation is a little different." — Hillary CooverThe Challenges of Policing Social Media Content

    The episode dives into the complexities of managing content on social media platforms, where Tracy Bannon and Hillary discuss the delicate balance required to combat harmful content without infringing on freedom of speech or accidentally suppressing valuable discourse. As part of this discussion, they mention their intention to revisit and discuss the book "Ministry of the Future," which explores related themes. Suggesting that this novel offers insights that could prove valuable in understanding the intricate challenges of regulating social media. There is a shared concern about the potential for an overly robust censorship approach to hinder the dissemination of truth as much as it limits the spread of falsehoods.

    The Erosion of Face-to-Face Political Dialogue

    The conversation transitions to the broader societal implications of digital dependency. Specifically addressing how the diminishment of community engagement has led individuals to increasingly source news and discourse from digital platforms. This shift towards isolationistic tendencies, amplified by the creation of digital echo chambers, results in a decline of in-person political discussions. As a result, there is growing apprehension about the future of political discourse and community bonds, with Hillary and Tracy reflecting on the contemporary rarity of open, face-to-face political conversations that generations past traditionally engaged in.

    The Shadow of Foreign Influence and Election IntegrityChallenges in India’s Multiparty Electoral System

    In the course of the discussion, the complexity of India's...

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  • Advancing USPTO's Mission: Insights from Deputy CIO Deborah Stephens

    Advancing USPTO's Mission: Insights from Deputy CIO Deborah Stephens

    · Tech Transforms

    Deborah Stephens, the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), “grew up” so to speak in the USPTO. Deborah led the USPTO on its agile journey. As the agency took on its “New Ways of Working, '' by moving people and resources closer to the work, she helped empower employees to build and deploy software. Deborah shares how she guided the agency through this 4-year change journey, gaining buy-in from the organization, which was proved by an engagement rate increase from 75% to 85%. Deborah also talks about what it means to be a HISP, running USPTO as a business that is entirely self-sustaining, and, in honor of Women’s History Month, the women who have inspired her along the way.

    Key Topics05:54 Some embraced digital change, others struggled with it08:53 Most employees were ready for telework10:59 USPTO shifts to agile approach for IT16:41 Gathering feedback led to 10% engagement increase23:50 Customers submit 600,000+ patent and trademark applications yearly26:51 Agency conducts outreach through webinars and trademarks31:06 Customer experience and UX processes are fundamental33:45 USPTO offers different fee structures for entities35:30 USPTO runs efficiently with prioritization and budgeting39:43 Acknowledging strong women, personally and professionally43:21 Seek guidance and practice for success
    Growth in Patent and Trademark RequestsSurge in Applications at USPTO

    Deborah Stephens highlights a significant increase in the number of patent and trademark applications received by the USPTO over the years. This growth, from approximately 350,000 to 400,000 applications in 2012, with numbers continuing to rise, underscores the vibrant culture of innovation and creativity in the United States. The upward trend of applications is a positive sign of the country's ongoing commitment to innovation. However, it also presents logistical challenges for the USPTO. Including the need to process a higher volume of applications efficiently while ensuring the quality of examination does not diminish.

    Transition to New Ways of Working in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: "And so in around late 2018, 19, we began our, what we referred to as our agile journey. We named it our New Ways of Working, which essentially is an entire USPTO effort. Including our business unit with 12 other business units, moving people and the resources closer to the work. Giving them that empowerment, to build, deliver, deploy software, product services for our business stakeholders, and that's both internally and externally." — Deborah StephensUSPTO is Adapting to Increased Demand

    In response to the growing demand for intellectual property protection, the USPTO has been proactive in seeking ways to maintain and improve service delivery. Deborah discusses the agency's approach to managing the influx of applications, focusing on scalability and efficiency. Despite the challenges posed by the increase in applications, the USPTO's designation as a High Impact Service Provider (HISP) has had minimal impact on its existing customer experience strategy. The agency's foundational commitment to delivering exceptional service to inventors and entrepreneurs remains steadfast. With an emphasis on continuous improvement and the adoption of new strategies to better meet the needs of the U.S. innovation community.

    USPTO's Fee-Funded Model and Fiscal StrategyUSPTO’s Fee-Funded Operations

    Deborah highlights the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) operational model, which is uniquely self-sufficient. Relying entirely on fees collected from patent and trademark applications.

  • Beyond Compliance: Elevating Cybersecurity Practices with Travis Rosiek

    Beyond Compliance: Elevating Cybersecurity Practices with Travis Rosiek

    · Tech Transforms

    As technology rapidly evolves we as a nation need to anticipate the attacks that may come about as a result of that innovation. Travis Rosiek, the Public Sector CTO at Rubrik and former Leader at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), joins Tech Transforms to talk about how the government’s approach to technology and relationship with industry has evolved over the last twenty years. He also discusses compliance, including FedRAMP compliance, managing the vast amount of data that is generated daily across the government and industry, and the importance of the U.S. Government building cyber resilient systems. Catch all this and more on this episode of Tech Transforms.

    Key Topics00:00 Government fielded and tested tech capabilities, explained compliance.05:23 Enhanced security collaboration, compliance, and risk minimization.09:14 Experience in government and commercial capabilities. Innovation.10:12 Commercial companies prioritize profitability over long-term planning.14:38 Challenges in public sector recruiting and retention.18:49 Outsourcing SaaS applications frees up resources. AI evolving, human input remains essential.22:33 Assessing incident response: Operational evaluation, not just compliance.25:57 Vendors and program office face process challenges.29:46 Secure cloud data access: visibility, risks, controls.32:27 Emphasizing need for security in IT systems.36:44 CISOs face challenges in evolving tech landscape.38:11 Support CISOs, recruit and retain talent, accountability.
    Evolving Cybersecurity Practices: A Shift to 'Cloud Smart' StrategiesTravis's Perspective on Cloud Misconceptions

    Travis discusses the early days of cloud adoption, which were often fueled by misconceptions about its benefits. The migration toward cloud computing was commonly believed to be a cost-effective solution that would reduce expenses and simultaneously enhance security. However, he points out that this was not always the case. Many organizations have since realized that the initial cost of moving to the cloud can vary greatly based on specific use cases and applications. This realization has led to a strategic shift toward what Travis refers to as a "cloud smart" approach. Highlighting the need for a more discerning and tailored evaluation of how cloud resources are utilized.

