Advice
The Current Landscape of Cybercrime: From Threats to Defense
Cyber experts dive deep on the current trends and risks and how to avoid falling victim to scams
Ep. 04
02.10.2025
Listen to a conversation with Chris Pierson, CEO of BlackCloak and Neil Rekhi, Cyber Product Manager at Hartford Steam Boiler, hosted by PURE President, Dave Logan.
In this episode, we discuss current trends and risks in the cybersecurity space, including the implications of AI and how individuals can avoid falling prey to scams and other cybercrimes.
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Chapter One: Artificial Intelligence
AI is transforming cybercrime, making attacks faster, smarter and harder to detect. From deepfakes to data breaches, cybercriminals are using AI to outpace security measures. In this chapter, we break down the latest threats and what you need to know to stay protected.
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Chapter Two: Hackers
Hackers are more sophisticated than ever, using targeted attacks and social engineering to bypass security. High-net-worth individuals are prime targets, but anyone can fall for these scams. This chapter explores how cybercriminals exploit psychology and what makes their tactics so effective.
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Chapter Three: High-Profile Stories
Even smart, successful people like Mark Cuban and financial journalist Charlotte Cowles have fallen for social engineering scams. Cybercriminals use spoofed numbers, fake authority and psychological pressure to manipulate victims. Awareness and discussion are key to prevention.
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Chapter Four: Social Media
This chapter covers the importance of using two-factor authentication, adjusting privacy settings and being cautious about sharing personal info online—especially regarding cryptocurrency—to reduce cyber risks.
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Chapter Five: Cyberbullying
This chapter discusses cyberbullying, highlighting how important it is for parents to stay informed about the apps and platforms their children use and have open conversations about online harassment.
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Chapter Six: Coverages
In this chapter, we compare personal cyber insurance—which covers broader risks like scams—with financial institutions' focus on account-related fraud. Chris discusses BlackCloak's preventive services and the growing integration of physical and cyber security for added peace of mind.
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Chapter Seven: Advice
Chris and Neil break down key cybersecurity steps everyone should take—like enabling multi-factor authentication and securing your SIM card—to protect your personal and financial information from cybercriminals.
The Guests
Chris Pierson
CEO & Founder, BlackCloak
Dr. Chris Pierson is the Founder & CEO of BlackCloak and has served in various cybersecurity and privacy leadership roles over the past 25 years. During this time, he saw firsthand the emerging gap between enterprise security teams and the need to protect corporate executives, high-profile and high-net-worth individuals and their families from financial fraud, cybercrime, hacking, reputational damage, privacy exposure and identity theft. Chris’s search to find solutions to reduce risk to this burgeoning threat led him to launch BlackCloak where he brought to market the first Digital Executive Protection Platform.
Prior to BlackCloak, Chris served for over a decade on the Department of Homeland Security’s Privacy Committee and Cybersecurity Subcommittee and is a Distinguished Fellow of the Ponemon Institute. He has held leadership roles as the Chief Privacy Officer for Royal Bank of Scotland, the world’s third largest bank, leading its U.S privacy and data protection program. He is frequently quoted by prominent trade and mainstream media such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Forbes. Chris received his BA and MA from Boston College and his PhD and JD from the University of Iowa.
Dr. Chris Pierson is the Founder & CEO of BlackCloak and has served in various cybersecurity and privacy leadership roles over the past 25 years. During this time, he saw firsthand the emerging gap between enterprise security teams and the need to protect corporate executives, high-profile and high-net-worth individuals and their families from financial fraud, cybercrime, hacking, reputational damage, privacy exposure and identity theft. Chris’s search to find solutions to reduce risk to this burgeoning threat led him to launch BlackCloak where he brought to market the first Digital Executive Protection Platform.
Prior to BlackCloak, Chris served for over a decade on the Department of Homeland Security’s Privacy Committee and Cybersecurity Subcommittee and is a Distinguished Fellow of the Ponemon Institute. He has held leadership roles as the Chief Privacy Officer for Royal Bank of Scotland, the world’s third largest bank, leading its U.S privacy and data protection program. He is frequently quoted by prominent trade and mainstream media such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Forbes. Chris received his BA and MA from Boston College and his PhD and JD from the University of Iowa.
Neil Rekhi
Cyber Product Manager, Hartford Steam Boiler
Neil Rekhi is the personal cyber insurance product lead in HSB’s Portfolio Risk Solutions (PRS) Division, a leading provider of commercial and personal cyber insurance products. He is focused on building and managing valuable insurance coverages and services for individuals and families. Neil has a passion for cyber security, and he previously founded an education initiative called “Find Me Cyber,” where he helped promote best practices on cyber security hygiene and tools/services for individuals and small business owners.
Neil maintains his entrepreneurial spirit both inside and outside of HSB. Prior to joining HSB, Neil worked at The Hartford, Verisk Analytics and Premium Intel. His roles included business technology consulting, competitive intelligence, customer strategy & engagement and product development/innovation. Neil holds a CPCU, and a bachelor of arts degree in molecular biology from Colgate University and an MBA from University of Rochester – Simon School.
Neil Rekhi is the personal cyber insurance product lead in HSB’s Portfolio Risk Solutions (PRS) Division, a leading provider of commercial and personal cyber insurance products. He is focused on building and managing valuable insurance coverages and services for individuals and families. Neil has a passion for cyber security, and he previously founded an education initiative called “Find Me Cyber,” where he helped promote best practices on cyber security hygiene and tools/services for individuals and small business owners.
Neil maintains his entrepreneurial spirit both inside and outside of HSB. Prior to joining HSB, Neil worked at The Hartford, Verisk Analytics and Premium Intel. His roles included business technology consulting, competitive intelligence, customer strategy & engagement and product development/innovation. Neil holds a CPCU, and a bachelor of arts degree in molecular biology from Colgate University and an MBA from University of Rochester – Simon School.
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