Advertise on podcast: Rethinking Cyber

How can nations maintain cyber resilience when technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing are evolving faster than regulation? Robert Hannigan, Director of GCHQ (2014-2017) - the UK's intelligence, security and cyber agency - looks at what lessons can be learned from the decades before AI to build long-term security. Drawing on his experience in policy development, Hannigan poses that the nature of Cyberspace requires governments and the private sector to join efforts to secure infrastructure and economies. He also highlights the need to ensure that technology itself is designed securely, while building resilience into physical and cyber infrastructure. As agentic AI accelerates in sophistication, Hannigan makes the case for keeping human judgment, ethics, and oversight at the center of cybersecurity strategies. Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast shares the latest insights from decision-makers and experts on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

How can global industries keep their critical systems operating safely and avoid costly, disruptive downtime as cyber risks evolve? Andrew Kling, Director of Cybersecurity and Architecture at Schneider Electric, examines the evolving complexities shaping industrial cybersecurity as operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) converge – from regulatory compliance and evolving cybersecurity standards to risk management, threat awareness, and preparedness. Drawing on decades of experience across multiple industries and in international standards development, Kling explores how secure-by-design - a “shift-left” approach that embeds cybersecurity at an early stage and anticipates threats - can build resilience into the industrial control systems (ICS) powering our critical infrastructure. Looking to the future, he also speaks of the important role of multistakeholder collaboration as cyber threats and technologies evolve. Brought to you by GCF’s Operational Technology Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (OTC-CoE), the OT Cyber Brief podcast shares insights from industry leaders and experts on global priorities in OT cybersecurity.

How can healthcare systems embrace groundbreaking technologies that improve patient care, without compromising the critical infrastructure and patient data that they rely on? Richard Staynings, Chief Security Strategist at Cylera, joins us to explore the evolving risks that accompany the use of advanced technologies in medical environments. From AI-driven precision medicine to the rapid proliferation of interconnected medical devices, Staynings looks at how reliance on Cyberspace is reshaping healthcare delivery and the factors that have made the sector a prime target for cyberattacks. He underscores the urgency of addressing security gaps, given the disruptive and life-threatening impact of ransomware attacks. As innovation is adopted, he emphasizes the need to strike a balance against risks and build in adequate cybersecurity controls. Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from decision makers and experts on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

What is the interrelation between Cyberspace and globalization? With over 30 years of experience in international relations and multilateral cooperation, Pascal Lamy, VP of the Paris Peace Forum and former Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization in a borderless, interconnected world. In this episode, Lamy discusses how the parameters of international diplomacy, global trade, and economic growth are evolving in Cyberspace. Exploring the complexities around data flows, he shares insights on how decision makers can navigate data governance and leverage the potential of emerging technologies for global security and prosperity. He also reflects on how “polylateralism” can re-frame international collaboration on pressing issues in cybersecurity to be more inclusive, purpose-led and impact-oriented. Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from decision makers and experts on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

What role does cybersecurity play in shaping the future of healthcare? Dr. Junaid Nabi, a Senior Researcher at Harvard Business School, dives into the nexus between cybersecurity, patient safety, and trust in the new era of interconnected healthcare. Focusing on the uniquely sensitive nature of healthcare data, Dr. Nabi considers the challenges of maintaining public trust amid rising cyber threats. An expert in digital health transformation, he highlights the potential of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve data processing while advocating for ethical frameworks that address healthcare inequities. Drawing from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Nabi underscores the importance of cross-border data sharing for enabling coordinated global responses to future crises. Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from thought leaders and industry experts for straightforward and thought-provoking conversations on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

How can we balance public safety and trust in an open, borderless Cyberspace? Professor William H. Dutton, Oxford Martin Fellow at the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre (GCSCC), explores the challenge of balancing safety and trust in Cyberspace. Drawing on his experience in broadcast regulation, he warns against over-regulation of the internet and potential harms to privacy and freedom. Author of The Fifth Estate: The Power Shift of the Digital Age, Professor Dutton argues that bringing cybersecurity experts and broadcast regulators together can deliver many of the solutions needed to protect adults and children when it comes to inappropriate and harmful content. He explores the behavioral dimension of cyber safety and how we can look beyond law and policy to regulate behavior, such as developing shared principles. He underscores the importance of striking a balance between protecting the public and preserving their confidence in Cyberspace as a space to access vital information. Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from thought leaders and industry experts for straightforward and thought-provoking conversations on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

How can nations unite to tackle the borderless nature of cybersecurity? Ambassador Shyam Saran, India’s former Foreign Secretary and former Special Envoy for Nuclear Affairs and Climate Change, explains why cybersecurity must be tackled as a shared global challenge—much like climate change—and how nations can work together despite geopolitical divides. Drawing on his experience in high-stakes negotiations, Ambassador Saran explores the rapid acceleration of cyber risks, their intersection with other global issues such as nuclear security, and the reason governance structures struggle to keep pace with cyber‘s “multiplicator” effect on every sector and industry. He also discusses how technological leapfrogging can drive economic growth and why addressing asymmetries in cyber capabilities is essential for a secure, inclusive future. Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from thought leaders and industry experts for straightforward and thought-provoking conversations on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

