Shows
Guardians of the DataHope Is Not a Strategy: Secure AI the Right Way - Jason Elrod - Guardians of the Data - Episode #31How do you secure AI when you don’t have data inventory, classification, identity controls, and governance frameworks? You can’t.In this episode of Guardians of the Data, Ward sits down with Jason Elrod, Founder of Limitless Cyber and CISO of a multi-billion-dollar healthcare system, to unpack the real risks and realities of AI in today’s enterprise.Jason makes it clear: AI may be the biggest emerging data threat, but the fundamentals haven’t changed. Data inventory, classification, identity controls, and governance frameworks still form the bedrock of security. The problem...
2026-02-2630 min
Guardians of the DataWhy Least Privilege Fails (And How to Fix It) - Sanjeev Kumar - Guardians of the Data - Episode #30What happens when your AI system has more access to your data than your employees (and you don’t even know it)?Sanjeev Kumar, Senior Global AI & Data Protection Lead at Amazon Web Services, joins Ward on the podcast today for a deep dive into the real risks organizations face as AI moves from experimentation to production.With more than 20 years of cybersecurity experience and a career that spans the rise of cloud computing to today’s AI transformation, Sanjeev shares what organizations consistently get wrong about data governance, owne...
2026-02-1952 min
Guardians of the DataStop Talking Tech and Start Talking Business - Joshua Copeland - Guardians of the Data - Episode #29Is leadership the real reason data security keeps breaking down?In this episode of Guardians of the Data, host Ward Balcerzak sits down with Joshua Copeland, Director of Cybersecurity at Crescendo. With more than 25 years of experience across IT, cybersecurity, and government, Joshua brings a refreshingly honest perspective: most security failures don’t come from bad tools; they come from misaligned leadership, misunderstood business risk, and security teams operating in a vacuum.Throughout the conversation, Joshua breaks down why cybersecurity professionals must stop speaking only in technical terms and st...
2026-02-1241 min
Guardians of the DataFuture-Proofing Cybersecurity Talent - Marlene Dehart - Guardians of the Data - Episode #28Are we solving the cybersecurity talent problem the wrong way?The cybersecurity industry has no shortage of open roles, yet thousands of capable candidates still can’t land their first job. In this episode of Guardians of the Data, Ward Balcerzak sits down with Marlene DeHart, cybersecurity executive, advisor, and Air Force Reserve veteran, to explore why the problem isn’t a lack of interest or intelligence; it’s how the industry defines experience.Drawing on more than 20 years across enterprise security, internal audit, military cyber operations, and emerging techno...
2026-02-0542 min
Guardians of the DataData Security in Critical Infrastructure - Arturo Santos - Guardians of the Data - Episode #27What happens when the systems that move people and power our world aren’t secure?In this episode of Guardians of the Data, host Ward Balcerzak sits down with Arturo Santos, Director of Cybersecurity Architecture at Amtrak, to explore the growing risks facing operational technology (OT), the realities of protecting critical infrastructure, and why data governance, AI, and industry collaboration are no longer optional.With more than 30 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, Arturo shares real-world insights from the rail industry, discusses why legacy data retention practices are putting organizations at ri...
2026-01-2945 min
Guardians of the DataSecuring Data in the Age of AI - Frank Depaola - Guardians of the Data - Episode #26Is your data security strategy still focused on where your data lives, or have you evolved to protect it where it flows?Ward sits down with Frank DePaola, Vice President and CISO at EnPro and recipient of the 2025 Top Global CISO award. With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, Frank shares a masterclass on navigating the complexities of modern data security, from the "data sprawl" of the AI era to the unique challenges of maintaining security during aggressive M&A cycles. The conversation dives deep into the realization that "d...
2026-01-2241 min
Guardians of the DataAddressing the Data Everywhere and No Map Issue - Antonio Taylor - Guardians of the Data - Ep #25What happens when security leaders stop talking tech and start speaking the language of the business?In this episode, author and VP of IT for Mission Healthcare, Antonio Taylor, reveals why modern security success has less to do with tools and everything to do with building trust, curiosity, and true business partnerships. Antonio brings 25+ years of experience in enterprise IT leadership, data security, and organizational transformation. He’s seen behind the curtain of data sprawl, shadow SaaS, M&A chaos, and the cultural friction that often exists between business units and cybersecurity teams. Antonio sh...
