Hacker Valley Studio

How does a scorching July day in a van with no air conditioning lead to a career at one of the world’s top cybersecurity companies? In this episode, Cole Lisko shares his journey from landscaping to becoming the Cortex Team Manager at Palo Alto Networks.  Joined by his bestie Cole, Ron weaves the conversation through their history of friendship with laughs and lessons learned along the way. Discussing career pivots, unexpected opportunities, and the impact of mentorship, this conversation offers relatable motivation and a candid look at the power of meaningful connections.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Introduction 03:00 - Cole’s first exposure to cybersecurity 06:30 - Pivotal moment: a call for mentorship 11:40 - Breaking into cleared work 18:30 - Lessons learned at Booz Allen 22:00 - The art of work-life compartmentalization 27:45 - Leadership insights from landscaping days 32:50 - What’s next for Cole at Palo Alto Networks Links: Connect with our guest, Cole Lisko: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewlisko/   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

What happens when cutting-edge AI meets the art of deception? In this episode, Iain Jackson, Academy Hive Leader at CovertSwarm, takes us through the uncanny potential and risks of synthetic voices and AI in cybersecurity.  Together, Ron and Iain discuss how adversaries are using AI to bypass human intuition. From synthetic voice calls to automating phishing attacks at scale, this episode explores how hackers leverage technology using these tactics and what you can do to stay one step ahead.    Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Introduction 01:56 - Iain shares his journey with AI 03:29 - Demonstrating voice cloning in real-time 06:31 - Risks of automated synthetic voice attacks 09:46 - Impact of AI on social engineering tactics 11:00 - Importance of "vibe checks" in cybersecurity 15:17 - Real-world phishing and HR scam example 20:00 - Uncanny Valley: Defense against AI deception 23:37 - The future of AI in adversary emulation   Links: Connect with our guest, Iain Jackson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-j-98578a238/ Learn more about CovertSwarm here: https://covertswarm.com/   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

What happens when cybersecurity puts people first? Julie Haney, Human-Centered Cybersecurity Program Lead at NIST, shares how designing security with humans at the center leads to greater adoption, reduced frustration, and stronger protection. In this episode, Julie discusses how to improve user adoption by simplifying complex security processes, why empathy is a game-changer for effective security, and strategies for empowering people to feel confident and secure online. This conversation will inspire you to rethink how we protect people in the digital age and shares a fresh perspective on making cybersecurity work for all. Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Introduction 07:15 - Breaking down barriers in user design 15:40 - Why empathy matters in cybersecurity solutions 21:05 - Challenges in bridging tech and humanity 28:30 - Designing systems with people, not just for them 35:10 - Practical steps to empower users in security 42:45 - Final reflections on human-centered innovation   Links: Connect with our guest, Julie Haney here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-haney-037449119 Check out NIST’s Online Community of Interest here: https://csrc.nist.gov/Projects/human-centered-cybersecurity/hcc-coi Learn more about Human-Centered Cybersecurity on NIST’s website here: https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/human-centered-cybersecurity   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Do you deserve to be hacked? With that bold tagline, CovertSwarm is pushing leaders to rethink how they test and defend their systems, and in this episode, they’re sharing firsthand how organizations can prepare for adversaries in the wild. Recorded at Black Hat 2024, Ron is joined by Ilan Fehler, US Sales Lead at CovertSwarm, and Dahvid Schloss, Hive Leader at CovertSwarm to explore the world of adversary emulation. From physical breaches to API exploits, this conversation covers the human, digital, and physical elements of cybersecurity. Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Introduction 01:25 - You Deserve To Be Hacked 03:05 - Emulating criminal behavior: The hive structure 07:55 - Social engineering tactics that really work 20:16 - Physical breaches: Pentesting in action 24:09 - Past the firewall: Second- and third-layer testing 29:14 - Digital exploits and real-world vulnerabilities 35:24 - Why organizations hesitate to invest in red teams 37:33 - Building muscle memory for security   Links: Connect with our guests, Ilan Fehler https://www.linkedin.com/in/fehler/ and Dahvid Schloss https://www.linkedin.com/in/dahvidschloss/ Learn more about CovertSwarm here: https://covertswarm.com/   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Cybersecurity is evolving fast, and AI is at the center. Roy Halevi, Co-Founder and CTO of Intezer, explains how AI automates SOC operations, improving speed and accuracy while freeing up teams to focus on critical threats. In this conversation with host Ron Eddings, Roy explains how AI automates critical tasks like alert investigation and response, reducing noise and improving accuracy. Roy shares insights on overcoming challenges in adopting AI, the future of SOC roles, and how organizations can optimize their defenses using AI driven tools.   Impactful Moments 00:00 – Intro and the AI revolution in cybersecurity 01:16 – Meet Roy Halevi, Co-Founder and CTO of Intezer 03:00 – The story behind the name ‘Intezer’ 06:14 – Key challenges facing today’s SOC teams 15:04 – Top use cases for AI in the SOC 21:27 – How Intezer automates alert triage and response 37:32 – Future predictions for SOC and cybersecurity roles 48:23 – Closing thoughts and call to action   Links: Connect with our guest, Roy Halevi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royhalevi Learn more about Intezer here: https://intezer.com   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Can you truly protect what you can't see? Wes Wright, Chief Healthcare Officer at Ordr, joins Ron to share how organizations can shine a light on their network and asset blind spots and take control of their digital assets. In this episode, Ron and Wes discuss the importance of asset visibility in cybersecurity, outlining the potential of CAASM (Cyber Asset and Attack Surface Management) and how it empowers teams to expose hidden vulnerabilities, streamline operations, and stay ahead of security threats, vulnerabilities, and exposures.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Introduction 01:35 - Asset visibility and blind spots 03:47 - What keeps CTOs and CISOs up at night 08:45 - Bridging IT and OT: CAASM explained 12:10 - Real-world use cases for CAASM 18:37 - The power of automated asset management 25:00 - Why continuous inventory is a game-changer 35:59 - Wes’s advice for getting started with Ordr Links: Connect with our guest, Wes Wright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4kidwes/ Learn more about Ordr here: https://ordr.net/   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

