Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson

Dawn Song, Professor of Computer Science at UC Berkeley, joins Ann on this week’s episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to explore how AI is rapidly reshaping the threat landscape. Dawn shares research from projects like Cyber Gym, demonstrating how frontier AI models are increasingly capable of identifying vulnerabilities, including zero-day exploits and generating proof-of-concept attacks, while also helping defenders automate patching and strengthen resilience. The conversation examines adversarial AI, agentic systems, data privacy risks, and the need for science and evidence-based AI policy. Dawn closes with an optimistic vision for the future: using AI-driven formal verification to build provably secure systems and move beyond the traditional cat-and-mouse security model. Resources: View Dawn Song on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft, Hangar Studios and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Rob Suárez, Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield joins Ann on this week’s episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. In the conversation, Rob shares how his career path and personal philosophy have shaped a mission-driven approach to cybersecurity that places patient trust, safety, and privacy at the center of every decision. He discusses the unique challenges of securing a deeply interconnected healthcare ecosystem, the critical role of culture and cyber literacy across organizations, and why transparency and resilience are essential during incidents. The episode also explores secure-by-design principles, the ethical use of AI in healthcare, and how the CISO role is evolving toward a broader focus on trust, collaboration, and human impact. Resources: View Rob Suárez on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft, Hangar Studios and distributed as part of N2K media network.

David Gee, a veteran CISO, CIO, board advisor, and author, joins Ann Johnson, CVP of Cybersecurity, Microsoft, on this week’s episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Drawing on decades of experience and insights from his books, Gee explores the gap between theory and reality for security leaders, the role of imposter syndrome in professional growth, and why embracing discomfort is essential to effective leadership. The conversation examines how CISOs can balance risk management with business enablement, reset expectations with boards and executives, and build resilient, team-driven security cultures. Gee also shares perspectives on mentorship, long-term sustainability in the role, and how the CISO must evolve from a control-focused operator to a strategic influencer in an era shaped by AI, regulation, and constant change. Resources: View David Gee on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft, Hangar Studios and distributed as part of N2K media network.

On this special best of episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea, Ann revisits six standout conversations from the past year with Amy Edmondson, Christina Morillo, Frank X. Shaw, Hugh Thompson, Troy Hunt, and Jack Rhysider. Together, these moments highlight the evolving human and technical challenges shaping cybersecurity today, from trust and transparency to breach response, leadership under pressure, AI disruption, and the realities facing defenders on the front lines. This curated collection offers a fast-moving look at the insights, lessons, and big ideas that defined the season. Resources: View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft, Hangar Studios and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Dr. Lorrie Cranor, Director of the CyLab Security and Privacy Institute at Carnegie Mellon University joins Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft, on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to discuss the critical gap between security design and real-world usability. They explore why security tools often fail users, the ongoing challenges with passwords and password less authentication, and how privacy expectations have evolved in an era of constant data collection. Dr. Cranor emphasizes the importance of user-centered design, practical research, behavioral insights, and simpler, more transparent systems to help CISOs build security programs that truly work for people. Resources: View Lorrie Cranor on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft, Hangar Studios and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Troy Hunt, founder of Have I Been Pwned, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to explore what billions of breached records reveal about attacker behavior, human weakness, and the state of breach disclosure. He explains why organizations often hesitate to notify victims, how breach fatigue shapes user responses, and why transparency is both powerful and challenging. Troy also shares how he personally fell for a phishing attack, illustrating that even experts have moments of vulnerability. The conversation points toward a more resilient future and what it will take for both people and organizations to stay ahead of evolving threats. Resources: View Troy Hunt on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft, Hangar Studios and distributed as part of N2K media network.

Brad L. Mortensen, President of Weber State University joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to discuss the evolving role of higher education in preparing the future cybersecurity workforce. Brad shares how Weber State supports students from all backgrounds through open enrollment, stackable credentials, real-world learning partnerships, and a focus on both technical training and durable human skills like communication, resilience, and problem solving. He talks about the rise of AI in the classroom, the importance of industry collaboration, and why fostering adaptability and creativity is essential to meeting growing cyber talent demands. Resources: View Brad L. Mortensen on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.

Amy Hogan-Burney, Corporate Vice President of Customer Trust and Security at Microsoft joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to discuss her unexpected journey into cybersecurity, Microsoft’s evolving approach to combating global cybercrime, and the importance of collaboration across the private and public sectors. She reflects on lessons from the latest Microsoft Digital Defense Report, the growing impact of AI on security, and the challenges of regulatory complexity. Amy also shares insights on cyber diplomacy, building strong legal-technical partnerships, and the career advice that’s guided her path all while remaining optimistic about the future of cybersecurity. Resources: View Amy Hogan-Burney on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.

Darren Kane, Chief Security Officer at NBN, Australia’s national broadband network joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to shares insights from his unique journey through law enforcement, financial enforcement, and corporate security, and how those experiences shaped his leadership of a converged security organization that unites physical and cyber defense. He discusses the challenges of securing critical infrastructure across a vast continent, the importance of collaboration between government and industry, and how data convergence and AI are reshaping resilience strategies. Darren also reflects on the evolving role of the CSO, the value of holistic risk management, and why nurturing human resilience is just as vital as technological defenses. Resources: View Darren Kane on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.

Frank X. Shaw, Chief Communications Officer at Microsoft, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to explore the critical role of communication in cybersecurity. They discuss how transparency and trust shape effective response to cyber incidents, the importance of breaking down silos across teams, and how AI is transforming communication strategies. Frank shares insights on leadership, the power of internal communications, navigating misinformation in an era where perception matters as much as technical reality, and why building a culture of security awareness starts with clear, honest messaging—no fluff, no spin. Resources: View Frank X. Shaw on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.