2026-01-1554 min
Guardians of the DataWhen Data Security Isn’t Yes or No - Jennifer Fite - Guardians of the Data - Episode #24How do you secure data when access isn’t binary?In this episode, host Ward Balcerzak sits down with Jennifer Fite, Principal Consultant on the Data Risk Management team at Trace3, to unpack the real-world challenges organizations face when trying to protect sensitive data in today’s cloud-first, integration-heavy environments.Jen shares why supply chain breaches have become one of the fastest-growing data security threats and why focusing solely on AI misses the bigger picture. As organizations move from on-prem infrastructure to sprawling cloud ecosystems, security teams are losing visi...
2026-01-0839 min
Guardians of the DataRe-Air: Data Governance & Stewardship Balance - Lance Fischer - Guardians of the Data - Episode #23Why is visibility the first step in any effective data security strategy?In this re-air episode, we’re revisiting Ward’s conversation with Lance Fischer, Principal Security Architect at Guidepoint Security, but its insights are more relevant than ever as organizations grapple with data sprawl, AI adoption, and rising regulatory pressure.With nearly three decades in security, Lance breaks down one of the most misunderstood areas of modern security programs: the difference between data governance and data stewardship, and why confusing the two stalls progress before it even begins.
2025-12-3049 min
Guardians of the DataThe Biggest Data Security Challenges of 2025 - Guardians of the Data - Episode #22What are the biggest challenges data leaders are facing?Today, we run back some of the best conversations of the year. Ward brings together insights from data security, privacy, and governance leaders across industries to answer one foundational question: What is the biggest challenge organizations are facing when it comes to data security?From data classification to data sprawl, to even knowing what data you have, we cover it all in this episode.Featuring: Rick DeLoach, Daley Varghese, Hans Vargas, Bryan DeLuca, Trevor Dolan, Luis Valenzuela...
2025-12-2330 min
Guardians of the DataThe Real Business Impact of Poor Data Governance - Rick Doten - Guardians of the Data - Episode #21What’s the real business impact of bad data governance in modern security programs?Rick Doten, former Healthplan CISO at Centene Corporation and AI researcher with over 25 years of cybersecurity experience, joins the show to discuss the biggest challenges in data security. Rick emphasizes the critical importance of data governance and quality, explaining how understanding a business's needs and the value of its data are pivotal. He also explores how AI can both enhance and complicate data management. Drawing insights from his varied career path, including his role as a former health plan CISO an...
2025-12-1849 min
Guardians of the DataLeadership Buy-In: The #1 Success Factor in Security - Kenny Vu - Guardians of the Data - Episode #20How do you get true leadership buy-in for your data security program and turn risk assessments into real action?In this episode, AVP of InfoSec and data security leader Kenny Vu breaks down why leadership support is the biggest determining factor in whether a program thrives or fails. With over a decade of experience across engineering, consulting, and hands-on data protection work, Kenny shares a clear, practical framework for assessing risk, creating a roadmap, and earning long-term organizational trust. He dives into the nuances of implementing and managing data security programs, the necessity of education and awareness...
2025-12-1143 min
Guardians of the DataAI Won’t Save You: Human Judgment Still Matters - Ian Kicmol - Guardians of the Data - Episode #19Is AI really the solution to your data security challenges, or is the real problem hiding in your people and processes?Ian Kicmol, leader of a major data protection organization with more than a decade of experience, shares why the biggest challenges facing data security today have less to do with tools and everything to do with people, communication, and the ability to manage overwhelming alert volumes. Ian explains why organizations that expect AI to replace humans in data security are setting themselves up for disappointment, and what teams should focus on instead to...
2025-12-0450 min
Guardians of the DataAI: The New Era of Cyber Threats - Dr. Sergio Sanchez - Guardians of the Data - Episode #18Are your cybersecurity practices ready for the new era of AI-generated phishing, social engineering, and real-time deepfake attacks?In this episode of Guardians of the Data, Dr. Sergio Sanchez, CIO of Coleman Health Services and former medical turned cybersecurity leader, breaks down the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven cyber threats. With more than 25 years in IT and security, Sergio brings a rare blend of technical insight, human understanding, and real-world experience. He digs into how AI is reshaping the attacker landscape, why non-technical employees are now prime targets, and what leaders must do today to prepare...
