CyberWire Daily Summary: "Jadee Hanson: Cybersecurity is a Team Effort"

Release Date: June 22, 2025
Host/Author: N2K Networks
Speaker: J.D. Hanson, CIO and CISO at Code42

Introduction and Early Interests in Technology

In this episode of CyberWire Daily, J.D. Hanson shares her inspiring journey into the field of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mentorship.

Hanson recounts her early fascination with technology during high school, where she volunteered to assist the technology coordinator. “[...] we used to buy computer parts from different places to save some money and then we would assemble the computer parts for our school labs. That sparked kind of an interest at a really early age” ([00:52]).

Educational Background and Career Beginnings

She pursued higher education at the University of North Dakota, initially considering a major in computer science before switching to computer information systems to incorporate more business-focused studies. Hanson highlights the challenges of being one of the few women in her classes, noting the lack of representation in both her undergraduate program and the software development field.

Upon graduation, Hanson faced a significant career decision. Although she accepted her first cybersecurity job offer from Microsoft, personal circumstances led her to decline and join Deloitte instead. At Deloitte’s Enterprise Risk Services, she began her career in computer controls and cybersecurity, working on penetration testing at a time when the concept was not widely understood. “[...] when nobody in the world really even understood what a pen test was, now lots of people understand what it is and it’s more of a common term” ([01:30]).

Advancing in the Cybersecurity Field

Hanson subsequently joined Target during the nascent stages of their cybersecurity program. Her tenure at Target included a focus on insider risk, where she led initiatives to safeguard the organization from internal threats. The experience of navigating the Target data breach further solidified her expertise in large-scale cybersecurity operations.

In 2016, she transitioned to Code42, attracted by the company’s mission to develop security products that support the very teams she had been part of. At Code42, Hanson plays a dual role as CIO and CISO, actively collaborating with the product management team to enhance their insider risk solutions. “[...] to come to Code42 and be part of their journey in building out their insider risk solution was really appealing to me” ([03:20]).

Teamwork and Insider Risk Management

Hanson underscores the collaborative nature of cybersecurity, describing it as a “team sport.” She highlights the growing complexity of insider risk due to the rise of collaboration software and the increasing mobility of the workforce. “We believe that in security, the only way to win this is to win together. It is absolutely a team sport” ([05:45]).

She discusses the importance of proactive measures and creating an environment where her team can excel without unnecessary obstacles. Hanson’s leadership philosophy revolves around empowering her team, removing roadblocks, and ensuring they have the necessary resources to perform effectively. “My job is to make sure I’m there, make sure I’m removing roadblocks, make sure I’m supporting them in a way where we get the funding that we need for the things that we need to deliver, but ultimately get out of their way so they can do the brilliant job” ([06:30]).

Leadership and Personal Development

Hanson attributes much of her success to her mentor at Code42, praising his leadership and the invaluable lessons she has learned from him. She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to foster growth and innovation. “I try really hard to do things that might scare me every day. I have a background image on my desktop and it says, be brave enough to suck at something new” ([07:15]).

Her approach to leadership involves encouraging diverse opinions and fostering an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to contribute their best ideas.

Encouraging Women in Cybersecurity

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to encouraging young women to pursue careers in cybersecurity. Hanson addresses the barriers of representation and visibility, advocating for more mentors and role models who can inspire and support aspiring female professionals. “If you’re interested in it, it’s for you. If you’re having fun doing it, it’s for you” ([08:00]).

She believes that the lack of visible mentors who share similar backgrounds or interests can deter young women from entering the field. Her advice centers on persistence, curiosity, and embracing one’s unique interests alongside a career in technology. “You can love fashion and you can love cybersecurity, and that is 100% okay” ([08:45]).

Team Success and Legacy

Concluding her narrative, Hanson reflects on the collective achievements of her teams rather than individual accolades. She emphasizes that the true measure of success lies in the strength and effectiveness of the team as a whole. “I would say that I wouldn’t really expect anyone to remember specifically what JD did, but what the team did” ([09:10]).

Key Takeaways

• Early Passion and Mentorship: Hanson’s journey underscores the importance of early interests and the impact of mentorship in shaping a career.
• Diversity and Representation: Highlighting the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, Hanson advocates for increased representation and support for young women.
• Team-Oriented Leadership: Effective cybersecurity requires collaboration, proactive management, and empowering teams to achieve collective goals.
• Continuous Growth: Embracing new challenges and stepping out of comfort zones are crucial for personal and professional development in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

Notable Quotes

• “We believe that in security, the only way to win this is to win together. It is absolutely a team sport.” ([05:45])
• “Be brave enough to suck at something new.” ([07:15])
• “If you’re interested in it, it’s for you. If you’re having fun doing it, it’s for you.” ([08:00])
• “I wouldn’t really expect anyone to remember specifically what JD did, but what the team did.” ([09:10])

This episode provides valuable insights into the career path of a successful cybersecurity leader, the significance of teamwork in the industry, and the ongoing efforts to foster diversity and inclusion within the field.