The Promise and Peril of Emerging Technology: Operating at the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
Many conversations today frame AI + cyber as a looming arms race—faster attackers, smarter malware, more breaches. But what if the real opportunity is to make the cybersecurity aftermarket obsolete by addressing its root cause: insecure, defect-ridden software? For nearly 40 years, the world has been patching the same types of software flaws that caused the first Internet crash in 1988. The truth is: We don’t have a cybersecurity problem. We have a software quality problem. That can finally change.
Jen Easterly
Jen Easterly is the CEO of RSAC, the premier global platform for the cybersecurity community and host of the world’s largest and most influential cybersecurity conference. As CEO, Easterly leads RSAC’s global portfolio, including its annual flagship conference in San Francisco; expanded international programming; the renowned Innovation Sandbox contest and startup ecosystem; RSAC’s emerging professional membership platform; education and training initiatives; and efforts focused on AI security, secure software development, and global collaboration.
A cybersecurity pioneer, combat veteran, and national security expert, Jen brings decades of leadership experience at the intersection of technology, security, and risk management. Recognized globally as a thought leader on cybersecurity, secure-by-design innovation, emerging technologies, and digital resilience, Jen’s career spans more than three decades across the public and private sectors.
Most recently, Jen served as the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency—America’s premier cyber defense agency—where she led efforts to protect and defend U.S. critical infrastructure from cyber threats, strengthen public-private collaboration, and advance software security and resilience. At Morgan Stanley, Jen led Firm Resilience and built the company's Cybersecurity Fusion Center. In uniform, she helped establish U.S. Cyber Command and commanded the Army's first cyber operations battalion, deploying multiple times, including to Haiti, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In addition, Jen served twice at the White House and held senior leadership roles at the National Security Agency.
A graduate of West Point and a Rhodes Scholar, Jen is a two-time recipient of the Bronze Star and numerous other awards, including the George C. Marshall Award in Ethical Leadership, the Champion of Internet Freedom Award, and the Admiral Grace Hopper Award. An acclaimed speaker, she has delivered dozens of keynotes around the world on topics including Al-driven cybersecurity, organizational resilience, emerging threats, secure-by-design innovation, and leading through disruption.
Outside of her professional life, Jen is a proud mom and dog-mom, mental health advocate, Rubik's Cube enthusiast, and aspiring electric guitarist.
