Is the U.S. Losing Its Cyber Dominance?

The latest installment of “Proof of Concept” features insights from Michael Daniel, leader of the Cyber Threat Alliance, and former Forrester analyst Chase Cunningham, who joined Information Security Media Group editors to discuss critical vulnerabilities in U.S. cyber defenses. Their conversation highlighted how fragmented leadership and decreasing federal support are eroding the nation’s ability to fend off cyber threats.

As the responsibility for safeguarding vital infrastructure transitions from federal authorities to state-level agencies, both experts expressed concern over increased susceptibility to nation-state aggressors and audacious cybercriminals. Cunningham, calling attention to troubling trends, remarked on the risks associated with appointing political figures lacking cybersecurity expertise to key positions. “Appointing individuals without a solid cyber background to lead cybersecurity organizations introduces significant risks,” he warned.

Daniel emphasized the growing disconnect between recognized cybersecurity solutions and their actual deployment within the government, attributing these gaps to insufficient political motivation. “The technology needed is already understood; the real challenge lies in fostering the political will and creating appropriate incentives for implementing effective cybersecurity measures,” he stated.

Joining Cunningham and Daniel in their discussion were Anna Delaney, director of productions at ISMG, and Tom Field, senior vice president of editorial at ISMG. The conversation focused on the consequences of unfilled leadership roles and the impact on national cybersecurity readiness, the potential dangers of transferring cybersecurity tasks to poorly resourced states, and the role of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence in detecting insider threats across federal systems.

Michael Daniel leads the Cyber Threat Alliance and has a distinguished background including a position as the Cybersecurity Coordinator under President Obama, where he oversaw the development of national cybersecurity strategies and policy collaborations with various sectors. His extensive experience positions him uniquely to discuss the complexities of the current cybersecurity landscape.

Cunningham, known as the Doctor of Zero Trust and holding the vice president role in security market research at G2, has an extensive background in cybersecurity, chief strategy officer roles, and as a principal analyst at Forrester Research. His impressive track record, including a career at the NSA, CIA, and FBI, bolsters his insights into the pressing challenges facing U.S. cybersecurity today.

This edition follows earlier discussions in the “Proof of Concept” series, including analyses of emerging trends in AI and automation in security. Business owners and cybersecurity professionals are encouraged to stay informed about these critical issues as the landscape continues to evolve rapidly amidst increasing cyber threats.