The cybersecurity landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace as technology continues to advance and cyber threats grow more sophisticated. GovCons are challenged to stay ahead by modern cybercriminals leveraging AI, ransomware and advanced phishing tactics.
But these challenges present GovCons with business opportunities, according to one of the world’s leading cybersecurity experts. Jennifer Ewbank, a two-time Wash100 Award winner, former CIA deputy director for digital innovation and founder of Andaman Strategic Advisors, told GovCon Wire that these opportunities include threat detection tools for real-time anomaly detection in networks and predicting patching.
Another GovCon business opportunity is in secure AI services, she said. This would enable auditing of models for vulnerabilities as well as to automate and ensure compliance with various complex regulatory frameworks.
The Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Cyber Summit on May 15 is your opportunity to hear directly from cyberleaders like Jennifer Ewbank. Hear Ewbank discuss cutting-edge topics such as the importance of cyber threat intelligence and the growing importance of counter-AI. Tickets are selling fast for this fascinating event, don’t miss out!
GovCons Face Changing Nature of Cybersecurity
Real-time threat detection, predictive analytics and automated response systems are changing the nature of cybersecurity, she said. AI is also enhancing monitoring systems that can autonomously detect anomalies, automating aspects of vulnerability scanning and mitigating phishing attempts.
Ewbank said while the federal government has made solid advancements in cybersecurity, there have also been a few gaps. It has made good progress in developing AI roadmaps and policies, she said, which are critical to ensure ethical AI use and secure AI development.
But Ewbank said the federal government can improve its work to counter AI-generated deepfakes and adaptive malware. It can also accelerate policy updates to address the rapidly-changing AI threat landscape, as well as deepen partnerships with U.S. GovCons and international partners.
“The most effective cyber defense program is a team sport and we need to invest in those partnerships,” Ewbank said.
Cyber, AI Make 2025 an Important Year
2025 is poised to be a critical year in cyber as the landscape grows increasingly complex. Growing geopolitical tensions bring additional uncertainty, additional integration and reliance on complex supply chains brings more unclear and unpredictable risk and cyber criminals are rapidly using new technologies, creating novel vulnerabilities.
Ewbank hopes, in 2025, AI finally shifts cybersecurity definitively away from a reactive, compliance-based strategy to a proactive, threat-informed mission. Factors this year that could push cyber in that direction include the continuing rise of AI-powered attacks and AI integration both in the cloud and with edge solutions.
Catch Jennifer Ewbank and other cyber experts at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Cyber Summit on May 15 at the Marriott Fairview Park in Falls Church, Virginia. They’ll address the most exciting cyber opportunities and challenges GovCons and federal leaders face. Create new partnerships with fellow industry executives in a supportive and collaborative environment. Secure your spot today!