How do you create waves of change in an industry? Connie Matthews, Founder and CEO of ReynCon, speaks with Ron about the power of resilience, mentorship, and taking that first bold step in cybersecurity. In this powerful episode, Connie shares her path as a pioneering woman in cybersecurity. Discussing diversity, mentorship, and her nonprofit EmpoW-ER, Connie’s shared lessons and insights on resilience and community give listeners a blueprint for making a meaningful impact in their careers.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 – Introduction 04:27 – Mentorship impact: Building future leaders 10:14 – Embracing diversity and servant leadership 18:03 – Founding EmpoW-ER: Supporting women in cyber 24:13 – Navigating stereotypes and staying resilient 30:00 – Recognizing and celebrating young talent 36:45 – Building an inclusive cybersecurity community   Links: Connect with our guest, Connie Matthews: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniematthews/ Learn more about EmpoW-ER: https://www.empower-infosec.org/   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/  

Is cybersecurity gatekeeping holding back the industry? Naomi Buckwalter, Senior Director of Product Security at Contrast Security and Founder of the Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation, argues that fresh talent and open doors are crucial for industry growth. In this episode, Naomi challenges why industry hiring norms fall short, shares candid stories of her own missteps, and explains why humility and learning are just as important as technical skills in cybersecurity.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 – Introduction 03:15 – Building a genuine presence on LinkedIn 07:40 – Founding the Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation 12:00 – Why hiring juniors is a win for cybersecurity 17:58 – Relationship building in cybersecurity 25:27 – Lessons from layoffs and overcoming failure 35:45 – Setting goals and attracting opportunities Links: Connect with our guest, Naomi Buckwalter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-buckwalter/ Learn more about the Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation: https://www.cybersecuritygatebreakers.org/   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

