Cyber Leaders Podcast Season 3 Tackles AI, Quantum Threats & Real-World Crisis Response

NEW YORK, NY – November 17, 2025 – The SANS Institute is launching the third season of its ‘Cyber Leaders’ podcast, offering a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing cybersecurity executives. The podcast will address the escalating impact of artificial intelligence, the looming threat of quantum computing, and effective strategies for crisis management in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Season 3 kicks off today, offering listeners a blend of expert analysis, real-world case studies, and forward-looking perspectives.

Navigating the AI-Powered Threat Landscape

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept in cybersecurity; it's a present-day reality, employed by both attackers and defenders. The new season of 'Cyber Leaders' recognizes this duality, examining how AI is being weaponized to create more sophisticated phishing attacks, automate malware development, and bypass traditional security measures. One source familiar with the podcast’s content explained that the series will not simply focus on the threat of AI, but also on how organizations can effectively leverage AI-powered tools for threat detection, incident response, and proactive security posture improvement. “The key isn’t to fear AI, it’s to understand it and build defenses that can keep pace,” they noted. Experts will discuss the importance of integrating AI into security governance frameworks and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. The podcast will further explore how organizations can prioritize AI investments to maximize their return and address the skills gap required to effectively manage AI-driven security solutions.

The Quantum Computing Challenge

While still years away from widespread disruption, the potential of quantum computing to break current encryption standards represents a significant long-term threat. ‘Cyber Leaders’ Season 3 will dedicate considerable attention to preparing organizations for the “quantum winter,” when current cryptographic algorithms become vulnerable. The podcast will explain the science behind quantum computing, the algorithms that pose the greatest risk, and the steps organizations can take to transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). “There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding quantum computing,” explained a cybersecurity professional familiar with the podcast’s direction. “This season will provide a clear, concise explanation of the challenges and the practical steps organizations need to take now to future-proof their data.” Topics covered include the NIST standardization process for PQC algorithms, the challenges of implementing PQC across complex IT environments, and the importance of crypto-agility. Experts will highlight the need for organizations to assess their risk exposure, prioritize critical data, and develop a phased migration plan to PQC.

From Headlines to Hard Drives: Real-World Incident Response

Beyond theoretical threats, ‘Cyber Leaders’ Season 3 aims to provide practical insights into real-world incident response. The podcast will examine recent high-profile cyberattacks, dissecting the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by attackers, and identifying lessons learned. A particularly compelling case study explored within the new season centers around the University of Idaho murders. The podcast will feature Heather Barnhart, a SANS DFIR Curriculum Lead and a key member of the forensics team involved in the investigation, to discuss the critical role of mobile forensics in solving the case. The discussion will explore how cell phone data was used to track the suspect’s movements, uncover critical evidence, and build a timeline of events. “The Idaho case is a prime example of how digital forensics can be used to solve complex crimes,” noted one individual familiar with the podcast's content. “The podcast will provide a deep dive into the techniques used by the forensics team, highlighting the importance of data preservation, analysis, and presentation.” Other case studies will cover ransomware attacks, supply chain compromises, and nation-state espionage. Experts will emphasize the importance of incident response planning, threat hunting, and proactive security measures.

A Unique Voice in a Crowded Landscape

The cybersecurity podcast market is saturated with content, but ‘Cyber Leaders’ differentiates itself through its focus on leadership, its deep technical expertise, and its commitment to practical, actionable insights. Hosted by James Lyne, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at SANS Institute, and Professor Ciaran Martin, CISO Network EMEA at SANS, the podcast benefits from the credibility and experience of its hosts. The podcast also boasts a strong lineup of guest experts, including Heather Barnhart, Paul Chichester, Director of Operations at the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, and Curtis Dukes, Executive Vice President for Security Best Practices at the Center for Internet Security. “The hosts are able to bring a unique perspective to the table,” said one listener. “They’re able to cut through the hype and provide clear, concise explanations of complex topics.” The podcast's focus on leadership ensures that the content is relevant to the challenges faced by cybersecurity executives, while its deep technical expertise ensures that the content is accurate and insightful. Season 3 of ‘Cyber Leaders’ promises to be a valuable resource for cybersecurity professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve and navigate the ever-evolving threat landscape. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and the SANS website.