2025-11-2648 min
Guardians of the DataKnow Your Crown Jewels: Discovery at the Heart - Bryan DeLuca - Guardians of the Data - Episode #17Do you really know what your organization’s “crown jewels” are? Or how to protect them?Bryan DeLuca, Principal Cybersecurity Engineer and self-proclaimed “Swiss Army knife” for data security programs, shares why every great security strategy starts with understanding your data. With over 25 years of IT and cybersecurity experience across a variety of industries, Bryan dives into what it really means to know your “crown jewels”, the data that would stop your business cold if it were compromised. He also discusses the critical role of trust and mental health in fostering a productive and secure work en...
2025-11-2047 min
Guardians of the DataBuilding an Effective Data Security Program - Matthew Gonzales - Guardians of the Data - Episode #16Are you building a data security program that truly works or just checking the boxes for compliance? In this episode of Guardians of the Data, Matthew Gonzales, Director of Data Security Engineering, shares what it really takes to build and sustain an effective data security program. Drawing from his 20 years of experience, Matthew stresses the importance of having a structured data security strategy, incorporating business objectives, control frameworks, and operating models. The conversation dives into the nuances of stakeholder engagement, effective communication, and proactive governance. Matthew also shares insights from his own journey in t...
2025-11-1349 min
Guardians of the DataHow to Make DLP Work in the Real World - Tobias Simpson - Guardians of the Data - Episode #15In this episode of Guardians of the Data, Ward sits down with Tobias Simpson, Director of Data Security and Security Awareness at Kennesaw State University, to unpack the realities of data classification, governance, and loss prevention in complex organizations. With over 25 years in IT and cybersecurity, Tobias shares hard-earned lessons on building a data-first culture, getting executive buy-in, and using tools like Microsoft Purview to make DLP actually work, without breaking the business. Tobias also highlights the significance of tabletop exercises with departmental cooperation, implementing document matrices, and maintaining strong relationships with technology providers. The conversation concludes with Tobias...
2025-11-0649 min
Guardians of the DataBuilding Resilient Security Champions - Christian Ghigliotty - Guardians of the Data - Episode #14What if the key to stronger data security isn’t technology… but curiosity?In this episode, Christian Ghigliotty, Head of Enterprise Security Engineering, joins us to unpack what it really takes to build a security-first culture in today’s AI-driven world. From champion programs to collaboration councils, Christian shares how curiosity, communication, and connection are redefining how modern teams protect data. He also opens up about his unconventional career path and why he believes writing and relationship-building are two of the most underrated skills in tech. Whether you’re leading enterprise security or just getting started in data pro...
2025-10-3048 min
Guardians of the DataHow AI Is Reshaping Data Security - Adrian Guevara - Guardians of the Data - Episode #13What happens when AI adoption moves faster than your security strategy?Today, Ward sits down with Adrian Guevara, Chief Information Security Officer at TELUS Digital Solutions, to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today: how to secure your business in an AI-driven world. Adrian brings over two decades of IT and cybersecurity experience and a refreshingly candid take on what it really takes to lead through massive change. Adrian shares insights on the impact of AI on businesses, the importance of understanding and tinkering with technology, and the crucial role of building trust and relationships...
2025-10-2348 min
Guardians of the DataSecuring AI and Reclaiming Control of Access - Kraig Faulkner - Guardians of the Data - Episode #12Are we so obsessed with new AI tools that we’ve forgotten the basics of security?Kraig Faulkner, Field CTO at Infolock, joins the show to discuss the pressing challenges and solutions around data security, particularly focusing on AI and access control. Kraig elaborates on the importance of understanding business data, securing AI access, and the necessary steps organizations need to take to prevent data exfiltration. He shares his professional journey and thoughts on the future trends in data security, including a potential shift back to on-prem solutions and the integration of AI into larger security portfolios. Th...
2025-10-1650 min
Guardians of the DataFrom Data Chaos to Clarity - Hans Vargas - Guardians of the Data - Episode #11What happens when your organization doesn’t know what it needs to protect?Today Ward welcomes Hans Vargas, Enterprise Data Protection Lead at Marathon Petroleum Corporation, who brings over two decades of experience in cybersecurity. Hans shares insights on the importance of understanding what data needs to be protected, and the challenges organizations face in this area, especially with the adoption of cloud services. He discusses the significance of communicating the value of data protection to business leaders and data owners, and offers practical advice on data discovery, retention, and governance. Hans emphasizes the necessity of including da...
