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!
The Weaponization of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence has transformed how we live, work, and defend ourselves — but it’s also being turned into a weapon. From AI-powered cyberattacks that outsmart human defenders to deepfakes that erode public trust and autonomous weapons capable of lethal decisions without human oversight, the age of weaponized AI has arrived. As innovation races ahead of regulation, the world faces an urgent question: how do we control a technology that can learn to deceive, destroy, and decide who lives or dies?
The Great Disconnect: Rebuilding Community in a Digital Age
or years, social media felt like a lifeline—helping me stay connected during military moves, build a business from scratch, and maintain friendships across time zones. But somewhere along the way, that connection turned hollow. The same platforms that once fostered community have become digital battlegrounds of misinformation, outrage, and isolation. After years researching the weaponization of social media, I’ve come to see this technology not as a bridge but as a barrier—an experiment that exposed what we truly crave: real human connection. As the digital Tower of Babel crumbles, we’re left with an opportunity—and a responsibility—to rebuild community offline, grounded in authenticity, empathy, and shared purpose.
SIGNAL Magazine - “Service Members and Veterans Face a New Cyber-Meets-Cognitive Battlefield”
Hannah Becker’s latest article in SIGNAL Magazine, examines how U.S. service members and veterans are increasingly targeted in a new cyber-meets-cognitive battlefield. The piece highlights how foreign adversaries such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea exploit veterans’ trusted voices to spread disinformation, recruit unwitting participants, and deepen social divisions. Becker warns that manipulated narratives shared by veterans can ripple across American society, amplifying adversary influence at home. She underscores the urgent need for digital literacy, source verification, and stronger community awareness to counter these tactics. Ultimately, the article calls on veterans, policymakers, and citizens alike to recognize the threat of cognitive warfare and take proactive steps to safeguard America’s most trusted messengers.
The War, The War…Which War?
The women I grew up around never had to explain what they meant when they said “the war.” Whether it was World War II, Vietnam, Desert Storm, or Bosnia, everyone at my grandmother’s kitchen table already knew. Their shorthand was born of loss, resilience, and a bond forged by sacrifice. Years later, I swore my life would be different—that I’d never marry a soldier, never find myself living in the shadow of conflict. But after 9/11, fate proved me wrong. Now, like the women before me, I speak of life “before the war” and “after the war.” The memories, anniversaries, and grief remain part of daily life—reminders not just of what was lost, but of what could have been.
The Jellyfish Effect: Why Cyber Intelligence Matters Against Emerging Threats
Emerging cyber threats can be as deceptive as jellyfish in the ocean—fascinating at first glance, but painful if not recognized in time. As technology evolves, new “jellyfish” surface in the digital realm, from AI-driven malware to complex, multi-point attacks. Cyber intelligence offers a way to detect these threats early, providing real-time insights that strengthen defenses and guide smarter risk management. Yet, the challenge remains: balancing powerful intelligence tools with privacy, ethics, and public trust.
Digital Natives: A New Generation of Warfighters
Meet Generation Z - the digital native warfighters! Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z service members bring fresh perspectives shaped by events like COVID-19, rising cyber threats, and evolving global conflicts. As true digital natives, they present both challenges and opportunities for military leaders adapting to social media’s influence on communication, recruitment, and readiness.
How Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT) Collection Impacts the Public
Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT) has become a powerful tool for governments, businesses, and organizations to gather insights from the endless stream of online data. While this practice can support public safety, crisis response, and even healthcare research, it also raises pressing concerns about privacy, trust, and surveillance. Studies show that awareness of monitoring often alters behavior—leading to self-censorship, anxiety, and reduced trust in institutions. Recent controversies, from Instagram’s real-time location tracking feature to proposed U.S. military monitoring of cadets, highlight the tension between security objectives and individual freedoms. Ultimately, SOCMINT’s impact extends far beyond data collection—it shapes how people perceive safety, community, and the organizations that hold power in their lives.
Where AI Stops and We Begin
AI is everywhere—writing resumes, changing warfare, even reshaping how doctors interact with patients. Some of these tools save time and streamline work, but others leave us frustrated, disconnected, or questioning whether convenience is worth the cost. As technology blurs the line between human and machine, we have to ask: where does AI stop, and where do we begin? True creativity, empathy, and authenticity can’t be replicated by algorithms, no matter how advanced they become. The danger is letting automation erode the messy, beautiful, human qualities that make life meaningful. The future won’t be determined by another software update—it will be shaped by our willingness to protect what should never be outsourced.
Finding Connection in the Dead Zone
In today’s digitally-driven world, stepping into the “Dead Zone” provided something increasingly difficult to attain - a chance at a real connection. Technology has done a lot of good and a lot of bad for humankind. Navigating the uncharted wilderness of cyberspace requires us to revitalize our ability to connect, engage, and impact the physical world. Check out my field notes from a recent trek in the wilderness.
Behind the Mic: Lessons Learned From 20 Episodes of Tipping Spears
Back in January, I was coming off a tough year and craving a project that reconnected me with the work I love—cyber, defense, and national security. A mentor suggested I start a podcast, and without overthinking it, Tipping Spears was born. Twenty episodes later, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with some of the most inspiring and forward-thinking leaders in the field. From warfighters and intelligence scholars to policy experts and nonprofit execs, each guest has challenged the way I think. This podcast isn’t just about information—it’s about sharpening perspective. If you're looking for real conversations about the future of our world, this one's for you.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: What Does Technology Say About Us All?
