Welcome back to Forcepoint’s To the Point Cybersecurity podcast! In this episode, co-host Jonathan Knepher sits down with Petko Stoyanov—cybersecurity expert and former Forcepoint host—for a thought-provoking discussion about the evolving landscape of AI in cybersecurity. Together, they unpack the shifting trends seen at this year’s RSA conference, exploring how artificial intelligence is moving from marketing buzzword to mission-critical security feature. Petko dives deep into the real-world impact of generative AI models, the increasing sophistication of both attackers and defenders, and the pressing need for “security by design” in today’s fast-moving digital world.

They discuss the new questions CISOs and CIOs should be asking about AI—like where models are hosted, what data they process, and how to manage risks in regulated industries. Petko shares eye-opening anecdotes about the potential for AI to accidentally leak sensitive data, the rise of targeted phishing in new languages powered by generative models, and why the CISO role is broader and more challenging than ever. The conversation also touches on the future of automation, the risk of deepfakes and disinformation, and how organizations can stay resilient in an era where the line between attacker and defender is increasingly blurred.

For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e337

Welcome back to To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast! In this week’s episode, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher continue their fascinating conversation with Erika Dean, Chief Security Officer at Robinhood. Erika brings over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, including an impressive tenure at Capital One, where she held multiple cyber leadership roles.

In this second part of their discussion, Erika dives deep into the challenges of timely and transparent incident disclosure, the balancing act of regulatory compliance, and the importance of ongoing education for both companies and regulators as technology rapidly evolves. She also shares insights on the emerging regulatory landscape for AI and crypto, her unique journey into cybersecurity, and what keeps the field exciting—and sometimes stressful.

Stay tuned for an engaging conversation packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and forward-looking perspectives on the future of fintech security. You won’t want to miss Erika’s take on everything from managing a major incident to the quirks of Hollywood’s portrayal of hackers!

For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e336

Welcome to another episode of the To the Point Cybersecurity podcast, brought to you by Forcepoint. This week, hosts Rachel Lyon and Jonathan Knepper sit down with Erika Dean, Chief Security Officer at Robinhood, to dive deep into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats facing the fintech industry. With over two decades of experience—including leadership roles at Capital One—Erika sheds light on today’s most pressing security challenges, from lightning-fast and sophisticated phishing schemes to the growing risks posed by deepfakes, nation-state infiltration, and complex third-party vendor networks.

In this episode, Erika reveals why collaboration and intelligence sharing are more important than ever, discusses the unique challenges of securing crypto and blockchain environments, and explains how companies can strike a balance between transparency and security when dealing with incident disclosure rules. Whether you’re a cybersecurity pro, fintech enthusiast, or just curious about how the digital world is changing, this conversation is packed with insider perspectives and actionable insights.

Stay tuned—there’s plenty to unpack as we explore how companies like Robinhood are adapting to keep their platforms, customers, and data safe in a rapidly shifting threat landscape.

For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e335

Welcome back to To the Point Cybersecurity, where hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher take you inside the ever-evolving world of cyber threats, digital defense, and the impact of technology on our daily lives. In this episode, they sit down with Ricoh Danielson—national security expert, digital forensics pro, and US Army combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan—to unpack the intersections of cyber warfare, digital forensics, and the shifting global threat landscape.

Get an inside look at how Ricoh’s experiences on the battlefield shaped his career in cybersecurity, and how the strategies used in combat translate directly to the frontlines of cyber defense in both government and the private sector. From ransomware negotiations to the emerging risks of volunteer cyber armies and nation-state actors, Ricoh brings real-world stories and sharp insights on how prepared we really are—personally, organizationally, and nationally—for the next wave of hybrid warfare.

Plus, hear candid discussions on the shortcomings of current policy, the growing role of artificial intelligence in both attack and defense, and what practical steps individuals and businesses can take to harden their cyber resilience. It’s an eye-opening conversation that puts the realities of global conflict, digital forensics, and security leadership into a uniquely personal perspective. Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional, business leader, or just trying to keep your data safe, this episode peels back the curtain on what’s really at stake in today’s interconnected world. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e334

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