Advertise on podcast: Breaking Into Cybersecurity

Discover how to break into cybersecurity by mastering foundational technologies like cryptography and scaling your career from engineer to CEO with Archit Lohokare. In this episode, we explore the mindset required to build secure enterprise systems from the ground up. - How building the RSA algorithm from scratch launched Archit's career. - The evolution of Identity and Access Management (IAM) in enterprise environments. - Transitioning from a founding full-stack engineer to a high-level leader. - Why curiosity is the most critical skill for modern security professionals. - Lessons on building secure, scalable systems in a fast-moving startup. Archit Lohokare is an experienced cybersecurity leader and current CEO with over 22 years of industry expertise. He began his journey as a founding engineer at Incentuate, where he developed deep technical proficiency in identity, access management, and hardware-level security. Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It's a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way. The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders. Check out our books: 📘 The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage 📘 Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level - https://amzn.to/3443AUI 📘 Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles - https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/ 📘 Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career - https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/ About the hosts: Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and encouraging more people to enter the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/ Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/ Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com 🌐 Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuri ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Intern to Founder | Justin Collins | Breaking Into Cyber Episode Summary In this episode, Justin Collins shares his unique journey from a PhD student in Computer Science to becoming a key figure in the application security space. Justin explains how a funding shortage led him to a life-changing internship at AT&T Interactive, where he combined his passion for compiler theory with cybersecurity to create the open-source tool Brakeman. We dive into how he balanced a full-time job while co-founding a startup and the importance of preparation when breaking into a new field. Key Takeaways - Preparation as a Differentiator: Justin secured his first security role simply by researching the specific topics (SQL injection and XSS) the interviewers mentioned beforehand—a step many other candidates neglected. - Applying Niche Skills to Security: Rather than starting from scratch, Justin leveraged his deep knowledge of programming languages and compilers to build a static analysis tool, proving that specialized non-security backgrounds are highly valuable. - The Power of Open Source: Developing and open-sourcing Brakeman during an internship served as a massive career catalyst, eventually leading to a business acquisition. - The "Side-Hustle" Startup Model: Justin highlights that successful startups don't always require VC funding or fancy offices; his company was built while the founders maintained their "real" jobs. - Negotiating Flexibility: Early in his career, Justin successfully negotiated a part-time security role, which allowed him to support his family while simultaneously building his own business. Resources Mentioned - Brakeman: The open-source static analysis security tool for Ruby on Rails created by Justin. - OWASP: Cited as a critical resource for learning about web vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS. - Ruby on Rails: The programming framework that served as the foundation for Justin’s early work. - Black Duck (formerly Synopsys): The company that eventually acquired Justin’s startup. About the Guest Justin Collins is a cybersecurity expert and the creator of Brakeman, a widely used static analysis tool for Ruby on Rails. With an extensive background in Computer Science and programming languages, Justin transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship, co-founding a boutique security firm that was later acquired by Synopsys. He is a specialist in application security and program analysis. Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com Check out our books: 📘 The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage 📘 Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level - https://amzn.to/3443AUI 📘 Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles - https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/ About the hosts: Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/ Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com 🌐 Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuri ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Stop leaving your organization exposed to threats—learn why none of your current email security tools are enough without the right strategy. Tal Kollender joins the show to discuss closing the critical gaps in enterprise communication. - Identify the most common vulnerabilities in modern email infrastructure. - Learn how to move beyond basic filtering to advanced threat mitigation. - Discover the role of security configuration in protecting email environments. - Understand the evolving tactics used by attackers to bypass traditional defenses. - Gain insights into building a specialized career in email and configuration security. 