Explore how technology reflects—not causes—many of our societal challenges. This article examines the human behaviors behind digital tools, the ethical cost of distraction, and why real solutions require connection, responsibility, and values—not automation.
Tech That Truly Terrifies Me
As a cyber professional and educator, I usually approach emerging technology with cautious optimism. But even with all the benefits tech has brought into my life, there are some developments that truly keep me up at night. From brain-computer interfaces to AI that could surpass human intelligence, we’re entering a new era where the line between innovation and existential risk is razor-thin. In this post, I share five emerging technologies that terrify me—not because I fear progress, but because I fear what happens if we don’t proceed with responsibility and restraint.
Don’t Let the Noise Distract You from Riding
Rodeo taught me how to focus under pressure—how to block out the chaos, trust my training, and ride with purpose. Whether you're in the arena or the boardroom, the distractions are real, and the stakes are high. In this post, I share hard-earned lessons on staying grounded, seeking honest feedback, and riding toward what truly matters. Because in the end, success isn’t about the noise around you—it’s about the grit to keep going through it.
Adversarial Manipulation, Social Media, and the War for Your Mind
Foreign adversaries are waging war on the American mind through cyberspace—no bullets, just manipulation. From viral TikToks to false narratives, hostile nations exploit our digital spaces to erode trust, sow division, and weaken democracy. Most people don’t even realize they’re targets. It’s time to wake up, push back, and defend against the cognitive warfare happening right in our pockets.
Cryptology, Garden Parties, and Unconventional Trailblazers
At a charming garden party, a chance encounter with a framed letter honoring Agnes Driscoll—one of the most influential cryptologists of WWII—unveils a story of remarkable contributions hidden in plain sight. Known for her groundbreaking work in codebreaking, Driscoll’s legacy as a Navy cryptologist and cyber pioneer is a testament to the often-overlooked self-censorship of unconventional trailblazers in defense.
Episode 65 - Lt. Gen. (Ret.) S. Clinton Hinote, PhD: Forging Leaders for A Complex Future
From the Mississippi Delta to the highest levels of the U.S. Air Force, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) S. Clinton Hinote, PhD, shares the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. In this episode of Tipping Spears, we discuss why career success is rarely a linear path, the importance of faith, relationships, and strong values, and how leaders successfully transition from technical experts to leading people. Clint also offers practical insights on adaptability, resilience, and preparing the next generation of leaders to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Episode 64 - COL Shawn Daniel, USA (Ret): Combat, Leadership, and Finding Purpose After Service
What happens when the mission ends? In this episode of Tipping Spears, I sit down with Colonel Shawn Daniel (Ret.), USA, a West Point graduate, Ranger Hall of Fame inductee, and veteran of eight combat deployments across Afghanistan and Iraq. Drawing on more than two decades of Army service, Shawn shares hard-earned leadership lessons from commanding soldiers in combat, building high-performing teams under extreme pressure, and leading with trust, accountability, and purpose. We also discuss the difficult transition from military service to civilian life, the importance of identity after retirement, and why veteran suicide remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the military community. Today, as Executive Director of Darby's Warrior Support, Shawn continues to serve by helping Special Operations veterans reconnect, heal, and find renewed purpose beyond the battlefield.
Episode 63 - CSM Michael T. Hall: Discipline, Leadership, and a Life of Service
What does it take to build one of the most disciplined and effective fighting forces in the world? In this episode, I sit down with Command Sergeant Major Michael T. Hall (Ret.), USA, the only soldier in history to serve as the senior enlisted advisor for the 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. We discuss the origins of the Ranger Regiment's "Big Four" training standards, lessons learned from decades of special operations leadership, serving alongside General Stanley McChrystal, and what it means to lead in the most demanding environments imaginable. CSM Hall also reflects on his recall to active duty during the height of the Afghanistan War and his continued commitment to supporting veterans through the Three Rangers Foundation.
Episode 62 - Jennifer Barnhill: Author of “The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear”
Jennifer Barnhill, award-winning journalist, researcher, and military spouse advocate, joins “Tipping Spears” for a powerful conversation about the stories of military families that often go unheard. As the host of “Military Dinner Table Conversations” and a leading voice in military family policy, Jennifer shares how journalism became her platform for advocacy and change. She discusses the gap between military policy and the lived realities of families navigating service, sacrifice, and uncertainty. Jennifer also reflects on how her reporting has influenced conversations on Capitol Hill, in the media, and across the military community. Drawing from her personal experiences and years of research, she challenges listeners to rethink what they know about military life. This conversation also explores the themes behind her bestselling book!
Episode 61 - General Joseph Votel: High-Stakes Decisions, Evolving Threats, and Building Resilient Organizations
General Joseph Votel, former CENTCOM Commander, reflects on nearly 40 years of military leadership—from leading a 79-nation coalition against ISIS to redefining leadership in today’s complex battlespace. He breaks down the shift from command and control to command and feedback, and what it takes to lead with clarity, trust, and discipline under pressure.