Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in 2026: Insights from Gina Yacone

In this episode, Gina Yacone joins Jaye Tillson and John Spiegel to discuss the latest trends in cybersecurity, Zero Trust, AI, identity, vulnerability management, and the evolving industry landscape. The conversation explores how organisations are being forced to rethink security because of rising cyber threats, AI-driven attacks, regulatory pressure, and the growing importance of business-aligned cybersecurity leadership. They also share practical insights on reducing attack surface, managing technical debt, preparing for quantum risks, securing AI adoption, and why modern CISOs must increasingly speak the language of the business rather than just technology. Key Takeaways: • Zero Trust is moving from buzzword to business necessity. • Identity is back at the centre of serious security conversations. • Zero Trust is about reducing blast radius, not pretending breaches will never happen. • AI is helping attackers move faster, scale better, and make fewer mistakes. • Defenders need AI too, but adoption and operationalisation are still hard. • Vulnerability management must move from counting CVEs to understanding real exposure. • CTEM is changing how organisations prioritise risk and patching. • Quantum readiness should start now with simple assessments and crypto visibility. • CISOs need to speak business language, not just technical language. • Secure AI, data governance, and SDLC controls are becoming urgent priorities. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms. What is the Zero Trust Forum about?  It’s about empowering zero trust security professionals with strategies, architecture, and real world journeys to secure the digital future, the right way! Follow the Zero Trust Forum on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/zero-trust-forum/. Follow Jaye Tillson on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jaye-tillson/ Follow John Spiegel on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/john-spiegel-2011543/