    The Role of Commercial Companies vs. Government in Problem-Solving: "Industry is great about solving problems. You know, driving that capitalism type of culture, building capabilities, selling solutions. And they're quicker to implement, adapt and deploy capabilities where the government is very slow in implementation of these you know, they can figure out the problem." — Travis RosiekThe 'Cloud Smart' Strategic Approach

    Taking a "cloud smart" approach indicates a maturation in the perception of cloud services by government agencies and businesses alike. Rather than a blanket strategy of cloud-first, Travis indicates that there is now a more nuanced consideration of when and how to use cloud services. He underscores the importance of aligning cloud adoption with an organization's unique needs. Including the potential scalability, security and cost implications. This approach suggests a collaborative and informed decision-making process. Recognizing that the cloud offers a variety of solutions, each with different features, advantages and trade-offs that must be carefully weighed against organizational goals and objectives.

    Navigating Cybersecurity Practices in Cloud MigrationThe Balance of Technical and Non-Technical Implications in Cloud Migration

    Travis discusses the intricacies involved in organizational cloud migrations. Emphasizing that these undertakings are not solely about technological transitions but...

  • From Special Ops to Cybersecurity: A Veteran's Journey in National Security

    From Special Ops to Cybersecurity: A Veteran's Journey in National Security

    · Tech Transforms

    Sebastian Taphanel has spent his life on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. This week on Tech Transforms, Sebastian is sharing tales and lessons learned from his 20 years in DoD Special Ops and intelligence and 20 years implementing sound security engineering practices focused on implementing zero trust and highly resilient environments. Join Sebastian as he recounts his time in Special Forces taking his units out of the dark ages from secure fax communications to setting up an intranet, and how he continued with that innovative spirit through his 40-year career. He also shares his new passion, encouraging the industry to utilize disabled veterans to help fill both the cybersecurity and AI workforce gaps. They, after all, already have a call for the mission.

    Key Topics03:38 ODNI CIO responded quickly with Microsoft Azure.07:03 Protecting data via application container, expanding capabilities.11:01 Zero Trust redrawn cybersecurity model, data-centric approach.13:57 Developing zero trust plan for downstream organizations.18:50 Ensuring security while sharing information and protecting IP.21:35 APIs, containers enable fluid, flexible data access.24:20 Data protection systems allow secure sharing and storage.27:02 Addressing cybersecurity workforce gap and AI need.29:39 In 1998, new commander requests secure WAN.33:49 Applied for certified protection professional, highest security certification.36:28 Passionate about supporting disabled vets in cybersecurity.39:55 Mentoring government employees for cybersecurity and AI/ML.45:32 Using advanced generative AI solutions for copywriting.47:19 Update cybersecurity tools and systems for new threats.49:50 Respect for those dedicated to automation.
    Enhancing Secure Communication and Cloud Environments in Special OpsSpecial Ops Agility: Adapting to Remote Collaboration with Secure Cloud-Based Workspaces

    Sebastian Taphanel’s experience spans twenty years in DOD Special Ops and Intelligence, followed by consulting in security engineering. The focal point of this episode is his role in advancing cybersecurity practices at the ODNI. Particularly emphasizing resilient cloud-based environments.

    Sebastian describes the quick adaptation during the pandemic which led to the rollout of an ad hoc cloud-based workspace to ensure the ODNI's mission could endure despite the workforce being remote. GCC High, or Government Commercial Cloud High as conceived by Microsoft, is revealed as the successor to the initial setup. Providing a more secure platform managed strictly by U.S. persons. The approach highlighted the agility of cloud technology for remote collaboration within federal agencies.

    Cybersecurity in Intelligence Sharing: "Essentially, reciprocity is a process and also a culture of accepting each other's risks. And that's really the bottom line on all that." — Sebastian TaphanelUnfolding the GCC High Environment

    The intricacies of implementing Microsoft Azure and M365 (Office 365) are detailed as Sebastian underlines their pivotal use in creating an intranet with controlled document sharing and editing. These implementations include robust Mobile Device Management. Then a BYOD Mobile Application Management system that protects sensitive data in government and personal devices. Thereby, ensuring operational security and flexibility.

    Special Ops Communication Evolution

    Sebastian advanced from using secure faxes for interstate communication within military units to establishing a multi-state secure WAN. This resulted in a significant leap in communication efficacy for special operations. Sebastian shared the...

  • Harnessing AI for Cyber Innovation: Insights from Dr. Amy Hamilton at National Defense University

    Harnessing AI for Cyber Innovation: Insights from Dr. Amy Hamilton at National Defense University

    · Tech Transforms

    The real question is, what doesn’t Dr. Amy Hamilton do? She’s currently the visiting Faculty Chair for the Department of Energy (DOE) at National Defense University and the DOE Senior Advisor for National Cybersecurity Policy and Programs, and has had previous stops in the U.S. Army Reserves, NORAD and U.S. European Command, just to name a few.

    At National Defense University, Amy draws on all of this expertise to educate the workforce on AI and finding the right balance between automation and workforce training. Amy also explores how she teaches her students that cybersecurity has to be more than a 9-5 job, the balance of security vs. convenience, and how it will take the entire country getting on board to make the implementation of cybersecurity best practices truly possible. In this episode, we also dive into the realm of operational technology and the need to look to zero trust as we allow more smart devices into our lives and government ecosystems.

    Key Topics00:00 Importance of training, education and AI integration.06:52 Cybersecurity, AI and building codes challenges.09:47 Nuclear facilities need caution, open labs innovative.11:58 Helping students understand federal government and cybertech.15:37 Cyber college compared to traditional university programs.17:18 National Defense University offers master's degree programs.22:06 Addressing the urgent need to combat intellectual property theft.24:32 Passionate plea for cybersecurity vigilance and dedication.26:40 Using automation to streamline cybersecurity operations and training.32:06 Policy person struggles to tie guidance together.33:02 Collaboration is needed for addressing industry issues.38:25 Rethink security for devices in smart tech.41:16 Choosing sustainability as a guiding principle.43:22 Overcome writing and presenting challenges for success.
    Leveraging AI and Automation for Cyber InnovationEmphasizing Efficiency in the Generation of Abstracts

    Dr. Amy Hamilton underlines the capabilities of artificial intelligence to streamline time-consuming processes, specifically the creation of abstracts. This innovation allows for a transition from mundane, repetitive tasks to pursuits that require a deeper cognitive investment. Therefore, elevating the nature of the workforce's endeavors. Dr. Hamilton's discussion focuses on the practical applications of this technology, and she cites an instance from the National Defense University's annual Cyber Beacon Conference. Here, participants were challenged to distinguish between AI-generated and human-generated abstracts, often finding it challenging to tell them apart. This exercise not only highlighted AI's proficiency but also introduced the workforce to the safe and practical application of this emergent technology.

