In this episode of the Incubator Podcast, hosts Satbir Sran and Darren Boyd sit down with Daniel Hooper, a cybersecurity expert with over 25 years of experience, including a decade as a CISO. They dive into the evolving world of cybersecurity, exploring key challenges and strategies for 2025.

Daniel shares his journey from technical roles to a business-focused CISO, emphasizing the need to align security with organizational goals. He highlights AI as a game-changer for enhancing security operations, like investigations in Security Operations Centers, and enabling safe business innovations, such as secure chatbots. However, AI’s accessibility also empowers adversaries, pushing CISOs to stay vigilant through threat modeling and risk assessments.

Looking ahead, Daniel identifies identity management, attack surface, third-party risk, and vulnerability management as top priorities. He advocates for proactive, automated solutions over reactive fixes. On the talent front, he suggests addressing skill gaps with training, promotions, or contractors before hiring full-time staff, ensuring resources match business needs.

Third-party risk, driven by booming SaaS and API integrations, is a growing concern. Daniel calls for standardized risk assessments to cut redundant due diligence, urging focus on business-specific needs like GDPR compliance. He also reflects on the CISO’s increasing accountability, with legal scrutiny from regulators like the SEC adding pressure. Despite this, Daniel remains motivated by the challenge of safeguarding organizations.

Daniel envisions security teams evolving into integrated “Centers of Excellence,” focusing on identity as the new perimeter and proactive risk management over alert-driven responses. Daniel's parting call is for the cybersecurity community to collaborate on streamlined third-party risk frameworks, saving time and sharpening focus on unique business requirements.