Paul Kurtz

Paul is a seasoned leader with extensive experience addressing some of the most pressing national security challenges, including counter-terrorism, non-proliferation of weapons, protection of critical infrastructure, and cybersecurity. His career spans government, non-profits, and the private sector, where he has held roles such as Special Assistant to the President on the National Security Council, managing partner for a consulting firm's overseas operations, and co-founder of a venture-funded cybersecurity company.

Career highlights include serving on the ground as a weapons inspector in Iraq and North Korea, acting as Political Advisor in Northern Iraq, coordinating the immediate response to the September 11 attacks, and planning a national cyber defense program. Paul also turned a groundbreaking idea to automate cyber intelligence management into a successful venture that Splunk ultimately acquired.

Currently, Paul serves as Chief Cybersecurity Advisor & Field CTO at Splunk, a Cisco company. In this role, he advises organizations on cybersecurity strategies and innovation, leveraging his vast experience in both leadership and technology.

CISO Circle 2 Min Read

What Science Fiction Can Teach Us About Cybersecurity Realities

With artificial intelligence being the topic of de jour, AI can be the trigger to accelerate automated information sharing, creating a non-zero sum paradigm where all participants benefit.

Security 1 Min Read

AI: Keep Your Feet on the Ground

Splunk is excited about AI, but we're keeping our boots on the ground as we partner with customers to leverage AI to improve efficiency while continuing the essentials via Splunk’s platform.

CISO Circle 2 Min Read

Governments Stress Test Digital Resilience — Companies Should, Too

Paul Kurtz, chief cybersecurity advisor, discusses why enterprises should take inspiration from the public sector and conduct digital resilience exercises.

Security 2 Min Read

Making Sense of the New SEC Cybersecurity Rules and What They Could Mean for Your Company

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) July 26 approval of new cybersecurity 'incident' disclosure rules is top of mind for every public company, and understanding what it means and how companies will be held accountable is crucial.

Security 4 Min Read

The Lessons Learned in Cybersecurity 25 Years Ago Are Still Applicable to AI Today

Splunk's Paul Kurtz explores what we can learn from past events as AI accelerates the future.

Security 10 Min Read

Addressing CISOs AI Anxieties Through Resilience

Splunk's Paul Kurtz explores how CISOs’ jobs will become more complex as they address AI-driven attacks, automated vulnerability exploitation, battle data poisoning, or deep fakes that make current phishing tactics look quaint.