Volker Wagner, Chief Information Security Officer at BASF, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to talk shop on what it really takes to defend one of the world’s largest chemical companies. From his early days in auditing to leading global cyber for high-stakes industrial and research environments, Volker shares battle-tested insights on resilience, Zero Trust, and the fundamentals that never go out of style. He dives into the hard lessons learned from ransomware, the realities of third-party risk, and how AI is reshaping everything from incident response to supply chain security. Most importantly, he makes the case for why trust, communication, and culture aren’t soft skills—they’re survival skills for modern CISOs. Resources: View Volker Wagner on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.

Matt Rowe, Chief Security Officer at Lloyds Bank, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to explore the future of cybersecurity. They discuss the accelerating pace of change in the industry, from AI and automation to data-driven security practices and identity management. Matt shares how Lloyds Bank is modernizing its approach by reducing friction, upskilling teams, and fostering a growth mindset, while also laying foundations for resilience and agility across the financial ecosystem. The conversation highlights why now is the moment to rethink security strategies and how optimism, creativity, and collaboration can help defenders stay ahead. Resources: View Matt Rowe on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.

Erez Liebermann, partner at Debevoise & Plimpton and a leading voice in cybersecurity and data privacy joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Together, they unpack how legal and security teams can act as strategic partners, aligning regulatory compliance with business priorities while preparing for and responding to incidents. Erez offers actionable insights from real-world experience on breaking down silos, building trust, and balancing transparency with legal prudence during breaches. Listeners gain practical strategies for fostering cross-functional collaboration, improving incident response, and strengthening organizational resilience in today’s evolving threat landscape. Resources: View Erez Liebermann on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.

Amy Edmondson, Harvard Business School professor and psychological safety pioneer joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Together they discuss how creating psychologically safe environments allows teams, especially in high-pressure fields like cybersecurity, to speak up about early warnings, embrace the red, and learn from failure. Amy shares her framework for distinguishing between intelligent, basic, and complex failures, and offers practical guidance for leaders looking to build high-performing, resilient teams in uncertain, fast-moving environments. Resources: View Amy Edmondson on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.

Nasrin Rezai, SVP and CISO at Verizon joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Nasrin shares practical defense strategies for hard-to-secure legacy systems, emphasizes the importance of zero trust, and explains why cybersecurity is now a matter of national defense. Despite the challenges, she closes with optimism, believing that innovation, collaboration, and a new generation of cyber leaders will shape a more secure future. Resources: View Nasrin Rezai on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.

Please enjoy this encore episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea while Ann Johnson and team are taking a break. Dr. Hugh Thompson⁠, Executive Chairman of RSA Conference and Managing Partner at Crosspoint Capital joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. They discuss what goes into planning the world’s largest cybersecurity conference—from theme selection to llama-related surprises on the expo floor—and how the RSA community continues to evolve. Hugh also shares how his background in applied math led him from academia to cybersecurity, his thoughts on the human element in security, and what keeps him optimistic about the future of the industry. Resources: ⁠View Hugh Thompson on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn⁠ Related Microsoft Podcasts: ⁠Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast⁠ ⁠The BlueHat Podcast⁠ ⁠Uncovering Hidden Risks⁠ 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 N2K media network.

Please enjoy this encore episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea while Ann Johnson and team are taking a break. Jack Rhysider, the creator and host of cybersecurity podcast Darknet Diaries joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Jack shares his journey from network security engineer to self-taught storyteller, detailing how his passion for cybersecurity and relentless dedication to learning and marketing helped him build an independent media powerhouse. He discusses the challenges of growing the podcast from scratch, the intensity required to succeed, and why telling well-researched cybercrime stories keeps him motivated. Resources: ⁠View Jack Rhysider on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn⁠ Related Microsoft Podcasts: ⁠Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast⁠ ⁠The BlueHat Podcast⁠ ⁠Uncovering Hidden Risks⁠ 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 N2K media network.

Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. Jeetu shares insights on the urgent need for machine-scale defenses, the potential for defenders to finally tip the scale against attackers, and the importance of collaboration across the industry. They discuss the evolution of agentic AI, the challenges of innovation fragmentation, and why cybersecurity must become more accessible and effective to keep pace with modern threats. Resources: View Jeetu Patel On LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.

Dr. Aleise McGowan, Chief Information Security Officer of BlackGirlsHack and a 20-year cybersecurity veteran, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Aleise shares how a career-defining hack early on shifted her trajectory from developer to defender, and why she believes the future of security lies in resilience, diversity, and human-centered leadership. She talks about what separates good and great leaders during the first hours of an incident response and why delayed action equals exponential damage. She also spotlights her work with BlackGirlsHack, a rapidly growing nonprofit that opens doors for underrepresented talent in cyber, and makes the case that building an inclusive security workforce isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Resources: View Aleise McGowan on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.

Yonatan Zunger, Corporate Vice President and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for Artificial Intelligence at Microsoft joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. They dive into the evolving cybersecurity landscape shaped by generative and agentic AI, discussing both the opportunities and the risks. Yonatan shares insights on how organizations should think about AI as a junior employee - not infallible, but useful when paired with human oversight. They also explore the principles of safe AI development, how to balance innovation with governance, and why AI could finally enable persistent cybersecurity defense in a way never before possible. Resources: View Yonatan Zunger on LinkedIn View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn Related Microsoft Podcasts: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks 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 N2K media network.