As part of my MA seminar, “Emerging Technologies and National Security, ” we hosted my dear friend and colleague, Refael Franco , as a guest speaker last Friday. He generously shared his time, expertise, and thought-provoking insights and experience with my students.
Our discussion examined several key themes at the intersection of cybersecurity, leadership, and cyber crisis management (and we had much more to discuss…):
— The Human Element – Regardless of how sophisticated our technologies get, individuals remain the weakest link in the security chain. AI cannot substitute for human awareness, judgment, or accountability.
— Geopolitics and deniability – We discussed the significance of strategic deniability in cyber operations, especially when confronting adversaries from nation-states such as Russia and Iran. The reputational effects of cyberattacks are often as substantial as the immediate harm.
— Decision-making under uncertainty – CEOs and decision-makers often have to operate with incomplete information in rapidly changing environments. Effectively managing uncertainty is a crucial skill for every leader to master, particularly in cybersecurity.
The session was genuinely enriching and engaging, providing my students with a glimpse into real-life cyber crisis management. They had to make difficult decisions and consider their consequences.
Thank you! Looking forward to many more conversations like this in the weeks ahead!
Code Blue Cyber
#CyberSecurity #Leadership #HumanFactor #RiskManagement #AI
