Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson

Microsoft

Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President, Business Development, Security, Compliance & Identity at Microsoft, talks with cybersecurity thought leaders and influential industry experts about the trends shaping the cyber landscape and what should be top-of-mind for the C-suite and other key decision makers. Ann and her guests explore the risk and promise of tools and systems powered by AI, IoT, machine learning, and other emerging technology, as well as the impact on how humans work, communicate, consume information, and live in this era of digital transformation. Please note, the opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and are not endorsed by, nor do they necessarily reflect opinions of, Microsoft or Ann Johnson. read less

Storytelling and Cybersecurity Awareness
Jan 24 2023
Storytelling and Cybersecurity Awareness
Tim Murck, actor, producer, and co-founder of Flavour, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Tim is a creative entrepreneur passionate about storytelling, gamification, and helping people turn themselves into problem solvers. Ann and Tim discuss the intersection of cyber awareness and storytelling, what led Tim to co-found Flavour and HackShield and why we need to look at cybersecurity as a team sport.    In This Episode You Will Learn:       Why future generations need to better understand cybersecurity  How business leaders can better educate their employees with storytelling  What the origin was for both HackShield and Flavour     Some Questions We Ask:      How can storytelling help the average person understand complex cybersecurity topics?  What experiences and skills do kids learn as they play with HackShield?  Should we change the language and methods of education used in the industry?     Resources:     Join HackShield   Learn more about Flavour  View Tim Murck on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:                   Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks    Listen to: Security Unlocked     Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault              Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
Security Trends in 2023 and Beyond
Jan 10 2023
Security Trends in 2023 and Beyond
Is the world prepared for a future with deepfakes, mis- and disinformation, and other forms of impersonation? Chris Young, Executive Vice President of the Business Development, Strategy, and Venture team at Microsoft, joins Ann to discuss this and more on the next installment of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Chris, who has decades of cybersecurity industry leadership, is now responsible for driving growth across Microsoft by establishing strategic partnerships, setting corporate strategy, and identifying high-impact investments through Microsoft’s corporate venture arm. He also serves on the board of directors for American Express and as a member of the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee for the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (US CISA). Ann and Chris discuss why it's vital for organizations in the security industry to work together, advice he has for leaders that are helping their companies and teams navigate this challenging time, and what trends in security and adjacent industries Chris expects to become more prevalent and relevant.    In This Episode You Will Learn:       Why and how Chris got his start in cybersecurity  Why Chris took the leap to join Microsoft in the midst of a global pandemic  Chris’s point of view on the value and importance of technology ecosystems and the security ecosystem  Some Questions We Ask:      What role did mentors and peer leaders play in shaping who you (Chris) are today?  Why is it so important to have a vibrant cybersecurity startup community?   What advice do you have for founders looking to build and innovate right now?      Resources:     Chris Young on What Work Will Look Like in 2030  View Chris Young on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:                   Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks    Listen to: Security Unlocked     Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault       Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts  Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
Shaping the Future of Cyber
Dec 13 2022
Shaping the Future of Cyber
Chenxi Wang, founder and general partner of Rain Capital, a seed-stage venture fund focused on Cybersecurity, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Dr. Wang, an outspoken advocate for women in tech, was named Women Investor of 2021 and 2019 by CyberRisk Alliance and Women Tech Founders and is a well-known cybersecurity operator, technologist, and thought leader. Ann and Dr. Wang discuss what is impacting current cyber investments, innovations that will shape the next 7-10 years, and the value of diversity, inclusion, and representation in cyber.     In This Episode You Will Learn:       How the market has changed in the last 3-6 months  How founders and CEOs can ensure their companies thrive in the current market conditions  What trends, technologies, or categories in cyber are worth watching    Some Questions We Ask:      Why has cyber been so attractive to investors?  What should you be doing to ensure your company thrives over the next 12 to 18 months?  What can cyber leaders be doing today to improve D&I in the industry?     Resources:     View Chenxi Wang on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:                   Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks    Listen to: Security Unlocked     Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault              Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
Evolution of the CISO
Nov 29 2022
Evolution of the CISO
Charles Blauner, operating partner and CISO-in-residence at company-building venture group Team8, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Charles is an internationally recognized expert on cyber resiliency, information security risk management, and data privacy. He's had an incredible and prominent career in Security, including being a CISO and Information Security leader at companies like J.P. Morgan, Deutsche Bank, and Citi. Ann and Charles discuss the evolution of the CISO role, the qualities they believe all CISOs need to excel, and what the role of CISO will look like 5-10 years from now.   In This Episode You Will Learn:       A brief history and evolution of the CISO role  Qualities and skillsets all CISOs need to excel today  Advice for someone who is newly stepping into the role of CISO   Some Questions We Ask:      What were some of the critical paradigm shifts during the evolution of the CISO role?  What do you think makes a great CISO in today's digital world?  What advice do you have for CISOs making that transition to a key business partner?     Resources:     View Charles Blauner on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:                   Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks    Listen to: Security Unlocked     Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault       Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
