
Advertise on podcast: Breaking Into Cybersecurity
Rating
4.6from
This podcast has
535 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Christophe FoulonExplicit
No
Date created
2019/05/10
Latest episode
2026/02/13
Average duration
34 min.
Release period
15 days
Description
It’s a conversation about what you did before, why did you pivot into cyber, what the process you went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, how you keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way. Cybersecurity Leaders, we would love to help develop the next generation of cybersecurity leadership. You can also bring up topics like attraction/retention/developing the next generation of the workforce.
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Check latest episodes from Breaking Into Cybersecurity podcast
From History Teacher to Cybersecurity Director: John Murrow's Unique Career Journey
2026/02/13
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/
Shadya Maldonado Pioneering Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity | Breaking into Cybersecurity
2026/02/06
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/
Transforming Security: Robert Siciliano's Blueprint for Cyber Awareness |Breaking into Cybersecurity
2026/01/18
Robert Siciliano's Journey: From Personal Trauma to Cybersecurity ExpertIn this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, Robert Siciliano shares his unique pathway into the cybersecurity industry. Starting with a traumatic childhood incident, Robert's interest in security was sparked and further solidified by various personal experiences, including identity theft. Over decades, he evolved his expertise to encompass both physical and virtual security, making significant strides in educating others about risk management and security awareness. Robert discusses how personal experiences shape professional behaviors and emphasizes the importance of making security relatable and holistic. His approach contrasts traditional technical training, aiming to instill a deeper appreciation for security in both personal and professional contexts.00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:46 Robert's Early Life and Initial Interest in Security02:56 First Encounter with Cybersecurity05:32 Transition to Cybersecurity Awareness Training09:14 Challenges in Security Awareness13:37 Holistic Approach to Security27:28 Communicating Security to the Next Generation32:38 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSponsored 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: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 roleshttps://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Careerhttps://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/bookChristophe 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/
From Software Engineer to Cybersecurity Expert | Jason Casey (Beyond Identity)
2026/01/09
Jason Casey's Journey: From Software Engineering to CybersecurityIn this episode of 'Breaking into Cybersecurity,' we chat with Jason Casey, who shares his unique path from being a software engineer to a cybersecurity expert. Jason discusses his initial work on network protocols, his transition to big data intelligence, and eventually moving into cybersecurity defense. He stresses the importance of curiosity and understanding fundamental principles, and provides insights into the evolving role of AI in programming and cybersecurity. Jason also shares how he has helped others grow in their careers, and offers valuable advice for those looking to break into and excel in the cybersecurity field. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey and learn practical tips for success.00:00 Introduction to Jason Casey's Cybersecurity Journey01:00 Early Career and Transition to Cybersecurity03:24 Deep Dive into Networking and Security Challenges06:37 Big Data Intelligence and Forensics08:54 Principles and Fundamentals in Tech Careers11:58 Mentorship and Career Development16:04 AI in Programming and Cybersecurity25:50 Final Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals
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: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 roleshttps://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Careerhttps://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](http://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](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/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreakintoCyber- Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/breakingintocybersecurity
Breaking into Cybersecurity: Brian Carbaugh's Journey from CIA to Cyber Startup
2025/12/19
Breaking into Cybersecurity: Brian Carbaugh's Journey from CIA to Cyber StartupIn this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, Brian Carbaugh shares his extensive journey from serving in the Marines and the CIA to becoming a leader in the cybersecurity industry. Brian talks about his career evolution, the challenges he faced, and the valuable lessons he learned at each stage. He offers insightful tips for keeping up with the fast-moving cybersecurity landscape and emphasizes the importance of human operators in enhancing cybersecurity measures. Brian also discusses the pivotal role of technology and diverse team dynamics in achieving mission-critical goals. Please tune in to get inspired by his dedication to national security and his smooth transition into the private sector, highlighting the need for resilience, learning, and collaboration. / brian-carbaugh-38b339243 00:00 Introduction to Brian Carbaugh's Cybersecurity Journey00:26 Military Background and Transition to CIA02:01 Pivot to Technology and Cybersecurity03:58 Leadership and Technological Insights from CIA06:21 Building a Cybersecurity Startup16:30 Balancing Innovation and Security in Startups20:59 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity27:12 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals29:35 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSponsored 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: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 roleshttps://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecu...Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Careerhttps://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Min...---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. / reneebrownsmall Download a free copy of her book at http://magnetichiring.com/bookChristophe 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. / christophefoulon Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com
Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/break...Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...YouTube: / breakingintocybersecurity Linkedin: / breaking-into-cybersecurity Twitter: / breakintocyber Twitch: / breakingintocybersecurity
From FBI to Cybersecurity Leader: M.K. Palmore's Career Journey | Breaking Into Cybersecurity
2025/11/21
