RSAC Conference Welcomes Jen Easterly as New CEO Amid Industry Transformation
Jen Easterly, a seasoned expert in cybersecurity with extensive experience in both public and private sectors, has been appointed as the new CEO of the RSAC Conference, commonly referred to as RSAC. Previously, Easterly served as the director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for over three years, during which she focused on enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity posture.
RSAC has evolved since its inception in 1991, originally starting as a small event focused on cryptography hosted by the corporate security pioneer RSA. Today, RSAC operates as an independent organization, hosting a significant annual gathering of cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and vendors in San Francisco each spring, which draws tens of thousands of attendees. The conference remains the organization’s flagship event while expanding into year-round global membership initiatives for cybersecurity experts.
Easterly highlights that while the conference serves as the organization’s jewel, RSAC is now aiming for deeper international collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of an “innovation sandbox,” which will support emerging AI-driven cybersecurity companies and advocates for a focus on creating high-quality, secure software. She identified the current landscape as a pivotal moment in cybersecurity, driven by the emergence of AI tools that are reshaping capabilities for both attackers and defenders.
As the cybersecurity landscape undergoes significant changes, Easterly’s appointment is timely. The influence of AI has enhanced the potential for sophisticated attacks, making it imperative for security professionals to safeguard not just AI platforms but also the infrastructures they rely on. Furthermore, evolving U.S. foreign and domestic policies are poised to impact private-sector cybersecurity and shape public-private partnerships at both national and international levels.
Easterly, a lifelong independent with a robust track record in military and intelligence positions, emphasizes her commitment to building trust and encouraging collaboration across the cybersecurity community. She has held multiple roles that include key positions in the Army, the National Security Agency, and leading Morgan Stanley’s global cybersecurity efforts prior to her tenure at CISA.
Despite her extensive career, Easterly faced challenges during the transition to the Trump administration, which did not invite her to remain at CISA. Additionally, a recent directive from the Army rescinded her offer to become a distinguished chair at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, indicating the complex intersection of politics and cybersecurity.
In her new role, Easterly approaches the leadership of RSAC with optimism and a focus on community-driven initiatives. She asserts that RSAC will continue to invite collaboration with officials from all governments to promote engagement within the cybersecurity sphere. Easterly notes that security and resilience are universal challenges affecting every country and every citizen, underscoring the conference’s mission to unite various stakeholders—practitioners, technologists, and policymakers—focused on expertise rather than politics.
Easterly’s vision for RSAC aims to fortify the cybersecurity landscape by encouraging a collaborative environment, where diverse perspectives can converge to address the pressing issues facing the industry today. As RSAC continues to adapt and grow, it remains committed to fostering innovation and addressing the evolving threats in the cybersecurity domain.
In this transformative era, the potential for cyber adversaries to utilize MITRE ATT&CK tactics, such as initial access and privilege escalation, remains a critical consideration for organizations navigating the complexities of cybersecurity. As the industry adapts to these challenges, the emphasis on collaboration will be paramount in creating a secure digital environment for all.