How can nations develop cyber strategies that fulfill the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders? In this episode, Chris Inglis, the first U.S. National Cyber Director, joins us to discuss why trust, collaboration, and shared accountability form the foundations of effective national cybersecurity. Drawing on his leadership in delivering the 2023 U.S. National Cybersecurity Strategy, Inglis highlights the critical need for broad-based consultation between governments and the private sector to develop cyber strategies that effectively align technological innovation with skills development and a framework for governance. Using the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack as an example, he underscores that cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data and infrastructure—it’s about safeguarding a society’s confidence in their national security and essential services. Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from thought leaders and industry experts for straightforward and thought-provoking conversations on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

How does the human mind cope as we become increasingly dependent on an ever-evolving Cyberspace? Dr. Mary Aiken, a pioneering expert in cyberpsychology and Chair of the Cyberpsychology Department at Capitol Technology University, explores the intersection between psychology and technology to help us better understand human behavior and develop cognitive resilience in Cyberspace. She examines how maladaptive tech habits affect people’s well-being, why understanding these patterns is critical, and how cyberpsychology can foster healthier, sustainable behaviors in Cyberspace. Dr. Aiken also highlights social engineering being at the heart of most cyberattacks, with cybercriminals targeting individuals’ psychological vulnerabilities, and emphasizes the need to carefully analyze messages to identify potential threats. Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from thought leaders and industry experts for straightforward and thought-provoking conversations on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

Over the last decade, national intelligence agencies have undergone a significant shift in the way they operate, driven by the evolving dynamics in Cyberspace. Traditionally operating on the margins and in secrecy, these agencies have now started to embrace transparency in order to build credibility with the public and forge partnerships with different stakeholders. In this episode, Sir Jeremy Fleming, former Director of GCHQ — the UK's intelligence, security and cyber agency — draws on three decades of experience to explore some of these new operational strategies. While covert action remains a tool, Sir Fleming looks at how agencies like GCHQ have invested heavily in communications and education to keep the public informed on cyber threats affecting their daily lives. He also emphasizes the crucial role of mutually beneficial public-private partnerships in national cybersecurity efforts. Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from decision makers and experts on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

From the Pentagon to the private sector, Mark Esper, 27th U.S. Secretary of Defense, shares a unique perspective on how we can strengthen cybersecurity to protect critical infrastructure. Drawing from his broad career experience, Esper offers compelling insights on how cross-sector collaboration and military principles – like operational readiness and deterrence – can strengthen defenses against cyber threats. He examines how evolving national security strategies can safeguard critical infrastructure and outlines the actions leaders must take to ensure resilient economies. Esper also highlights the potentially destabilizing impact of social media misuse and stresses the urgent need to counter the growing threat that misinformation poses to our societies. Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the ‘Rethinking Cyber’ podcast is here to share insights from decision makers and experts on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

At a time when over 5.3 billion people worldwide are active in Cyberspace, what can nations, companies, and individuals do to ensure their security against threats? William H. Dutton, Martin Fellow at Oxford University’s Global Cybersecurity Capacity Centre, shares his insights on the reason cybersecurity maturity depends not only on innovation, but also on culture, policy, education, and economic development. He tells us why Cyberspace today can never be fully immune to attacks, and explores how cybersecurity is evolving to stretch across disciplines as varied as psychology, politics, and sociology. Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from thought leaders and industry experts for straightforward and thought-provoking conversations on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

How does empowering women in cybersecurity drive economic growth and innovation?   And how can Cyberspace help make our societies more inclusive? Kersti Kaljulaid, former President of Estonia from 2016-2021, joins us to discuss why we need to bring more women into the cybersecurity field, sharing valuable lessons from Estonia’s model for women’s empowerment and its contribution to fostering innovation and resilience.  Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from thought leaders and industry experts for straightforward and thought-provoking conversations on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

How does empowering women in cybersecurity drive economic growth and innovation?   And how can Cyberspace help make our societies more inclusive? Kersti Kaljulaid, former President of Estonia from 2016-2021, joins us to discuss why we need to bring more women into the cybersecurity field, sharing valuable lessons from Estonia’s model for women’s empowerment and its contribution to fostering innovation and resilience.    Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from thought leaders and industry experts for straightforward and thought-provoking conversations on the opportunities and challenges shaping Cyberspace.

Is the importance of cybersecurity reflected in the news agenda?   John Defterios, former CNN anchor and Senior Strategic Advisor at APCO Worldwide, joins us to explore the interconnected topics shaping the global Cyber agenda and how it is represented in the media.     He answers why there is a tendency for cybersecurity to take a backseat to other issues such as geopolitics and energy security, and why it is crucial to ensure that the Global South is not left behind in discussions about Cyberspace.      Brought to you by the Global Cybersecurity Forum, the Rethinking Cyber podcast is here to share insights from the world’s leading minds as we navigate our cyber future.