In this episode of Breaking Into Cybersecurity, M.K. Palmore, a cybersecurity leader and former FBI special agent, shares his journey from serving in the Marines and the FBI to leading his own consulting firm, Apogee Global RMS. He discusses his early interest in technology, the importance of effective communication in cybersecurity leadership, and the challenges of transitioning from public to private sectors. M.K. also emphasizes the value of continuous learning and staying updated with evolving technologies such as AI. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with practical tips and strategies for breaking into and thriving in the cybersecurity industry.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkpalmore/ 00:00 Introduction to Breaking Into Cybersecurity00:55 Meet MK Palmore01:54 Early Interest in Technology03:33 Journey into the FBI04:34 Transition to Cybersecurity09:52 Importance of Communication Skills14:10 Running a Cybersecurity Consultancy18:05 Bridging the Gap for SMBs25:35 Keeping Up with Evolving Technology29:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts#Cybersecurity #CareerJourney #FBI #TechLeadership #ContinuousLearning #AI #breakingintocybersecurity Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comThe Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, 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 and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.Check out our books: 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 roleshttps://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Careerhttps://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 helping more people get into the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/bookChristophe Foulon focuses on helping to secure people and processes, using a solid understanding of the technology 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 the use of technology while balancing the 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/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreakintoCyber- Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/breakingintocybersecurity
Erica Shoemate: From Breaking In to Breaking Barriers – A Memphis Trailblazer Reshaping AI & Cybersecurity on Her Own Terms
2025/11/15
In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, Erica Shoemate shares her exceptional journey into national security, cybersecurity, and AI. From serving vulnerable communities in Memphis to working at the FBI, Erica discusses her multifaceted career, her pioneering work in technology policy, and the importance of human-centered approaches in AI and cybersecurity. As a first-generation college graduate, Erica emphasizes the value of passion, critical thinking, and leadership in breaking into the industry, offering invaluable insights to those looking to pivot their careers.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:59 Erica's Nontraditional Path to Cybersecurity03:53 Impact of Early Career in Vulnerable Communities07:28 Educational Background and Career Evolution15:18 Transition to Big Tech and Policy Leadership18:34 Current Work and Consulting27:54 Challenges and Future of AI in Cybersecurity40:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com
Breaking into Cybersecurity: A conversation about their previous experiences, the reasons behind their pivot into cyber, the process they went through, how they stay up-to-date, 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.
#cybersecurity #breakingintocybersecurity #informationsecurity #AdvanceYourCyberCareer
Check out our books: Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level: https://amzn.to/3443AUI
Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: A complete interview preparation guide for jumpstarting your cybersecurity career https://www.amazon.com/dp/1801816638/
Building the Cybersecurity Workforce: Eric Stride's Perspective
2025/10/17
Breaking into Cybersecurity with Eric Stride: From Air Force to Private Sector
In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, host Christoph interviews Eric Stride from Huntress Security. Eric shares his journey from being a Communications Computer Systems Officer in the Air Force to becoming the Chief Security Officer at Huntress. He discusses his extensive experience in cybersecurity, including roles at the NSA and in the private sector. Eric emphasizes the importance of continual learning, certifications, and deliberate career growth. He also touches on the implications of AI in cybersecurity and provides insights into developing and recruiting the next generation of cybersecurity talent.
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
00:49 Eric Stride's Journey into Cybersecurity
01:11 Military Experience and Transition to Cybersecurity
06:08 Continuous Learning and Staying Updated
09:41 Certifications and Career Growth
11:49 Leadership and Management Principles
15:23 AI in Cybersecurity
22:02 Recruiting and Developing Cybersecurity Talent
https://www.huntress.com/company/careers
26:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstride/
Eric Stride is the Chief Security Officer at Huntress, where he oversees the company’s 24/7 Global Security Operations Center, Detection Engineering, Adversary Tactics, IT Operations, and Internal Security. A 20+ year cybersecurity leader, Eric has held senior roles spanning the U.S. Air Force, NSA, and private sector.
During his 12 years on active duty, Eric helped architect the Air Force’s first cyber combat mission team, co-authored its first offensive cyber operations manual, and rose to Deputy Chief for Cyber Operations at NSA Georgia. He continues to serve as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve, where he established its first cyber range squadron.
In the private sector, Eric co-founded Atlas Cybersecurity, advised defense and enterprise clients as an independent consultant, led Deloitte’s Advanced Cyber Training portfolio, and led the generation of $135M+ in new cyber business. He holds an M.S. in Information Technology Management, a B.S. in Computer Science, and multiple cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, GCIH, CEH).
Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level: https://amzn.to/3443AUI
Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: A complete interview preparation guide for jumpstarting your cybersecurity career https://www.amazon.com/dp/1801816638/
Breaking into Cybersecurity: Insights from Sandeep Pauddar, Global Program Director at DQS
2025/09/23
In this episode of 'Breaking into Cybersecurity,' Christophe interviews Sandeep Pauddar, the Global Program Director for IT Audits at DQS. Sandeep shares his extensive background in telecommunications and information security, discussing his career shift into cybersecurity. He highlights the importance of understanding evolving cybersecurity threats, AI, and supply chain vulnerabilities. Sandeep also provides valuable advice on how newcomers and experienced professionals can find their niche in the field and stresses the significance of continuous learning and internal audits for compliance. The conversation further explores the role of AI in auditing and current job market trends, offering practical tips for job seekers.
