Mani MasoodI could have never imagined that I would ever be writing an article on my website about UFOs and their impact on CISO, let alone watch live Congressional hearings debating the subject. Yet here we are, in an era where “UFOs” have morphed into a new acronym “UAPs” (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena), and the topic is no longer confined to conspiracy theorists or late-night TV.
What once felt absurd is now being examined with the utmost seriousness in the halls of the U.S. Congress.
My perspective on how UFOs impact CISO
But why does this matter? Beyond the headlines and whistle-blower testimonies lies a much larger question: if even a fraction of the claims about UAPs are true, what does that mean for technology, science, and humanity as a whole? The implications stretch from the exciting to the downright unnerving, touching on everything from quantum computing to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
The Normalization of a Taboo Topic
For decades, UFOs were a cultural punchline, their existence dismissed with explanations involving weather balloons or optical illusions. Yet, over the last few years, the conversation has shifted dramatically. Whistle-blowers, scientists, and retired military personnel are coming forward with detailed accounts of encounters with UAPs. These incidents involve technologies that seemingly defy physics as we understand it—objects that move at impossible speeds, change direction without inertia, and vanish without a trace.
The U.S. government has also become less shy about discussing the subject. In July 2022, the Pentagon established the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) to standardize the reporting and analysis of UAP sightings. This initiative followed years of growing public interest, bolstered by videos like the Navy’s “Go Fast” clip, showing an object traveling at hypersonic speeds without visible propulsion systems.
During a recent Congressional hearing titled “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Exposing the Truth,” experts testified about what these phenomena might mean. Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet spoke about witnessing an email containing footage of a UAP, which mysteriously disappeared from his account the next day. Similarly, Luis Elizondo, former head of the Pentagon’s Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), stated unequivocally, “Let me be clear: UAPs are real.”
If It’s True, the Implications Are Staggering
Let’s pause for a moment to consider the “what if.” If these phenomena are indeed the result of advanced non-human intelligence—whether extraterrestrial or some unknown terrestrial source—the implications for humanity’s technological future are profound.
Imagine what it would mean for fields like quantum computing. Many UAP sightings describe objects moving in ways that suggest mastery over gravity or energy manipulation. If such capabilities are real, they could unlock breakthroughs in computing that render today’s most advanced processors obsolete. Quantum entanglement, a concept still in its infancy, might become scalable in ways we can’t currently fathom.
Artificial intelligence could also see monumental advances. Former NASA Associate Administrator Michael Gold, who testified during the hearings, stressed the need for AI to analyze UAP data effectively. He suggested that machine learning algorithms could sift through vast archives of unexplained phenomena, possibly uncovering patterns we’ve missed. This isn’t just about understanding UAPs; it’s about rethinking the limits of what AI can achieve.
And, of course, there’s cybersecurity. If UAP technologies are truly advanced, they may already be capable of bypassing traditional detection methods. Imagine entities—human or otherwise—able to infiltrate critical infrastructure without leaving a trace. It’s a chilling thought and one that underscores how vulnerable we remain even to terrestrial threats.
Curiosity vs. Fear: What Drives Us Forward
One of the most remarkable aspects of this moment isn’t just the potential revelations about UAPs. It’s the fact that we, as a society, are finally willing to have this conversation. Congressional hearings are no longer met with derision but with genuine curiosity. NASA, the Pentagon, and private organizations are pooling resources to study phenomena that once carried a stigma.
What’s driving this shift? In part, it’s a recognition that progress depends on our willingness to confront the unknown. As Michael Gold eloquently put it during his testimony, “The truth is out there; we just need to be bold enough and brave enough to face it.”
It’s essential, however, that our exploration of these questions be guided by scientific curiosity rather than fear. Fear can cloud judgment and stifle innovation, while curiosity opens doors. If we approach UAPs with the same mindset that led to the moon landing or the invention of the internet, the potential rewards are limitless.
The Technological Frontier Awaits
At its core, the UAP conversation is about more than flying objects or alien speculation. It’s about humanity’s willingness to ask bold questions and imagine a future where the impossible becomes possible. Whether UAPs lead to groundbreaking discoveries in computing, AI, or energy, the act of exploring these mysteries is a step forward for science and innovation.
We’ve barely figured out how to protect ourselves from terrestrial cybersecurity threats, yet we might one day have to worry about extraterrestrial ones. Zero Trust—a framework that assumes no entity is trustworthy until verified—has become the gold standard in cybersecurity. But what happens when the entities in question aren’t even human?
It’s not entirely a joke. CISOs and cybersecurity professionals may soon find themselves at the forefront of defending against threats that exist far beyond their current playbook. For now, it’s enough to recognize how far we have to go in securing ourselves from even the vulnerabilities we already understand.
So, how do UFOs impact CISO? and do we need extraterrestrial cybersecurity? Not yet. But the fact that we’re even asking these questions signals how far we’ve come as a society. The future belongs to the curious, and if we keep our focus on discovery rather than fear, there’s no limit to what we might achieve.
Like the my perspective on how UFOs impact CISO
If you like this story you should check out some of the other stories in the Management section
You can also find more of my Cybersecurity writings here in the Cybersecurity section
I am thinking of adding a full UFO section on my website, in the meantime you can learn more about the hearing here and on Wikipedia.
Mani