In a world filled with AI-generated deceptions, how do we discern what’s real? Ron sits down with Perry Carpenter, author of FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions, to discuss the risks and the potential of synthetic media and human risk management. Whether you’re worried about deepfakes or curious about AI’s role in creativity, this episode has something for everyone. Impactful Moments: 00:00 – Intro 00:49 – Synthetic voices surprise in mastermind 01:42 – Perry’s new book FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions 03:42 – Psychology's role in cybersecurity 06:07 – Human risk management explained 09:14 – Deepfakes in fraud and scams 15:13 – Demo of deepfake voices 20:22 – Using cakes to explain large language models  27:00 – AI helps overcome creative blocks 32:00 – Managing AI hallucinations and risks Connect with our guest, Perry Carpenter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrycarpenter Purchase a copy of Perry’s book FAIK here: https://www.amazon.com/FAIK-Practical-Disinformation-AI-Generated-Deceptions/dp/1394299885 Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

How does one become a true security leader? According to Nathan Case, it’s not about titles—it’s about impact.  In this episode, Nathan Case, VP of Cloud Security at Clarity, shares his journey through security leadership, including stories from his time at AWS and his approach to building mission-driven teams. Nathan discusses balancing family with leadership, the future of AI in cybersecurity, and what it takes to become a real leader in the security space. He also reflects on the importance of being chosen as a leader, rather than striving for the title.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 – Introduction 02:31 – Journey from AWS to Clarity 04:00 – Cyber Dominance 05:55 – Leading Through M&A 07:00 – Redefining the CISO Role 11:00 – Shared Security Responsibility 15:15 – Balancing Mission and Family 20:00 – AI in Security 28:30 – Leadership in Incident Response 32:00 – Woodworking and Perfectionism 35:00 – Leaders Are Chosen Links: Connect with our guest, Nathan Case: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathancase/ Check out Nathan and Ross Haleliuk's blog on Security Incident Response here: https://ventureinsecurity.net/p/a-different-take-on-security-incident Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

How can AI shape the future of cybersecurity defense? In this episode, we dive into SOC operations, AI integration, and the latest in threat detection with John Hubbard, Cyber Defense Curriculum Lead at SANS. John discusses the expansive landscape of cybersecurity defense, while sharing insights on AI's role in threat detection and the cutting-edge tools that are pushing the boundaries of cybersecurity. From automation to detecting anomalies in network traffic, this episode will bring you up to speed on the latest trends and challenges facing cyber defense teams. Impactful Moments: 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Meet John Hubbard: Cyber Defense Curriculum Lead at SANS 02:30 – Overview of the SANS Cyber Defense Curriculum 03:30 – The Role of AI in Cybersecurity 05:30 – How AI is Shaping Threat Detection in SOCs 09:00 – Automation and AI: Practical Use Cases 15:00 – AI in Network Traffic Analysis 19:00 – The Future of SOC Operations with AI   Links: Connect with our guest, John Hubbard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlhubbard/ Check out the SANS Cybersecurity Courses & Certifications: https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Have you ever lost something important, only to find out someone moved it without telling you? The same thing happens with our personal and business data. But what if you could see what the adversary sees?  In this episode, Jason Haddix, Field CISO at Flare, shares his experiences in red teaming, accessing dark web credentials, and protecting against malicious actors. Whether you're curious about data exposure or how threat actors operate, this conversation offers insights into the constant changes in cybersecurity.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Introduction 01:11 - The Basics of the Dark Web and How Criminals Operate 07:16 - Flare's Role in Cybersecurity 11:14 - Common Security Mistakes 20:04 - Pen Testing with Flare 21:33 - Exploiting Exposed Credentials 22:19 - Reconnaissance Tools and Techniques 24:38 - Email Security Concerns 28:43 - The Power of Stealer Logs 38:21 - Dark Web Tactics and AI 39:33 - Advice for Cybersecurity Leaders 42:04 - Exploring Flare’s Platform for Threat Intelligence 44:26 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links: Connect with our guest, Jason Haddix: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhaddix/ Check out Flare here: https://try.flare.io/hacker-valley-media/ Check out Arcanum here: https://www.arcanum-sec.com/   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

In this episode, Ron Eddings and Jen Langdon speak with Senthil Ramakrishnan, Assistant Vice President of Cybersecurity Product at AT&T Business. Senthil shares information about how a new product, AT&T Dynamic Defense™, helps protect customers by providing threat detection and mitigation at the network edge. They’ll discuss how it can address evolving cybersecurity threats, including real-world examples like the Log4j vulnerability, and how its simplicity allows for a zero-touch experience.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 01:01 - Introducing guest, Senthil Ramakrishnan 04:01 - Security at the Network Edge 05:57 - Fitting in With Businesses 08:00 - “Can You Just Block It For Us?” 10:05 - Stopping Log4j 11:18 - Default Enabled Policy 15:57 - How Involved is the Customer? 16:40 - Simplifying Security for Customers   Links: Connect with our guest Senthil Ramakrishnan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/senthil-ramakrishnan-66406b30/ Check out AT&T Dynamic Defense™: https://www.business.att.com/products/att-dynamic-defense.html Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Check out our upcoming events: hackervalley.com/livestreams

Technical skills open doors, but are soft skills sealing the deal? In this episode, Evgeniy Kharam reveals how communication and connection lead to success in technical sales.    From vulnerability to voice control, Evgeniy shares how to connect with clients and sell more effectively in tech.   Evgeniy Kharam has authored “Architecting Success: The Art of Soft Skills and Technical Sales”, to teach the art of soft skills, and the importance of building connections through vulnerability.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Introduction 01:08 - Meet Evgeniy Kharam  02:21 - Ski & Snowboard Cybersecurity Conference 06:22 - Impact of Events and Community Building 10:19 - ‘Architecting Success’ 10:36 - Sales Engineers’ Evolving Role 25:58 - POCs and Soft Skills 28:01 - Your Voice: A Key Soft Skill 31:28 - Connect with Evgeniy   Links: Connect with our guest, Evgeniy Kharam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekharam/ Check out Evgeniy’s Book, “Architecting Success: The Art of Soft Skills in Technical Sales: Connect to Sell More“ here: https://a.co/d/0xJSyew Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/  

Ever wondered how the best defenders become unstoppable? They think like the attackers. In this episode with Jason Haddix, we reveal the strategies hackers don’t want you to know about and show you how to use them to your advantage. Jason, CEO of Arcanum Information Security and Field CISO at Flare, helps us step into the mind of a hacker. With stories and insights that will change how you think about cybersecurity, he talks about the tactics that can turn any security program into a fortress. From exploiting the overlooked to using AI for unbeatable defense, this conversation will revolutionize your approach to cybersecurity.   00:00 Introduction 01:29 Jason Haddix, CEO at Arcanum and Field CISO for Flare 04:48 Origins of Arcanum 07:04 Recon in Cybersecurity 12:22 Recon Discoveries 27:41 Flare's Role in Credential Management 33:47 Tooling for Small Businesses 35:47 Using AI for Cybersecurity 41:23 Flare Platform Deep Dive 43:20 Conclusion   Links: Connect with our guest, Jason Haddix: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhaddix/ Check out Flare here: https://try.flare.io/hacker-valley-media/ Check out Arcanum here: https://www.arcanum-sec.com/ Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Joe South is a testament to resilience, unconventional decisions, and finding success in unexpected places. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut or on the verge of giving up, Joe’s experience might be the jolt you need to keep pushing forward. Joe, Principal Security Engineer and host of the “Security Unfiltered” podcast, shares his journey into cybersecurity and battling depression after being rejected more than 300 times when applying for security roles. Joe shares advice on breaking into cybersecurity, dealing with rejection, the importance of mentorship, and staying persistent.   00:00 Introduction 01:00 Joe South, Principal Security Engineer and Host of the Security Unfiltered podcast 02:34 Early Career Struggles and Breakthrough 03:59 The Turning Point: From Help Desk to Cybersecurity 06:44 Rejection and Finding Success 11:17 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals 16:19 The Importance of Continuous Learning in Cybersecurity 18:10 Join the Hacker Valley Creative Mastermind! 19:10 Securing AI Models: Challenges and Strategies 20:10 The Importance of Communication in Security 21:22 Experience and Career Advancement 21:52 Rethinking Success: The Value of Being Number Two 23:57 Pressure and Rewards of Being a CISO 26:16 The Benefits of Podcasting and Content Creation 32:28 Balancing Personal and Public Information 35:27 Overcoming Adversity and Putting Yourself Out There 38:01 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Content Creators Links: Connect with our guest, Joe South: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-south/ Check out the Security Unfiltered podcast here: https://securityunfiltered.com   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/  

