Community-Level Cybersecurity and Workforce Diversity with Kiersten Todt

Cyber Focus

In this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo interviews Kiersten Todt, president of Wondros, a creative firm focused on social and policy change. Todt, who previously served as Chief of Staff at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and as a senior advisor on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, shares insights on the challenges and advancements in cybersecurity workforce development, public-private collaboration, and the critical role of community involvement in cybersecurity initiatives.

Main Topics Covered:

• Cybersecurity workforce development, with a focus on neurodiversity and inclusivity
• Public-private partnerships and CISA's role in regional engagement
• The importance of community-level cybersecurity initiatives
• Cybersecurity supply chain issues and the need for inclusive small business support
• Cybersecurity awareness through campaigns, education, and human-centered design

Key Quotes:
"I think we as a nation will be so much better if we create inclusive workforces that represent and acknowledge and honor the aptitudes of individuals that we may not define as being... typical." – Kiersten Todt
"If we're truly looking at securing [critical infrastructure sectors], we have to look with a cross-sector approach." – Kiersten Todt
"[Cyber incident response] starts in the community, it starts at the local level. And so being able to engage those individuals is critical." – Kiersten Todt
"The applied side is what attracts most of these kids [to cybersecurity]. It's not sitting behind a computer and just the zeros and ones. It's actually seeing the fruit of their work and actually getting involved." - Frank Cilluffo
"Creating more of an activist culture in cybersecurity, as well as some of these other issues, really helps to turn the tide and to create change." – Kiersten Todt

Relevant Links and Resources:

• https://pausetake9.org/
• https://cyberreadinessinstitute.org/
• https://wondros.com/about/

Guest Bio: Kiersten Todt is the president of Wondros, a firm dedicated to social and policy change. She previously served as Chief of Staff at CISA and has held senior advisory roles on the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Her work focuses on building inclusive cybersecurity solutions, workforce development, and fostering partnerships across public and private sectors.