Podcast
To The Point - Cybersecurity
Hosted by Forcepoint | Global Cybersecurity Leader | Security. Simplified. · EN
Stay ahead in the dynamic world of cybersecurity with "To the Point Cybersecurity." This podcast offers in-depth discussions on the latest cyber threats, trends, and technologies impacting businesses, governments, and communities globally.
Listeners will gain insights into how emerging technologies, such as AI and frameworks like data governance and expanded global cyber regulations, are shaping modern security practices. The podcast also provides practical strategies for navigating the ever-evolving threat landscape, including innovative approaches to data protection and insider threat mitigation.
Each episode features thought leaders and influencers who share their expertise and experiences, providing valuable perspectives on how to tackle cybersecurity challenges effectively. Whether you are a business leader, a government official, or simply interested in cybersecurity, "To the Point Cybersecurity" delivers the knowledge you need to stay informed and protected.
Rachael Lyon hosts the podcast, bringing over 20 years of experience in technology and work with global industry leaders and innovative start-ups. Co-host Jonathan Knepher serves as the Vice President of Site Reliability Engineering at Forcepoint. With nearly two decades of experience in cybersecurity and strategic leadership, Jonathan is focused on enhancing system reliability and performance.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms to keep up with the latest in cybersecurity.
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Agentic AI Needs Humans on the Loop with Michael Chavira
1w ago00:43:30Tap to summarizeAs AI systems start acting on their own, the hardest security problem is no longer approving what a model outputs but governing the conditions under which it is allowed to act at all. Michael Chavira, co-founder of Axiologic Solutions, argues that most organizations confuse governance with security, writing policies and standing up AI councils that describe intent while leaving the enforcement layer, where a model actually touches data, underbuilt. His answer is to move humans out of the approve-every-action role and onto the loop, where they define the boundaries an agentic system runs inside and watch for it to step out. That control is only as good as the data underneath it, and for most enterprises, the data is a weak point. Chavira makes the case that AI security is ultimately data security, since a model is only as trustworthy as the data feeding it, and he walks through why shadow AI, unlabeled data and untracked workarounds quietly undermine even well-governed systems. For tools that answer the same question differently each time, he recommends harness engineering and continuous data operations as the way to secure the system rather than chase every output. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/resources/podcast/agentic-ai-humans-on-the-loop
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AI Agents Aren't People. Don't Give Them the Keys with Ido Shlomo
2w ago00:40:37Tap to summarizeIdo Shlomo, co-founder and CTO of Token Security, makes a blunt case: an AI agent is not a person. It is a workload that impersonates one, chasing whatever goal it is handed without judgment, memory, or common sense. Treat it like an employee and hand it the keys, and enterprise security quietly starts to break down. Shlomo explains why agents inherit the same credentials and keys that service accounts have always used, why over-permissioning backfires on the business itself, and how identity teams can align an agent's access to its real intent. He also argues, against his own instincts, for more regulation of how agents connect to business systems and makes the case that reducing the blast radius matters more than trusting any single model. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/resources/podcast/securing-ai-agents-non-human-identity
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AppSec Needs AI Employees, Not More Tools with Shan Kulkarni
Jun 1600:29:48Tap to summarizeNo description available
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Human Behavior Is the Attack Surface | Part 2 with Jeremiah Baker
Jun 900:32:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Forcepoint's "To the Point Cybersecurity" podcast, hosts Jonathan Knepher and Rachael Lyon are joined once again by Jeremiah Baker for a deep dive into the rapidly shifting landscape of cybersecurity. With the velocity of AI-driven attacks shrinking defenders' response windows to mere seconds, the conversation explores how organizations—large and small—must adapt their mindsets and strategies to survive in an age where legacy defenses and human complacency can have catastrophic consequences. Jeremiah Baker draws from decades of hands-on experience, sharing real-world lessons about the evolving threat surface, the importance of thinking like cybercriminals, and the struggles of instilling security-first cultures—especially for businesses lacking dedicated security teams. The discussion tackles the challenges posed by new vulnerabilities, the ever-present risks of social media exposure, and how personal responsibility and security awareness are now non-negotiable parts of business DNA. With anecdotes ranging from boardroom conversations to frontline cyber incidents, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating digital transformation, AI risks, and the uncertain road ahead in cybersecurity. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e384
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Inside the Cybersecurity Situation Room with Jeremiah Baker | Part 1
Jun 200:30:17Summary readyWelcome back to another episode of To the Point Cybersecurity, where Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher dive into the frontline battles of today's digital landscape. This week, they're joined by Jeremiah Baker—an ethical hacker turned keynote speaker and author with over 20 years of cybersecurity experience. Together, they unravel the evolving tactics of financially motivated cyber attacks, explore how AI is rapidly making phishing and fraud more efficient, and highlight why trust is harder than ever to establish online. Jeremiah Baker shares real-world stories of catastrophic breaches, underscores the critical importance of zero trust and proactive defenses, and discusses the game-changing—and double-edged—role of AI for both attackers and defenders. Whether you're a business leader, IT pro, or simply curious about how to stay safe in a world of sophisticated cyber threats, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/resources/podcast/inside-cybersecurity-situation-room-jeremiah-baker-part-1
