The Geopolitical Security Playbook: When Nations Clash in Cyberspace

In this episode of Data Security Decoded, host Caleb Tolin sits down with Dustin Droullard, a cyber threat intelligence expert and former Army intelligence analyst and cyber operations officer. They explore the growing overlap between global conflict and cybersecurity, unpacking how nation-state actors use cyber-espionage, disinformation, and digital sabotage in geopolitical conflicts. Whether you're leading cybersecurity efforts or simply navigating today’s volatile digital landscape, this conversation offers valuable insights into preparing your organization for the rising tide of cyber threats driven by global conflict. Discover how geopolitical tensions trigger cyber fallout for businesses Learn the tactics behind influence operations and digital sabotage Understand why anthropology and business skills matter in cyber careers Explore what schools are still missing in cybersecurity education

In this episode of Data Security Decoded, host Caleb Tolin sits down with Dustin Droullard, a cyber threat intelligence expert and former Army intelligence analyst, to discuss how global conflict is increasingly playing out in cyberspace, from digital espionage to civilian-targeted cyber operations. This episode highlights why organizations must rethink their cyber risk strategies in light of modern geopolitical threats and growing digital exposure.

What You’ll Learn:

How influence operations are used to confuse, divide, and destabilize
Understanding your organization’s role in geopolitical conflicts
What basic cybersecurity practice still gets overlooked
Where small businesses can find free resources to improve security posture and resilience
How anthropology, business, and literature studies can power cyber careers
The gap in current cyber education and how to fix it with critical thinking and specialization

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:33] From Army Intelligence to Cyber Operations
[00:02:45] Espionage vs. Effects: Cyber Tactics in Geopolitical Conflict
[00:06:38] Influence Operations and Psychological Warfare
[00:10:39] Why Every Business is a Target, Whether They Know It or Not
[00:13:21] Cybersecurity on a Budget: Resources for Underserved Organizations
[00:15:57] Anthropology in Cyber: Understanding the Human Behind the Hack
[00:20:33] Non-Tech Majors That Thrive in Cybersecurity
[00:23:03] What Cyber Schools Are Missing: Business, Collaboration & Critical Thinking

Episode Resources:

Caleb Tolin on LinkedIn
Dustin Droullard on LinkedIn
CISA – Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency