Cyber Attackers and The Powerful Allure of School Systems with Julia Fallon (Rerun)
This week we’re joined by Julia Fallon, Executive Director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) and she shines a light on the appeal of school systems to cyber attackers. (HINT: it is access to PII to open credit cards, mortgages and more in the name of children that often is only detected many years later.) We also discuss the connection between schools and insurance companies, trends in how school systems are fortifying their security measures, the evolution of infosec to become a front office issue, and what schools can do to integrate cybersecurity into curriculums to both bolster security and lay a pathway for future cyber professionals. Julia Fallon is the Executive Director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), where she works with U.S. state and territorial digital learning leaders to empower the education community to leverage technology for learning, teaching, and school operations. Involved with learning technologies since 1989, her professional interest lies in making the case for public school systems wherein educators are able to optimize technology-rich learning environments to equitably engage the learners who fill their classrooms. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e339
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Ransomware Evolution: From Business Nuisance to National Security Threat with Megan Stifel (Rerun)
This week, Audra is joined by Megan Stifel, chief strategy officer for the Institute for Security and Technology, to discuss how ransomware has evolved from a business nuisance to now a threat to national security. Megan also shares how the United States' overall response to ransomware has the potential to impact the types of attacks faced by its organizations and touches on the need for greater transparency when it comes to international cyber information sharing. Megan Stifel is the Chief Strategy Officer for the Institute for Security and Technology. She is the founder of Silicon Harbor Consultants, which provides strategic cybersecurity operations and policy counsel. Prior to founding Silicon Harbor Consultants, she was an attorney in the National Security Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). She most recently served as Global Policy Officer and Capacity and Resilience Program Director at the Global Cyber Alliance. She was previously the Cybersecurity Program Director at Public Knowledge. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e337
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Next-Gen Threats: Generative AI, Deepfakes, and Automated Cybersecurity Defense with Petko Stoyanov
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
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Inside Fintech Security: Erika Dean on Tackling AI Threats and Third-Party Risks Part 2
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
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Inside Fintech Security: Erika Dean on Tackling AI Threats and Third-Party Risks
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
Stay ahead in the dynamic world of cybersecurity with "To the Point Cybersecurity." This podcast offers in-depth discussions on the latest cyber threats, trends, and technologies impacting businesses, governments, and communities globally.
Listeners will gain insights into how emerging technologies, such as AI and frameworks like data governance and expanded global cyber regulations, are shaping modern security practices. The podcast also provides practical strategies for navigating the ever-evolving threat landscape, including innovative approaches to data protection and insider threat mitigation.
Each episode features thought leaders and influencers who share their expertise and experiences, providing valuable perspectives on how to tackle cybersecurity challenges effectively. Whether you are a business leader, a government official, or simply interested in cybersecurity, "To the Point Cybersecurity" delivers the knowledge you need to stay informed and protected.
Rachael Lyon hosts the podcast, bringing over 20 years of experience in technology and work with global industry leaders and innovative start-ups. Co-host Jonathan Knepher serves as the Vice President of Site Reliability Engineering at Forcepoint. With nearly two decades of experience in cybersecurity and strategic leadership, Jonathan is focused on enhancing system reliability and performance.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms to keep up with the latest in cybersecurity.
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