    How do we use AI in a way that goes from low-value to high-value work? If I'm not doing abstract, what other things could I be doing and spending my brain calories towards? - Dr. Amy HamiltonPreparing the Workforce for Cyber Innovation

    Dr. Hamilton stresses the necessity for workforce education in the context of AI and automation. Aiming for a future where employees are neither intimidated by nor unfamiliar with the advancing technological landscape. She illustrates the Department of Energy's proactive role in integrating AI into its training programs. Thus, ensuring that employees are well-acquainted with both the operational and potential ethical dimensions of AI deployment. Acknowledging the diverse range of operations within the DOE, including nuclear and environmental management, Dr. Hamilton notes that the appropriateness of AI application varies by context. Signifying the...

  • Earned Trust: Reimagining Data Security in the Zero Trust Era with JR Williamson

    Earned Trust: Reimagining Data Security in the Zero Trust Era with JR Williamson

    · Tech Transforms

    Have you heard? Data is the new oil. JR Williamson, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Leidos, is here to explain where data’s value comes from, the data lifecycle and why it is essential for organizations to understand both of those things in order to protect this valuable resource. Join us as JR breaks it all down and also explores the concept he dubbed “risktasity,” which he uses to describe the elasticity of rigor based on risk. As he says, “when risk is high, rigor should be high, but when risk is low, rigor should be low.”

    Key Topics00:00 Migration to the cloud has increased vulnerability.04:50 People want decentralized work, including mobile access.08:14 Shift from application to democratizing access to data.10:53 Identify, protect, and manage sensitive corporate information.13:49 Data life cycle: creation, management, access, evolution.20:10 Computers augmenting humans, making good decisions, insights.23:19 The importance of data in gaining advantage.27:04 Adapting to AI to anticipate and prevent breaches.28:51 Adoption of large language models in technology.33:03 Identity and access management extends beyond authentication.36:33 Leveraging strengths, improving weaknesses in tennis strategy.
    Tracing the Cybersecurity Evolution and Data's AscendancyEvolution of Cybersecurity

    JR provided a snapshot into the past, comparing cybersecurity practices from the 1990s to what we see today. With 37 years of experience, he recalled a time when IT systems were centralized and the attack surfaces were significantly smaller. Contrasting this with the present scenario, he spoke about the current state where the migration to cloud services has expanded the attack surface. JR noted an increase in the complexity of cyber threats due to the widespread distribution of networks. Plus, the need for anytime-anywhere access to data. He stressed the transition from a focus on network security to a data-centric approach, where protecting data wherever it resides has become a paramount concern.

    Data Life Cycle: "So part of understanding, the data itself is the data's life cycle. How does it get created? And how does it get managed? How does it evolve? What is its life cycle cradle to grave? Who needs access to it? And when they need access to it, where do they need access to it? It's part of its evolution. Does it get transformed? And sometimes back to the risktasity model, the data may enter the content life cycle here at some level. But then over its evolution may raise, up higher." — JR WilliamsonThe New Oil: Data

    In the world JR navigates, data is akin to oil. A resource that when refined, can power decisions and create strategic advantages. He passionately elucidated on the essence of data, not just as standalone bits and bytes, but as a precursor to insights that drive informed decisions. Addressing the comparison between data and oil, JR stressed that the real value emerges from what the data is transformed into; actionable insights for decision-making. Whether it's about responding with agility in competitive marketplaces or in the context of national defense, delivering insights at an unmatched speed is where significant triumphs are secured.

    Importance of Data SecurityJR Williamson on Data and "Risktasity"

    JR Williamson stresses the heightened necessity of enforcing security measures that accompany data wherever it resides. As the IT landscape has evolved, the focus has broadened from a traditional, perimeter-based security approach towards more data-centric strategies. He articulates the complexity that comes with managing and safeguarding data in a dispersed environment. Where data no longer resides within the confines of a controlled network but spans across a...

  • Public Sector Tech Outlook: 2024 Predictions for AI, Cybersecurity and FedRAMP Evolution

    Public Sector Tech Outlook: 2024 Predictions for AI, Cybersecurity and FedRAMP Evolution

    · Tech Transforms

    What will 2024 have in store for technology development and regulation? Our hosts, Carolyn Ford and Mark Senell, sat down with Roger Cressey, Partner at Mountain Wave Ventures, Ross Nodurft, Executive Director of the Alliance for Digital Innovation and Willie Hicks, Public Sector Chief Technologist for Dynatrace, to discuss their 2024 predictions. Discover what the experts think will occur next year in terms of FedRAMP, AI regulation, Zero Trust and user experience.

    Key Topics00:00 Revamping FedRAMP in 2024 leads to changes.06:40 Industry requests FedRAMP High; concerns about changes.08:20 Anticipating challenges but aiming for improvement.11:13 Pushing for reciprocity in government technology solutions.15:15 Ensuring human control in AI military use.19:06 Questioning AI use in defense and civilian sector.25:25 Increased investment in security and product regulation.27:21 Expect more AI news, less legislative involvement.30:30 Observability key for zero trust framework implementation.36:22 Prediction: Citizens will interface with AI technology.37:16 Focus on user experience in government systems.41:03 Election year brings unexpected black swan events.
    2024 Predictions for the Public SectorRevamping of the FedRAMP Program

    Ross predicts that in 2024, FedRAMP will be completely reauthorized based on a pending OMB memo that is expected to be finalized in late 2023. This revamp is intended to streamline and improve the FedRAMP authorization process to facilitate faster adoption of cloud-based solutions in government.

    However, Roger believes the changes could temporarily slow things down as agencies take time to understand the implications of the new FedRAMP structure on their systems and assess risks. This could require investments from industry as well to meet new requirements that emerge.

    FedRAMP 2024: "I think it's going to have a lot of agencies take a hard look at their risk and decide where they want to elevate certain high-valued assets, high-valued systems, high-valued programs, and the authorizations themselves are gonna raise in their level." — Ross NodurftShift From Moderate Baseline to Higher Baseline of Controls

    As part of the FedRAMP reauthorization, Ross expects many agencies will shift their systems from a moderate baseline to a higher baseline of security controls. With more interconnected systems and datasets, agencies will want heightened protections in place.

    Roger concurs that the increased scrutiny on risks coming out of the FedRAMP changes will lead organizations, especially those managing high-value assets, to pursue FedRAMP High authorizations more frequently.

    Increased Demand for a FedRAMP High Environment

    Given the predictions around agencies elevating their security thresholds, Willie asks Ross whether the pipeline of solutions currently pursuing FedRAMP High authorizations could face disruptions from new program requirements.

    Ross believes there will be some temporary slowdowns as changes are absorbed. However, he notes that the goals of the reauthorization are to increase flexibility and accessibility of authorizations. So over time, the new structure aims to accelerate FedRAMP High adoption.

