RSAC

In today’s threat landscape, no organization can defend itself alone. In this episode, Jenny Menna, Chief Security Officer at Sallie Mae and board member at FS-ISAC, explores the critical role of threat intelligence sharing and peer collaboration in modern cybersecurity. From the rise of less sophisticated but highly motivated attackers to the growing importance of real-time insights and trusted n...

Security leaders are facing a new reality: SaaS has become the path of least resistance for attackers. As organizations adopt thousands of third-party applications and shift sensitive data into public infrastructure, traditional security approaches are struggling to keep up. In this episode, we explore why SaaS risk has emerged as a critical battleground, how it differs from legacy infrastructure...

As AI expands across critical sectors, this podcast episode examines how it disrupts privacy and compliance, creating new risks in consent, data use, and re‑identification. Through real cases and practical guidance, listeners learn how to build privacy‑first AI systems that maintain trust and regulatory alignment. Speakers: Noor Bains, Principal Field Solutions Architect, CDW Tatyana Sanchez, Seni...

This episode explores the intersection of innovation and security, and why today’s CISOs must help shape what comes next. Nasrin Rezai, SVP & CISO at Verizon, discusses how security leaders can work with startups to drive meaningful change. She shares what makes a young company stand out, how to structure successful pilots, and where startups often miss the mark with enterprise buyers. If you’re b...

This podcast presents a quantum-safe blueprint for Privileged Access Management, integrating AI and Zero Trust principles. We'll explore how to protect critical access against quantum threats and AI-powered attacks, addressing the current preparedness gap. Learn actionable strategies for crypto-agility and securing all identities, human and non-human, for a resilient future. Speakers: Malhar Vora,...

Speed is becoming a defining advantage in cybersecurity. In this episode, Phyllis Schneck, VP and CISO at Northrop Grumman, joins Dr. Hugh Thompson to explore how high-performance computing is reshaping cyber defense. From accelerating real-time threat detection and response to amplifying the impact of AI and automation, they discuss how increased compute power is transforming both attackers and d...

Many organizations treat GenAI governance as a documentation or compliance exercise. This podcast episode reframes AI governance as a system-design problem and presents control-plane patterns for managing risk, accountability, and compliance across large-scale AI deployments. Speakers: Varun Raj, Associate Partner, Kyndryl Tatyana Sanchez, Senior Content Coordinator, RSAC Kacy Zurkus, Director, Co...

Guest: JR Williamson, SVP & CISO, Leidos Generative AI is accelerating innovation, but it’s also creating new blind spots. In this episode, we explore how CISOs can manage the rising risk of “shadow AI,” where employees use generative tools without oversight or safeguards. JR Williamson, SVP & CISO at Leidos, joins Dr. Hugh Thompson to share how the defense sector is approaching unauthorized AI us...

Cyber resilience has become a defining priority for today’s security leaders, but translating the concept into real-world impact isn’t easy. In this episode of Cyber at the Top, Dr. Hugh Thompson is joined by Emma Smith, CISO at Vodafone, to explore what cyber resilience looks like in practice and how it shapes decision-making at scale. Drawing on her experience leading a major global security tra...

AI-powered impersonation and deepfakes are no longer theoretical—they are changing how trust works in real time. This discussion explores how industry and government can use existing legal frameworks, shared standards, and regulatory intent to move from abstract concern to concrete action, making trust, verification, and accountability explicit as deepfake-driven risk accelerates. Clarissa Cerda,...

For years, information security was largely centered on protecting confidentiality. But as our world becomes more digital and increasingly dependent on always-available, trustworthy systems, integrity and availability are taking on equal importance. In this episode of Cyber at the Top, Dr. Hugh Thompson is joined by Bjørn Watne, Global CISO of INTERPOL, to explore how this shift is changing the wa...

Keeping up with the laws and regulations in all the different jurisdictions relevant for your business already feels overwhelming. In this RSAC podcast, we are excited to be joined by two members of the RSAC Program Committee, who will simplify the tangle by highlighting the most important elements of the global legal and regulatory landscape for the cybersecurity community. Tune into this podcast...

