Passing the Baton: Dark Reading Names New Editor-in-Chief

Fahmida Y Rashid will keep the momentum going as she leads Dark Reading.

Dark Reading has been a cornerstone of cybersecurity journalism for 20 years, emphasizing deep technical coverage and insights for security professionals charged with defending their organizations. During that time, we have had three editors-in-chief, all who have been with the publication since its inception. Today, I take the helm as Dark Reading’s new editor-in-chief. Following in their footsteps is both an honor and a responsibility I don’t take likely.

I first discovered Dark Reading back in 2007 when I was working for sister publication CRN (both Dark Reading and CRN were owned by CMP Media at the time). I was researching everything I could get my hands on about honeynets and came across Kelly Jackson Higgins’s story on darknets. From that very first article, I was a loyal reader. Many of our readers have shared similar stories about how one story hooked them and kept them coming back for more.

I started writing for Dark Reading in 2012 and saw firsthand what continues to set it apart from competitors: its laser focus on the people within the cybersecurity community. The researchers who spend sleepless nights hunting vulnerabilities. The CISOs who navigate impossible risk calculations with limited resources. The incident responders who stand between chaos and catastrophe. The executives who sift through all the information coming at them from their IT and security teams, regulators, lawyers, and, yes, media to understand what it really means for their organization.

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the current Dark Reading team — Tara Seals, Becky Bracken, Rob Wright, Alex Culafi, Arielle Waldman, and Kristina Beek — over the past few years. I can tell you that their creativity, dedication, and journalistic integrity run deep. Not only are they talented journalists, but they are also passionate about cutting through jargon and bringing clarity in an industry that needs less hype and confusion. Our contributing writers are trusted names in the industry. They’ve been covering cybersecurity for decades and share our commitment to getting the details right.

As I step into the editor-in-chief role, I want to acknowledge that leadership is not a solo endeavor. Tara Seals, Dark Reading’s current managing editor of news, will be my partner in guiding Dark Reading’s editorial vision and operations. I’m grateful to have her sharp instincts as we move forward together. Here is what you can expect from Dark Reading under our collaboration:

• Continued excellence in reporting: We will maintain our reputation as a trusted chronicler of the cybersecurity industry, delivering the deep analyses, breaking news, and human stories that you already expect from us.

• Expanded perspectives: The threat landscape is evolving faster than ever, with AI-driven attacks, geopolitical cyber warfare, and supply chain vulnerabilities reshaping our industry. Cybersecurity permeates everything, and we will provide relevant context across industry sectors and job functions. Our coverage will be both comprehensive and accessible.

• We are a community first: Dark Reading has always been more than a news site. Whether through our worldwide focus via Dark Reading Global, candid podcast conversations on Dark Reading Confidential, features and human-interest profiles on The Edge, or in-depth discussions at our in-person and virtual events, we will continue creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and connection.

• Innovation and growth: While honoring our legacy, we will also push boundaries, experiment with new formats, and find fresh ways to serve your evolving needs as security professionals and decision-makers.

To Kelly Jackson Higgins: Thank you for your extraordinary brand stewardship. You have built a truly remarkable product and environment. Your dedication, vision, and unwavering focus on the cybersecurity community and the Dark Reading team are unmatched. You have been a mentor to me, and I am committed to honoring your legacy as I write the next chapter alongside this incredible team.

To our readers: Thank you for your trust, engagement, and loyalty. Dark Reading exists because of you—the practitioners, innovators, skeptics, and believers who make this industry what it is. My metaphorical door is open. I am listening. Keep sharing your insights. Challenge our assumptions. Hold us accountable.

Any by all means, keep reading!