The real edge in cybersecurity isn’t found in new tools, it’s built through timeless fundamentals and a mindset that never stops learning.

In this episode, Ron sits down with Rich Greene, Senior Solutions Engineer and Instructor at SANS Institute, to uncover how true cyber value starts with skills, curiosity, and mindset. Rich shares his remarkable story of surviving a battlefield injury, retraining his brain, and how that journey shaped his approach to mastering cybersecurity. Together, they connect real-world lessons like the recent Discord breach to the core truth that even advanced systems depend on people who master the basics.

Impactful Moments

00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - Discord breach and third-party risk

05:00 - Meet Rich Greene from SANS

06:00 - The power of mastering fundamentals

07:00 - Learning how to learn

08:30 - Rich’s story of rebuilding his memory

11:00 - Forcing the brain to grow stronger

12:00 - Top skills that get you paid

14:00 - Skills that lead to fulfillment

16:00 - Fundamentals that fuel long-term success

17:00 - The OSI model decoded

20:00 - Why operating systems matter

21:00 - Security operations fundamentals

23:00 - Why cloud is the #1 must-learn skill

25:00 - Final advice: sharpen your fundamentals

Links

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