Jen Easterly, a seasoned cybersecurity expert with over three decades of experience in the public and private sectors, has been appointed as the new CEO of RSAC Conference, also known as RSAC. The announcement comes at an inflection point for the tech industry and the world beyond.
Easterly, who led the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) from 2021 to 2024, is taking on this role amidst significant changes in the cybersecurity landscape. AI tools are increasingly enhancing both attackers' and defenders' capabilities, and security experts are playing a crucial role in securing AI platforms themselves along with infrastructure supporting services.
At RSAC Conference, Easterly aims to expand the innovation sandbox, early-stage expo, and startup ecosystem to support next-generation AI-driven cyber companies and secure-by-design innovators. She emphasizes that cybersecurity is not a partisan issue and that RSAC's strength lies in its ability to bring together operators, technologists, innovators, researchers, and policymakers across administrations and borders.
Easterly's appointment as CEO is seen as a significant move to restore trust and collaboration in the cybersecurity community. With a career spanning multiple roles, including work at the National Security Agency and Morgan Stanley, Easterly has built a reputation for her expertise and commitment to public-private partnerships.
Despite facing criticism from President Donald Trump regarding CISA's election integrity work during his administration, Easterly remains committed to non-partisan leadership, stating that she approaches this role with "relentless optimism" and "believe in the power of community."
Easterly, who led the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) from 2021 to 2024, is taking on this role amidst significant changes in the cybersecurity landscape. AI tools are increasingly enhancing both attackers' and defenders' capabilities, and security experts are playing a crucial role in securing AI platforms themselves along with infrastructure supporting services.
At RSAC Conference, Easterly aims to expand the innovation sandbox, early-stage expo, and startup ecosystem to support next-generation AI-driven cyber companies and secure-by-design innovators. She emphasizes that cybersecurity is not a partisan issue and that RSAC's strength lies in its ability to bring together operators, technologists, innovators, researchers, and policymakers across administrations and borders.
Easterly's appointment as CEO is seen as a significant move to restore trust and collaboration in the cybersecurity community. With a career spanning multiple roles, including work at the National Security Agency and Morgan Stanley, Easterly has built a reputation for her expertise and commitment to public-private partnerships.
Despite facing criticism from President Donald Trump regarding CISA's election integrity work during his administration, Easterly remains committed to non-partisan leadership, stating that she approaches this role with "relentless optimism" and "believe in the power of community."