{"id":14785,"date":"2025-09-12T19:27:54","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T19:27:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newestek.com\/?p=14785"},"modified":"2025-09-12T19:27:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T19:27:54","slug":"2025-cso-hall-of-fame-laura-deaner-on-ai-quantum-threats-and-cyber-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newestek.com\/?p=14785","title":{"rendered":"2025 CSO Hall of Fame: Laura Deaner on AI, quantum threats, and cyber leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Laura Deaner, recently appointed chief information security officer at the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), has spent more than 25 years at the forefront of enterprise cybersecurity.<\/p>\n

From leading information security programs as CISO at S&P Global and Northwestern Mutual to serving on the board of <\/strong>industry consortium FS-ISAC<\/a>, she has built her career around anticipating threats, pushing for innovation, and making sure security strategies line up with business goals.<\/p>\n

At DTCC\u2014a financial services firm specializing in clearing and settling trades across equities, bonds, and derivatives\u2014Deaner oversees the company\u2019s enterprise-wide cyber strategy. It\u2019s a role that puts her at the intersection of protecting the financial system\u2019s stability while maintaining trust across the global markets.<\/p>\n

In the conversation below, Deaner\u2014one of the 12 CSO Hall of Fame inductees<\/a> at this year\u2019s CSO Conference & Awards<\/a>\u2014discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, the need to prepare for quantum computing, and the future of cybersecurity leadership.<\/p>\n

<\/a>What emerging technologies are you most excited about from a cybersecurity standpoint, and why?<\/h2>\n

Laura Deaner<\/strong>: \u201cCybersecurity is going through a real transformation, thanks to machine learning and artificial intelligence. By allowing us to analyze data with the speed and accuracy we\u2019ve never had before, ML and AI are already changing how we detect and respond to threats.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s not just about defending against today\u2019s threats. The rise of quantum computing, which could break current encryption methods by 2030, means that post-quantum cryptography and organizational crypto readiness are no longer distant concerns.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis potential vulnerability requires companies to identify every system and application that uses cryptography, categorize data by sensitivity and longevity to decide what to prioritize, and audit existing vulnerabilities to pinpoint where traditional encryption could be bypassed.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/a>How has the CISO role changed during your career, and what do you see as the biggest cybersecurity challenges for the next generation of CISOs?<\/h2>\n

Laura Deaner<\/strong>: \u201cWhen the CISO role first emerged, security was treated as an IT compliance checkbox. Over the years, high-profile breaches\u2014such as the Code Red incident at Microsoft<\/a>\u2014forced organizations to view security as a strategic, board-level priority. Today, CISOs work directly with executives and have a real influence on business decisions.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the next generation of CISOs, it\u2019s not enough to keep up\u2014you have to lead transformation. The flood of information, amplified by social media and fast-moving threats, means CISOs must be continuous learners and adaptable leaders. Skills in AI, ML, and large language models aren\u2019t optional anymore; they\u2019re how security professionals will distinguish themselves. Each new technology brings risks but also opportunities, and those who prepare will be the ones who thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/a>What are your predictions for the workforce over the next 5-10 years? Are you worried that AI and automation are cutting out opportunities for early-career security professionals?<\/h2>\n

Laura Deaner:<\/strong> \u201cEarly-career roles are definitely shifting as AI and automation take over more of the routine work. But the real change is in how AI, ML, and other tools enable defenders to move faster and smarter, especially in high-stakes incidents like ransomware attacks, where every minute counts.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe bottom line is that automation creates new opportunities for those willing to adapt. If you master advanced tools and focus on the skills that can\u2019t be automated, you\u2019ll stay ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/a>As a seasoned CISO, what advice would you give other security leaders to stay innovative and strengthen cybersecurity postures?<\/h2>\n

Laura Deaner<\/strong>: \u201cI always start with curiosity. When I look at a breach, I analyze the tactics to understand exactly what happened. This drive to dig deeper, ask questions, and get the facts is vital. It\u2019s important to think like an attacker, scrutinize third-party connections, and challenge your own assumptions.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter curiosity comes discipline. You have to maintain impeccable hygiene of your inventory. If you don\u2019t know your assets and vulnerabilities, you can\u2019t protect them. It sounds so simple, but it\u2019s a principle that hasn\u2019t changed in 25 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Want to hear more from Laura Deaner and other cybersecurity trailblazers?<\/strong>
Join us at the 2025 CSO Conference & Awards, October 20\u201322 in Indian Wells, CA<\/strong>, where this year\u2019s Hall of Fame inductees and top CISOs will share their strategies for staying ahead of evolving threats. [Register now to secure your pass.]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Laura Deaner, recently appointed chief information security officer at the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), has spent more than 25 years at the forefront of enterprise cybersecurity. From leading information security programs as CISO at S&P Global and Northwestern Mutual to serving on the board of industry consortium FS-ISAC, she has built her career around anticipating threats, pushing for innovation, and making sure security… <\/p>\n

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