Cybersecurity has moved from a technical safeguard to a core business risk, shaping how organizations protect operations, customers and public trust. As companies rely more heavily on cloud platforms, SaaS tools, mobile systems and AI-enabled workflows, the number of possible entry points for attackers continues to expand. The stakes are no longer limited to data loss or system downtime; cyberattacks can disrupt hospitals, financial institutions, telecommunications networks and the everyday infrastructure people depend on. At the same time, the industry faces a major workforce gap, with hundreds of thousands of cybersecurity roles still unfilled in the United States alone and an even larger shortage globally.

That gap raises an urgent question for employers, educators and workers alike: how can we build a cybersecurity workforce quickly enough, and with the skills and adaptability needed, to defend organizations in a world where cyber threats are accelerating?

This question sits at the heart of the latest episode of DisruptED. Host Ron J. Stefanski speaks with James Faxon, Managing Director of nuKudo, about the changing nature of cybersecurity threats, the talent shortage facing the industry and why traditional education models may not be moving quickly enough. Their conversation explores the growing role of AI, the importance of deep technical and risk-management skills, and nuKudo’s paid-training model for preparing cyber professionals who are ready to contribute from day one.

What you’ll learn…

Cyber threats are becoming more disruptive as businesses rely on interconnected cloud, SaaS and telecommunications systems, making attacks capable of affecting hospitals, banks, communications networks and everyday life.
Faxon argues that the cybersecurity talent shortage is not only about headcount; it is also about finding people with the technical depth, risk-management mindset and professional skills to operate effectively in high-pressure environments.
NuKudo’s model focuses on identifying candidates with the aptitude to learn quickly, hiring them as employees, paying them during training, certifying them and placing them with partner organizations prepared for real cybersecurity work.

James Faxon is a cybersecurity and technology executive with more than 20 years of experience leading security strategy, risk governance and technology transformation across energy, retail, aerospace, defense, mining and manufacturing. He has led major enterprise security programs, including $50M+ transformation initiatives, M&A cybersecurity due diligence for transactions up to $10B and teams spanning IT, OT, security and operations. He now works as a fractional CISO, CIO and operating partner, advising leadership teams on cybersecurity strategy, AI governance, operational risk and security program maturity.