Profile: Kevin Benacci
Meet Kevin Benacci. Chief External Affairs Officer of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Name: Kevin Benacci
Job: Chief External Affairs Officer of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
City: Washington D.C.
Hometown: Cleveland
Q: What do you do at CISA?
CISA is the nation’s lead cyber agency. We work with partners in industry, government and across the globe to defend against today’s threats and collaborate to build more secure and resilient infrastructure for tomorrow.
CISA has a broad mission, but our most important work focuses on election security, managing supply chain risks and cyber threats from foreign adversaries, the rollout of 5G, protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure, and all things cybersecurity. Many of your readers may not have heard of CISA yet since we’re a new agency, and that’s where I come in.
As the Chief External Affairs Officer, I’m responsible for all aspects of communications and messaging, media relations, branding and marketing, and Congressional engagement. So, I spend my days leading a team that works to tell our story to Congress, our stakeholders, the media and, most importantly, the American people.
Q: What’s a problem that you are working to solve?
Right now, one of the most critical issues we are tackling is CISA's coordinated effort to protect the supply chains and enhance the cybersecurity of the companies, sectors, and government entities involved in the response to COVID-19.
In May, we teamed up with the FBI to alert companies working on COVID-19 vaccine research that Chinese hackers are targeting them, and in July we announced with the NSA and our counterparts in the UK and Canada that Russian hackers are doing the same. Each day, we’re working with our partners throughout the government and the private sector to identify those critical entities and rapidly deploy our services to protect them.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that has helped shaped your work?
Put yourself in your boss’ shoes. Before you go to them – whether it’s making a recommendation, asking a question, or just chiming in during a meeting – think of it from their perspective. How would I respond or what would I ask if I was in their shoes? Looking at a situation through that lens helps ensure you’ve run down all the information you can, you have your ducks in a row, and your work product is tight when you are in the hot seat.
Q: What’s a trend in technology or innovation that you believe doesn’t get enough attention?
Due to the rapid adoption of remote working during coronavirus, the nation is undergoing a digital transformation before our eyes. Though the trend has been steadily growing, the shift to telework brings an increase in the threat landscape and an expansion of the attack surface that likely isn’t as top of mind for many Americans as it should be. Whether it’s using multi-factor authentication or being alert for phishing attempts, there are some basic steps everyone can take to up their cyber game at home. One of the main goals at CISA is improving American cybersecurity, and that has become ever more important these days.
Q: What’s one moonshot idea that could help make Ohio a world leader in technology and innovation?
If I could wave a wand, I would get rid of the systemic mindset and stigma of Ohio – and the rest of the American heartland for that matter – as "flyover country." Whether it’s the cost of living, the great people, or the outstanding academic institutions, there are a million reasons that talent, investment, and entrepreneurs should be flocking to Ohio.
Now, I acknowledge winter in the Snow Belt isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But, if we could zap away the cultural reputation Ohio has in some parts of the country, I bet we’d see an increase in innovators moving here, more money flowing in, and a lot more companies looking at our great state as a place to operate a business. To be sure, there is great work happening all across the state, much of it by OhioX member companies, but I believe a rising tide lifts all boats. Especially a Lake Erie tide.
Q: What’s a recent book, podcast or news story that you found interesting?
I recently read that there has been a 900% increase in ransomware attacks across the country. That is an astounding number. We’ve spent a lot of time at CISA working with our partners to raise awareness of the threat ransomware poses to organizations of all shapes and sizes and provide tools they can use to protect themselves. This eye-popping increase is another reminder of how persistent, pervasive, and perilous the specter of ransomware looms.
Q: What's your favorite place in Ohio?
In the last number of years, I have lived in Columbus, Cleveland, D.C., Columbus, and am now back in D.C. Ideally, my wife and I will come home to Ohio for our next move. So, while I love both Cbus and CLE, there’s no better place than East 4th and an Indians game in Cleveland on a weekend night in the summer. A cherry on top if the Reds are in town. "Hang On Sloopy" during those Battle of Ohio games is priceless.
Q: What makes Ohio special to you?
Well, as the old Ohio license plate used to say, it really is “The Heart Of It All.” Historically, we’re the ultimate bellwether for a reason – because we have a bit of everything. But, most of all, it’s the people. Ohioans are good people, we work hard, we treat others with respect, we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and there’s a sense of pride in being from Ohio that we’ll be sure to tell you about.
Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.