The show goes international with a British insight into cybersecurity. Guest Richard Horne, the CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC, part of the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters, GCHQ) meets with host Brett Leatherman in FBI Headquarters for an engaging discussion about the state of cyber threats and practical advice for companies. One highlight is a chilling question: can a company operate without its IT for four weeks? If not, they’re not ready for a ransomware attack (and paying the ransom isn’t as straightforward as it may seem). Other topics include the role of private-public partnerships, the burnout of professionals defending networks coupled with the psychologically traumatic effects of being a victimized company, and a reflection on this year’s CyberUK conference, hosted by the NCSC.

Starting the episode is another international guest: Kathryn Sherman, one of the FBI’s cyber law enforcement attachés (ALAT), who is assigned to the FBI’s London office. Sherman discusses her experience as a career cyber special agent, leading cyber investigation squads, and the role FBI personnel stationed overseas play in advancing the cybersecurity mission.

Listen to Ahead of the Threat episodes, read the transcripts, and find related material at fbi.gov/aheadofthethreat.

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