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_outlineRichard 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 prepare for disruption. Horne emphasizes the growing complexity of the digital threat landscape and urges a pragmatic, contest-oriented mindset to keep pace.
Main Topics Covered:
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The mission and structure of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
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Cyber resilience through exposure, defenses, and consequence management
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Gaps in critical infrastructure protection and supply chain vulnerabilities
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Use of AI and automation in both defense and attack
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International collaboration and the importance of Five Eyes partnerships
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Quantum computing and the need to prepare cryptography for post-quantum threats
Key Quotes:
“AI is almost like… when we moved from wooden [tennis] rackets to composite rackets. Was that an advantage? It was an advantage to both sides. [...] If you stick with a wooden racket, then ultimately you're going to be overcome.”
— Richard Horne
“We see many cyber attacks exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities that frankly shouldn't be there. And the quality of code that we have in our hardware, software… is a big issue.” — Richard Horne
“In the world we're in, we all need to recognize we have a responsibility for cyber security for ourselves and for others.” — Richard Horne
“The relationship with the U.S. and the Five Eyes really does underpin especially our understanding of the most advanced threat.”
— Richard Horne
“You'll often see sort of ransomware attacks against some small company you've never heard of and then potential front page impact the next day.” — Richard Horne
Related Links:
UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
Guest Bio: Richard Horne has served as CEO of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre since October 2024. Prior to that, he was a Cyber Security Partner at PwC UK, where he advised global leaders on cyber risk strategy and led responses to major incidents—including the 2021 ransomware attack on Ireland’s health service. He previously led cyber risk management at Barclays and played a key role in developing the UK’s first national cyber security plan during a stint with the Cabinet Office. Richard holds a PhD in Mathematics and has represented the UK in cybersecurity forums at the OECD, European Commission, and ISO.