The Cyber Cowgirl™ Blog
Welcome to The Cyber Cowgirl™ Blog - Hannah’s archived collection of early morning thoughts related to cyber, defense, entrepreneurship, and professional development.
Join Hannah on this journey of discovery and discussion as we navigate the Digital Wild West together!
Is Technology Diminishing Our Cognitive Abilities?
Is technology diminishing our cognitive abilities? Research suggests our reliance on digital devices may be eroding focus, problem-solving, and social skills. As human interaction declines, so does our brain health. Discover why real-world connections are essential for mental clarity and how you can reclaim your cognitive strength.
Navigating Chaos With Clarity
Navigating chaos is a defining trait of successful professionals. Setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t have to be the end of the story. With the right mindset and strategies, challenges can become opportunities for growth. Learn how to adapt, innovate, and turn adversity into a stepping stone for success.
What Every Aspiring Entrepreneur Should Know
Starting a business isn’t about having the perfect idea—it’s about resilience, problem-solving, and relentless effort. When I first pursued business, I was told I had no future as an entrepreneur. Years later, I proved that professor wrong. I built a successful company with no money, no network, and no shortcuts—just hard work and adaptability. If you’re considering entrepreneurship, start where you are, invest in relationships, and hold yourself accountable. Success follows those who refuse to quit.
Should We Fear Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, raising questions about its impact on jobs, healthcare, and security. While AI offers powerful benefits, concerns arise about its potential misuse. Understanding how AI works — and ensuring responsible innovation — is key to harnessing its potential while minimizing risks. The future of AI depends on us.
How Clear-Cutting Cyberspace is Destroying Our Ecosystem
The Internet was once a thriving digital wilderness, rich with opportunity, connection, and knowledge, but much like the reckless clear-cutting of forests, it is being stripped bare by unchecked technological expansion. Profiteers exploit personal data, misinformation spreads like invasive weeds, and once-vibrant online communities are reduced to barren landscapes dominated by corporate greed and harmful algorithms. Just as deforestation devastated ecosystems and displaced wildlife, our digital world is suffering from a similar fate—one that threatens privacy, mental health, and the very fabric of human connection. If we don’t adopt responsible conservation practices for technology, we may find ourselves in a world where the damage is irreversible, and the digital ecosystem we once relied on is nothing more than a wasteland.
What You Need to Know About Cyberwarfare
Hannah Becker’s latest article unpacks the growing threat of cyberwarfare and its impact on national security. She highlights how hostile nations and terrorist organizations exploit technology to disrupt infrastructure, conduct espionage, and manipulate global stability. Becker’s sharp analysis warns of the increasing civilian risk in this digital battleground and calls for urgent action to strengthen cybersecurity defenses. She challenges policymakers and individuals alike to take cyber threats seriously and play an active role in securing our future.
Government Contracting is Like Farming
Government contracting is a lot like farming—it’s a long game, full of uncertainty, seasonal cycles, and the need for strong relationships. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it takes years of learning, sacrifice, and persistence to see results. Just like a farmer must plant and nurture crops long before the harvest, a government contractor must invest time and resources without immediate returns.
The UN: 500 Days of Hypocrisy
Hannah Becker’s latest article exposes the United Nations’ hypocrisy and failure in the wake of the October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel. She highlights how the UN has not only ignored the brutal crimes committed by Hamas but has also aligned itself with those responsible for mass murder, rape, and hostage-taking. Becker’s powerful analysis calls for accountability and challenges the UN to uphold the very human rights it was founded to protect.
The Realities of Being Married to Your Business Partner
Being married to your business partner is a unique experience that blends personal and professional life in ways most people can’t imagine. It magnifies every aspect of your relationship—both the strengths and the challenges—acting as a truth serum for compatibility, communication, and resilience. Entrepreneurship with your spouse pushes both your relationship and business skills to the limit, demanding adaptability, trust, and a shared vision for success.
Mis/Disinformation: The Skew of Information and Its Impacts on You
In their latest Signal article, Mis/Disinformation: The Skew of Information and Its Impacts on You, Hannah Becker and Maj. Trisha E. Wyman, USA (Ret.), explore the far-reaching consequences of false information in today’s hyperconnected world. They examine how mis/disinformation extends beyond politics, influencing individual decision-making, organizational security, and even national stability. Drawing on historical and modern examples—from Benjamin Franklin’s wartime tactics to AI-generated deepfake scams—they highlight the evolving nature of information warfare. Becker and Wyman emphasize how emotional manipulation and cognitive biases make people susceptible to false narratives, often without realizing it. To counter this growing cyber threat, they advocate for digital literacy, critical thinking, and verifying sources before accepting information as truth. Their insights serve as a timely reminder that safeguarding the integrity of information requires vigilance and deliberate decision-making.