    2024 Predictions: Navigating FedRAMP Changes While Maintaining Industry Momentum

    As Ross highlighted, the intent of the FedRAMP reauthorization is to help industry get solutions to market faster. But in the short-term, there could be some complications as vendors have to realign to new standards and processes.

    Willie notes that companies like Dynatrace have already begun working towards FedRAMP High in anticipation of rising customer demand. But sudden shifts in requirements could impact those efforts, so he hopes there will be...

  • So What? It’s 5:05! Edition: Beyond the Headlines of AI, Election Disinformation and SpyGPT

    So What? It’s 5:05! Edition: Beyond the Headlines of AI, Election Disinformation and SpyGPT

    · Tech Transforms

    On this special So What? episode we go deeper in to some of the top stories being covered on the It’s 5:05! podcast with It’s 5:05! contributing journalist, Tracy Bannon. How are cybersecurity stress tests battling misinformation and aiding in election security? Is AI contributing to election disinformation? How is the CIA using SpyGPT? Come along as Carolyn and Tracy go beyond the headlines to address all these questions and more.

    Key Topics04:20 Proactive approach needed for software voting security.09:12 Deepfake technology can replicate voices and videos.12:38 Politics focuses on presidential level, ignores others.15:53 Generative AI creates new content from data.17:19 New tool aids intelligence agencies process data.20:13 Bill Gates discusses future AI agents on LinkedIn.25:24 Navigating biases in AI towards democratic values.29:13 CISA promotes continuous learning and holistic approach.30:51 Demystifying and making security approachable for all.33:33 Open source, cybersecurity, diverse professional perspectives discussed.
    Importance of Cybersecurity and Responsible AI UseEmbracing Cybersecurity Measures and Privacy Protections

    In their conversation, Carolyn and Tracy discuss the imperative nature of both individuals and organizations in embracing robust cybersecurity measures. As we live in an era where data breaches and cyber attacks are on the rise, the implementation of effective security protocols is not just a matter of regulatory compliance, but also about safeguarding the privacy and personal information of users. Tracy emphasizes the continuous need for cybersecurity vigilance and education, highlighting that it is a shared responsibility. By making use of resources like the CISA cybersecurity workbook, Carolyn suggests that individuals and businesses can receive guidance on developing a more secure online presence, which is crucial in a digital ecosystem where even the smallest vulnerability can be exploited.

    Addressing Biases in AI to Align With Public Interest and Democratic Values

    Tracy expresses concerns over the biases that can be present in AI systems, which can stem from those who design them or the data they are trained on. Such biases have the potential to impact a vast array of decisions and analyses AI makes, leading to outcomes that may not align with the broad spectrum of public interest and democratic values. An important aspect of responsible AI use is ensuring that these technological systems are created and used in a way that is fair and equitable. This means actively working to identify and correct biases and ensuring transparency in AI operations. Plus, constantly checking that AI applications serve the public good without infringing upon civil liberties or creating divisions within society.

    Demystifying Cybersecurity: "We need that public understanding, building this culture of security for everybody, by everybody. It becomes a shared thing, which should be something that we're teaching our children as soon as they are old enough to touch a device." — Tracy BannonThe Proliferation of Personal AI Use in Everyday Tasks

    The conversation shifts towards the notion of AI agents handling tasks on behalf of humans, a concept both cutting-edge and rife with potential pitfalls. Carolyn and Tracy discuss both the ease and potential risks of entrusting personal tasks to AI. On one hand, these AI agents can simplify life by managing mundane tasks. Optimizing time and resources, and even curating experiences based on an in-depth understanding of personal preferences. Yet, Tracy questions what the trade-off is, considering the amount of personal data that must be shared for AI to become truly "helpful." This gives rise to larger questions related to the surrender of personal agency...

  • The Future of Government Technology: FedRAMP, AI and Compliance in Focus with Ross Nodurft

    The Future of Government Technology: FedRAMP, AI and Compliance in Focus with Ross Nodurft

    · Tech Transforms

    As technology rapidly innovates, it is essential we talk about technology policy. What better way to get in the know than to have an expert break it down for us? Meet Ross Nodurft, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Digital Innovation. Ross dives in, explaining the evolution of FedRAMP controls and the recent, giant, AI Executive Order (EO) from the White House. Listen in to find out what this EO means for the government, the industry and the workforce as the U.S. attempts to implement policy ahead of AI innovation.

    Key Topics04:25 Increasing security controls for cloud migration07:51 Discussion about customer feedback and cloud migration.12:17 Encouraging commercial solutions into federal government securely.15:39 Artificial intelligence shaping policy for future technology.16:54 AI EO covers critical infrastructure, AI, data, immigration.22:34 Guidance on AI impact assessment and testing.27:02 AI tools adoption must not be delayed.30:03 Ensure AI technologies have fail-safe mechanisms.32:08 Concern over rapid pace of technological advances.34:29 AI and technology advancing, policy aims control.39:37 Fascinating book on technology and chip history.
    The Future of Government Technology: Shifting to FedRAMP High and Accelerating Cloud AdoptionShift from FedRAMP Moderate to High for Sensitive Workloads

    When FedRAMP was established over a decade ago, the focus was on managing the accreditation of emerging cloud infrastructure providers to support the initial migration of workloads. The baseline standard was FedRAMP Moderate, which addressed a "good amount" of security controls for less risky systems. However, Ross explains that increasing volumes of more sensitive workloads have moved to the cloud over time - including mission-critical systems and personal data. Consequently, agencies want to step up from moderate to the more stringent requirements of FedRAMP High to protect higher-risk systems. This includes only allowing High-cloud services to interact with other High-cloud applications.

    The Evolution of Cloud Computing: "So right now, we're at the point where people are existing in thin clients that have access to targeted applications, but the back end compute power is kept somewhere else. It's just a completely different world that we're in architecturally." — Ross NodurftThe Future of Government Technology: Streamlining FedRAMP for the SaaS-Powered Enterprise

    According to Ross, the COVID-19 pandemic massively accelerated enterprise cloud adoption and consumption of SaaS applications. With the abrupt shift to remote work, organizations rapidly deployed commercial solutions to meet new demands. In the federal government, this hastened the transition from earlier focus on cloud platforms to widespread use of SaaS. Ross argues that FedRAMP has not evolved at pace to address the volume and type of SaaS solutions now prevalent across agencies. There is a need to streamline authorization pathways attuned to this expanding ecosystem of applications relying on standardized baseline security controls.

    High-level Security Controls for Sensitive Data in the CloudAddressing Data Related to Students and Constituents

    Ross states that as agencies move more sensitive workloads to the cloud, they are stepping up security controls from FedRAMP Moderate to FedRAMP High. Sensitive data includes things like personal HR data or data that could impact markets, as with some of the work USDA does. Willie gives the example of the Department of Education or Federal Student Aid, which may have sensitive data on students that could warrant higher security controls when moved to the cloud.

