Speakers To Watch At Black Hat MEA 2025: iHeartMedia’s Trina Ford

The who's who of the global cybersecurity landscape is coming together in Saudi Arabia for the fourth edition of Black Hat MEA, running from December 2-4, 2025 in Riyadh, and one of them is Trina Ford, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of "America's #1 audio company," iHeart Media. 

As a CISO with over two decades of experience designing and implementing enterprise-wide security, risk, and compliance programs for Fortune 500 companies globally, Ford held leadership positions with companies like AECOM and AEG before joining iHeart Media, the American media and entertainment company specializing in radio broadcasting, digital streaming, and live events.

According to Ford, one of the most common misconceptions about cybersecurity is that it is exclusively the domain of IT professionals—from her perspective, it's a business essential. "When treated as central and core to the business rather than an afterthought, security becomes an enabler, and protection is integrated into the company's operations,” she explains. Ford also points out that while it is commonly assumed that CISOs hold the same level of authority as other C-suite executives, “in reality, CISOs are often accountable for enterprise-wide security risks, but most lack the ‘seat at the table’ to influence or enforce the security decisions they are judged on.” 

Ford also notes that the cybersecurity landscape is currently in a state of flux, with some of the most significant trends reshaping the industry being artificial intelligence (AI)-driven threats, the rapidly expanding digital attack surface, and growing third-party reliance and vulnerabilities. She adds that, as AI evolves, it is enabling more adversarial tactics, including “sophisticated phishing, automating attack techniques, data poisoning, etc., which pose significant risks to companies globally. Like most sectors, the media and entertainment industry is not immune to these issues.” 

Zooming in on the MENA region, she tells us that Saudi Arabia is indeed a compelling hub for cybersecurity innovation today, largely because it is quickly becoming known for recognizing the strategic importance of cybersecurity. “The country is also making significant investments, has established the National Security Authority, and is fostering a culture of security awareness," she adds. "This visibility and recognition position Saudi Arabia as a contender for leading the digital economy.” 

Ford will take to the stage at Black Hat MEA this year to deliver two talks, "From Imposter Syndrome to Impact: Thriving as a Woman in Cyber" and "Agents Unleashed. Can We Control What We’ve Created?" Through them, she will address what she describes as two "exciting and critical" themes: women thriving in cybersecurity, as well as the control of AI agents. “These topics are close to my heart and vital for the future success of companies everywhere," Ford says. "Women are indispensable in closing the talent gap in cybersecurity. When they see other women excelling, it encourages more to enter the field, which in turn leads to enhanced creativity and problem-solving capabilities—essential qualities as we navigate the AI surge.” 

Catch Ford at this year's edition of Black Hat MEA, the world’s largest gathering of cybersecurity professionals, taking place from 2-4 December, 2025, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham. Inc. Arabia is a Media Partner for Black Hat MEA; register to attend the event by clicking here.

Pictured in the lead image is Trina Ford, CISO, iHeartMedia. Image courtesy Trina Ford.