Bridging Cyber Policy Gaps for Rural and Underserved Communities with Nicole Tisdale

Welcome to the Data Security Decoded podcast, brought to you by Rubrik Zero Labs. In each episode, we discuss cybersecurity with thought leaders and industry experts, getting their take on trends, themes, and how they see data security evolving. This is a must-listen for security and IT leaders looking to better understand trends shaping data security and how they can achieve cyber resilience. In this episode, our host, Travis Rosiek, Public Sector CTO at Rubrik, is joined by Nicole Tisdale, Founder of Advocacy Blueprints, former Director of Legislative Affairs for the National Security Council, and author of Right to Petition. Nicole shares her journey from rural Mississippi to national security leadership, offering insights into cybersecurity equity, workforce development, and public policy's critical role in addressing underserved communities' unique challenges.

In this episode, our host, Travis Rosiek, Public Sector CTO at Rubrik, is joined by Nicole Tisdale, Founder of Advocacy Blueprints, former Director of Legislative Affairs for the National Security Council, and author of Right to Petition. Nicole shares her journey from rural Mississippi to national security leadership, offering insights into cybersecurity equity, workforce development, and public policy's critical role in addressing underserved communities' unique challenges.

Nicole’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping transformative policies, including spearheading The White House’s advocacy that secured a $1 billion cybersecurity grant program and the nation’s first cyber incident reporting law. Representing the United States in global policy dialogues across 30 nations, she has been a prominent voice in advancing security and equity on the international stage. Now as the Founder of Advocacy Blueprints, Nicole continues to champion cybersecurity and civic engagement, equipping organizations and individuals with the tools to influence policy effectively. She is also the author of Right to Petition, a practical guide for empowering citizens in advocacy.

Join Travis and Nicole as they delve into the challenges of bridging policy gaps for underserved communities and her vision for equitable cybersecurity policies that prepare, respond, and recover in today’s digital landscape.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Intro
02:57 - Advocacy for Underserved Communities
06:21 - Addressing Cybersecurity Gaps in Rural and Low-Income Communities
07:17 - Defensive vs. Offensive Cybersecurity Policy
12:10 - The Role of Proactive Policy in Cyber Resilience
18:35 - The Importance of Cybersecurity Workforce Development
21:41 - Regional Nodes for Workforce Growth and Local Cybersecurity Defense
25:48 - Connecting Workforce Development to Community Economic Stability
30:05 - The Ripple Effects of Cyberattacks on Healthcare Systems
34:57 - Cybersecurity as Critical Infrastructure Protection: The Rural Perspective
38:39 - Advocacy Blueprints: Empowering Communities to Influence Policy
45:15 - Effective Advocacy: Known Information and Resource Alignment in Cyber Policy
48:03 - Advice for Government Leaders During Leadership Transitions
55:59 - Optimism About Cybersecurity’s Future

Episode Resources

Rubrik Zero Labs The State of Data Security: Measuring Your Data's Risk report
Travis Rosiek on LinkedIn
Nicole Tisdale on LinkedIn
Right to Petition by Nicole Tisdale