Special Editions

In this special edition of CyberWire Daily’s 10th anniversary series, N2K CyberWire's Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner discuss 10 years of vulnerabilities, zero‑days, and hardware flaws. Together they reflect on the last decade of cybersecurity vulnerabilities, exploring key shifts, landmark incidents like WannaCry and Log4Shell, and the evolving landscape shaped by hardware issues and AI. Join Maria and Dave as they discuss how these changes impacted security practices and the importance of vigilance in a rapidly interconnected world.

In this Special Edition episode, N2K CyberWire's Dave Bittner sits down with Caitlin Sarian, widely known as Cybersecurity Girl, to explore how storytelling, authenticity, and community are reshaping a more human-centered cybersecurity landscape. Recorded live at The Cyber Guild's Uniting Women in Cyber (UWIC) Event last fall, this candid conversation highlights Caitlin’s unconventional path into cybersecurity and her mission to make the industry more accessible and relatable for all.  Together, they explore how breaking down technical barriers can unlock new pathways into the field especially for those from nontraditional backgrounds. UWIC brings together industry leaders, practitioners, and emerging talent to advance the cybersecurity workforce through leadership, innovation, and inclusion. Join us on Oct 8 for UWIC 2026!

In this special edition of CyberWire Daily’s 10th anniversary series, N2K CyberWire's Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner discuss leaks, espionage and influence operations over the past 10 years. Together they reflect on a decade of cybersecurity developments, focusing on the pivotal year 2016 where a shift occurred. Join N2K as we cover the rise of nation-state cyber operations, major leaks like the Panama Papers and DNC email hacks, and the evolving landscape of cyber norms, trust, and threat perception.

In this special edition of CyberWire Daily’s 10th anniversary series, N2K CyberWire's Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner consider the tactics, trends, and turning points that shaped the threat landscape over the last decade of ransomware. Ransomware has evolved from small-scale extortion and opportunistic attacks to sprawling, sophisticated, organized crime and state-sponsored attacks. Cryptocurrency plays a pivotal role in enabling ransomware's growth by providing untraceable payment methods. Join us as we explore key incidents like WannaCry and NotPetya, the shift from street crime to organized and nation-state cyber threats, and AI's impact on the future of ransomware.

Authors Paul J. Maurer and Ed Skoudis join Caveat podcast co host Ben Yelin to discuss their new book: "The Code of Honor: Embracing Ethics in Cybersecurity." The book is a comprehensive and practical framework for ethical practices in contemporary cybersecurity. Listen to Ben's discussion with Paul and Ed as they explore the ethical dimensions of cybersecurity, the influence of AI, and the responsibilities of cyber professionals. Consider joining Paul and Ed in upholding the highest standards of cybersecurity ethics by signing the Cybersecurity Code they share as part of The Code of Honor. Learn more about the book here.

In this special edition of CyberWire Daily’s 10th anniversary series, N2K CyberWire's Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner discuss cybersecurity geopolitics and warfare that have been in the news over the past 10 years. Our conversation treks around the globe beginning with the supply chain malware from the destructive NotPetya campaign out of Russia, then Maria and Dave highlight:  Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine pairing cybersecurity and kinetic war the use of inexpensive technology in warfare in Iran shifts of nation-state strategies by China with VoltTyphoon and SaltTyphoon intrusions in critical sectors.  They touch on the movement toward zero trust architecture and the rise and proliferation of ransomware. And, what's a conversation between Maria and Dave without a mention of AI and the future? Join us as we reflect on the escalation from election interference and disruption, to espionage and ransomware as national security crises, to integration in kinetic war, and now expansion into space, with AI-driven defenses and NATO codifying cyber as a collective defense domain.

In this special edition of CyberWire Daily’s 10th anniversary series, N2K CyberWire's Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner discuss the biggest breaches over the past 10 years. The foundational 2014 Sony hack kicks off our conversation, then Maria and Dave highlight: the 2015 OPM breach, which exposed sensitive security-clearance data and was attributed to long-term access by China amid outdated government systems and security 2017’s WannaCry and NotPetya's global disruption and Equifax's ongoing fallout the 2020 SolarWinds breach underscored supply-chain risks and raised concerns about potential personal criminal liability for CISOs. The conversation illustrates two main threat-actor categories—nation-state espionage and financially motivated criminals—and the increasingly blurred lines between them. Join us as we reflect on how the industry and cybercrime have evolved over the past decade.

In this special edition of CyberWire Daily’s 10th anniversary series, Maria Varmazis hosts a thoughtful and engaging conversation with N2K CyberWire CEO Peter Kilpe and CyberWire Daily host Dave Bittner, exploring the origin story of the podcast that started it all. From early ambitions to behind-the-scenes turning points, they trace how the show found its voice and evolved from a startup experiment into a trusted cornerstone of the cybersecurity community. Along the way, they share candid anecdotes, hard-earned lessons, and reflections on how both the industry and CyberWire Daily have transformed over the past decade.