2025-10-0951 min
Guardians of the DataFrom Data Discovery to Records at Risk - Zach Luze - Guardians of the Data - Episode #10What’s harder than stopping a breach? Convincing leadership your data security program is worth the investment.Zach Luze, Data Security Advisory Practice Director at TBD Cyber joins Ward today to focus on the challenges organizations face in demonstrating the value of data security. Zach explains how the inability to show value can impact budgets and resources, emphasizing that many data security programs struggle with meaningful key performance indicators (KPIs). He suggests a blended approach to data discovery and provides insights into building metrics that highlight the value of security programs. Zach also shares his career journey fr...
2025-10-0254 min
Guardians of the DataTackling Data Sprawl and AI Risks - Daley Varghese - Guardians of the Data - Episode #9Think hackers are your biggest data threat? Think again.Daley Varghese, a seasoned privacy expert, joins Ward Balcerzak to reveal why data sprawl and AI misuse may be even more dangerous, and what companies can do to get ahead. Daley emphasizes the importance of governance strategies, data mapping, and the need for cross-functional collaboration among privacy, security, and data governance teams. The episode also highlights the pressing need for education and clear communication within organizations to mitigate risks and build trust with consumers. Daley shares insights on how to start privacy initiatives, manage assessment fatigue, and the...
2025-09-2542 min
Guardians of the DataWhy the Insider is the Biggest Data Security Threat - Rick Scot - Guardians of the Data - Episode #8How does the accidental insider pose a threat to your company’s security?Today, Ward dives deep into data security challenges with Rick Scot, the global CISO at Elevate Textiles. With almost 20 years of cybersecurity experience, Rick emphasizes the critical importance of addressing insider threats, especially those posed by well-meaning employees unaware of their risky actions. He shares real-world experiences, the evolution of cyber awareness training, the necessity of building strong internal relationships, and insights into his multifaceted career journey. The episode is packed with expert advice for cybersecurity professionals on fostering a culture of security within an...
2025-09-1854 min
Guardians of the DataWhy the 'Why' is More Important than the 'What’ - Derek Fisher - Guardians of the Data - Episode #7What’s the meaning behind the data your team is collecting?Derek Fisher, Director of the Cybersecurity Defense and Information Assurance Program at Temple University, joins Ward to hash out the ‘why’ behind data security. Derek emphasizes the importance of understanding the integrity and proper usage of data, especially in scenarios like healthcare and financial services. The conversation also explores the differences in data security practices across various industries such as healthcare, financial services, and higher education. Derek shares insights on teaching the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and the relevance of the NIST NICE framework in aligni...
2025-09-1157 min
Guardians of the DataCybersecurity’s Weakest Link: Human Risk - Lisa Gunning - Guardians of the Data - Episode #6Human risk is the most unpredictable factor in cybersecurity and insider risk.Lisa Gunning, a counterintelligence and insider risk expert with over 18 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, joins Ward today to dive into human risk. Lisa shares her unique perspective on the human element in cybersecurity, the evolving landscape of insider threats, and the critical importance of building a strong security culture within organizations. The conversation covers the intersection of AI, human behavior, and data protection, offering practical advice for organizations of all sizes. She provides actionable recommendations and stories around her...
2025-09-0455 min
Guardians of the DataThe Data Dilemma: Governance vs. Stewardship - Lance Fischer- Guardians of the Data - Episode #5What’s the balance between data governance and data stewardship?Lance Fischer, Principal Security Architect at Guidepoint Security, joins the show today and dives into the complexities of data security, highlighting the differences between data governance and data stewardship. He emphasizes the significance of visibility and collaboration among stakeholders in maintaining robust data security frameworks. Lance shares insights from his extensive career, revealing the practical challenges and strategies in improving data security through governance, tool rationalization, and pragmatic approaches. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of AI, APIs, and the critical importance of securing sensitive da...
