Navigating Cybersecurity Through Leadership Transitions with Maria Roat, Former US Deputy Federal CIO

Welcome to the ⁠Data Security Decoded⁠ podcast, brought to you by ⁠Rubrik Zero Labs⁠. In each episode, we discuss cybersecurity with thought leaders and industry experts, and get their take on trends, themes, and how they see data security evolving. This is a must-listen for security and IT leaders looking to better understand trends shaping data security and how they can achieve cyber resilience. In this episode, our host, ⁠Travis Rosiek⁠, Public Sector CTO at Rubrik, is joined by Maria Roat⁠, former Deputy Federal CIO of the United States, and a seasoned Information Technology and Cybersecurity Executive with over three decades of experience. Maria has led transformative initiatives across federal agencies, including launching the FedRAMP program, which standardized cloud security protocols across government, and helping government agencies remain resilient through administration changes. Maria’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in enabling a large-scale remote workforce and deploying resilient platforms that supported the rapid distribution of $300 billion in relief funds. Her efforts modernized outdated systems, reduced technical debt, and streamlined operations across the Small Business Administration, transforming it into an agile organization prepared to address emerging challenges. Join Travis and Maria as they explore her extraordinary journey in cybersecurity and technology leadership, the evolution of FedRAMP, and her insights on aligning innovation with mission-driven goals. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Intro 04:00 - Navigating Large-Scale Federal Technology Transformation 05:30 - Insights on Leadership in Technology from the Navy to Federal CIO 10:00 - Leadership Challenges as a Woman in Tech 18:16 - The Evolution of FedRAMP and Cloud Security Standards 34:05 - Addressing Cyber Threats in Transition Periods 37:19 - Building a Culture of Zero Trust and Cyber Resilience 42:00 - Cybersecurity Lessons for Healthcare Organizations Episode Resources: Rubrik Zero Labs The State of Data Security: Measuring Your Data's Risk report Travis Rosiek on LinkedIn Maria Roat on LinkedIn