CyberWire Daily CyberWire Daily at 10: From an idea to the airwaves. [Special Edition]
Mar 22, 2026
Peter Kilpe, CEO of N2K and co-founder of The CyberWire, recounts the show’s rise from a newsletter to a media-and-education company. Hear stories about the original five-minute prototype, early audience traction and sponsorship, the team’s production standards and editorial integrity, and how growth led to acquisitions and expanding into certification prep and educational offerings.
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Newsletter To Five Minute Prototype Podcast
- The CyberWire began as an internal cybersecurity newsletter spun out for public readership after repeated encouragement from outsiders.
- Peter Kilpe described growing the newsletter (2012–2013) into a worldwide product before Dave proposed a five-minute podcast prototype in 2015.
Daily Truth Builds Trust
- Trust is built by daily, straightforward reporting without sensationalism.
- Peter Kilpe said the team avoided FUD, delivered reliable coverage through crises, and became trusted by public and private leaders.
Early Milestones And An NSA Thank You
- Early download milestones signalled product-market fit, e.g., crossing 3,000 then 10,000 daily downloads.
- Dave remembered checking numbers from a hotel room at a conference and later receiving NSA challenge coins in mail.