Recent Publications

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In this review of author Christina Hillsberg's "Agents of Change," Jennifer draws on her three decades of CIA service in operations and leading digital technology to provide an insider's perspective on a book chronicling women's experiences in intelligence work. Jennifer offers valuable context about the realities of intelligence careers while recognizing the importance of documenting these stories and the remarkable progress women have made in reaching the highest levels of the Agency.

(The Cipher Brief; June 24, 2025)

As the world races to develop more powerful AI, a quieter but equally critical contest is unfolding in the shadows: the battle to protect these systems from manipulation. In this Cipher Brief article, I explore why mastering counter-AI is not just a technical priority, but a strategic imperative—one that will shape the future of national security, freedom, and global power. 

(The Cipher Brief; May 21, 2025)

As Thailand races toward a digital future, the U.S. has a unique opportunity to reinvigorate a longstanding alliance—if it can offer more than just competitive pricing. In this article for The Cipher Brief, I explore how strategic investments in digital infrastructure, AI, and cybersecurity can help the U.S. and Thailand build a transformative, values-based partnership that counters China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia. 

(The Cipher Brief; April 27, 2025)

From quantum threats to AI-powered phishing and shadow AI systems, the U.S. homeland faces a rapidly evolving digital threat landscape in 2025. In this Homeland Security Today article, I outline the most pressing cyber and technology risks—and why public-private collaboration, quantum-safe encryption, and stronger AI governance are essential to protecting America’s critical infrastructure.
(Homeland Security Today; Jan 29, 2025)

This blog post introduces dark web intelligence as a crucial element of modern cybersecurity strategy, explaining how proactive monitoring of hidden online marketplaces can provide early warnings, reduce breach impacts, and guide compliance efforts. It emphasizes the importance of selecting reputable intelligence providers and integrating their insights into existing security frameworks for enhanced organizational resilience.

(DarkOwl Blog; December 4, 2024)

America must revolutionize its government procurement system to meet the demands of the digital age and win the race for AI supremacy against China—a competition where incremental reforms and special authorities are insufficient when the future of technological leadership, national security, and democratic values hang in the balance.

(Cipher Brief; Dec 2, 2024)

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing U.S. intelligence by enhancing insights, processing vast amounts of data, and supporting mission-critical decision-making. AI enables the U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC) to boost operational efficiency across intelligence collection, analysis, and counterintelligence.
(Aspen Strategy Group; October 16, 2024)

America is losing ground in Southeast Asia, a region that remains strategically important for our national security. As the U.S. faces growing competition from China in the region, our historical ally Thailand finds itself in a delicate balancing act between Washington and Beijing. It is time for the U.S. to revitalize its relationship with Thailand, a key partner that has shared a unique bond with the U.S. for over two centuries. While China's influence in Thailand continues to expand, especially through economic and infrastructure investments, America still has time to reengage and rebuild trust—but the window is narrowing.
(The Cipher Brief; October 14, 2024)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and reshaping how we live, but it is also becoming a powerful tool in the hands of cybercriminals. Among the most alarming developments is the rise of AI-enabled phishing threats, where AI technology is used to craft sophisticated and targeted phishing campaigns.
(Homeland Security Today; October 9, 2024)

In this article, Jennifer examines the People’s Republic of China’s sweeping digital strategy to assert global influence through technological dominance. Drawing on her experience as the CIA’s former digital chief, she calls for a unified, values-driven response by the United States and its allies to counter authoritarian advances and protect the democratic digital future.(The Cipher Brief; July 17, 2024)

In this deeply personal reflection, Jennifer recounts her post-CIA pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago as a metaphor for transition, identity, and rediscovery after a life of national service. With humility and insight, she explores what it means to find renewed purpose after an 'extreme career,' offering lessons in resilience, mindfulness, and human connection.

(The Cipher Brief; June 14, 2024)

In “HAL-9000 Shouldn’t Keep You Up at Night,” Jennifer  urges readers to move beyond dystopian fears of artificial intelligence and embrace its potential to solve real-world challenges. Grounded in a national security lens, she advocates for ethical, democratic leadership in the global AI race—before adversaries shape the future without us.

(The Cipher Brief; April 29. 2024)