0:00 - Identifying Email Security Gaps with Tal Kollender 2:15 - Why Traditional Email Filters Often Fail 5:45 - Understanding the Advanced Threat Landscape 9:30 - Strategies for Securing Enterprise Communication 14:10 - Career Advice: Specializing in Security Niches 18:00 - Closing the Gaps: Future-Proofing Your Defense Tal Kollender is the CEO of Gytpol and a recognized expert in configuration security and enterprise defense. She is dedicated to helping organizations identify hidden vulnerabilities and strengthen their security posture against modern attacks. --- --- --- Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It's a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way. The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders. Check out our books: 📘 The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage 📘 Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level - https://amzn.to/3443AUI 📘 Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles - https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/ 📘 Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career - https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/ About the hosts: Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and encouraging more people to enter the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/ Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/ Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com 🌐 Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuri ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Description: Want to break into cybersecurity? Learn how Nikhil Agarwal moved from reverse engineering video games to leading AI security teams and automating complex infosec workflows. [bic-00003] In this episode, we explore: How childhood curiosity about software keys and "cheat codes" builds a foundation for red teaming. [bic-00004]The evolution from freelance bug hunting to professional penetration testing. [bic-00004]Nikhil reveals practical AI tools for automating security tasks in the cloud. [bic-XXXX1] [bic-00009]Demystifying AI-powered threat hunting: Practical steps and strategies. [bic-XXXX2] [bic-00009]Implementing AI for cloud security threat detection and automated incident response. [bic-00008]Timestamps: [bic-00004] 00:00 - Intro & Countdown 00:29 - Welcome Nikhil Agarwal 00:52 - Childhood curiosity and reverse engineering games 01:45 - Early freelance red teaming and the "pre-bug bounty" era Guest Bio: [bic-00004] Nikhil Agarwal is a cybersecurity expert specializing in AI security teams and the automation of complex security operations. He leverages a background in red teaming and penetration testing to bridge the gap between hands-on technical skills and modern AI-driven cloud security. Community Link | Subscribe on YouTube [bic-00007] ---🛡️ Navigating the Changing Threat Landscape & Keeping SMBs Safe:• Subscribe to the vCISO Brief on Substack: https://vciso.substack.com• Book a Free 30-Min Security Snapshot Call: https://calendarbridge.com/book/cpf-coaching/🔔 Subscribe & Follow the Ecosystem:• Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71• Breaking Into Cybersecurity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity• CPF Coaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPFCoaching• Website: https://breakingintocybersecurity.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, host Christophe sits down with Shan Kulkarni, a security leader focused on the intersection of AI, engineering, and human-centric security practices. They explore the massive shift currently happening in the industry as AI takes over traditional "knowledge work," forcing a move toward higher-level human intuition. Shan introduces the concept of **"Vibe Coding"** and discusses how outcome-driven requirements are changing the types of vulnerabilities we face. Key Discussion Points - The End of Knowledge Work? How AI is automating the repetitive analysis and coding tasks that used to define a career, and why intuition is the new premium skill. - AI in Security: Practical ways to use tools like Claude to automate leadership tasks and reclaim your time. - Vibe Coding & Security: What happens when software is generated based on "vibes" and outcomes rather than line-by-line coding? - Gamifying Vulnerability Fixes: Using scoreboards and competitive metrics to drive engineering engagement and faster remediation. - The Business Language of Security: Why translating technical risk into business value remains the biggest hurdle for security leaders. About the Guest Shan Kulkarni is a security leader and strategist known for innovative approaches to automation and gamification. He has a deep background in software engineering, which informs his outcome-driven approach to security. Resources Mentioned - Claude AI (Anthropic) - Vibe Coding (Modern development concept) Connect with Us - Breaking Into Cybersecurity YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity - Christophe Foulon on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/ ---🛡️ Navigating the Changing Threat Landscape & Keeping SMBs Safe:• Subscribe to the vCISO Brief on Substack: https://vciso.substack.com• Book a Free 30-Min Security Snapshot Call: https://calendarbridge.com/book/cpf-coaching/🔔 Subscribe & Follow the Ecosystem:• Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71• Breaking Into Cybersecurity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity• CPF Coaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPFCoaching• Website: https://breakingintocybersecurity.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

This episode features Jeremiah Baker discussing emerging cybersecurity threats, specifically how AI is being weaponized by cybercriminals. He highlights the use of AI to accelerate and automate scams, using a specific example of internal chat breaches leading to extortion. The conversation emphasizes the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the need to stay informed about new tactics. Key Takeaways AI is being used to automate and accelerate cyber scams: Criminals are using AI to rapidly sift through data and identify vulnerabilities.Ransomware-like extortion is on the rise: Threat actors are going beyond encrypting data and are now leveraging sensitive information for financial gain.Internal communication tools are a ripe target: Compromised admin accounts in internal chat platforms provide access to a wealth of sensitive data.Compromising conversations are being weaponized: AI can quickly analyze chat logs to identify conversations that can be used for blackmail.Financial extortion can target individual executives: Cybercriminals may directly target individuals with compromising information gathered from corporate systems. Our guest is an experienced cybersecurity professional focused on emerging threat vectors. They provide deep insights into how artificial intelligence is changing the game for both attackers and defenders. --- Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way. The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders. Check out our books: The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUI Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/ Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/ --- About the hosts: Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and encouraging more people to enter the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/ Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/ Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com