In this special Reporter’s Notebook, Maria Varmazis⁠⁠⁠⁠, host here at N2K CyberWire, takes listeners behind the scenes of our three-part series on Cyber Coalition 2025 in Tallinn, Estonia. After exploring real-time incident response, cross-border coordination, and the broader stakes of collective cyber defense, this episode offers a more personal, behind-the-scenes look at how the reporting came together. Hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence, the exercise brought together allied military, government, and industry teams inside NATO’s secure cyber range. Here, Maria reflects on moments that didn’t make the final cut — the atmosphere inside the facilities, the pace of covering a live exercise, and the small, human details that added texture to the larger story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to listen to all three episodes of the series to hear the full story from the ground at Cyber Coalition 2025. Episode one can be found ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Episode two can be found ⁠here⁠.  Episode three can be found ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

In the final installment of our three-part series on ⁠Cyber Coalition 2025⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Maria Varmazis⁠⁠⁠, host here at N2K CyberWire, and ⁠⁠⁠Liz Stokes, CyberWire Producer, step back from the cyber range to reflect on what their time in Tallinn really meant. This episode moves beyond the mechanics of the exercise and into the broader stakes of collective cyber defense in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical moment. Recorded two months after their visit, the conversation blends field tape and personal reflections — from standing outside the Russian Embassy in Old Town to recalling the weight inside NATO’s secure facilities. Estonia’s history, including the 2007 cyberattacks, and its visible solidarity with Ukraine underscore just how real and proximate the risks remain. Be sure to check out the first two episodes of this three part series, you can find them below. Episode one can be found ⁠here⁠. Episode two can be found here.

In this second installment of our three-part series on ⁠Cyber Coalition 2025⁠, ⁠Maria Varmazis⁠⁠, host here at N2K CyberWire⁠⁠ and CyberWire Producer ⁠⁠Liz Stokes,⁠ take listeners inside a single day at NATO’s cyber headquarters in Tallinn, Estonia — focusing on the human side of cyber defense. Hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and led by NATO Allied Command Transformation, Cyber Coalition is a defensive-only exercise built around collaboration, coordination, and information sharing across allied nations. This episode highlights how that plays out in practice, from legal teams working through cross-border policy questions to military defenders coordinating with civilian infrastructure partners inside NATO’s secure cyber range. Be sure to check out the rest of this three part series, you can find them below. Episode one can be found ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Episode three can be found ⁠here⁠.

In this three-part series, Maria Varmazis, host of T-Minus Space Daily and CyberWire Producer Liz Stokes, take you inside NATO’s flagship cyber defense exercise, Cyber Coalition 2025. Hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia, the exercise brings together military, government, and industry teams from across the alliance to respond to realistic, high-pressure cyberattack scenarios targeting critical infrastructure and operational networks. Throughout the series, Maria and Liz will guide you through what they witnessed on the ground — from real-time threat detection and incident response to the strategic collaboration shaping NATO’s cyber resilience in an increasingly contested digital landscape. Be sure to check out the rest of this three part series, you can find them below. Episode two can be found ⁠here⁠. Episode three can be found ⁠here⁠.

Join us for a timely and insightful live discussion on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in governance, risk, and compliance. Host Dave Bittner from N2K | CyberWire is joined by Kayne McGladrey from Hyperproof, Matthew Cassidy, PMP, CISA from Grant Thornton (US), and Alam Ali from Hyperproof to explore the current state of artificial intelligence in governance, risk, and compliance. The panel will discuss what AI is truly doing well today, the risks and challenges organizations need to watch for, and how AI is poised to influence the future of GRC. They will also share practical insights and real-world guidance for teams looking to adopt AI responsibly and effectively. Don’t miss this timely conversation as our experts break down what’s real, what’s risky, and what’s next in AI for GRC.

On this Special Edition podcast, we share a panel from DataTribe's Cyber Innovation Day 2025, "Cyber: The Wake of Tech Innovation." The podcast tech host panel included Dave Bittner, host of  CyberWire Daily podcast, Maria Varmazis, host of T-Minus Space Daily podcast, and Daniel Whitenack, co-host of Practical AI podcast, sharing a wide-ranging discussion. Together, Dave, Maria and Dan examine the intersection of frontier innovation and cyber innovation through the lens of cyber, space, and AI.

The DataTribe Challenge is a launchpad for elite cybersecurity and cyber-adjacent startups ready to break out. 2025 marks the 8th annual edition of the event with a change in venue and some exciting new updates. We take you on a journey from inception with Leo Scott, Managing Director and Chief Innovation Officer at DataTribe, and 3 past DataTribe Challenge winners at different levels on their growth tracks following their participation in the event. You'll meet Anita D'Amico, former CEO of Code DX (acquired by Synopsis in 2021) and 2019 winner; Greg Baker, Co-Founder of Balance Theory and 2022 winner; and Brian Proctor, Founder and CEO of Frenos and 2024 winner.

This Labor Day, we’re celebrating more than just a holiday. Join us in celebrating not just the work, but the people who make it possible — the labor behind the labor.We’re honoring the people who bring their creativity, dedication, and passion to every corner of N2K. The work you hear, read, and see from us doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of talented colleagues who pour themselves into their craft, often in ways that don’t always get the spotlight. From shaping sound and refining scripts to building certification content and producing video, their labor is the heartbeat of what we do.In this special edition, host Ma’ayan Plaut introduces you to some of the voices behind the scenes: Elliott, whose audio artistry makes every show sing; Ethan, whose sharp analysis bridges policy and practice; Alice, whose storytelling brings energy and curiosity to the space industry; George and Ann, who create and refine the certification content that keeps us at the forefront of technology; and Sarelle, whose video production brings our stories to life. Together, they embody the care and creativity that define N2K.And if you’d like to see the labor behind the labor, we’ve also put together a ⁠video⁠ companion to this project — giving you another way to meet the team and experience their work in action. Be sure to check it out!

