Cyber Focus at RSAC 2024: GDIT's Matt Hayden

In this episode of Cyber Focus Frank Cilluffo and Matt Hayden discuss the intricate challenges posed by cyber threats and the role of organizations like CISA in coordinating defense efforts. They discuss the influence of emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing, the impact of emerging technologies on defenses, and the zero trust security model to enhance resilience.


Main Topics Covered

Critical infrastructure threats and vulnerabilities

Living off the land techniques used by attackers

Deterrence strategies and creating playbooks for different threat actors

Role of innovation and emerging technologies like AI, quantum, 5G/6G

Convergence of physical and cyber security

Zero trust security model

Importance of resilience in critical infrastructure

Quotes

"You come after a critical infrastructure within our domestic space, it points back to you. We're going to have a conversation you're not going to like." - Matt Hayden on deterring attacks on critical infrastructure.

"Resilience means you have the ability to re-stand up infrastructure service to really work with your network and your users to where you still have the ability to operate." - Matt Hayden defining resilience.

"We would have the traditional sanctions methods...but it wasn't something that really imposed cost. And so looking at that model now, there is the need for playbooks that are strategic for each bad actor." - Matt Hayden on needing tailored deterrence strategies.

“You're saying I'll let you get away with X? Yeah, but not Y…  And as [the bad actors] get worse, the deterrent gets stronger. You have to gradient [deterrence].” - Matt Hayden on deterrence gradient.

“The strength of America is that people want to be here for all the challenges you have. People would rather live here than anywhere else.” - Matt Hayden on American innovation being a strength.

Resources Mentioned

National Security Memorandum 22

Bio
Matt Hayden is a cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of experience spanning both the public and private sectors. He currently serves as VP for Cyber and emerging technology at CyIQ, fostering industry partnerships and driving growth strategies. Previously, Hayden held senior leadership roles at DHS, including serving as the Assistant Secretary for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk, and Resilience Policy. In this position, he led policy development efforts focused on reducing national risks to critical infrastructure cybersecurity, federal networks, and comparing cybercrime. Hayden also served as a senior advisor with DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and its Office of Partnership and Engagement. He is a Senior Fellow at the McCrary Institute.