And Security For All

In this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim sits down with cybersecurity expert Ken Foster to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the modern workforce — and what that means for security professionals, organizations, and the future of work.

From layoffs and talent shortages to the rise of agentic AI, Kim and Ken break down how automation, machine learning, and new attack surfaces are changing the cybersecurity landscape in real time. They discuss:

• How AI is transforming security operations and workforce dynamics
• The growing risk of over-automation and the loss of human oversight
• Why data governance and validation are critical to AI success
• The double-edged sword of AI in threat detection — and how bad actors are using it too
• The looming impact of quantum computing and what it means for encryption and defense strategies
• The importance of Zero Trust, segmentation, and continuous monitoring in today’s AI-driven world

Ken also shares candid insights on hiring trends, upskilling the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, and how leaders can prepare for a workforce that increasingly depends on — and is challenged by — artificial intelligence.

Whether you’re a CISO, IT leader, or security practitioner, this conversation offers practical perspective on where AI, automation, and human expertise intersect — and how to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving cyber landscape.

When Amazon Web Services (AWS) experienced a major outage, it wasn’t just a brief inconvenience—it exposed how dependent our digital world has become on a handful of cloud providers. From e-commerce and banking to communication tools, gaming platforms, and smart homes, the disruption highlighted the fragility of modern infrastructure and the need for true resilience.

In this episode of Security for All, host Kim Hakim explores what really happened during the AWS outage and what it means for organizations, consumers, and cybersecurity professionals.

Kim welcomes Tahjar Roamartinez, MBA, CISSP, ITIL, CEH—former U.S. Army officer and cybersecurity executive with extensive experience in IT governance, risk management, and cloud security. Together, they examine both the technical root causes and the broader business and societal impacts of the outage.

Discussion Topics Include:

• The technical breakdown of the AWS outage and how a DNS failure rippled across industries
• How overreliance on a single cloud provider creates systemic risk
• The importance of redundancy, resilience, and multi-cloud strategies
• How to prepare and respond using playbooks, tabletop exercises, and recovery planning
• The growing digital dependency of individuals, families, and organizations
• How security leaders can balance innovation with risk management
• Lessons learned for CISOs, IT leaders, and business owners moving forward

Tahjar and Kim also discuss how this event should serve as a wake-up call for every organization, regardless of size or budget. From small businesses to large enterprises, no one is immune from the ripple effects of an outage in today’s interconnected digital ecosystem.

Listeners will gain practical insights into strengthening cyber resilience, building awareness, and preparing for future disruptions—because in cybersecurity, it’s not a question of if, but when.

In this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim is joined by Eva Benn, Principal Security Program Manager, MSRC at Microsoft, keynote speaker, and one of the world’s Top 20 Women in Cybersecurity. Together, they dive deep into the realities of burnout in high-pressure industries — and how balance, empathy, and authenticity in leadership can change everything.

Drawing from her own experience in cybersecurity and human behavior, Eva shares how burnout isn’t just a personal problem — it’s a security risk. They discuss how the human element remains the weakest link in cyber defense, and why emotional resilience and psychological regulation are as essential as technical skills.

The conversation also explores gender balance and leadership energy, challenging the traditional “hustle harder” mindset. As they reflect on outdated workplace beliefs, the two discuss the importance of alignment: how working in tune with your authentic self prevents exhaustion and unlocks creativity.

They also examine the double-edged nature of AI — a tool that can either amplify burnout or help professionals regain time and focus when used with intention.

From redefining what success really looks like to cultivating workplaces where people can thrive, this episode is an honest, insightful, and empowering reminder that true leadership begins with balance — not burnout.

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, leadership fatigue, or the constant push to keep up in a hyper-digital world, this conversation will inspire you to slow down, realign, and find drive from a place of strength and humanity.

Cybersecurity Month is here, and we're kicking it off with a thought-provoking conversation that dives deep into why awareness remains one of the most powerful tools in our security arsenal.

In this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim is joined by Jonathan Kimmit, CISO at Alias Cybersecurity and former CISO at the University of Tulsa. Together, they explore the evolving role of cybersecurity awareness in a rapidly changing threat landscape. Jonathan shares insights from his years in leadership, including how foundational strategies can adapt to future challenges, how culture and communication influence security posture, and why staying vigilant is just as important today as ever before.

Throughout the discussion, they tackle:

• Why awareness isn’t just a “check-the-box” exercise
• How organizational culture impacts cybersecurity effectiveness
• Strategies for engaging teams and leadership in meaningful awareness efforts
• What’s changing in the industry and what CISOs should anticipate in the coming year

Listeners will walk away with practical takeaways and a renewed understanding of why awareness still matters—not only during Cybersecurity Month but year-round.