We put together an open conversation between our podcast hosts, CyberWire Daily's Dave Bittner, T-Minus Space Daily’s Maria Varmazis, and CISO Perspectives podcast’s Kim Jones. Their conversation goes deeper than just the historical significance of Juneteenth, diving into candid conversations on allyship, representation, and the enduring value of diversity in the cybersecurity and space fields. Grab your coffee and join us in the room. Resources: Juneteenth CISO Perspectives podcast: Does diversity matter in cyber? Mid season reflection with Kim Jones. T-Minus Space Daily podcast: Dr. Sian Proctor sharing her poem "Space to Inspire" on Instagram. Deep Space: Inspiration4 with Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor.

Cybersecurity is no longer confined to the digital world or just a technical challenge, it’s a global imperative. The NightDragon Innovation Summit convened a group of industry leaders to discuss how public and private entities can work together to address emerging threats and harness the power of AI, cybersecurity, and innovation to strengthen national defense. In this special edition podcast, we capture a glimpse into the knowledge and expertise shared at the NightDragon Innovation Summit. We are joined by NightDragon Founder and CEO Dave DeWalt, DataBee CEO Nicole Bucala, Liberty Mutual Insurance EVP and CISO Katie Jenkins, Sophos CEO Joe Levy, and Dataminr VP of Sales Engineering Michael Mastrole.

Welcome to the Microsoft for Startups Spotlight, brought to you by N2K CyberWire and Microsoft. In this episode, we are shining a light on innovation, ambition, and the tech trailblazers building the future right from the startup trenches. This episode is part of our exclusive RSAC series where we dive into the real world impact of the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.  Along with Microsoft’s Kevin Magee, Dave Bittner talks with an entrepreneur and startup veteran, and founders from three incredible startups who are part of the Founders Hub, each tackling big problems with even bigger ideas.  Dave and Kevin set the stage speaking with startup veteran and Cygenta co-founder FC about making the leap from hacker to entrepreneur. Dave and Kevin then speak with three founders: Matthew Chiodi of Cerby, Travis Howerton of RegScale, and Karl Mattson of Endor Labs. So whether you are building your own startup or just love a good innovation story, listen in. For more information, visit the Microsoft for Startups website.

Brandon Karpf sits down with Mike Silverman, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at FS-ISAC, to discuss the white paper Building Cryptographic Agility in the Financial Sector. Authored by experts from FS-ISAC’s Post-Quantum Cryptography Working Group, the paper addresses the vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing to current cryptographic algorithms. It provides financial institutions with strategies to safeguard sensitive data and maintain trust as these emerging threats evolve. Discover the challenges and actionable steps to build cryptographic agility in this insightful conversation.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the CyberWire and our friends! Enjoy our rendition of the 12 Days of Malware created by Dave Bittner and performed by Dave and friends: Rachel Tobac, Jayson Street, Ron Eddings & Chris Cochran, Ray [Redacted], Dinah Davis, Camille Stewart, Rick Howard, Michelle Dennedy, Jack Rhysider, Johannes Ullrich, and Charity Wright. Ba dum bum bum. Sing along if you are game! Check out our video for the full effect! The 12 Days of Malware lyrics On the first day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: A keylogger logging my keys. On the second day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: 2 Trojan Apps... And a keylogger logging my keys. On the third day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: 3 Web shells... 2 Trojan Apps... And a keylogger logging my keys. On the fourth day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: 4 Crypto scams... 3 Web shells... 2 Trojan Apps... And a keylogger logging my keys. On the fifth day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: 5 Zero Days! 4 Crypto scams... 3 Web shells... 2 Trojan Apps... And a keylogger logging my keys. On the sixth day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: 6 Passwords spraying... 5 Zero Days! 4 Crypto scams... 3 Web shells... 2 Trojan Apps... And a keylogger logging my keys. On the seventh day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: 7 Scripts a scraping... 6 Passwords spraying... 5 Zero Days! 4 Crypto scams... 3 Web shells... 2 Trojan Apps... And a keylogger logging my keys. On the eighth day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: 8 Worms a wiping... 7 Scripts a scraping... 6 Passwords spraying... 5 Zero Days! 4 Crypto scams... 3 Web shells... 2 Trojan Apps... And a keylogger logging my keys. On the ninth day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: 9 Rootkits rooting... 8 Worms a wiping... 7 Scripts a scraping... 6 Passwords spraying... 5 Zero Days! 4 Crypto scams... 3 Web shells... 2 Trojan Apps... And a keylogger logging my keys. On the tenth day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: 10 Darknet markets... 9 Rootkits rooting... 8 Worms a wiping... 7 Scripts a scraping... 6 Passwords spraying... 5 Zero Days! (Bah-dum-dum-dum!) 4 Crypto scams... 3 Web shells... 2 Trojan Apps... And a keylogger logging my keys. On the eleventh day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: 11 Phishers phishing... 10 Darknet markets... 9 Rootkits rooting... 8 Worms a wiping... 7 Scripts a scraping... 6 Passwords spraying... 5 Zero Days! (Bah-dum-dum-dum!) 4 Crypto scams... 3 Web shells... 2 Trojan Apps... And a keylogger logging my keys. On the twelfth day of Christmas, my malware gave to me: 12 Hackers hacking... 11 Phishers phishing... 10 Darknet markets... 9 Rootkits rooting... 8 Worms a wiping... 7 Scripts a scraping... 6 Passwords spraying... 5 Zero Days! 4 Crypto scams... 3 Web shells... 2 Trojan Apps... And a keylogger logging my keys.

