Cyber Focus
In this special crossover edition of Cyber Focus and the Power Podcast, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Aaron Larson to explore the evolving intersection of energy innovation and cybersecurity. From breakthroughs in small modular reactors and geothermal technologies to the power demands of AI and electric vehicles, they examine how the U.S. grid is being reshaped by both opportunity and threat. Larson draws on his background in nuclear power and conversations with top industry leaders to highlight the promise of emerging energy sources—and the urgent need to bake in security from the...
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Richard Horne, CEO of the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), joins host Frank Cilluffo to explore how the UK is strengthening cyber resilience across critical infrastructure, private industry, and international partnerships. Drawing from his experience in both government and the private sector, Horne outlines NCSC’s approach to tackling advanced threats, closing resilience gaps, and collaborating with allies on systemic cyber defense. The conversation spans ransomware, AI, supply chain risk, quantum cryptography, and how organizations—large and small—can better...
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Kristina Walter, Director of the NSA’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center, joins Frank Cilluffo to explain how the NSA is building trusted partnerships with private industry to counter advanced cyber threats. Walter shares how collaborative work with defense contractors and tech providers has helped uncover zero-day vulnerabilities, block billions of malicious domains, and expose Chinese operations like Volt Typhoon. She also discusses the role of AI in cyber defense, the race to prepare for quantum computing, and why resilience—not perfection—is the new benchmark for critical...
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In this episode of Cyber Focus, Frank Cilluffo sits down with Jonathan Braley, Director of the Food and Agriculture Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Food and Ag-ISAC), to explore the growing cybersecurity threats facing the U.S. food and agriculture sector. They examine the integration of operational technology (OT), the rise in ransomware attacks on farms and food producers, and the fragile nature of supply chain cybersecurity. Braley highlights why even small farms are increasingly targeted and how awareness, threat intelligence sharing, and proactive cyber defense strategies are...
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In this special Independence Day episode of Cyber Focus, we bring together highlights from three influential House leaders shaping U.S. cyber policy: Chairman Mark Green (Homeland Security), Chairman Mike Rogers (Armed Services), and Chairman Rick Crawford (Intelligence). From digital warfare and offensive cyber capabilities to workforce development and interagency reform, this episode offers a rare look into how Congress is working to strengthen national security in the digital age. Listen to their full interviews: • Rick Crawford – We Are in a State of Digital Warfare • Mike Rogers...
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In this urgent episode of Cyber Focus recorded June 24, 2025, host Frank Cilluffo speaks with retired General Frank McKenzie, former Commander of U.S. Central Command and Executive Director of the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida. The discussion focuses on the unfolding crisis between Iran and Israel, recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and the fragile ceasefire now in place. McKenzie offers expert insight into the strategic weakness of Iran, the state of its proxy forces, and the growing threat of Iranian cyberattacks. They also...
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As tensions explode between Israel and Iran, what cyber threats could hit the U.S. next? In this urgent episode of To the Point, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery—cybersecurity expert and longtime Solarium Commission leader—to assess the growing risk of Iranian cyberattacks on U.S. critical infrastructure. With Iran and its proxies already escalating digital aggression against Israeli targets, Montgomery warns that water systems, energy grids, and transportation networks in the U.S. could soon face similar threats. The conversation explores: The...
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In this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Congressman Rick Crawford, Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. They explore the evolving cyber threat landscape—from Chinese infiltration of U.S. supply chains to the rise of paramilitary cartels leveraging advanced digital tools. Crawford shares his perspective on offensive cyber capabilities, domestic counterintelligence reform, and efforts to close legislative blind spots through inter-committee collaboration. The conversation also covers critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, agricultural...
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In this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Mark Pomerleau, senior reporter for DefenseScoop, to discuss the evolving landscape of U.S. cyber operations and military doctrine. Pomerleau unpacks the ongoing debate over splitting NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, the rising role of offensive cyber capabilities, and what “Cybercom 2.0” might look like in practice. He also explores the integration of cyber, electronic warfare, and space as part of a new operational triad, and shares lessons learned from Ukraine that are reshaping U.S. strategy. Together, they examine whether...
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In this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Tory Bruno, President and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), which is responsible for more than 90% of U.S. national security space launches. Bruno discusses the escalating threat landscape in space, the urgency of a layered missile defense architecture known as the "Golden Dome," and how adversaries like China may initiate future conflicts in orbit before any shots are fired on Earth. The conversation also explores the technological and policy components of space deterrence, Bruno’s insights from decades of leadership in...
info_outlineIn this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo speaks with Peter W. Singer, strategist at New America, professor at Arizona State, and founder of Useful Fiction. They revisit Singer’s influential book Ghost Fleet and examine how the strategic landscape—particularly U.S.-China competition—has shifted over the past decade. Singer discusses China’s military reorganization and the lessons it's drawing from the war in Ukraine. He also explores how AI is reshaping the nature of cyber threats.
The conversation highlights the growing intersection of cyber, physical, and cognitive warfare. Singer explains how storytelling can make complex strategies easier to understand and more likely to drive change. He emphasizes the need for cross-domain thinking and a more dynamic approach to building the cybersecurity workforce.
Main Topics Covered:
- China's military reorganization and the emergence of the Information Support Force
- Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war and implications for China
- The role of narrative and “useful fiction” in cybersecurity policy and strategy
- Hybrid threats: cyber attacks, cognitive warfare, and disinformation
- Emerging risks tied to AI, automation, and operational technology
- Breaking down silos and redefining the cybersecurity workforce
Key Quotes:
- "If you are telling yourself that there is not a state of intense cooperation alliance between Russia and China, you are telling yourself fiction." – Peter W. Singer
- "[In 2015's Ghost Fleet] we portrayed a world where there was China catching up to us in technology capability... we're not as ahead in the race as we were back then." – Peter W. Singer
- "If we were to see such a kind of scenario [a conflict with China or Russia], the private sector would be touched by it and therefore it needs to start scenario building for it." – Peter W. Singer
- "[China] didn't enter into a [U.S.] water system because it wanted the intellectual property... No, it was setting up a beachhead in case there was a conflict." – Peter W. Singer
- "If you read a white paper, one part of your brain lights up. If you read it as told in a scenario—and it can be a true story or it can be a fictionalized story—four parts of your brain light up." – Peter W. Singer
Relevant Links and Resources
Useful Fiction
A storytelling consultancy founded by Peter Singer that helps organizations use narrative to drive strategic thinking and communication.
https://www.useful-fiction.com/
Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War
Singer’s bestselling speculative novel that explores how future warfare might unfold, blending real-world research with fiction.
https://www.ghostfleetbook.com/
Peter W. Singer – Personal Website
Singer’s official website, featuring his books, articles, media appearances, and professional background.
https://www.pwsinger.com/
Peter W. Singer at New America
Singer’s profile at New America, where he serves as a strategist focused on defense policy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
https://www.newamerica.org/our-people/peter-warren-singer/
China Intelligence – Defense One & BluePath Labs
A collaborative project analyzing Chinese military and strategic developments using open-source intelligence.
https://www.defenseone.com/topic/china-intelligence/
Guest Bio:
Peter Warren Singer is a strategist at New America, professor of practice at Arizona State University, and founder of Useful Fiction—a company that helps organizations communicate strategy through storytelling. He’s the bestselling author of books like LikeWar, Wired for War, and Ghost Fleet, and has advised everyone from military leaders to Hollywood producers. Described by The Wall Street Journal as “the premier futurist in the national-security environment,” he’s spoken everywhere from the White House to the Sydney Opera House.