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Global Cyber Resilience: Lessons from Former White House and CISA Leader Jeff Greene

Global Cyber Resilience: Lessons from Former White House and CISA Leader Jeff Greene

October 8, 2025

Wednesday 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. ET

Cyber: Prepare, Prevent, Mitigate, Restore

Jeff Greene, former Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), former Chief of Cyber Response and Policy on the National Security Council, Distinguished Fellow at the Aspen Institute and Founder of Civira Partners, joined us to provide an insider’s view of today’s evolving cyber threat landscape. Drawing from his extensive government and private sector experience, Greene explored how public-private partnerships strengthen critical infrastructure protection, highlighted emerging threat actors, discussed the latest cybercrime tactics and shared practical strategies businesses can implement to enhance their cyber resilience. Check out the conversation to gain actionable insights from a seasoned expert who has helped shape national cybersecurity policy and learn how to better protect your organization in an increasingly complex digital environment. 

This Cyber: Prepare, Prevent, Mitigate, Restore® webinar is part of the Travelers Institute’s ongoing commitment to promoting cybersecurity education among small and mid-sized businesses and organizations, and is proudly presented as part of the Travelers Institute’s Small Business – Big Opportunity® initiative, helping business owners become better equipped to manage risk.

Meet our speakers

Host

Jessica Kearney

Vice President, Public Policy, Travelers Institute

Speaker

Jeff Greene

Former Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA); Former Chief of Cyber Response and Policy on the National Security Council; Distinguished Fellow, Aspen Institute; Founder, Civira Partners

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Summary

What did we learn? Here are the top takeaways from Global Cyber Resilience: Lessons from Former White House and CISA Leader Jeff Greene:

It’s important to be aware of the current cyber threat landscape, including threats to organizations like business email compromise and ransomware. For more information on new and existing threats, Travelers publishes a quarterly Cyber Threat Report. Greene also urges companies to take advantage of CISA resources like the Secure by Design initiative, which encourages organizations to use technology with cybersecurity baked into its design and manufacturing process. CISA also has a regional workforce of cybersecurity advisors who can assist organizations with understanding the threat landscape and improving their own security. 

Organizations should also be aware of the cyber risks of fake job applicant scams. In these scams, one person may pose as a job applicant, sit for video interviews and get hired. Then someone else shows up to work. On the job, the fake employee becomes a verified authorized user on the company system and can log in and launch a ransomware or other attack. Businesses can stay safe by learning how these scams work, performing pre-employment background checks and getting familiar with resources offered by their local FBI field office. “If someone who perfectly suits your needs pops up and is willing to work below market value, it may not be the bargain you think it is,” Greene said.

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers cybersecurity benefits but also poses risks, Greene said. In its current state, he thinks AI benefits the cyber defenders more than the attackers, adding that “used effectively, AI is going to be a force multiplier for the defenders.” There are watch-outs when using AI, and human validation of AI-generated results remains critical. It’s also smart to ask the model you’re using to verify any information it provides due to AI’s tendency to “hallucinate,” he noted. Greene also recommends that organizations verify that their clients and customers have clauses in their contracts specifying what vendors can do with their data. “If you’re not careful, you can end up putting proprietary data into a training model,” he said, adding that “AI is here, and we have to learn how to deal with it effectively.”

Human psychology plays a key role in cybersecurity. Cybercriminals exploit human nature more than new techniques or technologies. “Criminals thrive on a sense of urgency,” Greene said. “They’re pushing you to do something before you stop and think.” Organizations can respond by putting in place procedures that slow down certain actions, like wiring money. “You also have to have a culture where it’s OK to question,” he said, noting that a wire transfer is more likely to go out to a scammer if an employee feels uncomfortable calling their boss to verify a request. Every small action that foils a cybercriminal helps fight cybercrime: “It’s a business, and we need to drive up the cost of doing business,” he said.

Start with these five cyber-readiness practices that could help you and your organization deter cybercrime. According to the 2025 Travelers Risk Index, 60% of medium-sized businesses are concerned about a cyberattack. “Individuals have the ability to influence and improve their own cybersecurity and that of your organization, so never think it’s too hard and you can’t do it,” Greene said. He agrees that putting these Travelers-recommended cybersecurity readiness practices in place can help improve cyber resilience:

  • Using multifactor authentication (MFA).
  • Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR).
  • Backing up data.
  • Updating your systems.
  • Having an incident response (IR) plan.

It’s also key to practice your incident response plan before an event occurs. “Knowing what to do and having muscle memory is essential,” he said.


Wednesdays with Woodward® webinar series

Wednesdays with Woodward is a webinar series hosted by Joan Woodward featuring candid talks with industry and government thought leaders on today’s top challenges.

Cybersecurity initiative

This program is presented as part of the Travelers Institute’s Cyber: Prepare, Prevent, Mitigate, Restore initiative.   

Small business initiative

This program is presented as part of the Travelers Institute’s Small Business – Big Opportunity® initiative.


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