Tarah Wheeler, a cybersecurity leader with an unconventional background, has taken the industry by storm. As Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at TPO Group, Wheeler’s journey into cybersecurity was far from intentional – it was more like being “hit over the head” with a baseball bat and dragged into the arena.
Wheeler’s passion lies in social science and writing, which she sees as essential to understanding human behavior in complex systems. She has leveraged this expertise to excel in various roles within the cybersecurity industry, from red teaming to compliance policy. Her love for social science has allowed her to observe how people behave when they think no one is watching, and then collecting data on it – a unique perspective that sets her apart.
Wheeler’s background in social science has influenced her approach to cybersecurity. She sees the field as an arena where interpersonal relationships are crucial, whether it’s friend versus foe, collaboration, international relations, or leadership. Her experience working in various security functions, including red teaming and SecOps, has given her a broad understanding of the industry.
One of Wheeler’s most notable achievements is her testimony before the US Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs during a hearing on The Cyber Safety Review Board in 2024. This moment marked a significant milestone in her career, demonstrating her expertise and influence in shaping cybersecurity policy.
Wheeler’s hands-on experience in multiple security functions has been instrumental in reaching her current level of leadership. She emphasizes that knowledge from previous roles builds over time, allowing her to think creatively about how people can exploit compliance policies – making her an expert in this area.
As a CISO at TPO Group and previously at Red Queen Technologies, Wheeler’s focus on social science remains unwavering. Her work has taken her back to the subject of conflict with China, Russia, and North Korea, but now with a cybersecurity lens. This unique blend of expertise has earned her recognition within the industry.
Wheeler’s involvement in various organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), demonstrates her commitment to advancing cybersecurity and its intersection with social science. Her enthusiasm for having fun is evident in her policy papers, such as “Walk and chew gum…” – a tongue-in-cheek approach that showcases her ability to balance complexity with humor.
As we take away valuable lessons from Wheeler’s journey, it becomes clear that combining technical expertise with social science can lead to innovative approaches in cybersecurity. Her example highlights the importance of fostering diverse perspectives within the industry and encourages professionals to explore unconventional paths. Ultimately, Wheeler’s story serves as a reminder that cybersecurity is not just about technology – but also about understanding human behavior and its impact on complex systems.
Practical takeaway: Embracing interdisciplinary approaches and combining technical expertise with social science can lead to innovative solutions in cybersecurity. As you navigate your own career journey, consider exploring unconventional paths and seeking out diverse perspectives – it may just lead to a deeper understanding of the industry and a more effective approach to addressing its challenges.
Source: SecurityWeek — 2026-07-07