Rick Howard will join the CyberWire executive team as CSO and Chief Analyst.
As CSO, Howard will oversee company risk management and security strategies as the company scales operations and expands its programming lineup.
"The CyberWire has long been a critical resource for me as a CSO and cybersecurity professional," said Howard. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to bring my own expertise, experience, and imagination to this innovative digital media company at this point on its growth trajectory, not to mention being a part of the publications and programs that have always helped me do my job better and are a staple in the professional lives of so many."
Prior to joining the CyberWire, Howard served as CSO at Palo Alto Networks, where he contributed to the company's internal security program. He also launched and led Unit 42, Palo Alto's threat intelligence team, while also serving as one of the company's public faces, providing thought leadership throughout the cybersecurity community. Before joining Palo Alto Networks, he held leadership roles as CISO at TASC, general manager of iDefense, and Security Operations Center (SOC) Director at Counterpane.
Howard also served in the U.S. Army for 23 years, the last two years of which he spent running the Army's CERT. He holds a Master's in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School. He earned his undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in engineering, from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He returned to the Academy later in his Army career to teach computer science. He has been executive editor of two books: Cyber Fraud: Tactics, Techniques and Procedures, and Cyber Security Essentials.