Recognized Talent - Web Security Phenom Bryson Bort Inducted into the Hall of Fame
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, Bryson Bort stands as a beacon of innovation and foresight. With a rich background in both military intelligence and cyber entrepreneurship, Bort has made a significant impact on various organizations, including the Army Cyber Institute, the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
As a Senior Fellow at the National Security Institute and an advisor to several prestigious organizations such as the Army Cyber Institute, the Atlantic Council, and R Street, Bort's influence extends far beyond his role as the founder and CEO of SCYTHE.
Bort's journey in cybersecurity began during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he honed his skills in tactical communications. Transitioning from military intelligence, he delved into offensive security and cyber entrepreneurship, becoming a two-time CEO and three-time founder, having founded services, products, and non-profit companies.
One of his most notable ventures is SCYTHE, a company currently engaged in research and development with the DoD/Defense Innovation Unit on artificial intelligence in threat emulation. SCYTHE, Bort believes, is the culmination of his conviction that emulation is the best way to validate defense.
Bort's technical legacy could potentially lie in the advancement of solving part of the cybersecurity problem through AI research. However, his impact extends beyond technology. He is also the chairman and founder of GRIMM Cyber, an organization he describes as having humble beginnings, with Bort himself working as a 'cyber janitor.'
Bort's concerns extend beyond the technical aspects of cybersecurity. He is worried about the lowering of the 'red line' of what is tolerated for cyberattacks, which he believes could lead to an increase in chaos for citizens everywhere. He is also concerned about the potential fall of Taiwan to China and the vulnerability of interdependence of critical infrastructure and force projection that could be exploited.
In an effort to address these concerns, Bort has consistently pushed the message within the government: 'no more paper.' He argues that the 'not haves,' the vulnerable asset owners, don't even have the time to read the deluge of paper, no matter how valuable the guidance might be. They need capabilities.
Bort's focus isn't just on protecting systems; it's on building resilience at the national and global level. He believes that the convergence of IT and OT exposes critical seams where operational efficiency and cost pressures collide with operational and national security. Real, sustainable resilience, he argues, demands pairing threat-informed defense and emulation with a cultural transformation.
Bort's operational mindset still shapes his approach today, with the largest gap he sees in security being the failure to incorporate people. To address this, he started an annual series to discuss the challenges faced by founders on their way to success.
Moreover, Bort co-founded ICS Village, a non-profit organisation that brings operational technology to life for security professionals and policymakers. His ultimate goal is to inspire, help, and teach as many people as he can to be kind and to help each other.
In conclusion, Bryson Bort's contributions to the field of cybersecurity and national resilience are significant and multifaceted. His approach, which emphasizes the importance of emulation, cultural transformation, and people-centric solutions, offers a unique perspective in an increasingly complex and challenging landscape.