Unlock the ultimate guide to building a future-proof cybersecurity career and mastering the complex world of AI security! Join us for an exclusive interview with Ben Wilcox, CTO and CSO of ProArch, as he unveils his unparalleled insights forged over three decades in digital defense. This video is your essential roadmap to navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI security, securing enterprise AI, and understanding the critical challenges and opportunities in cyber defense. Whether you're looking to break into cybersecurity, advance your tech career, or are a seasoned IT veteran, Ben’s journey—from early internet hustles to a leadership role in cloud and application security—provides invaluable, practical guidance. Discover the foundational knowledge, crucial soft skills, and continuous learning strategies vital for anyone aspiring to a successful cybersecurity career. Ben highlights the immense value of professional certifications and the unique advantages gained through diverse experiences, especially within consultancies. Dive deep into what truly keeps Chief Security Officers (CSOs) awake at night, including the growing threat of identity-driven attacks and the rapidly emerging security challenges posed by sophisticated AI agents. We explore the critical importance of implementing zero-trust architectures and how advanced security tools are becoming indispensable to managing the expanding AI attack surface effectively. Ben offers actionable cybersecurity career advice for newcomers: embrace every learning opportunity, cultivate strong communication and people skills, and actively network within the industry. Tune in for expert insights on cybersecurity leadership, sustainable career growth, robust security best practices, and truly securing the future in an age of artificial intelligence. This comprehensive deep dive into AI security, strategic career development, and cutting-edge security strategies is an absolute must-watch for anyone interested in AI's profound impact on cyber defense and professional growth. Learn directly from an industry leader how to not only secure your own career but also contribute to securing our digital world against advanced threats. Don't miss out on mastering AI security concepts and advancing your cybersecurity career. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction: CTO Ben Wilcox & AI Security Career Map 13:00 Breaking Into Cyber Today: AI's Impact & Essential Skills 17:49 CSO Concerns: Identity Attacks, Passkeys & Agentic AI Risks 22:41 Enterprise AI Security: Zero Trust & Attack Surface Management 26:14 Career Growth Advice: Networking, Soft Skills & Future-Proofing Connect with Ben Wilcox on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wilcox/ Learn more about Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuri YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/ Check out our books: The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level - https://amzn.to/3443AUI Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence - https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/ Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career - https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/ About the Hosts: Renee Small, CEO of Cyber Human Capital: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/ Christophe Foulon, Cybersecurity Strategist: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/ Find out more about CPF-Coaching: https://www.cpf-coaching.com Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com

Dreaming of a high-demand, secure career that protects the digital world, but unsure where to start? This is your definitive guide to breaking into the thrilling field of cybersecurity, even with no prior experience! Industry expert Steve Regester reveals the exact roadmap you need to land your first cybersecurity job and build a resilient, rewarding future.In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is soaring. Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, making robust information security a critical concern for businesses worldwide. But how do you navigate this complex world and secure a lucrative role without an existing network or years of experience? Join us as Steve Regester, a seasoned veteran and renowned expert in the cybersecurity space, demystifies the entire process. He breaks down common barriers, offering actionable advice on everything from mastering foundational IT security skills to advanced strategies for career progression and how to get a cyber security job.This comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for anyone aspiring to build a successful career in IT security. Whether you're a recent graduate looking for a clear career path, considering a significant career change into tech, or simply curious about the world of ethical hacking and digital defense, this video is your ultimate blueprint. Steve shares his invaluable insights on the diverse roles within cybersecurity, the most sought-after industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ or the highly respected CISSP, and crucial strategies for effective networking that will open doors.Discover how to craft a compelling cybersecurity resume, ace those challenging technical interviews, and position yourself as an indispensable asset in the global fight against cybercrime. Steve emphasizes practical tips and real-world scenarios, ensuring you understand not just 'what' to learn, but 'how' to