Former CISA Director Jen Easterly Joins Huntress as Strategic Advisor: A New Chapter in Cybersecurity Leadership

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The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve with significant leadership movements that shape the industry’s future. In a notable development, former Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly has announced her appointment to the advisory board of Huntress, marking her first private sector role since departing government service on January 20, 2025.

A Distinguished Career Transitions to Private Advisory

Easterly stepped down from her position on January 20, 2025, concluding nearly four years of leadership at CISA where she spearheaded the agency’s transformation into a $3 billion operation with over 10,000 personnel. Her transition to Huntress represents a strategic alignment between her passion for protecting “target rich, resource poor” entities and the company’s mission to democratize enterprise-grade cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses.

A combat veteran and former Wall Street technology executive, Easterly previously served as Head of Firm Resilience at Morgan Stanley, where she built the company’s Cybersecurity Fusion Center. Her extensive background includes a 20-year military career, roles at the National Security Agency, and service on the National Security Council under President Obama.

The Strategic Significance of This Partnership

The appointment comes at a critical juncture for both Easterly and Huntress. Following the disappointment of West Point rescinding her teaching position due to political pressure, Easterly expressed her focus on “moving forward and working with companies like Huntress.” This partnership represents more than a career transition—it signals a continued commitment to cybersecurity innovation and protection.

Huntress, valued at $1.5 billion as of 2024, was co-founded by Kyle Hanslovan in 2015 alongside John Ferrell and Chris Bisnett. The company has established itself as a leader in managed endpoint detection and response (EDR) services, specifically tailored for small to medium-sized businesses that traditionally lack the resources for comprehensive cybersecurity infrastructure.

Understanding Huntress: Innovation in SMB Cybersecurity

Drawing on his background in Air Force cyber operations and his tenure at the NSA, Hanslovan identified a vital weakness in the cybersecurity landscape that demanded immediate attention. While Fortune 500 companies had access to sophisticated security teams and technologies, smaller businesses remained vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The company’s approach focuses on persistent threat detection, identifying “footholds” that attackers establish within systems through common operating system features. These footholds are created when attackers leverage persistence mechanisms like services, scheduled tasks, and other automatic execution methods to maintain unauthorized access.

Artificial Intelligence: The Next Frontier

A key area of collaboration between Easterly and Huntress centers on artificial intelligence integration within cybersecurity operations. Kyle Hanslovan, the company’s CEO, underscored their strategic vision to draw on Easterly’s expertise in exploring innovative methods to apply threat intelligence, enhance SOC analysts with AI-driven tools, and deepen collaboration across the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Easterly’s perspective on AI in cybersecurity reflects both opportunity and urgency. She noted that “any business that doesn’t figure out how they can leverage the power of AI to augment and assist the incredible technical talent of humans is not going to be successful in this age.” This aligns with her previous advocacy for implementing systemic safeguards around AI development while at CISA.

Market Impact and Industry Implications

The cybersecurity industry has witnessed significant consolidation and evolution, with managed security service providers (MSSPs) becoming increasingly important for smaller organizations. Huntress currently protects over 150,000 businesses through partnerships with approximately 4,000 managed service providers, representing a substantial market presence in the SMB sector.

Easterly’s addition to the advisory board brings several strategic advantages:

• Government Relations Expertise: Her deep understanding of federal cybersecurity initiatives and regulatory landscapes provides valuable insights for navigating compliance requirements and government partnerships.
• Critical Infrastructure Knowledge: Her CISA experience offers perspectives on protecting essential services and infrastructure, areas where many SMBs operate but lack specialized security knowledge.
• Industry Credibility: Her reputation and network within the cybersecurity community enhance Huntress’s positioning for larger enterprise opportunities and strategic partnerships.

The Broader Context of Cybersecurity Evolution

This partnership reflects broader trends in cybersecurity democratization. Historically, advanced threat detection and response capabilities were exclusive to large enterprises with substantial security budgets. Companies like Huntress are changing this paradigm by offering sophisticated protection through managed service models.

