Shawnee Delaney: A Leading Authority on Cybersecurity, Insider Threats, and Counterintelligence
Shawnee Delaney is a distinguished leader in the fields of cybersecurity, insider threat management, and counterintelligence. With a background rooted in intelligence operations and a career spanning multiple high-profile roles, she has become a recognized expert in managing risks that threaten both corporate and national security. As the CEO of Vaillance Group, a firm specializing in insider threat solutions, and a frequent keynote speaker, Delaney continues to influence the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, advising both private and public sector organizations on protecting against sophisticated threats.
Early Career and Intelligence Experience
Shawnee Delaney’s career began in the intelligence community, where she dedicated nearly a decade to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). During her tenure, she served in several critical roles, including Clandestine Services Officer, where she led Human Intelligence (HUMINT) operations globally. These assignments took her to some of the most volatile regions in the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan, where she completed four combat tours.
Her experience in counterintelligence operations, surveillance, and cybersecurity laid the foundation for her future success in the private sector. As a Supervisory Branch Chief in Europe, Delaney developed an expertise in understanding the operational threats that stemmed from espionage and insider threats. Her deep involvement in national security and the direct experience she gained in global intelligence operations positioned her as an authority in risk management.
Transition to Cybersecurity and Counterterrorism
After her time with the DIA, Delaney’s career took a pivotal turn when she transitioned to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There, she played a crucial role in protecting the U.S. critical infrastructure, focusing on industrial control systems and working with various public and private organizations to safeguard sensitive information and prevent cyber threats. Delaney was involved with the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT), where she helped develop strategies for mitigating cyber vulnerabilities in critical sectors like energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing.
This transition from traditional intelligence to the cybersecurity realm allowed Delaney to broaden her expertise in the fast-growing area of cybersecurity risk management. It also underscored her ability to adapt her intelligence background to the needs of modern cybersecurity challenges.
Founding Vaillance Group: A Hub for Insider Threat Solutions
In April 2019, Delaney founded Vaillance Group, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations protect themselves from insider threats. As the CEO, Delaney leveraged her extensive knowledge in intelligence, cybersecurity, and human risk management to build a company that provides comprehensive services in insider threat program development, human risk assessments, and cybersecurity training.
Vaillance Group works with Fortune 500 companies across various sectors, including energy, pharmaceuticals, and technology, to help them navigate the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Delaney’s team at Vaillance Group addresses the rising number of insider threats—from employee fraud to intellectual property theft and data exfiltration—offering training and awareness programs designed to prevent, detect, and respond to these risks.
Delaney’s leadership in the company has also extended to advising startups and even nation-states on how to quickly resolve complex insider threat cases and implement effective training to address security vulnerabilities. Her work has been instrumental in developing robust programs that assist organizations in managing trade secret protection and crisis management, ensuring that businesses are equipped to handle sensitive situations when they arise.
Insider Threat Program Development at Uber
Before founding Vaillance Group, Delaney had a pivotal role at Uber Technologies, where she served as the Senior Manager of the Global Insider Threat Program. In this capacity, Delaney oversaw Uber’s efforts to manage internal risks, working to safeguard the company’s proprietary data, trade secrets, and internal security systems.
Under Delaney’s leadership, the program tackled some of Uber’s most pressing security challenges. These included complex investigations involving internal data access abuse, fraud, platform abuse, and counterintelligence concerns. She developed innovative strategies to address insider risks, which resulted in saving the company millions of dollars during her tenure.
One of Delaney’s notable achievements was her role in process improvement, where she authored process reviews that significantly enhanced Uber’s ability to mitigate risks. Additionally, Delaney created and led an employee education and awareness program, ensuring that Uber’s global workforce understood the importance of security and was equipped to recognize and report potential threats.
Education and Thought Leadership
Shawnee Delaney is not only a practitioner but also a thought leader in the fields of cybersecurity, insider threat management, and counterintelligence. She is frequently featured in major media outlets, such as Fox Business, The Financial Times, and The Cipher Brief, where she shares her expertise on pressing issues in national security, cybersecurity, and insider threats.
As an advocate for comprehensive risk management, Delaney speaks regularly at conferences and corporate events, providing valuable insights into the growing importance of protecting intellectual property, corporate data, and national infrastructure from insider threats. Her experience in both the public and private sectors gives her a unique perspective that she applies to educate audiences on mitigating risks associated with cyber espionage and internal breaches.
Delaney holds several advanced degrees, including a Master’s in International Policy Studies with a focus on Counter Terrorism and Counter Proliferation, as well as a Master’s in Cybersecurity. She is also pursuing a third Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology to further expand her understanding of human behavior within organizations and its impact on security practices.
A Legacy of Leadership and Expertise
Shawnee Delaney’s career stands as a testament to the growing need for expert guidance in cybersecurity and insider threat management. Her leadership at Vaillance Group and her past roles with the DHS, Uber, and the DIA showcase her ability to navigate complex security landscapes and develop actionable solutions to protect organizations from evolving threats.
As a keynote speaker, Delaney continues to influence and educate the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, corporate leaders, and policymakers. Her contributions to cybersecurity, intelligence operations, and insider threat prevention are shaping the way businesses think about and respond to the risks posed by insiders, making her one of the most respected figures in the field.
In the face of a rapidly changing technological landscape, Shawnee Delaney remains at the forefront of efforts to protect against cybersecurity threats, ensuring that both private and public sector organizations can effectively manage their security risks and maintain resilience in an increasingly digital world.