At Black Hat 2024, we sat down with Kayla Williams, Chief Information Security Officer at Devo, to discuss her career journey, the role of AI in cybersecurity, and the pervasive issue of burnout among SOC analysts. Through her research with Wakefield Research, Kayla and her team discovered that 83% of IT professionals are burnt out due to stress, lack of sleep, and anxiety. IT and Security burnout leads to breaches. For the past 4 years, Devo has been hosting SOC Analyst Appreciation Day, a virtual event where they shower SOC analysts with the love, appreciation and recognition that they deserve.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Introduction 01:25 - Kayla Williams, Chief Information Security Officer at Devo 01:38 - How Kayla Became a CISO 03:06 - Challenges and Rewards 04:23 - Burnout in Cybersecurity 04:31 - 83% of IT professionals are Burnt Out 09:38 - How AI Fits into the SOC 09:59 - Key Use Cases for AI in Cybersecurity 15:07 - Insider Threat and Employees Stealing Company Data 18:14 - Non-Traditional Paths into Cybersecurity 21:00 - Future of Cybersecurity and AI 22:31 - Advice for Aspiring CISOs   Links: Connect with our guest, Kayla Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylamwilliams1/ Check out Devo: https://www.devo.com/ Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

In this episode, Ron sits down at Black Hat with guest Seemant Sehgal, Founder & CEO of BreachLock, to learn more about how offensive security, such as red teaming and pen testing, fits into the cyber ecosystem. Seemant highlights how his background as a practitioner has helped him better understand the pain points that customers feel and assist them in making the most of their budget. Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 00:50 - Introducing Guest, Seemant Sehgal 02:47 - Penetration Testing vs Red Teaming 05:22 - What A Hacker Wants 06:17 - From our Sponsor, BreachLock 07:35 - There’s Always A ‘Low Hanging Fruit’ 08:49 - Trusted Partners 10:49 - Closing Doors On Hackers 13:08 - Advice to Entrepreneurs: Knowing Your ‘Why’   Links: Connect with our guest, Seemant Sehgal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-sehgal/ Check out BreachLock: https://www.breachlock.com/   Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

In this episode, Host Ron Eddings catches up with one of his colleagues, Whitney Palacios, Vice President and CISO at BigBear.ai. They explore the challenges and responsibilities of being a CISO and Whitney addresses key cybersecurity issues such as the importance of balancing security with innovation, especially in the context of AI. Whitney offers sage insight into Security Operations Centers (SOCs), the need for diversity in tech leadership roles and closes out with helpful advice for rising CISOs.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 01:26 - Introducing guest, Whitney Palacios 04:03 - What Is A CISO? What Do You Do? 06:19 - SOC or No SOC? 08:40 - CISO Role & Risk/Accountability 11:12 - “One of A Few CISOs” 12:00 - Join Our Mastermind! 15:21 - AI: Allowing Innovation 18:27 - AI Use Cases 20:30 - One Step Better…   Links: Connect with our guest, Whitney Palacios : https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneypalacios/ Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Check out our upcoming events: hackervalley.com/livestreams Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

In this episode, Host Ron Eddings catches up with longtime friend, Tanya Janca, Head of Education and Community at SemGrep and author of 'Alice and Bob Learn Application Security.' Tanya shares her experiences from working in the Canadian government to joining Microsoft and eventually founding WeHackPurple. Tanya talks about her new role at SemGrep, where she focuses on making application security education accessible, and the importance of building supportive communities in the tech industry. Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 01:20 - Introducing guest, Tanya Janca 03:09 - “IDK How to Make SemGrep Rules…” 0707 - Finding Shadow IT & Embezzlers 11:27 - Join Our Mastermind 12:09 - Becoming an AppSec Professional 15:22 - Elections CISO 18:00 - Speaking at Conferences 21:15 - Microsoft Calls Me One Day… 23:21 - Parting Ways; But Still Friends 24:30 - “Can You Train Our Devs?” 27:50 - Fairness Is Important 32:27 - Put Yourself Out There!   Links: Connect with our guest, Tanya Janca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-janca/ Check out SemGrep Academy: https://academy.semgrep.dev/ We Hack Purple Podcast: https://wehackpurple.buzzsprout.com/ Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Check out our upcoming events: hackervalley.com/livestreams Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/