In today’s ever-shifting security environment, both cyber operations and the defense industry at large are experiencing transformative growth. From humble beginnings of rudimentary attacks to the intricate global threat matrix of today, cyber operations have evolved dramatically. In parallel, defense-focused companies are re-evaluating their strategies to stay agile amid ongoing federal realignments.
A retired Army Colonel with nearly 25 years of intelligence, cyber operations, and strategic leadership, David Tohn offers a powerful combination of military and business expertise on this episode of the Security Clearance Careers Podcast.
We discuss:
- Building high-performing teams in national security and tech
- Career development and organizational leadership within the cleared workforce
- Evolution of cyber operations, from early offensive tactics to today’s complex threat landscape
- Translating military skills into private sector success
- Strategic planning and growth in defense-focused companies
David has led organizations at the highest levels in both government and industry, served as a senior intelligence planner in Iraq, and is a respected thought leader with published work on security, leadership, and technology. He is also an author and researcher, with a published book, peer-reviewed professional articles, recognized research theses, and widely circulated op-eds.
CYBER OPERATIONS AND THE THREAT LANDSCAPE
Cyber operations began with basic tactics—think email spam, viruses, and early forms of phishing. These were disruptive but largely unsophisticated. As digital infrastructure matured, so did the actors and their methods. The mid-2000s saw the rise of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), wherein nation-state actors began leveraging cyber capabilities for espionage, disruption, and influence.
Today, cyber operations are characterized by complex, multi-vector attacks that blend social engineering, zero-day vulnerabilities, supply chain manipulation, and even AI-driven intrusion. The threat landscape is no longer siloed—cyber warfare, economic espionage, and misinformation campaigns are intertwined, targeting both public and private sectors. Defense and critical infrastructure are prime targets, making cyber resilience a cornerstone of national security.
David is the CEO of BTS, a firm that solves modern security and defense challenges. Learn more about BTS job opportunities at ClearanceJobs.com.
