Insights & Intelligence

The use of disinformation isn’t new, but finding the truth has become more challenging as our adversaries employ sophisticated tools to manipulate perception. The Chertoff Group’s Adam Isles speaks with national security expert J.D. Maddox about the nature of disinformation campaigns, why companies should be concerned, and what can be done to prevent the spread of disinformation. He warns corporations that it’s a matter of time before sophisticated disinformation campaigns are used against them.

While cybersecurity is often top of mind for many companies, physical threats such as active shooters are emerging as major risks to people and businesses too. The Chertoff Group’s Jayson Ahern discusses the roles and responsibilities of leadership in guarding against these threats, how chief security officers can work with the organization, and how often companies should assess their risks.

Chertoff Group Senior Advisor Bob Pocica, who began his career at the FBI and served in various security roles at major corporations, discusses enterprise risk management. He talks about the importance of bringing physical and cybersecurity areas of a company together, and why it’s necessary for organizations to have a senior individual in charge of these threats. He urges Chief Security Officers to be proactive and offers this: You can’t over-communicate when it comes to security. 

The Chertoff Group’s Brian Hess traces his career in the U.S. Air Force – from deployment to his work at the Pentagon as a Nuclear Security Policy Officer. He discusses how the lessons he learned in the military can apply to the corporate world. How can we break down the barriers that exist between physical and cyber within organizations? He stresses the importance of working with teams to guard against threats.

What is the state of the market when it comes to space and missile defence?

The Chertoff Group’s Kristjan Kornmayer, who recently published the Space and Missile Defense Market Review, discusses a recent space and missile defence symposium and where he sees major areas of investment from the government and private sector.

Maggie Brunner of the National Governors Association discusses the steps that states are taking when it comes to cybersecurity. It’s everything from ensuring election security, dealing with ransomware threats, to protecting the electric grid. She highlights an innovative pilot program with seven states to improve cybersecurity, as well as the National Guard’s role in helping states with cyber threats.

The Chertoff Group’s Jayson Ahern talks about the importance of international supply chain security, and the delicate balance that must be maintained to keep goods flowing across our border. Public-private partnerships are setting standards to ensure legitimate goods come in, and the threats stay out. He discusses why companies need to understand – and guard against – risks in the international supply chain. 

What makes a good Director of National Intelligence? In the wake of the recent retirement of National Intelligence Director Dan Coats and the resignation of principal deputy director Sue Gordon, Chertoff Group Principal Charles Allen discusses what the Office of the Director of National Intelligence means to the security of the United States. Allen, who had a 40-year career with the CIA, talks about the importance of the office and the type of leader that the role requires. 

The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee reflected on today’s national security challenges during a recent hearing titled “18 Years Later: The state of Homeland Security After 9/11.”  Chertoff Group Executive Chairman Michael Chertoff, who served as the second U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, testified about the collective work done to prevent this type of event from occurring again and where further investment and attention is needed to protect the safety and security of the American people. 

It’s been nearly 20 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Chertoff Group’s Jayson Ahern, Charles Allen, Adam Isles, General Michael Hayden, and Lee Kair reflect on a day that changed America, and share stories about how it influenced their careers. They had a front-row seat to what happened on one of the country’s darkest days — and witnessed a nation that rose to the challenge.