CyberWire Daily Podcast Summary
Episode: Rick Howard: Give People Resources. [CSO] [Career Notes]
Release Date: April 6, 2025
Host/Author: N2K Networks

Introduction

In this episode of CyberWire Daily, Rick Howard, the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Chief Analyst, and Senior Fellow at CyberWire, shares his extensive journey in the cybersecurity field. From his early life in South Dakota to his pivotal role in protecting the Pentagon’s communication systems during 9/11, Rick provides invaluable insights into the evolution of cybersecurity and the importance of providing resources to empower individuals and organizations.

Early Life and Military Career

Background and Motivation
Rick Howard begins by recounting his upbringing in South Dakota, the son of a gold miner. Determined to forge a different path, he enlisted in the Air Force through the early entry program during his senior year of high school. His ambition and the support of his community led him to receive an appointment to West Point, a turning point that redirected his career towards the military and, eventually, cybersecurity.

Rick Howard [01:29]: "That was the best thing that's ever happened to me. And I was able to get a military academy appointment because of that. And that was my ticket out of being a gold miner from my hometown."

Academic and Technical Foundation
At West Point, Rick pursued a degree in Computer Science, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in communications and network management. His technical proficiency was further honed in the US Army’s Signal Corps, where he built networks for tactical units and expanded his expertise into broader areas of cybersecurity.

Transition to Cybersecurity

Military to Commercial Sector Shift
Rick details his transition from military service to the commercial sector, catalyzed by his interest in cybersecurity and inspired by Bruce Schneier’s book Secrets and Lies. Recognizing a strategic opportunity, Rick contacted Counterpane, a company founded by Schneier, to leverage his military experience in a burgeoning field.

Rick Howard [01:29]: "So I called them and said, hey, you guys should give me a job. And they did. So that's how I got out into the commercial sector."

Role at Counterpane
At Counterpane, Rick managed the global Security Operations Center (SoC), one of the first Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). He describes the SoC environment with its large display screens and dedicated analysts, emphasizing the innovative nature of the work and the collaborative team that drove success.

Rick Howard [01:29]: "We had one of those fantastic rooms where the big screens in the front and analysts in the back."

Leadership at iDefense and Verisign

Establishing iDefense
Rick’s career trajectory took him to iDefense, acquired by Verisign, where he led the commercial intelligence group. His leadership involved managing researchers focused on malware and vulnerabilities, as well as overseeing a team of cybersecurity professionals proficient in languages like Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and French.

Human Intelligence Operations
One of Rick's notable initiatives at iDefense was deploying multilingual cybersecurity experts to engage with malicious actors globally. This approach enabled the collection of actionable intelligence, which was then sold to various government organizations, enhancing national cybersecurity defenses.

Rick Howard [01:29]: "We sold that research to a bunch of government organizations back in the day, and it was a lot of fun."

Transition to Palo Alto Networks
Rick’s success at iDefense led to his role at Palo Alto Networks, where he continued to influence the cybersecurity landscape, managing sophisticated security operations and contributing to the company’s strategic direction.

Current Role at CyberWire

Joining CyberWire
Rick shares the serendipitous moment that led him to CyberWire: his passion for podcasts and a desire to create content. A conversation with the CyberWire team resulted in him taking on the role of CSO and leading his own podcast, providing him with a platform to disseminate his ideas widely.

Rick Howard [01:29]: "So here I am, the chief security officer of a startup called the Cyberwire and I get to work on my own podcast and you guys give me this giant platform to present my ideas."

Mission-Driven Cybersecurity
Rick emphasizes that cybersecurity is more than a business venture; it is a mission dedicated to preventing harm to individuals and organizations. He reflects on the ethical and societal implications of cybersecurity work, underscoring the importance of remembering the mission's purpose.

Rick Howard [01:29]: "One of the things I like about the cybersecurity field is it's this profession is more than just the business bringing money in. You are actually have a mission that is trying to prevent bad things from happening to good people."

Personal Stories and Experiences

Pentagon Command Center Resilience
One of Rick’s most profound experiences was his role as the network manager at the Army’s command center in the Pentagon during the September 11 attacks. Prior to the attacks, Rick and his team had implemented robust redundancies in the communication systems, ensuring resiliency against catastrophic failures.

Impact of 9/11
When the 9/11 attacks occurred, the Pentagon’s communication systems, fortified by Rick’s preparations, remained operational. This resilience was critical in maintaining military command and control during and after the attacks, showcasing the tangible impact of effective cybersecurity measures.

Rick Howard [01:29]: "We spent a year making all of that better. Triple, quadruple redundancies. Lots of different places to fail over and our team did a fantastic job."

Legacy and Pride
Rick expresses immense pride in his team's achievements, highlighting the successful implementation of resilient communication systems that stood the test of a national crisis. This experience solidified his commitment to cybersecurity as a crucial discipline for national security.

Rick Howard [01:29]: "Because of the devastation of the planes hitting the building, because of the redundancy that we had built in to our communication systems, the Army's communications center was the only one functioning the day after the 911 attacks. Right. And we're very proud of that."

Conclusion

Rick Howard’s journey from a South Dakota mining town to the forefront of cybersecurity leadership exemplifies dedication, strategic thinking, and a mission-driven approach. His experiences underscore the importance of resilience, innovation, and ethical responsibility in safeguarding national and global security. Through his role at CyberWire, Rick continues to influence the cybersecurity landscape, providing resources and insights that empower both professionals and the broader community to navigate and mitigate cyber threats effectively.

Notable Quotes

• Rick Howard [01:29]: "That was the best thing that's ever happened to me. And I was able to get a military academy appointment because of that. And that was my ticket out of being a gold miner from my hometown."

• Rick Howard [01:29]: "We had one of those fantastic rooms where the big screens in the front and analysts in the back."

• Rick Howard [01:29]: "We sold that research to a bunch of government organizations back in the day, and it was a lot of fun."

• Rick Howard [01:29]: "One of the things I like about the cybersecurity field is it's this profession is more than just the business bringing money in. You are actually have a mission that is trying to prevent bad things from happening to good people."

• Rick Howard [01:29]: "Because of the devastation of the planes hitting the building, because of the redundancy that we had built in to our communication systems, the Army's communications center was the only one functioning the day after the 911 attacks. Right. And we're very proud of that."

This detailed summary captures Rick Howard’s extensive career, his contributions to cybersecurity, and the underlying mission that drives his work. It provides a comprehensive overview for listeners and those interested in the field to understand the critical aspects of cybersecurity leadership and resilience.