The Future of Cyber Resilience
The algorithms are hunting us. Not with malicious code, but with something far more insidious.
During a recent Black Hat Conference roundtable hosted by Chuck Randolph, Chris Wingfield, a former NSA targeter turned Chief Technology Officer, powerfully articulated the emerging threat landscape: “We’re not sure that we’ve fully considered the ramifications of the algorithm on the individual and self-actualization and ideation on threats.”
Chuck Randolph SVP, Strategic Intelligence and Security, 360 Privacy
The Narrative of Digital Vulnerability
Wingfield brought a chilling perspective to the discussion.
As he explained, modern threats are evolving beyond traditional cybersecurity boundaries, creating what he calls the ‘Brian Thompson effect’ (a term referencing the politically motivated assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione – a case prosecutors describe as premeditated and ideologically driven) – a rapid progression from ideation to potential attack.
“I can go from ideation to now I’m coming after Pete, you know, much more quickly than maybe it used to be,” he noted, highlighting the accelerated threat cycle enabled by modern technology.
The Dark Web and Information Marketplace
The conversation revealed a stark reality about information accessibility. As Wingfield observed, “The dark web is just another marketplace” where personal data becomes a tradable commodity.
A particularly alarming example emerged from a discussion about technological manipulation.
Wingfield shared the disturbing story of a teenager who used a conversational AI app to validate violent ideations, with the app essentially encouraging his dangerous thoughts. “The AI echoed back to him like, ‘I believe in you’ kind of thing. So then he was trying to execute his mission,” the speaker explained, demonstrating how algorithmic interactions can potentially radicalize individuals.
Threat Assessment in the Digital Age
Jonathan Wackrow, a former Secret Service agent, brought critical insights into the evolving threat landscape.
The discussion highlighted how threat assessment has transformed from a narrow cybersecurity focus to a comprehensive risk management approach. “It’s no longer just cyber – it’s all risk,” he emphasized, underscoring the need for a holistic security strategy.
Practical Recommendations
Drawing from the transcript’s insights, CISOs should:
- Recognize the interconnected nature of digital and physical threats
- Understand the psychological dimensions of technological risks
- Develop adaptive threat assessment capabilities
- Create cross-functional intelligence teams
The Human Element
The conversation repeatedly emphasized that technology is just one part of the security equation.
Wackrow noted, “Security people often are great security people, but they’re often not the best business people.”
This observation points to a critical need for CISOs to develop broader strategic thinking skills that transcend traditional technical approaches.
Call to Action
The digital threat landscape is evolving faster than our current defensive strategies.
As Wackrow provocatively suggested, we need “a revolution in Security Leadership.”
This means breaking down silos, understanding complex psychological factors, and developing more adaptive, anticipatory security frameworks.
Learn more at https://360privacy.io/
Author’s Note: This article captures exclusive insights from the 2025 Black Hat Conference in Las Vegas, providing an unfiltered look into the future of cybersecurity threat management. The quotes and perspectives shared represent a pivotal moment in understanding the complex intersection of technology, human behavior, and digital risk.
About the Author
Pete Green is the CISO / CTO of Anvil Works, a ProCloud SaaS company. With over 25 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity, Pete is a seasoned and accomplished security practitioner.
Throughout his career, he has held a wide range of technical and leadership roles, including LAN/WLAN Engineer, Threat Analyst, Security Project Manager, Security Architect, Cloud Security Architect, Principal Security Consultant, Director of IT, CTO, CEO, Virtual CISO, and CISO.
Pete has supported clients across numerous industries, including federal, state, and local government, as well as financial services, healthcare, food services, manufacturing, technology, transportation, and hospitality.
He holds a Master of Computer Information Systems in Information Security from Boston University, which is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance / Cyber Defense (CAE IA/CD) by the NSA and DHS. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Informatics
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