    Ross confirms that is absolutely the case - the trend is for agencies to increase security as they shift more...

  • Patrick Johnson on Unlocking the Potential: Enhancing Cyber Workforce and Technology in the Department of Defense

    Patrick Johnson on Unlocking the Potential: Enhancing Cyber Workforce and Technology in the Department of Defense

    · Tech Transforms

    Have no fear, your new wingman is here! AI is by your side and ready to help you multiply your abilities. Patrick Johnson, Director of the Workforce Innovation Directorate at the DoD CIO discusses how his team is working to further implement AI ethically and safely in areas such as human capital to expedite finding talent. Patrick also shares his passion for building cyclical pipelines to ensure that talent, and ideas, flow seamlessly between the government and private sector. Join us as we dive further into AI’s benefits and how government and industry can be cyber workforce innovation partners.

    Key Topics02:06 Lag in civilian workforce training upscaling needed.03:19 Balancing talent, training and automation for better security.08:22 Leaders understand AI as a force multiplier.12:15 Our motivations are different; utilizing AI for advancement.15:25 AI used for maintenance, scheduling, monitoring issues. Embracing technology.18:35 Questioning impact of technology on workforce integration.21:45 Knowledge, skills, ability, competency. Task-focused performance. Workforce coding. Qualification program ensures necessary skill sets. Tracking mechanism being developed. Vast department with skill spread.25:26 Real-time data for proactive leadership and action.27:05 Retention strategy includes talent competition and permeability.30:36 Improving marketing for civilian DoD jobs.33:49 It works for all sectors, find talent.40:19 Government employees and veterans bring valuable skills.41:27 Promote supply, train, partner for innovation.45:33 Virtual reality: future of government services and museums.
    The DoD's Cyber WorkforceCyber Workforce Improvement Is Crucial

    Patrick states that the Department of Defense's (DoD's) total cyber workforce, comprising military, civilian and industry partner contractors, is around 225,000 people. He notes that the DoD has the biggest gap in the civilian cyber workforce, which makes up about 75,000 people. According to Patrick, one of the key problems when bringing new cybersecurity technologies online is failing to adequately train the existing workforce on how to use and get value from those technologies.

    Training and Upscaling the Current Cyber Workforce

    Rather than pursuing full re-skilling of employees which can set them back, Patrick advocates for upskilling the current DoD cyber workforce. This involves assessing talent and capability gaps. Then providing the workforce with the necessary training to perform new technologies appropriately. Patrick states that partnering workforce members with automated processes like AI can help them become more effective by highlighting key info and threats.

    The Importance of Training and Upscaling in the Cyber Workforce: "Well, it's great to put new technology on the table. But if you don't take the time to train the workforce you have in the programs or the systems you're bringing online, you lose that effectiveness and you don't really gain the efficiencies or the objectives that you need to be."— Patrick JohnsonAutomation and AIAI Is Seen as a Partnership With the Human Cyber Workforce

    Patrick views AI as a partnership with the human workforce rather than a threat. He emphasizes that AI should be seen as a "wingman or wingperson" that boosts productivity and acts as a force multiplier. Patrick explains that AI excels at rote, tedious tasks allowing the human workforce to focus more on creativity.

    AI Helps With Rote and Tedious Tasks

    According to Patrick, AI is adept at attention-to-detail tasks that would be tedious for a human to manually perform. He provides the example of a cybersecurity analyst or defender whose productivity can be enhanced by AI highlighting anomalies in data...

  • Unraveling SBOM Challenges: AI, Transparency and Policy Perspectives in Software Security

    Unraveling SBOM Challenges: AI, Transparency and Policy Perspectives in Software Security

    · Tech Transforms

    Meet the man on a mission to make software bill of materials (SBOMs) boring. In this So What? episode, Tracy Bannon and Carolyn Ford sit down with Allan Friedman the Senior Advisor and Strategist at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Allan tells us about how he is working to change how all software on the planet is made and sold, no big deal right? Join us as we dive into the world of SBOMs, xBoMs, and Secure by Design.

    Key Topics03:59 Track open source licenses, establish shared vision.08:47 Discussing US government requirements, diversity in software.12:07 Framework helps organizations with secure software development.13:49 Organizations unaffected, prepare for impending software changes.17:40 Concerns about sharing software with potential security risks.20:59 Concerns about network security and regulatory pushback.24:14 Enhanced security measures save thousands of hours.27:53 Applying AI and data bombs in conversation.32:38 Discusses the importance of SBOM in cybersecurity.36:29 Rewriting global code is a complex task.39:39 At RSA, little focus on secure design.41:53 Organization's need for SBOM, call to action.43:55 Cooking for diverse family, diverse food requirements.
    Challenges and Implementation of SBOMsSelf-Attestation for SBOMs

    Allan Friedman explained that there is currently a self-attestation model for SBOMs, where companies can sign a form stating that they have implemented SBOMs, rather than providing the actual SBOM data. This allows flexibility for organizations that are not yet ready to fully comply. However, it means buyers have to trust the attestation rather than seeing the SBOM details directly.

    Secure Software Development Model Compliance: "The challenge there is turning the framework back into a compliance model. Because, again, at the end of the day, everyone wants to think about things. Right? Understand your risk, but you still need to make that yes or no decision."— Allan Friedman

    Tracy Bannon noted some companies have concerns about sharing their SBOM data with customers, worrying that the customer may not have secure enough practices to properly protect the SBOM. Allan Friedman explained SBOMs do not need to be public - they can be shared privately between supplier and customer. Known unknowns in the SBOM can also help address concerns about revealing proprietary information.

    Debate About the Risk of Sharing SBOMs as a Road Map for Attackers

    Allan Friedman argued that sophisticated attackers likely do not need the SBOM, as they have other ways to analyze and reverse engineer software. Automated attacks also do not leverage SBOMs. He noted defenders actually need the visibility an SBOM provides into components and dependencies. There may be some risk of exposing attack surface, but the benefits seem to outweigh that.

    The Importance of SBOM for Product Security: "If we had this, we had SBOM across our products today, it would save us thousands of hours a year Because whenever the next Log4j comes out, if you have a centralized machine readable, scannable system, It's not that hard." — Allan Friedman

    Allan Friedman noted there has been some lobbyist pushback against SBOM mandates, often coming from trade associations funded by companies already implementing SBOMs. He said while healthy debate is good, many of the lobbyist complaints seem misguided or overblown.

    The Potential Role of AI in Creating SBOMs and Its Implications for Security

    Carolyn Ford asked whether AI could help automate SBOM creation, especially for legacy systems. Tracy Bannon cautioned that AI is not yet at the point where it can reliably generate code or understand large complex...