During her CISA tenure, Easterly championed “Secure by Design” principles, advocating for manufacturers to embed security features into products from inception rather than as afterthoughts. This philosophy aligns with Huntress’s proactive approach to threat detection and response.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with several key challenges that Easterly’s involvement may help address:

• Resource Constraints: Small and medium businesses often lack dedicated IT security staff, making managed services crucial for adequate protection.
• Threat Sophistication: Cybercriminals increasingly target smaller organizations, viewing them as easier entry points with valuable data but limited defenses.
• Regulatory Compliance: Growing regulatory requirements demand expertise that many smaller organizations struggle to maintain internally.
• AI Integration: The race to effectively incorporate artificial intelligence into cybersecurity operations requires both technical capability and strategic vision.

Looking Forward: Strategic Objectives

Huntress’s ambitious growth trajectory, with plans to expand from protecting 150,000 to potentially millions of businesses globally, requires strategic guidance and industry expertise that Easterly brings. The company has grown from bootstrapped beginnings to approximately $120 million in annual recurring revenue, demonstrating significant market traction.

The partnership also represents an important precedent for government-to-private sector knowledge transfer in cybersecurity. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and widespread, the collaboration between former government officials and innovative private companies becomes essential for comprehensive national security.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Jen Easterly’s background in cybersecurity?

Before stepping down in January 2025, Jen Easterly led CISA as its Director starting in July 2021, following a distinguished career that included senior roles at the NSA, the National Security Council, and heading cybersecurity operations at Morgan Stanley. She’s a 20-year Army veteran and Rhodes Scholar with extensive experience in both government and private sector cybersecurity.

2. What makes Huntress different from other cybersecurity companies?

Huntress specializes in managed endpoint detection and response for small to medium businesses, focusing on detecting persistent threats and “footholds” that traditional security solutions often miss. The company works primarily through managed service providers to reach businesses that lack dedicated IT security teams.

3. Why is this partnership significant for the cybersecurity industry?

This partnership combines Easterly’s government expertise and regulatory knowledge with Huntress’s innovative approach to SMB cybersecurity. It represents a strategic alignment between public sector insights and private sector innovation, potentially accelerating cybersecurity democratization.

4. What role will AI play in this collaboration?

Both Easterly and Huntress leadership emphasize AI’s importance in augmenting human cybersecurity analysts and improving threat detection capabilities. The partnership aims to explore new ways to integrate AI into security operations while maintaining human oversight and expertise.

5. How does this affect small and medium businesses?

This partnership potentially enhances cybersecurity protection for SMBs by bringing government-level expertise to private sector solutions. It may accelerate development of more sophisticated yet accessible security tools for organizations with limited resources.

6. What was Easterly’s impact at CISA?

Under Easterly’s leadership, CISA grew into a $3 billion operation with over 10,000 personnel, focusing on critical infrastructure protection and public-private cybersecurity partnerships. She championed “Secure by Design” initiatives and strengthened election security efforts.

How Technology Companies Can Benefit from Expert Guidance

The partnership between Jen Easterly and Huntress demonstrates the value that experienced cybersecurity leaders bring to growing technology companies. Organizations seeking similar strategic advantages should consider how expert advisory relationships can accelerate growth and enhance market positioning.

At our technology consulting firm, we understand the importance of connecting innovative companies with industry experts who can provide strategic guidance, regulatory insights, and market credibility. Whether you’re developing cybersecurity solutions, implementing new technologies, or navigating complex compliance requirements, the right advisory expertise can be transformative for your business trajectory.

Our team specializes in helping technology companies identify and engage with industry leaders who can provide the strategic insights needed for sustainable growth. From cybersecurity to artificial intelligence implementation, we facilitate connections that drive innovation and market success.

Contact us today to learn how expert advisory partnerships can accelerate your technology company’s growth and enhance your competitive advantage in rapidly evolving markets.

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