The National Police Association Podcast with Guest, Hazel Cerra, U.S. Secret Service (Ret) Cybersecurity Leader @ Blackcloak

On this episode of the National Police Association Podcast, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith sits down with former United States Secret Service Special Agent Hazel Cerra, a 25-year veteran of federal law enforcement who has successfully transitioned from protecting presidents and world leaders to protecting corporate executives in the digital age.The conversation then turns to one of today's most pressing threats: cybersecurity. Hazel describes how criminal activity evolved from traditional fraud schemes to sophisticated digital attacks targeting businesses, financial systems, and critical infrastructure. She explains how hackers exploit vulnerabilities in payment systems, business networks, and personal information to gain access to sensitive data.The episode also explores the challenges and opportunities faced by women in law enforcement. Hazel candidly discusses her experiences as one of the few women in the Secret Service when she entered the agency, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and the lessons she learned balancing a demanding federal career with family life.Today, Hazel serves as Director of Strategic Partnerships at BlackCloak, where she helps organizations protect executives and their families from increasingly sophisticated cyber and privacy threats. She continues her lifelong mission of protecting others, this time in the digital world.In This Episode:The Secret Service's dual mission of protection and investigationsProtecting presidents and world leadersThe evolution of cybercrime and digital fraudHow cyber threats impact businesses and individualsDigital executive protection and executive securityWomen in federal law enforcementLeadership lessons from a 25-year Secret Service careerProtecting executives in today's digital environmentAbout the GuestHazel Cerra is a retired United States Secret Service Special Agent with 25 years of service. During her career, she investigated financial crimes, cybercrime, and network intrusions while also serving in numerous protective assignments. Hazel led cyber fraud investigations and served as Resident Agent in Charge of the Secret Service's Atlantic City Resident Office. She currently serves as Director of Strategic Partnerships at BlackCloak, helping organizations protect executives and their families from cyber, privacy, and digital threats.Connect with Hazel Cerrahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelcerra-cybergal/https://blackcloak.io/