In the first installment of this two-part conversation, Fred Menachem is joined by Brandon Wales, former Executive Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and current VP Cybersecurity Strategy at SentinelOne. Brandon charts his journey from a big Italian-American family into national cybersecurity while sharing his unique perspective on tackling today’s most pressing cyber threats, from securing critical infrastructure to combating ransomware attacks that jeopardize national security.

They explore the balance between proactive defense and rapid incident response, the impact of emerging technologies, and the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration and trust across industries.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a policymaker, or simply intrigued by how the U.S. defends its digital landscape, this episode provides an eye-opening exploration of the challenges and opportunities in modern cybersecurity.