Bridging the Gap Between IT and Security with Marcela Escobar-Alava and Joe Stenaka, CIO and CISO of the U.S. Social Security Administration

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, ⁠Mike Tornincasa⁠, Chief Business Officer at Rubrik, is joined by ⁠Marcela Escobar-Alava⁠, CIO of the Social Security Administration⁠, and ⁠Joe Stenaka⁠, SSA’s CISO for an insightful conversation on IT and cybersecurity collaboration. Marcela Escobar-Alava is a seasoned technology executive with deep expertise in building high-performing teams and aligning technology solutions with business objectives. Known for her ability to innovate under tight deadlines, Marcela brings years of experience in managing global application development, transforming organizational operations, and driving impactful business outcomes. Her strategic leadership and problem-solving approach have made her a trusted leader in rapidly evolving environments. Joe Stenaka, the Associate Commissioner and CISO at SSA, has spent decades protecting critical information systems across government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Security Agency. With a pragmatic leadership style, Joe emphasizes collaboration and enabling secure IT solutions while minimizing risks. As an educator and industry thought leader, he is committed to fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Together, Marcela and Joe share how their unique partnership ensures operational efficiency and robust security for one of the largest independent government agencies, serving over 64 million Americans. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Intro 00:58 - Marcela’s role as CIO: Bridging strategic and operational objectives 02:59 - Joe’s leadership in advancing SSA’s cybersecurity framework 05:12 - Establishing lockstep collaboration between IT and security 10:30 - Balancing the speed of IT innovation with robust security measures 18:14 - Lessons from Marcela’s past: Ransomware scars and fostering vigilance 24:15 - The rise of AI: Ethical considerations, security risks, and opportunities 29:27 - Reflections on leadership: From cryptology to servant leadership 32:12 - The future of cybersecurity: Opportunities and challenges Episode Resources: Rubrik Zero Labs The State of Data Security: Measuring Your Data's Risk report Marcela Escobar-Alava on LinkedIn Joe Stenaka on LinkedIn Mike Tornincasa on LinkedIn