In this special edition podcast, N2K's Executive Editor Brandon Karpf talks with author, CEO and cybersecurity advisor Dr. Bilyana Lilly about her new novel "Digital Mindhunters." Book Overview In a high-stakes game of espionage and deception, a female analyst uncovers Russia's plot to wield artificial intelligence, espionage, and disinformation as weapons of chaos against the United States. As she races against time to thwart an assassination plot, she finds herself entangled in a web of international intrigue and discovers a parallel threat from a Chinese spy network aiming to steal data, manipulate American voters, and harness technology to dismantle the very foundations of U.S. democracy. In a world where lies are a weapon and trust is a luxury, she navigates the treacherous worlds of arms dealers, hackers, and spies to protect her country. About the author Dr. Bilyana Lilly is a cybersecurity and information warfare expert. She advises senior executives in the private and public sector on how to mitigate cybersecurity risk across their enterprises. Dr. Lilly serves on the Advisory Boards of the venture capital firm Night Dragon and the cybersecurity firm RunSafe Security. She chairs the Democratic Resilience Track of the Warsaw Security Forum and is an adjunct senior advisor for critical infrastructure and resilience at the Institute for Security and Technology. Her previous roles include a manager at Deloitte's Financial Cybersecurity Practice and a fellow at the RAND Corporation. Dr. Lilly holds a PhD in policy analysis and cyber security, and three master's degrees, including an honors degree from Oxford University. Her book "Russian Information Warfare" became a bestseller and is on display at the Pentagon. Dr. Lilly is a mentor and a speaker at RSA, DefCon, CyCon, and the Executive Women's Forum. She has been denounced by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and called cyber expert by Tom Hanks.

In this special edition of our podcast, Simone Petrella sits down with cybersecurity luminary Alex Stamos, Chief Information Security Officer at SentinelOne, to delve into one of the most challenging years in tech history. 2024 has seen unprecedented breaches of multinational corporations, high-stakes attacks from state actors, massive data leaks, and the largest global IT failure on record. As both a seasoned security executive and respected thought leader, Stamos offers a firsthand perspective on how the security landscape is evolving under these pressures. In this exclusive keynote discussion, Stamos draws from his extensive experience to share hard-won lessons from the upheavals of 2024, discussing how companies can build — and rebuild — trust amidst this environment of constant threat. What new responsibilities do organizations have to their customers, employees, shareholders, and society? And what major shifts can we expect across cybersecurity and IT practices in response to these cascading challenges? Tune in for a deep dive into how security professionals are rising to meet their roles in a world brimming with motivated and capable adversaries.

In this Solution Spotlight episode, our very own Simone Petrella sits down with Chris Porter, the Chief Information Security Officer at Fannie Mae. As a seasoned expert in the financial and cybersecurity sectors, Chris shares insights into how Fannie Mae navigates the complexities of securing one of the nation's most critical financial institutions. Together, they discuss Fannie Mae's evolving cybersecurity posture, balancing innovation with risk management, and the critical strategies employed to protect sensitive data in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Chris also delves into the importance of collaboration across the industry, highlighting partnerships and intelligence-sharing as vital components in mitigating cyber threats.

In this episode, N2K's Brandon Karpf interviews Pete Newell, CEO and Founder of BMNT, about the challenges facing technology adoption within the Department of Defense (DoD). They discuss the concept of “mission acceleration,” focusing on the DoD’s struggle to keep pace with rapid changes on the battlefield and the importance of a human-centered approach to technology adaptation. Newell emphasizes that true innovation in defense is more of a "people problem" than a technology issue, requiring shifts in organizational culture and internal education. Tune in to hear insights on accelerating change in defense through better problem articulation and training.

In this special edition of Solution Spotlight, join us for an exclusive conversation between ISC2's Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Andy Woolnough, and N2K's Simone Petrella. Together, they take a deep dive into ISC2's 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, offering a first look at the most pressing findings. Discover insights from a survey of 15,852 cybersecurity professionals and decision-makers across the globe, including the size of the current workforce, the demand for more professionals, and alarming trends around layoffs, budget cuts, and skills shortages. Andy and Simone also explore the growing disconnect between the skills in high demand by hiring managers and those that cybersecurity pros are prioritizing. Learn why organizations must take immediate action to foster talent and bridge these skills gaps to meet the industry's evolving needs. Plus, today marks the start of the ISC2 Security Congress 2024! Whether attending in person or virtually, this event is packed with opportunities to engage with industry experts and further your knowledge in cybersecurity. Tune in for actionable insights and exclusive details on the state of the cybersecurity workforce and how your organization can stay ahead. For more information on ISC2 Security Congress 2024, visit the event page here.