2025-08-2849 min
Guardians of the DataThe 5 Pillars of Data Protection - Trevor Dolan - Guardians of the Data - Episode #4How can cybersecurity professionals balance both the regulatory requirements and the fundamentals of data protection?Today, Trevor Dolan, Cyber Security Executive Advisor at NinjaJobs, shares insights on balancing regulatory compliance with the fundamentals of data protection, designing holistic data protection programs, and the importance of strategic planning. He delves into the five main areas of developing data protection organizations: governance and leadership, risk assessment, policies and procedures, training and awareness, and team and organizational structure. Trevor also offers practical advice for young professionals starting in the field and discusses the significance of building trustworthy relationships with stakeholders...
2025-08-2159 min
Guardians of the DataFrom Tech to Team: People, Culture, Technology - Rick McElroy - Guardians of the Data - Episode #3What are the people concerns when it comes to cybersecurity?Today Ward welcomes seasoned security veteran and CEO of Nexasure, Rick McElroy. Rick, with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, shares his insights on the primary challenges organizations face in data security, focusing on the often-overlooked human and cultural elements. He emphasizes the importance of education, awareness, and the need for a balanced investment between technology and people. Rick also delves into the dynamics of cross-generational training and the impact of organizational culture on security programs. Additionally, he shares his personal journey in cybersecurity...
2025-08-1449 min
Guardians of the DataEnsuring Business Alignment in Data Security - Rick DeLoach - Guardians of the Data - Episode #2How can you protect your data if you don’t know where it is?The answer is you can’t. Rick DeLoach, Deputy CISO at ADT, joins Ward on this week’s episode to discuss the crucial aspects of data security and governance. Rick shares his two decades of experience in the field, emphasizing the importance of data discovery, classification, and the implementation of structured programs involving process, policy, and technology. The conversation also covers the challenges of integrating AI technologies within organizations and the significance of ongoing business alignment to enhance security practices. Lastly...
2025-08-0742 min
Guardians of the DataThe Human Element of Data Security - Luis Valenzuela - Guardians of the Data - Episode #1How can simplifying your data governance strategy revolutionize your security posture?In the inaugural episode of Guardians of the Data, host Ward Balcerzak sits down with Luis Valenzuela, Director of Data Governance and Data Loss Prevention at InComm Payments. Luis, who brings two decades of cybersecurity experience, dives into the often-overlooked fundamentals of data security. Discover why understanding and categorizing your most critical data is paramount, how robust governance can transform your approach, and the strategic role of tools in a well-defined process. Luis also shares his inspiring journey from Colombia to becoming a cybersecurity leader, highlighting...
2025-07-3148 min
Guardians of the DataGuardians of the Data Trailer!Welcome to Guardians of the Data! Join host, Ward Balcerzak, each week as he dives deep into the passions, expertise, and experiences of CISOs, Chief Data Officers, and more. Guardians of the Data is sponsored by Sentra - AI-powered data security platform that discovers and classifies all your data accurately and automatically to achieve enterprise-scale data protection without the fuss.
2025-07-1500 min
Tech Shield: US vs China UpdatesTing's Cyber Tea: US Raises Shield, China Hacks On! Patch Parties, AI Detectives, and 3AM Breach AlertsThis is your Tech Shield: US vs China Updates podcast.Hey, it’s Ting—your favorite cyber-sleuth with a knack for decoding the drama between the US and China in cyberspace. Bad news for anyone hoping this week would be boring: it’s been wall-to-wall action on the cyber front, and I’ve got the latest on the virtual shield America’s trying to raise against Beijing’s hacks.Let’s get right to it. Following the 2024 exposure of China’s Volt Typhoon group embedding stealthy malware all across US critical infrastructure, the Pentagon and Cybersecurity and Infrastructu...
2025-07-0303 min
Future of Data SecurityEP 4 — Fidelity National Financial’s Ward Balcerzak on Navigating Data Security in a Cloud-First WorldIn this episode of The Future of Data Security Show, Jean speaks with Ward Balcerzak, AVP and Director of Data Security & Insider Risk at Fidelity National Financial, who shares his expertise on the evolving challenges of data security in today’s cloud-first landscape. Ward discusses the critical importance of establishing a comprehensive data inventory and discovery process to effectively manage sensitive information.
Ward also offers his insights into the implications of generative AI on data protection, highlighting the need for robust governance strategies to mitigate risks. With a focus on collaboration across departments, this episode offe...
2024-10-1727 min