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

In this episode of the "To the Point Cybersecurity" podcast, hosted by Jonathan Knepher and Rachael Lyon, we delve into the intricate world of cybersecurity with Dr. Bill Anderson, the Principal Product Manager at Mattermost. With a focus on AI, quantum cryptography, and secure communications, Bill brings a wealth of experience from his time in the defense and intelligence communities. Throughout the discussion, the team explores the unique challenges faced by defense, intelligence, security, and critical infrastructure organizations in defining cyber resilience. They compare this with the approaches taken by commercial organizations, providing valuable insights into the importance of leadership, training, and collaboration in building a robust cybersecurity strategy. As they navigate issues like information overload, skills gaps, and the need for adaptive incident response, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complex landscape of cybersecurity today. Stay tuned for part two of this engaging conversation next week.

For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e328

In this exciting episode of "Forcepoint's To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast," hosted by Rachael Lyon and co-hosted by Jonathan Knepher, we dive back into conversation with Saaim Khan, founder, and principal adviser at Cyber Matters. Known for redefining the cyber consulting landscape with an "unconsults" approach, Saaim shares engaging stories and insights on the evolving cybersecurity industry. Together, they explore the complexities and misconceptions surrounding AI in threat detection and incident response, the importance of simplicity and restraint in cybersecurity strategies, and the abundant technological resources at our disposal. With anecdotes and practical advice, this episode offers a unique perspective on navigating the cyber world today. Tune in to discover valuable lessons learned over Saaim's extensive career and how these can help businesses tackle current and future cybersecurity challenges.

For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e327

Welcome back to the Forcepoint podcast, where we bring you the latest in global cybersecurity. Today, we're diving into part one of our two-part series with Saaim Khan, founder and principal advisor at Cyber Matters. Saaim is redefining cyber consulting with an "unconsult" approach. In this episode, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepper engage Saaim in a conversation about the apparent cybersecurity talent shortage that NIST predicts will influence significant incidents by this year. Is it a lack of talent, or perhaps a shortage of experience? As Saaim suggests, it's all about the right attitude and the importance of nurturing humility and the ability to extrapolate in the next generation. Tune in as we explore the nuances of cybersecurity talent, the potential impacts of AI on the industry, and the role of true mentorship. It's a discussion packed with insight and real-world anecdotes that any cybersecurity professional or enthusiast can't afford to miss. So grab your headphones and let's get to the point!

For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e326