As digital ecosystems expand, third-party relationships have become both business enablers and critical sources of cyber risk. In this episode, T.J. Patterson, VP and Information Security Officer at STAR Financial Bank, joins Dr. Hugh Thompson to explore how CISOs can navigate the growing complexity of third-party risk management. They discuss practical methods for identifying and prioritizing hig...

The use of AI has weakened many of us in the areas of critical thinking and emotional intelligence. We are enticed by the speed of AI responses to our problems but it is our neural pathways that are stunted in growth due to the lack of usage. Tune into this podcast to learn how to bridge neuroscience, emotional and artificial intelligence to enhance and understand how to optimize. This podcast wil...

Bridging the gap between cybersecurity and business priorities starts with a common language that explains risk in terms business leaders can relate to. In this episode, Mathias Buecherl, Group CISO at Heidelberg Materials, joins Dr. Hugh Thompson to explore how data-driven measurement is reshaping how organizations communicate, prioritize, and invest in security. They discuss why standardized met...

AI is a friend, but it can be a terrible foe when not properly used. In cybersecurity, we also see AI as an enabler of cyber-criminal activities and security errors. In this podcast, we will focus on what you need to know to defend your enterprise against AI-enabled cyberattacks. We will also discuss how to protect yourself and your company against errors caused by the improper use of AI. Alex Hol...

From busy showroom floors to hyped up vendor marketing claims, security leaders are constantly asked to choose the “right” cybersecurity partner. In this episode, Dr. Hugh Thompson sits down with Tal Arad, former CTO and Group CISO at Carlsberg Group, to unpack how security leaders can cut through the noise and build partnerships that strengthen their organizations. Drawing on his experience, Tal...

Traditional network security has evolved, and security teams are challenged to understand data flows and how to use AI to help manage modern infrastructures and communications. Whether you are looking to increase resilience, streamline operations, or navigate the challenges of API abuse, RSAC 2026 Conference will help you navigate the shifting threat landscape of Network & Communications Security....

Zero Trust has become one of the most talked-about frameworks in cybersecurity, but what does it really look like in practice at global scale? And how is it being reshaped by the rise of artificial intelligence? In this episode, Mastercard’s Deputy Chief Security Officer, Alissa “Dr. Jay” Abdullah joins Dr. Hugh Thompson to discuss how Zero Trust is evolving in the age of AI. They explore what it...

Most organizations ask questions like, “How do I get ahead of my vulnerabilities?” The reality is we need practical guidance to move past vulnerability debt and start driving risk reduction. With good implementation, modern concepts like CTEM offer an opportunity. Tune into this podcast as we will explore how to shift from counting vulnerabilities to managing what truly matters, so organizations c...

As 5G, IoT, and edge networks expand, secure connectivity defines digital trust. This session presents a practical roadmap for building resilience and governance into connected ecosystems. Using the proven CPD framework, this podcast will explore how leaders can embed commitment, preparedness, and discipline to ensure trust continuity. Dave Chatterjee, Visiting Professor, Pratt School of Engineeri...

As physical and digital threats collide, converged security models that unite physical and cyber protections under one strategy are becoming more essential. John Scimone, Chief Security Officer for Dell Technologies, offers guidance for CISOs looking to bridge physical and cyber security into one cohesive strategy.

AI agents are rapidly moving into production, creating a fundamentally new and complex attack surface for enterprises. While the promise of "digital teammates" is immense, the security risks they introduce, from prompt injection, hijacked tool use to multi-agent collusion, are unprecedented. How can security leaders move beyond traditional frameworks to govern, protect, and respond to these powerf...

A strong incident response (IR) program isn’t just about processes—it’s about mindset. In this episode, Lincare Holdings’ Head of Information Security, Prentis Brooks, joins RSAC Executive Chairman Dr. Hugh Thompson to unpack what true IR maturity looks like. From building agile teams to aligning strategy and technology, they reveal how leading organizations stay prepared for the threats ahead.

According to recent research, the average age within cybercrime is 19 years old. This trend highlights the urgent concern over the rise of youth cybercrime. The pathway into youth cybercrime has dramatically widened, fueled by platforms like gaming communities, online forums, new communication tools, and the growing accessibility of AI tools. This podcast will take you inside the evolving world of...