On this episode of And Security For All, guest host Omar Bedran from FutureCon CyberSecurity Events is chatting with Zluri Co-Founder & COO Sethu Meenakshisundaram about the future of identity in hashtag#Cybersecurity.

From AI-driven access management to real-time risk insights, they explore how organizations can stay secure and compliant without slowing down. Don't miss this fast-paced conversation packed with practical advice, real-world examples, and a look ahead at what’s next for IAM.

Guest:

Seth Meenakshisundaram

Co-Founder and COO at Zluri

On this episode of And Security For All, guest host Jonathan Kimmitt has Gordon Rudd on the show to cover how the CISO role has leadership at its core. The discussion will surround how CISOs can cultivate a leadership mindset to inspire teams, manage risks, and deliver strategic value.

On this episode of And Security For All, Steve Winterfeld and Sean Flynn will share research from Akamai’s Defenders' Guide 2025. We are seeing a vast increase in cyberattacks with old threats resurfacing alongside new sophisticated tactics. Tune in to understand the ever-changing threatscape and get insights on practical solutions based on real-life examples we are seeing in the wild.

Steve Winterfeld

I have served as CISO for Nordstrom Bank, Director of Cybersecurity for Nordstrom and Director of Incident Response and Threat Intelligence at Charles Schwab. Also have published a book on Cyber Warfare and hold CISSP, ITIL and PMP certifications.

Sean Flynn

I work with companies to ensure Akamai’s Security Vision aligns with industry and customer needs. I advise some of the largest customers in Finance, Commerce, and Healthcare on security strategies for implementing application, network, enterprise, and cyber best practices. I also act as a lead trainer for web and security teams. Before that, I designed and deployed critical security capabilities for multiple industries. I have over 18 years of IT security experience working for networking and application security providers. I have extensive hands-on experience, helping protect customers from active attacks by state-sponsored actors, hacktivists, and cyber criminals.

On this episode of And Security For All, Steve Winterfeld and Sean Flynn will share research from Akamai’s Defenders' Guide 2025. We are seeing a vast increase in cyberattacks with old threats resurfacing alongside new sophisticated tactics. Tune in to understand the ever-changing threatscape and get insights on practical solutions based on real-life examples we are seeing in the wild.

Steve Winterfeld

I have served as CISO for Nordstrom Bank, Director of Cybersecurity for Nordstrom and Director of Incident Response and Threat Intelligence at Charles Schwab. Also have published a book on Cyber Warfare and hold CISSP, ITIL and PMP certifications.

Sean Flynn

I work with companies to ensure Akamai’s Security Vision aligns with industry and customer needs. I advise some of the largest customers in Finance, Commerce, and Healthcare on security strategies for implementing application, network, enterprise, and cyber best practices. I also act as a lead trainer for web and security teams. Before that, I designed and deployed critical security capabilities for multiple industries. I have over 18 years of IT security experience working for networking and application security providers. I have extensive hands-on experience, helping protect customers from active attacks by state-sponsored actors, hacktivists, and cyber criminals.

As we close out 2024, the cybersecurity landscape looms larger than ever. What cyber storms are brewing for 2025? Three cyber leaders from Akamai Technologies give us their predictions and what might happen—and counsel on what we can do about it. We’ll focus on the resurgence of DNS-based attacks, the evolution of DDoS tactics, emerging threats in the quantum and AI domains—and more.

Today's Special Guests:                                                                           

Tricia Howard                                                  Steve Winterfeld

Mitch Mayne                                                Roger Barranco

On this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim has Richard Bird on the show to discuss navigating a Cybersecurity career beyond just the technology changes. Richard recently joined Singulr AI as their CISO, and has an extensive background as a six-time C-level executive in the corporate and start-up worlds. During our chat, Richard will be discussing his atypical trajectory career path and how changes in security have contributed to this. This will go beyond just technology advancements and explore the constantly evolving industry. 

Guest: Richard Bird

Richard William Bird is the Chief Security Officer for Singulr AI and a six-time C-level executive in the corporate and start-up worlds. His 30-year career journey has been diverse and unique, from a dozen years at JPMorgan Chase to delivering keynote presentations worldwide. Richard is internationally recognized for his expert insights, work, and views on AI security, data privacy, digital consumer rights, API security, and identity security. He is a highly sought-after speaker and moderator who addresses today's security problems with humor and clarity.

Richard recently released his first book, Famous With 12 People: A Career Guide On How to Be an Internationally Recognized Expert In Something Nobody Cares About. It is a practical field guide on personal and professional branding, public speaking, and effective networking.

He is a Senior Fellow with the CyberTheory Zero Trust Institute and an executive member of CyberEdBoard. He has been interviewed and quoted extensively by media outlets, including ISMG, the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Bloomberg, The Financial Times, Business Insider, CNN, NBC Nightly News, Dark Reading, and TechRepublic.