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Bridging Hackers and Government: Securing America's Water with Jake Braun - Part 2
May 2600:24:01Summary readyWelcome back to To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast, where hosts Rachel Lyon and Jonathan Knepher dive into the critical state of our nation's infrastructure with Jake Braun. In this episode, Jake Braun details the vulnerabilities facing America's water systems and explains the mission behind the Franklin Project, an initiative connecting hackers and cybersecurity professionals with small, often-overlooked utilities to bolster their defenses. From stories of hackers working covertly with election officials to the growing threats posed by foreign adversaries, this conversation unpacks the urgency of securing essential services and explores how communities—and individuals—can get involved in the fight to protect our most vital resources. Stay tuned as we discuss how the lines between the hacker, government, and critical infrastructure worlds are being blurred for the greater good. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e381
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Bridging Hackers and Government: The Digital Arsenal of Democracy, with Jake Braun - Part 1
May 1900:27:01Summary readyWelcome to "To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast," where each week hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher dive into the latest trends and critical topics shaping the world of cybersecurity. In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Jake Braun, Executive Director of the Cyber Policy Initiative at the University of Chicago, CEO and co-founder of Cambridge Global Advisors, and former Acting Principal Deputy National Cyber Director at the White House. Join us as we explore what it's like to bridge the gap between the hacker community and government, the evolving frustrations hackers have with official institutions, and highlights from the latest "Hackers Almanac." From AI-driven offensive security and mesh network resilience to preserving cultural heritage in the digital age, it's a conversation packed with cutting-edge insights and urgent policy considerations. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e380
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Why Human Judgment Still Wins in the AI-Driven SOC with Monzy Merza - Part 2
May 1200:31:43Summary readyWelcome to another episode of Forcepoint's "To the Point Cybersecurity" podcast. This week, Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher continue their deep-dive conversation with Monzy Merza, exploring the transformative impact of AI in security operations centers (SoCs) and the evolving landscape of cyber threats and defense. In this episode, Monzy Merza shares candid insights into building trust and confidence in AI tools, managing the surge in AI-generated data and requirements, and the crucial role of human judgment amid technological advancements. The discussion covers everything from the realities of AI-generated errors to the challenges and opportunities for defenders as attackers adopt agent-driven threats. For CISOs and SOC managers facing the daunting task of AI transformation, Monzy Merza offers practical strategies, hard-earned lessons from the front lines, and a glimpse into future-proofing your security teams. Tune in to hear what practitioners are really experiencing in the trenches and what key questions every leader should be asking in the race to integrate AI securely and effectively. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e380
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Modern SOC Struggles: AI, Data Fragmentation, and Human Limitations with Monzy Merza
May 500:27:08Summary readyWelcome to "To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast." This week, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher dive deep into the evolving challenges of security operations with special guest Monzy Merza, CEO and co-founder of Crogl. With a career spanning government research, security innovation at Splunk, and go-to-market leadership at Databricks, Monzy Merza brings a unique perspective on why the security operations problem remains unsolved and why industry solutions often fall short for SOC teams. In this episode, you'll hear about the realities faced by security analysts: data sprawled across countless tools, rising alert volumes, and unrealistic expectations for operator expertise. Monzy Merza shares his eye-opening experience stepping away from executive roles to work directly on SOC teams, the complexity of today's threat landscape, and how AI is changing—sometimes complicating—the security equation. He also discusses pitfalls of centralizing data, the importance of auditable and transparent AI, and how Crogl strives to capture institutional knowledge and empower security teams. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e379
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Navigating AI Risks and Resilience in Cybersecurity with Rick Hemsley
Apr 2800:31:59Summary readyWelcome to another episode of the To The Point Cybersecurity Podcast! This week, Rachael Lyon sits down with Rick Hemsley, UK and Ireland Cybersecurity Consulting Leader at Ernst & Young, to dive deep into the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and cyber risk. With over 25 years of experience advising a diverse range of organizations—including governments—Rick Hemsley shares insights from EY's latest research on the shifting threat landscape, the phenomenon of "NAVI" (nonlinear, accelerated, volatile, interconnected challenges), and the growing impact of AI-driven attacks. The conversation explores the widening gap between innovation and governance, the need for robust guardrails, the human element in defending against adversarial AI, and the importance of integrating cybersecurity into every stage of digital transformation. Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, an executive, or simply interested in the future of AI and security, this episode offers expert perspective and actionable guidance you won't want to miss. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e378
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