The defense industry operates in a high-stakes environment where protecting sensitive technologies, intellectual property, and mission-critical systems is essential. These CISOs lead strategic cybersecurity initiatives across global operations, ensuring compliance, resilience, and operational integrity. By integrating security into business and technology decisions, they safeguard national security assets, enable innovation, and provide the tactical advantage necessary in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
Michael Clothier — Sector Chief Information Security Officer, Aeronautics Systems, Northrop Grumman
Michael Clothier drives cybersecurity strategy across Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems sector, ensuring the protection of critical aerospace and defense technologies. He aligns security frameworks with business objectives, mitigates risks, and strengthens compliance in a highly regulated environment. Michael leads sector-wide initiatives in threat intelligence, incident response, and operational resilience, fostering innovation while safeguarding sensitive data. He builds and mentors high-performing teams to deliver secure, mission-critical systems and enable technological advancements.
Stephane Lenco — CISO, Thales
Stephane Lenco brings over 20 years of aerospace and defense cybersecurity expertise to Thales. A former Airbus CISO, he specializes in raising cybersecurity maturity, transforming culture, and integrating security into business strategy. Stephane serves on ENISA advisory groups and ASD commissions, promoting European cybersecurity standards. He leads international programs in security governance, risk management, and operational security, ensuring Thales’ aerospace operations remain resilient and compliant while supporting innovation in the defense sector.
Michael Higgins — VP of Information Security & CISO, L3Harris Technologies
Michael Higgins combines technical acumen with executive leadership at L3Harris Technologies, managing multimillion-dollar government proposals and presenting cyber risk to boards. He drives cyber architecture, organizational development, STEM diversity hiring, and network operations, delivering enterprise-wide security solutions. Michael ensures that L3Harris’ defense technologies and systems remain secure, compliant, and resilient in the face of evolving threats, fostering a culture of operational excellence and innovation.
Ernie Magnotti — CISO, Leonardo DRS
Ernie Magnotti has led Leonardo DRS’ cybersecurity program for over a decade, architecting a layered defense-in-depth strategy. He ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC standards, streamlines supplier cyber risk management, and aligns IT security with business objectives. Ernie’s leadership strengthens Leonardo DRS’ operational resilience, secures critical defense systems, and integrates proactive threat detection across domestic and international operations.
Robert Biggers — CISO & Senior Director of IT Operations, Elbit Systems of America
Robert Biggers brings 20+ years of experience in cybersecurity and operational management to Elbit Systems of America. He applies strategic analysis and risk assessment to protect mission-critical defense technologies. Robert leads teams in balancing operational, financial, personnel, and regulatory constraints while implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks. His efforts ensure operational continuity, safeguard sensitive programs, and strengthen the company’s defense posture.
Protectors of National Security
Defense CISOs secure critical technologies, operational systems, and intellectual property essential to national security. These leaders integrate security into strategic decision-making, foster operational resilience, and manage evolving threats across global defense operations. By blending technical excellence with executive strategy, they safeguard missions, innovation, and the integrity of defense infrastructure.