In this episode, Dmitri Alperovitch discusses his book World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century with host Ben Yelin. Alperovitch highlights the rising tensions between the U.S. and China, focusing on Taiwan as a critical flashpoint that could ignite a new Cold War. He shares insights on the strategies America must adopt to maintain its status as the world’s leading superpower while addressing the challenges posed by China. By examining both strengths and weaknesses, as well as providing a timely blueprint for navigating the complexities of global relations in the 21st century.

In this 2-part special edition series, guest Steve Blank, co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University, speaks with N2K's Brandon Karpf about national security and the dilemma of technology disruption. In this series, Steve Blank, a renowned expert in national security innovation, explores the critical challenges facing the U.S. Department of Defense in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. From the rise of global adversaries like China to the bureaucratic obstacles hindering defense innovation, Blank breaks down the “dilemma of technology disruption” in national security. Learn how the U.S. can overcome its outdated systems, accelerate innovation, and prepare for the future of defense technology. Whether you’re interested in defense tech, cybersecurity, or government innovation, this episode offers deep insights into the intersection of national security and technological disruption. For some background, you can check out Steve’s article “Why Large Organizations Struggle With Disruption, and What to Do About It.”

In this 2-part special edition series, guest Steve Blank, co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University, speaks with N2K's Brandon Karpf about national security and the dilemma of technology disruption. In this series, Steve Blank, a renowned expert in national security innovation, explores the critical challenges facing the U.S. Department of Defense in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. From the rise of global adversaries like China to the bureaucratic obstacles hindering defense innovation, Blank breaks down the “dilemma of technology disruption” in national security. Learn how the U.S. can overcome its outdated systems, accelerate innovation, and prepare for the future of defense technology. Whether you’re interested in defense tech, cybersecurity, or government innovation, this episode offers deep insights into the intersection of national security and technological disruption. For some background, you can check out Steve’s article “Why Large Organizations Struggle With Disruption, and What to Do About It.”

In this Special Edition podcast, N2K's Executive Editor Brandon Karpf speaks with Danielle Ruderman, Senior Manager for Wordwide Security Specialists at AWS, and Adam Mikeal, CISO at Texas A&M, about CISO Circles, security challenges faced in higher education, and fostering the culture of security.

In this Special Edition podcast, N2K's Executive Editor Brandon Karpf speaks with Dustin Moody, mathematician at NIST, about their first 3 recently finalized post-quantum encryption standards. NIST finalized a key set of encryption algorithms designed to protect against future cyberattacks from quantum computers, which operate in fundamentally different ways from traditional computers. Listen as Brandon and Dustin discuss these algorithms and how quantum computing will change the way we view encryption and cyber attacks in the future. Resources: NIST Releases First 3 Finalized Post-Quantum Encryption Standards (NIST) FIPS 203 FIPS 204 FIPS 205 What is Post Quantum Cryptography? (NIST) National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization Project (NIST) Need to know: NIST finalizes post-quantum encryption standards essential for cybersecurity. (N2K CyberWire)

On this Solution Spotlight, guest Lee Parrish, author and CISO at Newell Brands, joins N2K President Simone Petrella to discuss his book "The Shortest Hour: An Applied Approach to Boardroom Governance of Cyber Security" and security relationship management.

N2K’s Brandon Karpf speaks with guest Justin Fanelli, Acting CTO of the US Navy, about the US Navy streamlining the innovation process. For some background, you can refer to this article.  Additional resources:  PEO Digital Innovation Adoption Kit  Atlantic Council’s Commission on Defense Innovation Adoption For industry looking to engage with PEO Digital: Industry Engagement

On this Solution Spotlight, guest Seeyew Mo, Assistant National Cyber Director, Office of the National Cyber Director at the White House, shares the nuances of the White House's skills-based approach (and how it's not only about hiring) with N2K President Simone Petrella. Seeyew shares a progress report on the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy nearly one year out. For more information, you can visit the press release: National Cyber Director Encourages Adoption of Skill-Based Hiring to Connect Americans to Good-Paying Cyber Jobs. The progress report Seeyew and Simone discuss can be found here: National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy: Initial Stages of Implementation.

Maria Varmazis, N2K host of T-Minus Space Daily, talks with WiCyS Executive Director Lynn Dohm and N2K's Simone Petrella, Dr. Heather Monthie, and Jeff Welgan about the 2024 Cyber Talent Study. N2K and WiCyS have come together under a common mission to attract, retain, and advance more women in cybersecurity. Together, we strive to support women throughout their career journey, and secure the future of our industry.   This groundbreaking report leverages skills data from the professional members of Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), and offers valuable insights into cybersecurity competencies within the industry. The Cyber Talent Study establishes a new benchmark for understanding the capabilities and potential of women in cybersecurity, and can be used to inform both individual training needs and organizational strategies for career advancement and skills enhancement.  Resources: Landing page: WiCyS Partners with N2K to deepen understanding of cyber competencies within the industry. Study Launch article: WiCyS Partners with N2K Networks for Pioneering Cyber Talent Study. Key Takeaways: Outstanding Performance: WiCyS members have demonstrated exceptional performance across several key areas of the NICE Framework, underscoring the importance of WiCyS’s training and development programs. Strategic Insights: Analysis revealed remarkable strengths and areas for development, providing WiCyS with actionable data to tailor future programs and initiatives and ensure its members remain at the forefront of cybersecurity excellence. Actionable Insights for Cybersecurity Workforce Development: The study revealed critical areas for targeted development to enhance cybersecurity workforce readiness. This insight empowers WiCyS to tailor its programs specifically to meet the diverse needs of its members, ensuring all participants are prepared to take on significant roles and lead in the cybersecurity industry. Leadership Readiness Among WiCyS Members: The study highlights that WiCyS members are highly skilled and uniquely prepared for leadership roles within the cybersecurity industry. Proven Expertise in Critical Cybersecurity Domains: The data show the outstanding capabilities of WiCyS members within the cybersecurity landscape. Excelling in nearly every N2K Functional Area mapped to the NICE Framework, WiCyS members have shown they not only meet but exceed the standards in key domains. You can access the final report of the 2024 Cyber Talent Study here.

