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!
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?
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Is it the Nuclear Warhead of the Digital Age?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been likened to nuclear weapons as a revolutionary technology with immense potential for both positive advancements and catastrophic harm. This comparison underscores the need to approach AI with caution, ethics, and regulation. Unlike nuclear weapons, AI is widely accessible, inexpensive to develop, and lacks robust global oversight, making it vulnerable to misuse. From cyberattacks and deepfake videos to autonomous weaponry and economic manipulation, AI's potential for harm is both insidious and far-reaching.
An Entrepreneur’s Odyssey: Bootstrapping a Small Business in Government Contracting
Bootstrapping a small business in government contracting is challenging, especially as a veteran-owned company with limited resources. Through perseverance and learning from failures, I’ve navigated the bureaucracy, built a solid foundation, and secured prime contracts. This blog shares key lessons learned, insights into the industry, and tips for those pursuing success in government contracting.
What Everyone Needs to Know About Cyberwarfare
Unfortunately, large-scale cyberwarfare is a likely reality of our connected future. It’s a downside to having the convenience of instant information and communication via the Internet. This is our soft underbelly - hyperconnectivity that’s permeated all aspects of our organizations, society, and lives. I wish the threats and realities of cyberwarfare were as far-fetched as my grandma’s paranoia regarding alien abduction; however, the connectivity we’ve all become accustomed to is enabling the evolution of a whole new battlefield - cyber.
Dividing a United Nation Through Weaponized Information
My Grandmama’s kitchen table was big - she kept three leaves in it year-round so it could seat over 20 people at a moment's notice. “Feeding folks” as she called it, was one of her deepest sources of joy. She was the human embodiment of the Crowded Table song by The Highwomen. From the time I stumbled out of my bedroom at 5 AM, to when I finally turned in for the night at 11 PM, there seemed to always be someone sitting and visiting at that mahogany masterpiece. She cooked “big” - always three to four times what was necessary for a meal - so there was always cold fried chicken, a cast iron skillet of biscuits, and an extra chocolate meringue pie or two ready to distribute to the neighbors, relatives, and random new friend she’d made when they plopped down at the table.
“'Digital Chatter' — The Growing Challenge of Mis/Disinformation” Webinar
In today's hyperconnected world, the evolving cyber threat posed by mis/disinformation is more urgent than ever. Join Hannah Becker and a panel of cyber experts for the "Digital Chatter" webinar, where they’ll delve into the growing challenge of misinformation amplified by technologies like AI and deep fakes. These tools are enabling enemy states and malicious actors to launch cognitive attacks that threaten community, organizational, and national security. In this session, experts from diverse sectors will discuss the latest strategies and solutions to combat this emerging "cyber-meets-cognitive" threat and protect against its damaging impact.
Episode 26 - Dr. Kyleanne Hunter - CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, I sit down with Dr. Kyleanne Hunter - CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). A former Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra attack pilot with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Dr. Hunter has dedicated her career to service, leadership, and advancing policies that strengthen the post-9/11 veteran community. In this episode, Dr. Hunter shares her personal journey of military service, the challenges and triumphs of advocacy, and her insights on the future of our veteran community. We discuss misconceptions about post-9/11 veterans, the top issues facing Global War on Terror veterans, and IAVA’s legislative priorities shaping policies.
Episode 25 - James Schmeling, J.D. - President and CEO of National Defense University Foundation
In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, I sit down with James Schmeling, President and CEO of the National Defense University Foundation and U.S. Air Force veteran. With more than 25 years of leadership in nonprofits and higher education, James shares his journey from military service to leading one of the nation’s premier defense education foundations. We discuss the mission and impact of the NDU Foundation, how philanthropy strengthens national security education, and the trends shaping today’s defense environment. James also offers insights on the transformative role of nonprofits in supporting veterans, the importance of cross-sector partnerships, and why he’s optimistic about the next generation of leaders.
Episode 24 - Dr. Ben Connable: Author of “Ground Combat”, Executive Director of Battle Research Group, and USMC Veteran
In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, I sit down with Ben Connable, PhD—Executive Director of the Battle Research Group, adjunct professor at Georgetown, retired U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer, and former RAND senior political scientist. Drawing on decades of experience in combat operations, strategy, and research, Ben unpacks lessons from his book Ground Combat: Puncturing the Myths of Modern War, the founding of the Battle Research Group, and the role of counter-UAS technologies on today’s battlefield. He shares candid insights on defense innovation, the importance of field research, and how future national security leaders can cultivate the critical thinking skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern warfare.
Episode 23 - Chip Bircher: Cybersecurity Leader, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Information Warfare Expert
In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, COL Chip Bircher, USA (Ret.)—Chief Technology Officer and Acting Head of Sales at SOFTwarfare®—joins me to discuss his journey from ROTC to 28 years of Army service and into the cybersecurity sector. As a former senior leader in strategic communication, information operations, and electronic warfare, Chip shares insights on the rise of cognitive warfare, lessons from commanding information campaigns in Afghanistan, and how technology is reshaping both national security and business. He also offers perspective on today’s most pressing cyber threats, emerging innovations, and the skills future leaders need to succeed in the evolving landscape of defense and cybersecurity.
Hannah Becker Featured in Forbes - “The Millennial Entrepreneur”
Hannah Becker was recently featured in Forbes in the article, “The Millennial Entrepreneur,” which explores the defining characteristics and challenges of millennial entrepreneurs. The piece addresses how this generation, often misunderstood as lazy or entitled, is carving a path defined by purpose, adaptability, and a desire for meaningful work. Millennials, shaped by a super-connected world, are leveraging digital tools and social media to create businesses that prioritize balance, passion, and social impact.
Episode 22 - Tanner Yackley: Drone Warfare Veteran, PhD Trauma Researcher, and Military Mental Health Advocate
In this gripping episode of Tipping Spears, Tanner Yackley—a former MQ-9 Reaper Sensor Operator turned mental health advocate—opens up about the invisible wounds of drone warfare. From flying combat missions in the Global War on Terror to pioneering trauma resources through his Remote Warrior initiative, Tanner shares his deeply personal and professionally informed insights on Complex PTSD, moral injury, and what we must do to support a generation of digital-era veterans.