Cyber Focus

Power, Security, and the Infrastructure of Tomorrow with Power Podcast Host Aaron Larson

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...

Inside the UK’s Cyber Strategy: Richard Horne on Resilience, Risk, and AI

Cyber Focus

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...

NSA vs. Zero-Days: Kristina Walter on Speed, Scale, and Stopping Cyber Threats

Cyber Focus

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...

Hacking the Harvest: Jonathan Braley on Ransomware, GPS Disruption, and Securing U.S. Agriculture

Cyber Focus

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...

Cyber Warfare, Workforce, and Fixing the System: Top House Chairmen on the Digital Threat

Cyber Focus

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...

Iran, Ceasefires, and Cyber Threats: A Briefing with General Frank McKenzie (Ret.)

Cyber Focus

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...

To the Point: Iran’s Cyber Threat After Israel’s Strikes

Cyber Focus

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...

“We Are in a State of Digital Warfare”: Chairman Rick Crawford on the Cyber Frontlines

Cyber Focus

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...

Splitting Commands, Building Capabilities: DefenseScoop’s Mark Pomerleau on the DoD's Cyber Future

Cyber Focus

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...

Space Is the Battlefield: Deterrence, Hypersonics, and China’s Threat with ULA CEO Tory Bruno

Cyber Focus

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...

More Episodes

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 examine how Russia and China are positioning themselves amid the turmoil, the state of U.S. missile defense systems, and what Americans should watch for when it comes to national and homeland security.

Main Topics Covered:

Iran’s weakened military and the strategic calculus behind the current ceasefire
U.S. bunker-busting strikes and implications for Iran’s nuclear program
The future of Iran’s proxy forces and risks of terrorism and radicalization
China and Russia’s interests in the Middle East crisis
Iran’s cyber threat posture and U.S. digital vulnerabilities
Space-based missile defense and the future of homeland security strategy

Key Quotes:

“Iran badly needs a ceasefire. They need to stop the bombardment because they're losing.” — General Frank McKenzie (Ret.)

“The fact of the matter is Iran has had poor luck operating in the United States… they're not adept at operating in this environment.” — General Frank McKenzie (Ret.)

“I think self radicalization is probably more of a threat… than a highly organized Iranian attack in the United States or through one of their proxies. But you can't rule it out.” — General Frank McKenzie (Ret.)

“They do have the ability to attack us here with cyber… they will go where we're weakest.” — General Frank McKenzie (Ret.)

“If we want to defend the United States against attacks like this from intercontinental ballistic missiles, we're going to have to be prepared to put systems on orbit, persistent systems on orbit.” — General Frank McKenzie (Ret.)

Relevant Links and Resources:

Guest Bio:
General Frank McKenzie (Ret.) is the Executive Director of the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida and former Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). A retired U.S. Marine Corps General, McKenzie brings decades of experience in Middle East operations, nuclear deterrence, and national security strategy. He is a leading voice on cybersecurity, defense policy, and military readiness in the face of global threats.

Cyber Focus

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