As part of our series on the 2024 NICE Conference, we turn our focus to the one of the keynote speakers of the conference. This year’s conference theme “Strengthening Ecosystems: Aligning Stakeholders to Bridge the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap” highlights the collective effort to strengthen the cybersecurity landscape. By joining forces with key partners, we can foster a more robust cybersecurity ecosystem to bridge the workforce gap.  In her keynote coming up on Tuesday, June 4th, Deneen DiFiore, Chief Information Security Officer of United Airlines, will discuss "A Journey with No Destination: A CISO’s Pathway to a Cybersecurity Career." Prior to the conference, Simone Petrella, N2K President, caught up with Deneen DiFiore. They discussed Deneen's history with NICE, the importance of prioritizing cyber talent and workforce issues, what stakeholders need to more effectively tackle the cyber skills and experience gap across the profession, and more. Find out more about the The Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework) (NIST Special Publication 800-181, revision 1). Listen to our podcast about the update. Stay tuned for our coverage of the 2024 NICE Conference.

As part of our series on the 2024 NICE Conference, we turn our focus to the Business Roundtable. This year’s conference theme “Strengthening Ecosystems: Aligning Stakeholders to Bridge the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap” highlights the collective effort to strengthen the cybersecurity landscape. By joining forces with key partners, we can foster a more robust cybersecurity ecosystem to bridge the workforce gap. Business Roundtable is an association of chief executive officers of America’s leading companies working to promote a thriving U.S. economy and expanded opportunity for all Americans through sound public policy. The Business Roundtable launched its Cybersecurity Workforce Corporate Initiative in December of 2022. In coordination with its members and inputs from experts at Department of Commerce’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), it recently released a Cybersecurity Workforce Playbook to help employers create entry points to cybersecurity careers and strengthen cybersecurity talent pipelines across various industries and sectors. Simone Petrella, N2K President, speaks with Erin White, Business Roundtable's Senior Director, Corporate Initiatives, about the Cybersecurity Workforce Corporate Initiative, the recently released Cybersecurity Workforce Playbook, key takeaways for the private sector, and how the Business Roundtable and NICE are working together to support these initiatives. Find out more about the The Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework) (NIST Special Publication 800-181, revision 1). Stay tuned for our coverage of the 2024 NICE Conference.

On this Special Edition podcast, Dave Bittner speaks with guest Dave Hickton, Founding Director, Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security at the University of Pittsburgh, and former US Attorney, on this 10th Anniversary of the first indictment of Chinese PLA actors. Hear directly from Mr. Hickton what lead to the indictment, the emotions that went along with this unprecedented action, and the legacy of the event. On May 19, 2014, a grand jury in the Western District of Pennsylvania (WDPA) indicted five Chinese military hackers for computer hacking, economic espionage and other offenses directed at six American victims in the U.S. nuclear power, metals and solar products industries.  The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to hack into American entities, to maintain unauthorized access to their computers and to steal information from those entities that would be useful to their competitors in China, including state-owned enterprises (SOEs). In some cases, it alleges, the conspirators stole trade secrets that would have been particularly beneficial to Chinese companies at the time they were stolen. In other cases, it alleges, the conspirators also stole sensitive, internal communications that would provide a competitor, or an adversary in litigation, with insight into the strategy and vulnerabilities of the American entity. US Attorney Dave Hickton represented the Western District of Pennsylvania and was the signatory on the indictment. His team worked with the FBI Cyber Team in Pittsburgh, PA to bring about this historic action. Resources: Press Release: U.S. Charges Five Chinese Military Hackers for Cyber Espionage Against U.S. Corporations and a Labor Organization for Commercial Advantage Indictment