Building Personal Resilience in Cyber
Nov 15 2022
Building Personal Resilience in Cyber
Kirsten Davies, chief information security officer at Unilever, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Kirsten is a recognized thought leader, serves on the Board of Governors for the New York Academy of Sciences, and is a Mentor for several non-profits and women's initiatives. The two discuss burnout and stress-related mental-health concerns in cyber, which are, unfortunately, on the rise. Now, security and business leaders alike are concerned that the pressure and responsibility of cyber roles–combined with the rise in cyber-attacks, reduction in resourcing, and other factors–is making cyber a less attractive career path. Ann and Kirsten discuss the importance of personal resilience, factors contributing to the cyber talent shortage, and strategies that leaders can adopt to improve their people's working conditions and well-being.      In This Episode You Will Learn:       Some of the unknown challenges that CISOs and cyber defenders are facing today  What can and should change to make cyber roles and work environments better  What organizations are addressing mental health and well-being best  Some Questions We Ask:      What are some of the factors that may impact our personal resilience?  How can future and current CEOs look to retain quality CISO and cyber defender talent?  What are some of the contributing factors to the cyber talent shortage?    Resources:     Visit Kirsten Davies on Twitter  View Kirsten Davies on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:                   Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks    Listen to: Security Unlocked     Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault       Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts     Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
Protecting our Cyber Defenders’ Mental Health
Nov 1 2022
Protecting our Cyber Defenders’ Mental Health
Dr. Ryan Louie, a board-certified psychiatrist focusing on the mental health impact of cybersecurity, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. The two discuss the growing issue of mental illness among cybersecurity professionals, the link between psychiatry and security, some of the problems commonly seen, and which aspects of cybersecurity contribute to them.   Disclaimer: The content and views expressed do not constitute medical advice and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you need help, please contact your medical provider.  In This Episode You Will Learn:       What may be contributing to the degrading mental health of cyber defenders  How attackers might clinically exploit the mental health of those in cyber  General wellbeing practices and coping methods  Some Questions We Ask:      When did Dr. Louie’s interest in the mental health of cyber security begin, and why?  Are cyber mental challenges magnified or amplified more than in the past?  What can leaders do to support the mental health and well-being of their teams?     Resources:     Article:  “The Psychiatry of Entrepreneurship” by Dr. Ryan Louie  Dr. Ryan Louie - Psybersecurity Clinic website  Visit Dr. Ryan Louie on Twitter  View Ryan Louie on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:                   Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks    Listen to: Security Unlocked     Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault       Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
Breaking into the Cybersecurity Industry
Oct 18 2022
Breaking into the Cybersecurity Industry
AJ Yawn, Co-Founder and CEO at ByteChek, and a Founding Board Member of the National Association of Black Compliance and Risk Management Professionals, joins Ann this week on Afternoon Cyber Tea to unpack this issue. With more than 700,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the US alone, the cyber industry faces a critical talent shortage. Yet, with this opportunity, many still find it challenging to break into the industry. Ann and AJ discuss the importance of sourcing from broader pools of talent, what skills business leaders should really be looking for, programs and communities that people looking to get into cyber security should be aware of, and how AJ thinks we can drive awareness of the wide variety of roles available in the industry.   In This Episode You Will Learn:       Specific qualities and mindsets that lead to a successful career in cyber  Why it's essential to attract more diverse talent  How someone early in their career can market themselves to potential employers     Some Questions We Ask:      What specific courses or certifications are essential for people to be thinking about?  How can the education system prepare people for careers in cyber?  Why have employers had such a high bar of entry into their cyber programs?     Resources:     View AJ Yawn on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:                   Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks    Listen to: Security Unlocked     Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault           Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts      Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
Cyber Resiliency with Sounil Yu
Oct 4 2022
Cyber Resiliency with Sounil Yu
Sounil Yu, Chief Information Security Officer and Head of Research at JupiterOne, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Ann and Sounil discuss the importance and evolution of cyber resilience and what organizations can do today to build resilience for the future. Sounil is a security innovator with over 30 years of experience creating, breaking, and fixing computer and network systems. He is the creator of the Cyber Defense Matrix and the DIE Resiliency Framework, teaches security as an Adjunct Professor, co-chairs Art into Science: A Conference on Defense, and advises many startups.     In This Episode You Will Learn:       Why we need a new approach to cyber resilience  Who is responsible for cyber resiliency and who should be involved  How organizations can build the agility and ability to stay ahead of cybercriminal     Some Questions We Ask:      What is the responsibility and relationship between CISOs, and board members?  Why is advocating for a new approach to resiliency so important?  What investments should leaders be making to improve their cyber resiliency?     Resources:     View Sounil Yu on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:                   Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks    Listen to: Security Unlocked     Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault            Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
Cyber Insurance Past, Present, and Future
Sep 6 2022
Cyber Insurance Past, Present, and Future