apply it. We'll explore entry-level cybersecurity jobs, discuss potential cyber security salary expectations, and provide a clear framework for continuous learning in a field that constantly evolves. This isn't just about landing a job; it's about building a robust, future-proof cybersecurity career that truly matters. Empower yourself with the knowledge and confidence to make your cybersecurity career aspirations a reality. Don't miss out on these expert strategies from Steve Regester for breaking into cyber and securing your future in tech. Ready to embark on your cybersecurity journey? Like this video, subscribe to our channel for more expert insights into tech careers and information security, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update on professional development! Share your questions and thoughts in the comments below – we love hearing from you! ---🛡️ Navigating the Changing Threat Landscape & Keeping SMBs Safe:• Subscribe to the vCISO Brief on Substack: https://vciso.substack.com• Book a Free 30-Min Security Snapshot Call: https://calendarbridge.com/book/cpf-coaching/🔔 Subscribe & Follow the Ecosystem:• Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71• Breaking Into Cybersecurity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity• CPF Coaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPFCoaching• Website: https://breakingintocybersecurity.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

🚀 ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE SILENT FAILURE OF AGENTIC AI? Agentic AI introduces a critical new risk for enterprise security: silent failures. Unlike traditional breaches, these occur when AI agents operate within their given permissions but subtly deviate from their intended purpose, creating stealthy, hard-to-detect vulnerabilities. _________________________________________________ 🛡️ MITIGATING ADVANCED AI RISKS To safeguard your digital future, you must move beyond traditional risk management. This discussion covers: • Defining Silent Failures: Understanding how AI agents deviate without triggering standard alarms. • The Power of Diverse Perspectives: Why non-traditional backgrounds in psychology and politics are essential for AI governance. • Real-Time Mitigation: An inside look at how Geordie AI's "Beam" system is engineered to detect and neutralize these advanced threats. _________________________________________________ 🎙️ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS Join hosts Renee Small and Christophe Foulon for a deep dive with Hanah-Marie Darley, co-founder of Geordie AI. Hanah-Marie leverages her background as a former US Government intelligence analyst to expose the unseen risks demanding immediate attention from CISOs. _________________________________________________ ⏳ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 AI's Silent Threat: Are CISOs Prepared for Agentic AI? 0:45 Meet Hanah-Marie Darley: From US Intelligence to AI Security Visionary 2:15 Uncovering 'Silent Failures' in Agentic AI: What Every CISO Needs to Know 14:15 Geordie AI's Beam System: Real-time AI Risk Mitigation Explained 26:15 Navigating Your Cybersecurity Career Path in the Age of AI _________________________________________________ 🔗 CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE • Newsletter: https://newsletter.breakingintocybersecurity.org • Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71 • Listen On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-into-cybersecurity/id1463136698 • Learn More: http://cpf-coaching.com _________________________________________________ 📚 FEATURED RESOURCES • Magnetic Hiring (Free Book): http://magnetichiring.com/book • The Cybersecurity Advantage: https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage • Hacker Inc. Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/ #Cybersecurity #CISO #AgenticAI #GenerativeAI #InfoSec #aistatus Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comThe Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.Check out our books:The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantageDevelop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUIHack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roleshttps://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/

What does a 25-year cybersecurity career actually look like — and what does the CISO role require today when AI, regulatory pressure, and economic uncertainty all collide at once?Daniel Ayala is the Founder and Managing Partner of Secratic, a fractional CISO and Chief Privacy Officer consultancy. He's served as CISO at ProQuest, Interim CISO at Michigan State University, and today advises multiple SMBs simultaneously on security strategy, AI risk, and data privacy.In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to step into a CISO role, how the fractional CISO model works as a career path, why insider threat programs need a serious update in the AI era, and what practitioners pivoting into security leadership actually need to know.---**⏱ TIMESTAMPS**- 00:00 — Intro- 02:00 — Daniel's background and the 25-year journey- 08:00 — How Secratic was born: the fractional CISO model- 14:00 — Serving multiple organizations simultaneously- 19:00 — AI risk: what CISOs actually need to be doing right now- 25:00 — Insider threat in the age of workforce disruption- 30:00 — Privacy engineering vs. compliance thinking- 35:00 — CMMC, SEC disclosure, and what they mean for practitioners- 40:00 — How to position yourself for a CISO or vCISO role- 44:00 — Mentorcore: formalizing mentorship in cybersecurity- 47:00 — Advice for career changers breaking into cyber---**🔗 CONNECT WITH DANIEL**- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielaayala/- Secratic: https://secratic.com- The Great Security Podcast: https://greatsecuritydebate.net- Mentorcore: https://mentorcore.biz- Blog: https://danielayala.com**📚 BOOKS FROM OUR HOSTS**- Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: https://amzn.to/3443AUI- Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/- Hacker Inc.: https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/- Magnetic Hiring (Renee): https://magnetichiring.com/book**🎤 BREAKING INTO CYBERSECURITY**Real conversations about pivoting into cyber — what you did before, how you got in, and how to keep growing.