Join us for this special three-part series where the N2K Cyber Talent Insights team guides you through effective strategies to develop your cybersecurity team, helping you stay ahead in the constantly changing cybersecurity landscape.  In this episode, we center our conversation around the Cyber Workforce Pipeline. We discuss where the next great wave of talent is going to come. We talk more about these sources of new talent, such as K-12 programs, higher education, and trade school programs, transitioning military, and other initiatives and programs focused on cultivating the next generation of cyber professionals. Explore Cyber Talent Insights N2K’s Cyber Talent Insights provides security leaders measurable and actionable insights on your organization’s current cyber roles and capabilities to maximize your talent investments and build a business case for better hiring, developing, maintaining, and retaining your technical talent pools. Learn how at n2k.com/talent-insights. Connect with the N2K Cyber Workforce team on Linkedin: Dr. Sasha Vanterpool, Cyber Workforce Consultant  Dr. Heather Monthie, Cybersecurity Workforce Consultant Jeff Welgan, Chief Learning Officer Resources for developing your cybersecurity teams: N2K Cyber Workforce Strategy Guide Workforce Media Resources Strategic Cyber Workforce Intelligence resources for your organization Cyber Talent Acquisition Woes for Enterprises Workforce Intelligence: What it is and why you need it for cyber teams webinar Setting Better Cyber Job Expectations to Attract & Retain Talent webinar Full interviews sampled in this episode: Solution spotlight: Tackling the cyber talent gap with Simone Petrella and Tatyana Bolton. Solution Spotlight: White House releases cybersecurity workforce and education strategy with Simone Petrella and Camille Stewart Gloster.

Join us for this special three-part series where the N2K Cyber Talent Insights team guides you through effective strategies to develop your cybersecurity team, helping you stay ahead in the constantly changing cybersecurity landscape.  In this episode, we shift our point of view to provide guidance for an individual's first career or perhaps considering a career change transitioning into the field. We discuss a market-driven approach to career development. We also explore how to discover one’s niche in cybersecurity, including how to stand out in this competitive market and align personal interests with career goals. Lastly, we examine the role certifications play when navigating your path throughout the talent acquisition, development, and retention of the cybersecurity workforce management lifecycle.   Explore Cyber Talent Insights N2K’s Cyber Talent Insights provides security leaders measurable and actionable insights on your organization’s current cyber roles and capabilities to maximize your talent investments and build a business case for better hiring, developing, maintaining, and retaining your technical talent pools. Learn how at n2k.com/talent-insights. Connect with the N2K Cyber Workforce team on Linkedin: Dr. Sasha Vanterpool, Cyber Workforce Consultant  Dr. Heather Monthie, Cybersecurity Workforce Consultant Jeff Welgan, Chief Learning Officer Resources for developing your cybersecurity teams: N2K Cyber Workforce Strategy Guide Workforce Media Resources Cyber Talent Acquisition Woes for Enterprises Workforce Intelligence: What it is and why you need it for cyber teams webinar Setting Better Cyber Job Expectations to Attract & Retain Talent webinar

Join us for this special three-part series where the N2K Cyber Talent Insights team guides you through effective strategies to develop your cybersecurity team, helping you stay ahead in the constantly changing cybersecurity landscape.  In the first episode of the series on cybersecurity workforce development, we dive into the complex world of cyber workforce management and planning, particularly as it pertains to the perspective of the enterprise. We explore the current state of the cybersecurity workforce, navigate various challenges in talent acquisition, and explore the nuances of job classifications, titles, compensation, and the dynamics of remote, onsite, and hybrid work environments.  Our experts further address talent development strategies like professional development, training, conferences, mentorship programs, communities of interest, and corporate cyber academies.  Finally, we touch upon the critical aspect of talent retention, an essential component in closing the cybersecurity talent gap. We hope you will join us on this journey. Explore Cyber Talent Insights N2K’s Cyber Talent Insights provides security leaders measurable and actionable insights on your organization’s current cyber roles and capabilities to maximize your talent investments and build a business case for better hiring, developing, maintaining, and retaining your technical talent pools. Learn how at n2k.com/talent-insights. Connect with the N2K Cyber Workforce team on Linkedin: Dr. Sasha Vanterpool, Cyber Workforce Consultant  Dr. Heather Monthie, Cybersecurity Workforce Consultant Jeff Welgan, Chief Learning Officer Resources for developing your cybersecurity teams: N2K Cyber Workforce Strategy Guide Workforce Media Resources Strategic Cyber Workforce Intelligence resources for your organization Cyber Talent Acquistion Woes for Enterprises Workforce Intelligence: What it is and why you need it for cyber teams webinar Setting Better Cyber Job Expectations to Attract & Retain Talent webinar

The Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework) (NIST Special Publication 800-181, revision 1) provides a set of building blocks for describing the Tasks, Knowledge, and Skills (TKS) that are needed to perform cybersecurity work by individuals or teams. Through these building blocks, the NICE Framework enables organizations to develop their workforces to perform cybersecurity work, and it helps learners to explore cybersecurity work and to engage in appropriate learning activities to develop their knowledge and skills. On this Special Edition podcast, N2K CyberWire's Dave Bittner is joined by the team at NIST and FIU's Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy to delve into the history of the NICE Framework through its latest update and looking into the future. Brian Fonseca, Director at the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, shares an introduction to the NICE Framework. Karen Wetzel, NICE Framework Manager, discusses the updates to the framework. Rodney Petersen, Director of NICE, talks about what these updates mean to cybersecurity education's future. Resources: NICE Framework Resource Center Getting Started with the NICE Framework 2024 NICE Conference and Expo: Strengthening Ecosystems: Aligning Stakeholders to Bridge the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap Take advantage of the early bird pricing until March 19, 2024. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy at Florida International University (FIU) Veterans and First Responders Training Initiative Intelligence Fellowship And be sure to check out our live webinar: CISOs are the new Architects (of the Workforce) Join N2K’s Simone Petrella and Intuit’s Kim Jones on Wednesday, March 27th for an online discussion about the pivotal role security leaders play in shaping the security workforce landscape, and how we can start showing up for the future of our industry. Learn more and register on the event page.

