This episode explores why cybersecurity must be more than just tools and tactics, highlighting the importance of community, continuous learning, and mental health in sustaining the profession. Rob Clyde joins Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli to unpack the personal and industry-wide stakes of quantum risk, burnout, and the true value of professional connection.
At RSAC 2025, the most urgent signals weren’t necessarily the loudest. As ISACA board member and cybersecurity veteran Rob Clyde joins Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli for a post-conference recap, it’s clear that conversations about the future of the profession—and its people—mattered just as much as discussions on AI and cryptography.
More Than a Job: Why Community Matters
Rob Clyde shares his long-standing involvement with ISACA and reflects on the powerful role that professional associations play in cybersecurity careers. It’s not just about certifications—though Clyde notes that employers often value them more than degrees—it’s also about community, mentorship, and mutual support. When asked how many people landed a job because of someone in their local ISACA chapter, half the room raised their hands. That kind of connection is difficult to overstate.
Clyde urges cybersecurity professionals to look beyond their company roles and invest in something that gives back—whether through volunteering, speaking, or simply showing up. “It’s your career,” he says. “Take back control.”
Facing Burnout and Legal Risk Head-On
The group also addresses a growing issue: burnout. ISACA’s latest research shows 66% of cybersecurity professionals are feeling more burned out than last year. For CISOs in particular, that pressure is compounded by personal liability—as in the case of former SolarWinds CISO Tim Brown being sued by the SEC. Clyde warns that such actions have a chilling effect, discouraging internal risk discussions and openness.
To counteract that, he emphasizes the need for continuous learning and peer support as a defense, not only against burnout, but also isolation and fear.
The Silent Threat of Quantum
While AI dominated RSAC’s headlines, Clyde raises a quieter but equally pressing concern: quantum computing. ISACA chose to focus its latest poll on this topic, revealing a significant gap between awareness and action. Despite widespread recognition that a breakthrough could “break the internet,” only 5% of respondents are taking proactive steps. Clyde sees this as a wake-up call. “The algorithms exist. Q Day is coming. We just don’t know when.”
From mental health to quantum readiness, this conversation makes it clear: cybersecurity isn’t just a technology issue—it’s a people issue. Listen to the full episode to hear what else we’re missing.
Learn more about ISACA: https://itspm.ag/isaca-96808
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Guest:
Rob Clyde, Board Director, Chair, Past Chair of the Board Directors at ISACA | https://www.linkedin.com/in/robclyde/
Resources
Learn more and catch more stories from ISACA: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/isaca
Stay tuned for an upcoming ITSPmagazine Webinar with ISACA: https://www.itspmagazine.com/webinars
ISACA Quantum Pulse Poll 2025 and related resources: https://www.isaca.org/quantum-pulse-poll
ISACA State of Cybersecurity 2024 survey report: https://www.isaca.org/resources/reports/state-of-cybersecurity-2024
Learn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25
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Keywords:
sean martin, marco ciappelli, rob clyde, rsac2025, burnout, quantum, cryptography, certification, isaca, cybersecurity, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast
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