Defending U.S. Critical Infrastructure

The threat of crippling cyber attacks against U.S. critical infrastructure presents an unprecedented challenge for the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and other organizations tasked with securing our nation’s most vital systems. Between 2011 and 2014, the United States witnessed an 82 percent increase in the number of cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure, a trend likely to escalate over the next decade. To address the mounting capabilities gap between sophisticated cyber intruders and the increasingly outdated techniques used to protect U.S. critical infrastructure today, the federal government will need to invest in tools that provide defense in depth.

Watch to learn more about some of the most pressing questions in cybersecurity today, including:

• How has the threat to U.S. critical infrastructure evolved over the last two decades?
• Why has critical infrastructure been slow to adapt to the current threat environment?
• What is the federal government’s current approach to defending its vital systems, and where is there room for innovation?
• What strategies and tools can help federal agencies achieve their missions?

Underwritten by:

Panelists:

Chris Cornillie (Moderator)
Senior Analyst
Government Business Council

Chris writes and produces custom content on defense and tech for Government Business Council. Previously, he served as a 2013 Scowcroft Fellow at the Aspen Strategy Group and as a research assistant at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Chris received a degree in Economics and Classics from the University of Illinois and a Masters in International Relations from the University of Chicago.

Ryan Gillis
Vice President of Cybersecurity Strategy and Global Policy
Palo Alto Networks

Ryan Gillis joined Palo Alto Networks in January 2015, and serves as Vice President of Cybersecurity Strategy and Global Policy. Ryan is responsible for developing company corporate policy, serving as Palo Alto Networks’ primary point of contact for public policy and legislative matters, and ensuring appropriate company participation in government forums and industry initiatives.

Ryan came to Palo Alto Networks from the National Security Council (NSC) at the White House, where he was Director of Legislative Affairs and Cybersecurity Policy. His primary responsibility on the NSC was to coordinate the Administration’s engagement and legislative negotiations with Congress regarding cybersecurity. Ryan also worked with diverse government and private sector stakeholders on initiatives such as Executive Order 13636, “Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.”

From 2006 to 2012, Ryan held a number of positions in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Ryan’s DHS tenure culminated in his role as a Senior Advisor and Legislative Director managing a portfolio that included cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. Prior to his government service, Ryan spent several years at both startup and defense contracting companies.

Currently, Ryan is a Stephen M. Kellen Term Member on the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors for CyberTECH, a global cybersecurity and Internet of Things (IoT) network ecosystem. Ryan is a recipient of the NSC “Outstanding Service Award,” and a graduate of Georgetown University.

Mary Ellen Seale
Senior Cybersecurity Executive
Department of Homeland Security