As the host of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast, I had the privilege of engaging with a wide range of experts and thought leaders in 2024. These conversations provided invaluable insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Many of these discussions were held around major industry events such as the RSA Conference, Black Hat, AISA CyberCon, InfoSec Europe, SecTor, Archer Summit in New Orleans,
HITRUST Collaborate, and OWASP Global AppSec Lisbon. Others were inspired by online activity, including social media trends and developments reported in the news. Combined, these conversations offered diverse perspectives on pressing issues and emerging trends in cybersecurity and the businesses to be enabled and protected.
Key Themes from 2024
Critical Infrastructure Security: As critical infrastructure faces increasing innovation and cyber threats, securing essential services such as energy grids, transportation systems, and water supplies became a focal point of discussion. In the podcast, we examined the challenges of protecting these vital systems from sophisticated attacks, emphasizing the need for public-private partnerships, real-time threat intelligence sharing, and the integration of resilient technologies.
AI Integration in Cybersecurity: Artificial intelligence revolutionized cybersecurity practices in 2024. The podcast featured in-depth conversations on leveraging AI for threat detection, vulnerability management, and predictive analysis. Insights shared during several events covered throughout the year highlighted how AI-powered solutions are shaping the future of cybersecurity. While AI’s potential is immense, concerns around biases in AI models, ethical considerations, and the risk of AI being weaponized by adversaries were recurring topics.
Software Security Lifecycle: Another recurring theme was ensuring software security throughout its lifecycle. The podcast emphasized the importance of adopting robust software supply chain security measures, from secure development practices to managing end-of-life software and the unfettered use of open-source software. These discussions underscored the critical role of transparency, patch management, and proactive threat assessment in mitigating software supply chain risks.
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: The intersection of law and cybersecurity was a key area of focus, particularly how legal frameworks adapt to technological advancements. The evolving role of cybersecurity legislation in addressing data breaches, privacy concerns, and cross-border cybercrime emerged as a critical takeaway. Through conversations at major events, we explored the importance of aligning organizational practices with regulatory requirements.
Community and Collaboration: Many episodes discussed the power of human connections and collaborative efforts to combat cybersecurity challenges. A recurring message was the importance of fostering trust among stakeholders, encouraging open dialogue, and investing in workforce development to address the talent gap in cybersecurity.
A Few Lessons Learned in 2024
Cybersecurity continues to transcend its IT confines. It is now a business imperative that demands strategic investment and leadership involvement.
The integration of AI and automation in security processes is inevitable. However, organizations must balance innovation with operational, legal, and ethical considerations.
Collaborative efforts between governments, private entities, and international bodies are essential to tackling global cyber threats.
Continuous education and upskilling of cybersecurity professionals remain critical to addressing the talent shortage and staying ahead of evolving threats.
Topics to Explore in 2025
Building on the lessons of 2024, I look forward to using the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast as a platform to explore the emerging challenges and innovations in the field. Here are key topics to consider for the year ahead:
AI-Driven Threats and Defenses: As adversaries increasingly adopt AI to launch sophisticated attacks, understanding and countering AI-driven threats will be paramount. Topics such as AI governance, developing secure AI models, and AI's ethical/legal implications in cybersecurity deserve further in-depth exploration. The podcast could also examine real-world examples of AI in action, both as a tool for attackers and defenders.
Quantum Computing and Cryptography: As quantum computing inches closer to practical application, its potential to break current encryption methods poses a significant risk. Episodes could focus on the race to develop quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms, the timeline for quantum computing’s mainstream adoption, and strategies for organizations to prepare for a post-quantum world.
Supply Chain Security: The increasing complexity of global supply chains (hardware and software) introduces vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. The podcast will almost certainly explore strategies for securing third-party vendors, open-source and commercial software services, implementing robust risk assessment frameworks, and addressing challenges in monitoring the vast and interconnected supply chain ecosystems.
Evolving Regulatory Landscapes: Understanding the legal implications on business and security operations will be crucial as cybersecurity regulations evolve. Episodes will focus on global regulatory trends, compliance challenges, impact on business and security operations, and best practices for navigating complex legal environments. Topics such as data sovereignty, cross-border compliance, and the role of international standards could provide valuable insights. [This is one of the reasons we will be covering the LegalWeek conference in NYC in 2025]
Human Factors in Cybersecurity: Despite technological advancements, the human element remains a critical factor in cybersecurity. As part of my ongoing The Human-Centered Cybersecurity Series with Julie Haney , the podcast could delve into strategies for fostering a security culture within organizations, improving user awareness, and addressing insider threats. Discussions around behavioral psychology, gamification of security training, and the role of leadership in driving cultural change could add depth to this topic.
Emerging Technologies and Their Impacts: Exploring the cybersecurity implications of emerging technologies such as edge computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G networks would provide valuable insights. These technologies bring new opportunities but also introduce unique security challenges that organizations must address.
The Role of the CISO and Security Leadership: As cybersecurity grows increasingly complex, the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and other security leaders is evolving in both skills required and the liability posed to the individuals in the role. Episodes will explore topics such as leadership strategies to driving organizational change and bring efficiencies to the business, bridging the gap between technical and executive teams, and how the role can be defined, assessed, and validated. Drawing from conversations in my ongoing CISO Circuit Series with Michael Piacente, the podcast will examine how security leaders navigate challenges like limited resources, boardroom engagement, legal protections, and building resilient security cultures.
Join Me in 2025: Let's Continue Redefining Cybersecurity Through Conversations
Reflecting on 2024, I’m struck by the dynamic nature of the cybersecurity field and the invaluable lessons shared by several experts and practitioners throughout the year (thank you ALL for your time!).
As threats evolve and new technologies emerge, the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast will continue to provide a platform for thoughtful dialogue and actionable insights. By exploring the proposed topics for 2025, we can help listeners navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and build a safer digital future.
For those who want to connect in person, here's the lineup of conference coverage we have planned for 2025:
Zero Trust World, Orlando
LegalWeek, NYC
RSA Conference, San Francisco
Infosecurity Europe, London
Black Hat USA, Las Vegas
SecTor, Toronto
AISA CyberCon, Melbourne
You can always view the latest list of events and conferences here: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverage
Learn more about our Brand Story Briefings if you'd like to share a briefing with me during an event.
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This article represents the results of an interactive collaboration between Human Cognition and Artificial Intelligence.
Sincerely, Sean Martin and TAPE3
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Sean Martin is the host of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast, part of the ITSPmagazine Podcast Network—which he co-founded with his good friend Marco Ciappelli—where you may just find some of these topics being discussed.
Or, visit Sean’s personal website.