  • It's Time To Bust the Ghosts in Our Cars with Eric Monterastelli Halloween Series Part III

    It's Time To Bust the Ghosts in Our Cars with Eric Monterastelli Halloween Series Part III

    · Tech Transforms

    In the final, crossover episode of our three-part Halloween series, Eric Monterastelli, Public Sector SE at Delinea, Founder, Crew Chief of Gran Touring Motorsports and Host of the Break/Fix Podcast, joins Carolyn Ford and Tracy Bannon to discuss the scary reality of car security. Is your car spying on you? Can a nefarious actor take over your car? Does your car know your deep personal data like your immigration status, race and more? Hint: It can and it does.

    Key Topics00:02:05 Technology advances put vehicles at risk.00:06:25 Hijacked Jeep's wireless signal, turning it off.00:07:35 Chrysler systems hacked due to digital admission.00:10:47 New EV platforms streamline technology for efficiency.00:15:13 Disconnect, purge and be careful: data can be accessed.00:18:58 Using TrueCar, author obtained personal information illegally.00:21:54 Pre-OBD2 Mercedes is OBD1.00:25:12 Mozilla uncovers alarming auto data collection.00:28:29 Future vehicles will have integrated alcohol-detection systems.00:32:48 Routers, cars can be hacked, collect data.00:35:42 Read your vehicle's owner's manual for instructions.00:36:55 Speak to rental clerk about removing data.
    The Intersection of Cybersecurity, Car Security and the Ghostbusters MissionGhostbusters Mission: Car Security & Car Hacking

    Eric Monterastelli talks about how cars have evolved to include more computing technology, which opens them up to potential attacks. He gives the example of a Jeep that was hacked to shut off while driving, demonstrating the real dangers.

    Tracy Bannon contrasts U.S. car manufacturers that use many third-party components versus Tesla's more integrated system. She argues Tesla's approach may lend itself to more car security. The hosts explore different potential attack vectors into vehicles, like Bluetooth connections.

    Mozilla Participants Share Automotive InfoSec Insights

    Eric Monterastelli shares findings from a Mozilla report about the wide range of deep personal data that can be collected from cars. Including things like facial expressions, weight, health information and more. The hosts are alarmed by the privacy implications.

    Tracy Bannon advocates that car manufacturers need to make cybersecurity a priority alongside traditional safety. She indicates cars are data centers on wheels, collecting information that gets sent back to big cloud data centers. They emphasize the need for vigilance from car owners about what information they allow their vehicles to collect.

    Concerns About Data Collection in Modern VehiclesModern Car Security: Braking, Speed and Steering Patterns

    Eric discusses the extensive data that is now collected by modern vehicles, especially EVs. He notes that information is gathered on things like stopping distances, brake pressure applied, vehicle speed and overall driving habits. This data is no different than the type of driver performance analysis done in race cars. Automakers are collecting real-world usage data from customer vehicles to analyze driving patterns and vehicle responses. Tracy adds that the average new vehicle contains over 100 different computers and millions of lines of code that are all networked together. This networked data covers areas like powertrain functions, safety features and infotainment systems. All of this interconnected data presents opportunities for tracking very detailed driving behaviors.

    Privacy Risks in Driving: Collecting Personal Data and Concerns

    Eric cites a concerning report that modern vehicles can potentially collect extremely sensitive personal data simply through normal driving. Including information on immigration status, race, facial expressions, weight,...

  • Insider Threats, Critical Infrastructure and Evolving AI, Oh My! with Grant Schneider Halloween Series Part II

    Insider Threats, Critical Infrastructure and Evolving AI, Oh My! with Grant Schneider Halloween Series Part II

    · Tech Transforms

    In the second episode of our 3-part Halloween series, Grant Schneider, Senior Director of Cybersecurity Services at Venable and former federal CISO, discusses the frightening implications of insider threats, how we are protecting critical infrastructure, and what it was like working on cybersecurity in the White House under both President Obama and President Trump.

    Key Topics00:03:59 Increased consequences led to rise of cybersecurity00:08:47 Insider threat, screening, hiring, malicious actor, Manning, Snowden00:09:53 Snowden challenges legality of government surveillance00:15:00 Adversary gains access, steals information, demands ransom00:19:19 Different levels of readiness present challenges00:23:15 Helping clients & coalitions for cybersecurity policy00:24:58 Consistency in technology and cybersecurity under past presidents00:27:47 Cybersecurity is like warfare or terrorism00:32:30 AI tools and data drive persuasive information00:34:50 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month raises awareness on cybersecurity and encourages action to protect businesses00:42:40 Diversity of experiences leads to career growth00:44:01 Adaptive, willing, and able to learn
    Introduction to National Cybersecurity Awareness MonthPurpose of Raising Awareness About Cybersecurity

    Grant explained that one of the great things about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is exactly raising awareness and providing an opportunity to hopefully spend time thinking about and discussing cybersecurity. He noted that for organizations already focused on cybersecurity daily, the awareness month may not raise their awareness much more. However, many organizations don't constantly think about cybersecurity, so for business leaders and executives who may now recognize the existential threat a cyber incident poses, the awareness month offers a chance to have important conversations they may have previously avoided due to lack of understanding.

    National Cybersecurity Awareness Month: "You're only one bad kind of cyber incident away from your organization not existing anymore."— Grant SchneiderOpportunities for Organizations to Have Conversations About Cybersecurity

    According to Grant, leaders who don't grasp cybersecurity risks may personally fear initiating conversations to ask what the organization needs to do to address risks. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides an opportunity for these leaders to have the necessary conversations and gain education. Grant said the awareness month is a chance to discuss basics, like implementing multifactor authentication, patching and updates. He observed that much of the content produced for the awareness month focuses on cybersecurity fundamentals, so it allows organizations to dedicate time to shoring up basic defenses. Overall, Grant emphasized National Cybersecurity Awareness Month facilitates essential cybersecurity conversations for organizations and leaders who otherwise may not prioritize it consistently.

    Evolution of Insider Threat in the Intelligence CommunityScreening Out Bad Actors During the Hiring Process

    Grant explains that in the early days of his career at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), insider threat mitigation focused on screening out bad actors during the hiring process. The belief was that malicious insiders were either people with concerning backgrounds trying to get hired, or nation-state actors attempting to plant individuals within the intelligence community. The screening process aimed to identify and reject potentially problematic candidates.

    Nation-State Actors Planting Individuals Within the Community

    He mentions the...