- 🌐 Website: https://breakingintocybersecurity.org- 📬 Newsletter: https://newsletter.breakingintocybersecurity.org- 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71- 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-into-cybersecurity/id1463136698- 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/#CyberSecurity #CISO #AIRisk #FractionalCISO #CareerChange #BreakingIntoCybersecurity #CyberLeadership #Privacy #InfoSec #CyberCareer ---🛡️ Navigating the Changing Threat Landscape & Keeping SMBs Safe:• Subscribe to the vCISO Brief on Substack: https://vciso.substack.com• Book a Free 30-Min Security Snapshot Call: https://calendarbridge.com/book/cpf-coaching/🔔 Subscribe & Follow the Ecosystem:• Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71• Breaking Into Cybersecurity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity• CPF Coaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPFCoaching• Website: https://breakingintocybersecurity.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Peter Swimm started at a library computer desk. He ended up as a product owner at Microsoft and founder of his own AI security consultancy. In this episode, Peter shares the real path — not the polished LinkedIn version. He talks about why working at startups changed how he thinks about learning, what it actually takes to balance security with user experience, and why conversational AI is opening a security attack surface most teams aren't prepared for. If you're trying to break into cybersecurity from a non-traditional background, or you're already in tech and wondering what's next — this conversation is for you. 🔑 Key Takeaways: → Why baking security in from day one beats retrofitting it later → The "promiscuous learning" mindset that opens more doors than any cert → How conversational AI is changing the threat landscape right now → Career moves that come from taking on work outside your job description → What organizational culture really signals about your growth ceiling 📌 Chapters: 0:00 Intro — Peter's Cybersecurity Origin Story 0:58 First tech job and what the internet taught him 2:41 Transition into product ownership 5:03 Balancing security vs. user experience 9:19 Career advice: what actually works 16:00 The evolution of conversational AI 21:23 AI security: the challenges nobody talks about 26:42 Final thoughts and advice 🔗 Connect with Peter Swimm: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterswimm/ 🎙️ Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Newsletter: https://newsletter.breakingintocybersecurity.org Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-into-cybersecurity/id1463136698 📚 Books We Recommend: Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: https://amzn.to/3443AUI Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/ Magnetic Hiring (Renee Small): https://magnetichiring.com/book #CyberSecurity #CareerChange #BreakingIntoCybersecurity #AISecurity #CyberCareer ## Links Mentioned - Peter's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterswimm/ - Toilville (Peter's Consultancy): [mentioned in episode] - Breaking Into Cybersecurity Newsletter: https://newsletter.breakingintocybersecurity.org - Christophe's CPF Coaching: https://www.cpf-coaching.com - Renee's Book (Magnetic Hiring): https://magnetichiring.com/book --- ## Listen & Watch - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-into-cybersecurity/id1463136698 - Newsletter: https://newsletter.breakingintocybersecurity.org ---🛡️ Navigating the Changing Threat Landscape & Keeping SMBs Safe:• Subscribe to the vCISO Brief on Substack: https://vciso.substack.com• Book a Free 30-Min Security Snapshot Call: https://calendarbridge.com/book/cpf-coaching/🔔 Subscribe & Follow the Ecosystem:• Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71• Breaking Into Cybersecurity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity• CPF Coaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPFCoaching• Website: https://breakingintocybersecurity.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Breaking into Cybersecurity: Peter Swim's Journey from Libraries to Leading AI Conversations https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterswimm/ In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, we feature Peter Swim, the founder of the consultancy Toilville. Peter shares his unique journey into cybersecurity, starting from working at a library to becoming a product owner at Microsoft. He discusses the importance of security in tech and AI, the impact of working in startups, and how his experiences have shaped his career. Peter also provides valuable advice to juniors in the field, emphasizing the need to stay flexible, keep learning, and find the right organizational culture. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in tech, cybersecurity, and career development in the AI space. 00:00 Introduction to Peter Swim's Cybersecurity Journey 00:58 Early Career and Initial Interest in Tech 02:41 Transition to Product Ownership 05:03 Balancing Security and User Experience 09:19 Career Advice for Aspiring Professionals 16:00 The Evolution of Conversational AI 21:23 Challenges and Insights in AI and Security 26:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way. The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders. Check out our books: The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUIHack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/ Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/ About the hosts: Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and encouraging more people to enter the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/ Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurityPodcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuriYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurityLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Adeel Shaikh Muhammad's Journey: From Networking to Cybersecurity Expertise In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, Adeel Sheik Mohammed shares his journey from his early exposure to computers through his father's training institute to becoming a cybersecurity expert. Adiel describes his academic background in telecommunication and networking, the pivotal decision to specialize in cybersecurity, and the certifications and hands-on experience that facilitated his transition. He discusses his roles, including his first cybersecurity job as a solution architect with WatchGuard, and elaborates on his continued learning through certifications. Adiel also talks about his contributions to the field, including authoring books on AI’s impact on SOC and cybersecurity and his ongoing doctorate focused on AI and cybersecurity. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals on networking, certifications, and staying current with industry developments. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadeel/ https://speakerhub.com/speaker/adeel-shaikh-muhammad https://adeel.solutions https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DG66357N https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3DCKYQ9 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVC5Z3XZ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:53 Early Life and Initial Interest in Cybersecurity 02:09 Transition to Cybersecurity 04:35 First Cybersecurity Role 05:43 Certifications and Continuous Learning 07:31 Writing Books and Doctorate Journey 10:19 Current Work and Future Plans 18:44 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals 21:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way. The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders. Check out our books: The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUI Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/ Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/ --- About the host: Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/ ---🛡️ Navigating the Changing Threat Landscape & Keeping SMBs Safe:• Subscribe to the vCISO Brief on Substack: https://vciso.substack.com• Book a Free 30-Min Security Snapshot Call: https://calendarbridge.com/book/cpf-coaching/🔔 Subscribe & Follow the Ecosystem:• Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71• Breaking Into Cybersecurity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity• CPF Coaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPFCoaching• Website: https://breakingintocybersecurity.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

From History Teacher to Cybersecurity Director: John Murrow's Unique Career Journey In this episode of Breaking Into Cybersecurity, we explore the incredible journey of John Murrow, who transitioned from being a history teacher and college athletic coach to becoming the Director of Delivery at Elite Ops. John shares how his passion for technology was reignited despite early-career obstacles, the critical role of military service in his career transition, and how foundational skills in networking and people management were vital to his success. Learn about the importance of continuous learning, the impact of family and networking, and the value of hands-on experience. Don't miss John's valuable advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals! 00:00 Introduction to Breaking Into Cybersecurity 00:58 John Murrow's Early Career Path 02:04 Transitioning to Cybersecurity 02:52 Joining the Military for a Career Change 04:32 Starting at Elite Ops 04:50 The Importance of Communication Skills 06:04 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals 07:25 The Role of Military Experience in Cybersecurity 08:43 The Value of Hands-On Training 12:20 Challenges and Opportunities in Cybersecurity Education 19:09 The Impact of AI on Cybersecurity 27:06 Final Thoughts and Career Advice Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way. The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders. Check out our books: The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUIHack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/ Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/ About the hosts: Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and encouraging more people to enter the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/ Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurityPodcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuriYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurityLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Breaking into Cybersecurity with Shadya Maldonado In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, Shadya Maldonado, Founder and CEO of ArcQubit, shares her journey and extensive experience in the field. With 16 years in security operations, technology modernization, and risk management, Shadya discusses her transition from a military analyst to a leader in cybersecurity and AI. She highlights her work with organizations such as CISA, DARPA, DOE, and NASA, as well as her passion for developing tools to make quantum computing accessible. Shadya also offers valuable advice for individuals looking to grow their careers in cybersecurity. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:16 Shaday's Unconventional Path to Cybersecurity 01:48 From Military to Cybersecurity 02:50 Exposure to Data Science and Cybersecurity 03:43 Immersion in Cybersecurity and SANS Conference 04:45 Founding Arc Qubit and Quantum Computing 06:49 Developing Quantum-Ready Talent 14:02 The Importance of Cybersecurity Knowledge 21:06 Shaday's Leadership Journey 24:24 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals 26:09 Closing Remarks Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way. The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders. Check out our books: The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUIHack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/ Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/ About the hosts: Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and encouraging more people to enter the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/ Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurityPodcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuriYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurityLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/