Dr. Josephine Wolff, associate professor of cybersecurity policy within The Fletcher School at Tufts University, joins Afternoon Cyber Tea this week to discuss the history, challenges, and opportunities in cyber insurance. What was first developed in the late 1990s as protection against computer viruses, cyber insurance has evolved into an incredibly complex and, in some cases, tension-filled industry. Ann and Dr. Wolff discuss the cyber insurance industry’s initial goals, the differences in cyber insurance policies, and the points of view on ransomware insurance directly funding cybercrime.   In This Episode You Will Learn:      What types of risks do insurers cover, and how they are designing and charging for policies   How can we help policymakers get ahead of the curve and drive change in security  Why we need greater cooperation and data sharing when it comes to threat intelligence  Some Questions We Ask:     What were the initial motivations behind cyber insurance providers?   What is some practical advice you would give to insurers looking to better support their customers?  Are cyber insurers positively motivating businesses and leaders for the better?    Resources:    Dr. Wolff's new book, Cyberinsurance Policy is available now.   View Dr. Wolff on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:                  Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks   Listen to: Security Unlocked    Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault           Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
What’s Influencing Cyber Capital Investment
Aug 23 2022
What’s Influencing Cyber Capital Investment
Dave DeWalt, Founder and Managing Director of NightDragon, and Jay Leek, Managing Director and Co-founder of both Syn Ventures and Clear Sky Security, join Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Investing in companies producing the latest technology that cybersecurity firms depend on, like the latest artificial intelligence, sounds like an exciting opportunity, but who has the best product? Getting in on the ground floor is appealing, but where do you start? Dave and Jay chat with Ann about why cyber is so attractive to investors, their advice for founders currently starting their investment journey, and what new technology has their attention.      In This Episode You Will Learn:      Why we are witnessing ballooning venture capital investments in cyber What technology is currently capturing investors' attention  How current events are shaking up the world of cyber venture capital Some Questions We Ask:      Why is cyber so attractive to investors?  What advice do you have for cyber founders starting their investment journey?  When you work with security founders, what qualities are you looking for?   Resources:     View Dave DeWalt on LinkedIn  View Jay Leek on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn   Learn about NightDragon Learn about SynVentures Related Microsoft Podcasts:                 Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks  Listen to: Security Unlocked   Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault          Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
Addressing the Critical Cybersecurity Talent Shortage
Aug 9 2022
Addressing the Critical Cybersecurity Talent Shortage
M. K. Palmore, Director, Office of the CISO, for Google Cloud, and diversity & inclusion advocate, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to discuss the cyber talent shortage, including why leaders need to drive greater inclusivity in the industry, resources for individuals to build their skills and networks, and why talent sourcing is just one issue in building greater representation.    In This Episode You Will Learn:      What a talent shortage means for businesses and organizations  Why is there a problem getting started in an industry with such high demand   How leaders can support women and underrepresented minorities in the industry    Some Questions We Ask:      Why has the cyber talent shortage become so acute in the last few years?  What new methods would you recommend to leaders to bring new talent?   How should leaders think about retainment and sponsorship for advancement?        Resources:     View M. K. Palmore on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn   Read more on how Microsoft is helping address the cybersecurity skills gap   Explore cybersecurity learning pathways on Microsoft Learn and LinkedIn Learning  Learn about Cyversity     Related Podcasts:                 Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks      Listen to: Security Unlocked   Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault  Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
Implementing Stronger Authentication
Jun 14 2022
Implementing Stronger Authentication
Dave Bittner, Hacking Humans podcast host and a co-founder of CyberWire, interviews Ann Johnson about social engineering attacks, the future of passwordless account adoption, authentication tools, and Ann‘s perspective on the future development of technology to mitigate risks on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Dave’s career spans more than two decades in digital media, video, television production, and interactive technology. He’s also one of the pioneers of non-linear editing and digital storytelling.      In This Episode You Will Learn About:     How to identify potential social engineering and cyber attacks  The future of passwordless account adoption and the necessary steps to get there  The future of authentication    Some Questions We Ask:     What are ways to identify potential social engineering attacks?  What tools are on the horizon for the fight against cyberattacks?  What is the role of organizations in improving technology and applications to protect end-users?     Resources:    Listen to Hacking Humans    View Dave Bittner on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn  Related:                Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault              Listen to: Security Unlocked             Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.
Preventing Digital Fraud & Scams
May 17 2022
Preventing Digital Fraud & Scams
Lou Manousos, an acknowledged expert in internet security and VP of Product in Microsoft Security, joins Ann Johnson on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Lou has been developing enterprise protection technology for more than 15 years and is currently the CEO of Risk IQ. He also spearheaded a new approach to using intelligence to help companies protect their organizations and reduce online fraud. Ann and Lou discuss handling internal fraud, best practices for the average consumer when protecting themselves at home, and the danger major brands face from deep fakes and social media scams.      In This Episode You Will Learn:     How companies need to focus on their internal fraud and security stance  What needs to be done to protect major brands from social media scams    Why we still aren’t fully prepared to handle synthetic identity scams    Some Questions We Ask:     What role can information security play in enhancing fraud prevention tools?  What should the average consumer do when looking to protect themselves at home?     When will security be able to identify fake accounts and fraud attempts more accurately?     Resources:    View Lou Manousos on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn  Related:               Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault             Listen to: Security Unlocked            Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.