  • Unmasking the Specter: Mr. Egts' Journey into the Impact of Generative AI on Government Transformation | Halloween Series Part I

    Unmasking the Specter: Mr. Egts' Journey into the Impact of Generative AI on Government Transformation | Halloween Series Part I

    · Tech Transforms

    In the first episode of our 3-part Halloween series, Dave Egts, Mulesoft Public Sector Field CTO at Salesforce, details what's scaring the public sector most and how Salesforce is utilizing - and securing - AI to improve customer experience with their Einstein Trust Layer. Additionally, Carolyn and Dave dive into the spooky worlds of brain cell chips, mind-reading AI and more.

    Key Topics[02:17] Starting the Dave & Gunnar Show[04:14] Dave's Role At Salesforce[05:18] What's Scaring the Public Sector Most?[10:22] Ways Agencies are Attracting Talent[13:56] How Agencies Are Handling Legacy Systems[15:45] What MuleSoft Does & Generative AI's Role[22:44] Salesforce's Einstein Trust Layer[29:21] PoisonGPT[36:07] Brain Organoids & Other Spooky, Ethically Questionable Experiments[42:15] Tech Talk Questions: Halloween Edition 
    Quotable Quotes

    Considerations for the Public Sector While Using AI: "As you're going on your AI journey, you've got to be looking at the EULA [End User License Agreement] and making sure that, okay, if I give you data, what are you going to do with it?"

    On Bias & Disinformation in Generative AI: "There were some previous studies that show that people are more likely to go with the generative AI results if they trust the company and they trust the model. So it's like, 'Oh, it came from Google, so how can that be wrong?' Or 'I'm trusting the brand,' or 'I'm trusting the model.'"

    About Our Guest

    David Egts is MuleSoft’s first-ever Public Sector field CTO. Outside of MuleSoft, David is the founding co-chair of the WashingtonExec CTO Council, where he advises numerous companies on working with the public sector. David has received numerous industry-wide recognitions, including as an FCW Federal 100 winner, a FedScoop 50 Industry Leadership awardee and one of WashingtonExec’s Top Cloud Executives to Watch. He has won multiple employee honors from Red Hat, Silicon Graphics and Concurrent Technologies Corporation.

    Episode Links

    Dave & Gunnar Show Episodes

    Episode 165- If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage itEpisode 185- In Your Brain, Nobody Can Hear You ScreamEpisode 227- Meetings and PunishmentEpisodes 248 & 249- Stay tuned to the Dave & Gunnar Show for these episodes to go live

    Additional Links

    Minority Report Cuyahoga Valley National ParkFlowers For Algernon
  • So What? China's Grip on Telecommunications with Jon Pelson, Author of

    So What? China's Grip on Telecommunications with Jon Pelson, Author of "Wireless Wars"

    · Tech Transforms

    In this So What? episode, Jon Pelson, author of the best-selling book "Wireless Wars," discusses China’s impact on the telecommunications space. He also shares the frightening security concerns around Chinese components in 5G networks and discusses why the FCC's ban on these components may not be enough.

    Key Topics[01:30] China's Success in the Telecom Industry[05:12] China's Grip on 5G[08:29] Are Your Communications Ever Private?[13:00] The Influence of Technology[15:53] What Would Happen if China Got Control?[19:20] FCC Ban on Chinese Components[24:50] Huawei's Placement Strategy[30:05] Is the FCC Ban a Good Start?[38:42] How America Takes Back Control[44:51] Tech Talk Questions
    Quotable Quotes

    On Huawei's Tower Placement: "Our nuclear missile bases, our special operations command at the nuclear sub base are all served by Huawei cell equipment." I said, 'That's impossible. They have like 0.1% market share. How could they have every nuclear missile site?' I started looking into it. The reason I called the book 'Wireless Wars' is because it's a war that's being fought through what appears to be business means. This is not business." -Jon Pelson

    On Why We Should Protect Data: "People say, 'I have nothing to hide.' Especially the younger generation says, 'Look, my privacy, in that regard, is not that important.' I was asked at the end of an interview, 'What would happen if China got control over us the way they're trying to?' I said, 'You don't have to scratch your head and do scenario planning. Look at places where China has control over the population.' -Jon Pelson

    About Our Guest

    Jon Pelson spent nearly 30 years working as a technology executive, including serving as vice president at Lucent Technologies and chief of convergence strategy for British Telecom. His work with China’s telecom industry during this time led Pelson to write his best-selling book "Wireless Wars" China’s Dangerous Domination of 5G and How We’re Fighting Back."

    Episode LinksThe Kill Chain by Christian BrosePaul Scharre's Tech Transforms EpisodeFocusBreaking BadBoyd by Robert CoramUndaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
  • Insights from the Billington Cybersecurity Summit with Willie Hicks, Federal CTO at Dynatrace

    Insights from the Billington Cybersecurity Summit with Willie Hicks, Federal CTO at Dynatrace

    · Tech Transforms

    On this special episode, Willie Hicks and Carolyn Ford discuss the Billington Cybersecurity Summit, as well as insights from panels, led by Willie, on workforce automation and zero trust.

    Key Topics[00:22] Willie's Workforce Automation Panel Highlights[03:28] The Difference Between Training & Education[11:11] Securing Data In A Zero Trust World Panel Highlights[16:31] Willie's Experience with Constant Reverification While Working in Financial Data Protection[20:44] Overarching Impressions from the Billington Cybersecurity Summit
    Quotable Quotes

    On the Human Factor: "I think this is always the case, that the human's usually going to be the weakest link. We're always the weakest link. But that's why that constant reverification is so critical."

    On Generative AI: "We can't fear these things like generative AI. We've got to embrace it. We've got to use it. We've got to figure out how to use it and use it right and use it appropriately. But we have to figure out how to use it because you know who's using it? Our adversaries."

    About Our Guest

    Willie Hicks is the Public Sector Chief Technologist for Dynatrace. Willie has spent over a decade orchestrating solutions for some of the most complex network environments, from cloud to cloud native applications and microservices. He understands tracking and making sense of systems and data that has grown beyond human ability. Working across engineering and product management to ensure continued growth and speed innovation, he has implemented Artificial Intelligence and automation solutions over hundreds of environments to tame and secure their data.

    Episode LinksBillington Cybersecurity Summit SpeakersTech Transforms with Tom BillingtonTech Transforms with Ann DunkinMission Impossible
  • Keeping Your Eyes Open For Opportunity with Sandi Larsen, Vice President of Global Security Solutions at Dynatrace

    Keeping Your Eyes Open For Opportunity with Sandi Larsen, Vice President of Global Security Solutions at Dynatrace

    · Tech Transforms

    Sandi Larsen, Vice President, Global Security Solutions at Dynatrace, joins our host Carolyn Ford to share her perspectives on the relationship between zero trust and defense in depth. She also discusses her storied career, leadership and what it's like to be a woman in technology (although she dislikes the term). Additionally, Sandi shares her advice on identifying mentors, finding your voice and battling imposter syndrome.