Awaken the Cyberwarrior in You
Cyberwarfare isn’t just about hacking infrastructure—it’s a battle for our minds. Misinformation and disinformation are powerful weapons used to manipulate perceptions, sow division, and destabilize societies. These digital attacks exploit cognitive biases, fears, and emotions, making truth harder to discern. To defend against this, we must awaken our inner cyberwarrior by building digital literacy, strengthening critical thinking, and cultivating cognitive resilience. In today’s information battlefield, awareness and vigilance are our best defenses.
AFCEA Resources for Navigating Misinformation and Disinformation
Navigating the Information Age is no small feat, especially with the ever-growing volume of data and the challenges posed by foreign influence and mis/disinformation. We’re grateful to AFCEA International for spotlighting our research and work in tackling these complex issues! From the insightful "Disruptive By Design" podcast series to the "Digital Chatter" white paper and webinar, AFCEA's Resource Hub offers valuable tools for staying informed and resilient in today’s interconnected world. Explore these free resources and take your digital literacy to the next level!
Antisemitism in the 21st Century: A Story from the Front Lines
Hannah Becker’s latest article on the Independent Women’s Forum, Antisemitism in the 21st Century: A Story from the Front Lines, exposes the growing threat of antisemitism in today’s society. She highlights how a lack of awareness, accountability, and decisive action has allowed this hatred to persist. Becker’s powerful perspective calls for strong leadership and a firm stance against antisemitism to protect freedom and uphold American values.
Lessons Learned from the Rodeo Arena
The rodeo arena isn’t just about grit and glory—it’s a proving ground for life’s toughest lessons. From mastering skills over shortcuts to breaking the mold and thinking outside the box, the lessons I learned riding rodeo have shaped my career in profound ways. Whether in the saddle or the workplace, success comes to those who persevere, innovate, and dare to do things differently.
POLITICO Playbook
Hannah Becker’s expertise in defense and national security has caught the attention of Politico, where she was recently highlighted as a Defense Fellow. Known for her innovative and mission-driven approach, Hannah’s recognition underscores her dedication to tackling complex challenges in the defense sector.
“Disinformation—The Influence of Foreign Actors” Podcast
SIGNAL Media's Disruptive by Design Podcast: Disinformation—The Influence of Foreign Actors - Part 2 of 3 sessions. In this episode, we examine the distinction between misinformation and disinformation, focusing on how intent shapes the impact of false information. The discussion highlights how foreign nation-states exploit digital pathways to spread disinformation, influencing democratic societies and threatening national security. Tune in as experts Hannah Becker, Welton Chang, and host Kimberly Underwood provide insights into how these tactics work, why they are effective, and what individuals and organizations can do to better navigate and counter these threats.
Top 5 Cyberwarfare Threats for 2025
Cyberwarfare is the new frontier of conflict, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. As we move into 2025, it’s clear that the lines between defense and offense are blurring. To protect our future, we must adapt—not just to the threats we face but to the opportunities we have to innovate and lead. The lessons of the past wars remind us that preparation and expertise are everything. Let’s make sure we’re ready—not just to defend the ball, but to take the shot when it matters most.
Entrepreneurship: I Did It “My Way”
Entrepreneurship is a tough, rewarding journey. For me, it wasn’t a dream—it was survival. After the war, no one would hire me or my veteran spouse, so we started a business with no capital, no connections, and no guarantees. The first years were grueling, filled with failures and hard lessons. But I stuck to my values, learned government contracting from scratch, and did things my way. Now, the company no one believed in holds multi-year contracts, with big firms seeking our partnership. It’s not easy, but forging your own path can lead to incredible rewards. Are you ready?
“Going Beyond Fake News: Disinformation & Misinformation” Podcast
SIGNAL Media's Disruptive by Design Podcast: Going Beyond Fake News: Disinformation & Misinformation - Part 1 of 3 sessions. In this episode, we learn more about the rapidly evolving cyber threats related to misinformation and disinformation, and how artificial intelligence, deep fake technology and machine learning have the potential to greatly expand the capabilities and reach of the phenomenon. Tune in as experts suggest how best to counter and not fall victim to these emerging threats.
Finding Meaning in Life After War
At a Gold Star Memorial in my hometown, I reflect on what we’ve lost to the war—and how to honor his memory and the future he will never see. It’s a solemn reminder that, despite the weight of our pain, we are called to respond with responsibility, courage, and a commitment to one another. Twenty years of war, thousands of lives lost, and a chaotic withdrawal beg the question: where do we go from here?