Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson

Bringing the Cyber Tea to RSA 2025

On this special episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea, Ann brings listeners inside the 2025 RSA Conference to explore the intersection of AI, quantum computing and cyber resiliency with two visionary experts: Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s ⁠Vinod Vaikuntanathan⁠ and ⁠Dr. Sasha O’Connell⁠ from The Aspen Institute. Vinod shares how quantum computing poses a serious threat to current encryption methods and explains the urgent need for post-quantum cryptography, while Sasha shares her non-technical path into cybersecurity, her work leading Aspen Digital’s global policy efforts and the launch of the new public campaign aimed at making cybersecurity accessible and actionable for everyone.

Game Plans and Playbooks: Building and Implementing a Cybersecurity Strategy

Christina Morillo, Head of Information Security at the National Football League’s New York Giants joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Christina discusses the ins and outs of building a resilient cybersecurity strategy, the importance of entering organizations with curiosity—not checklists—and why listening is always her first step. Christina breaks down common cybersecurity misconceptions, shares how to move from strategy to implementation, discusses the importance of storytelling in governance and shares how she addresses burnout and mental health in her teams.

Cybercrime and Storytelling with Jack Rhysider

Jack Rhysider, the creator and host of cybersecurity podcast Darknet Diaries joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Jack shares his journey from network security engineer to self-taught storyteller, detailing how his passion for cybersecurity and relentless dedication to learning and marketing helped him build an independent media powerhouse. He discusses the challenges of growing the podcast from scratch, the intensity required to succeed, and why telling well-researched cybercrime stories keeps him motivated.

Building Resilient Security Teams with Ryan Field

Ryan Field, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer at Bank of Hawaii joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. With over two decades of experience in IT and cybersecurity, Ryan shares his approach to security leadership; and the importance of fostering collaboration and diverse perspectives. He discusses the unique challenges of cybersecurity in banking and financial services, how organizations across Hawaii are coming together to build a more resilient security workforce, and how shifting from enforcers to influencers is transforming security culture.

What Business Leaders Can Learn from Higher Ed Cybersecurity

Micah Czigan, Chief Information Security Officer at Georgetown University joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. With a career spanning the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and private sector cybersecurity, Micah shares his journey from marine biology to cryptologic communications, ultimately finding his passion for cybersecurity. He discusses the parallels between military strategy and cybersecurity and what business leaders can learn from the unique and critical threats facing universities.

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