In honor of Women's History Month, please enjoy this encore of Dr. Sasha Vanterpool's webinar. In this webinar, N2K Networks Cyber Workforce Consultant Dr. Sasha Vanterpool shares how to update job descriptions to better reflect cyber role expectations to improve hiring, training, and retention. To view the original webinar on demand, visit here.

In this special edition of Solution Spotlight, N2K President, Simone Petrella is talking with ISC2 CEO Clar Rosso about putting a dent in the cybersecurity workforce gap through empowerment, breaking down barriers and expanding DE&I initiatives.

In the dynamic field of cybersecurity, it’s well established that creating more opportunities for diversity and inclusion is essential for developing a highly skilled workforce. As an industry, we are starting to see the fruits of that labor, but there is a growing need for diverse leadership to nurture continuous innovation and resilience in cybersecurity. As part of N2K’s 2023 Women in Cyber content series, we’re excited to host an engaging virtual panel discussion moderated by N2K's President Simone Petrella featuring insights, experiences, and strategies for advancing more women into leadership roles within the field. This virtual discussion explores different areas including: Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape: Gain insights into our guests' career journeys, including mentors, challenges, and success, and how the evolving landscape may present different challenges and opportunities for women. Building a Supportive Ecosystem: Explore the importance of mentorship, allyship, and a strong network in propelling women into leadership, and how to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Closing the Gender Gap: Delve into actionable strategies and best practices for organizations to promote gender diversity in their cybersecurity leadership teams. The Future of Cybersecurity Leadership: Gain a forward-looking perspective on the evolving role of women in shaping the future of cybersecurity. This panel discussion is a must-listen event for professionals, leaders, and aspiring cybersecurity experts who are committed to promoting diversity and empowering women to excel in cybersecurity leadership. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this inspiring conversation and drive positive change in the industry. Panelists: Abisoye Ajayi, Cyber & Analytics Manager at Tulsa Innovation Labs Koma Gandy, VP, Leadership & Business at Skillsoft Lauren Zabierek, Sr. Advisor at CISA

As we progress in this technological age, both cybersecurity and critical infrastructure continue to be at the forefront of prevention, protection, mitigation, and recovery conversation topics. From a frontline worker to the top of the C-Suite, security is something we all should be aware of and concerned about. The CyberCon event began in 2018 and provides an opportunity to learn more about cybersecurity and critical infrastructure as well as collaborate with fellow security professionals.  Dave Bittner recently spoke at CyberCon 2023 at Bismarck State College in North Dakota. While there, he had the opportunity to interview 4 members of the conference planning committee (all past or current chairs of the event) for a better understanding of the event, its focus on a mix of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity, and how the event has evolved over the years. Dave speaks with: Troy Walker, Director of Sales and Marketing at Dakota Carrier Network & 2023 conference chair, sharing the history of CyberCon its unique focus on critical infrastructure and cybersecurity. Tony Aukland, Technology Outreach Manager for the State of North Dakota IT & previous conference chair, giving us the truth about CyberCon and its origin story. Bill Heinzen, Information Security Team Lead at National Information Solutions Cooperative and previous event chair, talking about developing the cybersecurity candidate pool in North Dakota. John Nagel, CEO and Founder of CYBERNET SECURITY and past event chair, discussing sustainability of the CyberCon and its critical infrastructure focus.

In this extended interview, Simone Petrella sits down with Chris Krebs of the Krebs Stamos Group at the mWise 2023 Cybersecurity Conference to discuss threat intelligence .

In this extended interview, Dave Bittner sits down with Natasha Eastman from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Bill Newhouse from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Troy Lange from the National Security Agency (NSA) to discuss their their recent joint advisory on post-quantum readiness and how to prepare for post-quantum cryptography. You can find the joint advisory here: Quantum-Readiness: Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography Quantum computing: A threat to asymmetric encryption.

Rick Howard, N2K’s CSO and The CyberWire’s Chief Analyst and Senior Fellow, sits down with Director of the National Cryptologic Museum, Dr. Vince Houghton. The National Cryptologic Museum is the NSA's affiliated museum sharing the nation's best cryptologic secrets with the public. In this special episode, Rick interviews Dr. Houghton from within the walls of the National Cryptologic Museum, discussing the new and improved museum along with the new exhibits they uncovered during the pandemic.

Earlier this month, the White House released the National Cybersecurity Strategy, the first issued since 2018. The strategy refocuses roles, responsibilities, and resource allocations in the digital ecosystem, with a five pillar approach. Those pillars are: defending critical infrastructure, disrupting threat actors, shaping market forces to drive security and resilience, investing in a resilient future, and forging international partnerships. We wanted to delve into the strategy and its intended effects further, so Dave Bittner spoke with representatives from industry and inside government. Dave first speaks with Adam Isles, Principal and Head of Cybersecurity Practice at The Chertoff Group, sharing industry's take on the strategy. Following that conversation, Dave had a discussion with Steve Kelly, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology at the National Security Council, for a look at the strategy from inside the White House. Links to resources: Point of View: 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy The Chertoff Group's blog National Cybersecurity Strategy 2023