George Finney Discusses Decryption Risks, AI Influence, and the Expanding Influence of CISOs in 2025's CSO Hall of Fame

The University of Texas System's Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), George Finney, has been honoured with a prestigious accolade. He is the latest inductee into the CSO Hall of Fame at the 2025 CSO Conference & Awards.

Finney, who has been named one of the world's top 100 CISOs in 2023, received the Malcolm Baldrige Award in 2024, and is a CSO Hall of Fame inductee, is responsible for protecting the University of Texas System from cyber threats.

In his newest book, "Rise of the Machines," Finney discusses the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and zero trust. The book, which is the first to show how to use zero trust principles to secure AI, and how AI can accelerate the zero trust journey, has garnered significant attention in the cybersecurity community.

Finney believes that the role of the CISO has evolved, and business leaders now have a clearer understanding of cyber risk. He is particularly excited about anti-ransomware and enterprise browser tools, which he sees as crucial in the fight against cybercrime.

As the next generation of CISOs prepare for the challenges ahead, Finney emphasises the importance of enhancing their expertise in AI security, fostering collaboration with security and regulatory bodies, prioritising risk management frameworks adjusted for digital transformations, and investing in continuous staff training on emerging threats and compliance requirements.

One of the biggest challenges for next-generation CISOs is managing increasingly complex cyber threats driven by advances in AI and digital technologies. The integration of AI tools while mitigating their misuse for cybercrime is a significant concern. Another challenge is the threat of attackers saving encrypted data today with the intention of decrypting it later using quantum computing.

The lack of disclosure requirements for encrypted breaches is a serious concern, especially if attackers are already taking a "harvest now, decrypt later" approach. This underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of sensitive data.

Finney also sees potential in AI tools lowering barriers to entry for less-experienced workers in cybersecurity. He believes that these tools may democratise cybersecurity, making it more accessible to a wider range of people.

Microsoft's Copilot for Security is one such tool that is making waves in the industry. This AI-powered tool allows Security Operations Centre (SOC) analysts to search logs, correlate attack data, and identify related activity in minutes, a task that previously took hours.

Registering for the CSO Conference & Awards allows attendees to learn from top cybersecurity voices, including George Finney. This conference is an excellent opportunity for CISOs to network, share ideas, and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the field.

In addition to his work at the University of Texas System, Finney is a renowned author, with books including "Project Zero Trust," "Well Aware," and "Rise of the Machines." These books provide valuable insights into the world of cybersecurity and offer practical advice for CISOs navigating the complex landscape of digital threats.

Ransomware remains the biggest challenge in cybersecurity today, but with leaders like George Finney at the forefront, the future of cybersecurity looks promising. As we move towards a more digital world, the role of CISOs will become even more crucial in ensuring the safety and security of our data and systems.

George Finney Discusses Decryption Risks, AI Influence, and the Expanding Influence of CISOs in 2025's CSO Hall of Fame