Feb 23 2024 29 mins
Discover the unexpected synergies between spy craft and cybersecurity as Shawnee Delaney, ex-intelligence operative and CEO of Vaillance Group, shares her thrilling escapades and invaluable insights. Her experience, including a thwarted attempt to help capture Osama bin Laden due to miscommunication, offers a unique lens through which we examine the human elements essential to protecting national and organizational assets. Shawnee's anecdotes not only captivate but also elucidate the critical role empathy and understanding motivations play in managing insider risks.
Tackling the underestimated threat of insider risks, our conversation with Shawnee reveals the foundational pillars of creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness. We expose the vulnerabilities that lie within organizations, often overshadowed by the focus on external threats. Shawnee, drawing from her extensive background, advises on the establishment of an insider risk program, highlighting the importance of a dedicated manager and the strategic communication necessary to engage employees without invoking fears of intrusive surveillance.
As we shift our attention to the cultivation of future cybersecurity talent, Shawnee imparts wisdom for those embarking on or exploring a career in this dynamic field. She stresses the vast opportunities that look beyond technical expertise, weaving in the significance of human psychology and intelligence. Moreover, in a surprising twist, we pull back the curtain on a former Disney performer's journey, exploring the art of preserving Disney's magic, the power of networking, and the cultivation of professional relationships that can unlock doors in ways you never imagined.