    Key Topics[00:00] Introduction [01:10] Sandi's Role at Dynatrace [03:11] Sandi's Take on Zero Trust & Defense in Depth[09:21] Sandi’s Career Path[19:01] People in Technology and the Gender Gap [25:26] Sandi's Key Takeaway for Listeners[27:37] Tech Talk Questions
    Quotable Quotes

    On Finding Inspiration: “You just can't sleep on these pivotal people in your career whether they're ahead of you or beside you or even behind you, I’ve been inspired by people that I am mentoring.”

    On Having Mentors: “Find mentors, they are just invaluable and will be throughout your whole entire career, no matter what stage you're in. At the beginning, at the middle, later in your career, they will always be indispensable for you.”

    On Using Your Voice: “Speak up. Just have a voice. And if that voice in your head is planting doubt, don't listen to it. If it's coaching you on what to say and what not to say, and being wise about that, listen to that. But if it's planting seeds of doubt, you've got to you have to push it aside. And you have to take that step. Because if you don't, you might be missing out on the next best thing.”

    About Our Guest

    Sandi Larsen currently serves as the Vice President of Global Security at Dynatrace. Prior to joining Dynatrace in November 2020, Sandi held various positions, including sales and systems engineering roles in cybersecurity and financial services organizations.

    Episode LinksThe BearThe John Maxwell Leadership PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
  • Building a Community of Trust with Tom Billington, CEO of Billington CyberSecurity

    Building a Community of Trust with Tom Billington, CEO of Billington CyberSecurity

    · Tech Transforms

    Tom Billington, CEO of Billington CyberSecurity and Producer of the Billington CyberSecurity Summit, joins Carolyn and co-host Mark Senell to discuss the upcoming 14th Annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit, what goes into creating a valuable community for both the government and the commercial sector, and the important topics that will be the basis for this year's conference.

    Key Topics[02:58] - Founding the Billington Cybersecurity Summit [09:59] - Developing Conference Topics [12:43] - Bridging Federal and Commercial Cybersecurity [16:02]- Critical Infrastructure at Billington [19:04] - Commercial Industry at Billington [21:45] - Registering for The Summit[22:49] - Preparing Key Conference Themes [24:46] - Hottest Topics at Billington This Year[27:03] - What’s New About Zero Trust [28:22] - Tech Talk Questions
    Quotable Quotes

    On Founding Billington Cybersecurity Summit: "I really started this business to be distinctly patriotic, to provide a serious dialogue in a way that I felt wasn't really being done at that time...So breaking into the federal cybersecurity community, to be honest, was hard as an entrepreneur. We had to build trusted relationship after trusted relationship. Over the course of 14 years, it's become decidedly easier now, now that we have had the privilege of having those trusted relationships."

    On Zero Trust: "Many of the areas that zero trust encompasses have been around since the profession has existed in cybersecurity. But at no other time has the U.S. government proclaimed the importance of this overarching field as it has in the last few years. So it becomes important for the government. It becomes important for the industry leaders who serve them."

    On International Cyber Collaboration: "So it's not just the U.S. team sport. It's an international team sport. The partnership with our international allies is crucially important."

    About Our Guest

    Before launching his company in 2010, Tom Billington spent nearly two decades producing hundreds of events, publications and articles for four of the world’s leading media companies: Reader’s Digest, Phillips Business Information, BNA (now Bloomberg BNA) and Thomson Reuters. Now, Tom is the CEO and Founder of Billington CyberSecurity, a leading independent education company founded in 2010 with an exclusive focus on cybersecurity education. Every year, he hosts the Billington Cybersecurity Summit, which is known as the world's leading government summit on cybersecurity with the unique educational mission of convening the who's who in cybersecurity: the senior leadership from the U.S. government, our allied partners, and their industry and academic partners.

    Episode Links14th Annual Billington Cybersecurity Summit AgendaAnn Dunkin on Tech TransformsBooks By Kevin Mitnick
  • Developing the Collective Defense with Ann Dunkin, CIO at the U.S. Department of Energy

    Developing the Collective Defense with Ann Dunkin, CIO at the U.S. Department of Energy

    · Tech Transforms

    Ann Dunkin, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), joins Carolyn and guest host Willie Hicks to discuss the National Cybersecurity Strategy and what it takes to secure a large agency like the DOE, as well as how agencies balance cybersecurity compliance and risk management. She also highlights the DOE's role in the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (P-TECCC) and the agency's relationship with its industry partners.

    Key Topics[01:47] - Affect of the National Cybersecurity Strategy on DOE Modernization Initiatives[07:59] - Risk vs. Compliance[14:17] - Protecting a Large Agency like DOE vs. Smaller Agencies[16:49] - P-TECC Overview & DOE's Work with P-TECC[23:14] - Implementing Lessons Learned from the Global Community[26:11] - DOE Modernization Efforts & The Role of Public-Private Partnerships[30:26] - Where Industry Can Improve[36:03] - Tech Talk Question
    Quotable Quotes

    On the Collective Defense: "The principles of collective defense, which underlie the cybersecurity strategy are incredibly important. That concept that we can't individually be safe, we have to work together. Once upon a time, you'd say, oh, if my cybersecurity's better than the guy down the street, they'll go down the street and forget about me. And we just can't do that. We're too interconnected. There's too much work we do together. There's too many interconnections between our systems. We absolutely positively have to develop that collective defense. In addition, part of that collective defense is ensuring that the burden of defense falls to those most able to deliver on that." - Ann Dunkin

    On balancing risk vs. compliance: "The reality is we can't do all the compliance. And so we absolutely have to look at risk to prioritize it. But I would argue that you should always look at your risk and balance that against your compliance exercises. Because number one, if you do all the compliance and then you start risk mitigation, you may be missing something big. But number two, because you probably don't have enough money to do all the compliance anyway." - Ann Dunkin

    On workforce development: "I firmly believe that we need pathways to move people in between the private and public sectors. And we need to make it easier for people to cycle between those places over the course of their career to leave government, to come back to government and to learn from each other. And also for the government through DOE and through other places to help build a workforce within the government that looks like America. And then to help the rest of America grow their workforce capabilities." - Ann Dunkin

    About Our Guest

    Ann Dunkin serves as the Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Department of Energy, where she manages the Department’s information technology (IT) portfolio and modernization; oversees the Department’s cybersecurity efforts; leads technology innovation and digital transformation; and enables collaboration across the Department. Ms. Dunkin is a published author, most recently of the book Industrial Digital Transformation.

    Episode LinksNational Cybersecurity Strategy
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