Laura Deaner, recently appointed Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at DTCC, brings over 25 years of cybersecurity leadership across major financial institutions. Responsible for shaping DTCC’s enterprise-wide cyber strategy, Deaner is dedicated to advancing resilience, innovation and collaboration to safeguard global markets and client trust.
She sat down with DTCC Connection to share her insights on the future of cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Related: DTCC Group Chief Risk Officer Q&A with GARP
What emerging technologies are you most excited about from a cybersecurity standpoint and why?
LD: Cybersecurity is undergoing a transformation, powered by machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies are changing the ways we detect and respond to threats, making it possible to analyze data at unprecedented speed and accuracy. I see tremendous potential for ML and AI in fortifying cyber defenses. For example, advanced analytics and large language models are already reshaping incident detection and response.
But it’s not just about defending against today’s threats. The looming prospect of quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption methods by 2030 means that post-quantum cryptography and organizational crypto readiness are no longer distant concerns. This potential vulnerability requires firms to identify all systems and applications using cryptographic technologies; categorize data based on sensitivity and longevity requirements to determine the urgency of transitioning to quantum-resistant solutions; and conduct audits to identify existing vulnerabilities and pinpoint areas where traditional encryption could be easily bypassed.
What do you see as the biggest cybersecurity challenges for the next generation of CISOs, and how should they prepare for them?
LD: This rapid pace of innovation shapes not only technology, but also our roles as security leaders. When the CISO role emerged, cybersecurity was treated as little more than an IT compliance checkbox. Over the years, high-profile breaches—such as the Code Red incident at Microsoft—forced organizations to view security as a strategic, board-level imperative. Today, CISOs engage directly with executive teams, influencing business decisions and driving competitive advantage.
To succeed in this evolving landscape, future CISOs must do more than keep up—they must lead transformation. The intense information environment, amplified by social media and fast-moving threats, demands continuous learning and adaptability. Upskilling in AI, large language models and ML are no longer optional; it’s how professionals will distinguish themselves. Each new technology brings risks and opportunities—those who prepare will thrive.
What are your predictions for the workforce over the next 5-10 years? Are you worried that generative AI and automation are cutting out opportunities for early career professionals?
LD: Early career-level roles are shifting as automation and AI take on more routine tasks. The real change is in how AI, ML and other tools empower defenders to act faster and smarter—especially during critical incidents like ransomware attacks, where every minute counts. The message is simple: automation creates new opportunities for those willing to adapt. By mastering advanced tools and focusing on skills that can’t be automated, professionals stay ahead.
As an advisory board member of various tech companies, what specific advice are you giving them to stay innovative and strengthen their cybersecurity posture?
LD: I always begin with curiosity. In other words, when I analyze a breach, I revisit the tactics to understand exactly what happened. This drive to dig deeper, ask questions and get the facts is vital. It’s important to think like an attacker, scrutinize third-party connections and challenge your own assumptions. After curiosity comes discipline—specifically, maintaining impeccable hygiene of your inventory. If you don’t know your assets and vulnerabilities, you can’t protect them. It’s a simple principle, but one that hasn’t changed in 25 years.