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
00:12 Sandeep's Background and Career Journey
01:26 Early Career and Education
03:44 Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape
05:39 Mentoring the Next Generation
07:53 Global Compliance Perspectives
11:01 Addressing the Skills Gap
12:53 AI in Auditing and Compliance
14:47 Career Advice for Aspiring Professionals
23:00 Navigating the Job Market
28:55 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comThe Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, 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 and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.
Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://www.amazon.com/dp/1955976007/
Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: A complete interview preparation guide for jumpstarting your cybersecurity career https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/
Breaking into Cybersecurity with Motti Tal, Chief Strategy Officer at Memcyco
2025/09/23
Join us in this episode of Breaking Into Cybersecurity as we chat with Motti Tal from Tel Aviv. Motti shares his journey from a computer science student inspired by his father's mainframe work to becoming a key player in the cybersecurity industry. He discusses his career path, evolving from Navy software developer to management roles, eventually focusing on cybersecurity. Motti emphasizes the importance of foundational skills, the impact of AI on the industry, and the critical need to combine human innovation with technology to combat evolving cyber threats. He also talks about his current role at Memcyco, where he's addressing digital impersonation and protecting businesses and consumers from scams. This episode is packed with valuable insights and tips for anyone looking to enter the cybersecurity field or pivot within the tech industry.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:57 Early Career and Inspirations
06:27 Transition to Cybersecurity
17:53 Challenges and Perspectives on AI
18:04 Current Work and Innovations
25:08 Advice for Aspiring Professionals
29:38 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comThe Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, 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 and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.
Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://www.amazon.com/dp/1955976007/
Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: A complete interview preparation guide for jumpstarting your cybersecurity career https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/
Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Insights from Bill Welser of Lotic.ai
2025/09/23
Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Insights from Bill Welser of Lotic.ai
In this episode of Breaking Into Cybersecurity, we welcome Bill Welser, CEO/CTO & Co-founder at Lotic.ai. Bill shares his unique journey from starting as an Air Force officer working on advanced laser technology and cybersecurity systems to leading significant research at the Rand Corporation and eventually diving into the startup space. He discusses the importance of understanding system integration, the need for context in both building and managing tech systems, and the essential skill sets for future cybersecurity professionals. Bill also highlights the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, its implications for organizations, and the critical role of human oversight in technology deployment.
00:00 Introduction to Bill Vest's Cybersecurity Journey
00:34 Bill's Diverse Career Path
02:21 Transitioning from Military to Cybersecurity
04:15 The Importance of System Integration
08:08 Research and Practical Application in Cybersecurity
12:18 Emerging Technologies and Skills
15:27 AI Implementation Challenges
25:34 Ethical and Legal Considerations in AI
35:21 Final Thoughts and Advice
Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comThe Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, 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 and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://www.amazon.com/dp/1955976007/Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: A complete interview preparation guide for jumpstarting your cybersecurity career https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/
Sinan Eren: From Red Teaming to Launching Startups
2025/09/23
Join us for an insightful episode of 'Breaking into Cybersecurity' as we sit down with Sinan Eren. With a rich background in red teaming and pen testing, Sinan shares his journey from the late '90s curiosity-driven entry into cybersecurity to founding several companies. Discover the challenges and triumphs of growing in the cybersecurity industry, the evolution from signature-based to heuristic-based security, and the importance of understanding business processes for effective risk management. Ideal for beginners and seasoned professionals alike, learn about emerging opportunities in AI and the nuances of entrepreneurship in cybersecurity.
00:00 Introduction to the Guest and Episode Overview
01:08 Sinan's Early Career and Entry into Cybersecurity
02:40 The Evolution of Cybersecurity Practices
04:00 Bug Track and Early Vulnerability Discoveries
05:59 Transition to the US and Career Growth
07:23 Signature-Based vs. Heuristic-Based Security
11:45 Starting a Business in Cybersecurity
19:10 Lessons from the First Startup
21:31 Modernizing Remote Access Solutions
25:08 Revolutionizing Credit and Next-Gen VPN Solutions
25:48 Introduction to the Third Startup
26:32 Challenges Faced by Managed Service Providers
28:15 Automation Solutions for Mundane Tasks
29:44 Ideation and Development of Automation Tools
33:32 Evolution and Application of Automation Tools
41:06 Business Process Modeling and Risk Management
45:35 Final Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comThe Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, 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 and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.
Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://www.amazon.com/dp/1955976007/
Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: A complete interview preparation guide for jumpstarting your cybersecurity career https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/
Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Craig Taylor's Journey and Insights on AI and Cyber Awareness
2025/08/08
In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, Craig Taylor, CEO of Cyber Hoo, shares his journey into the cybersecurity field. With a background in psychology, Taylor discusses his early career, the establishment of his company, and the challenges he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement in cybersecurity training, the impact and implications of AI in the field, and the evolving landscape of security threats. Taylor also offers valuable guidance for those seeking to follow a similar path in cybersecurity, highlighting free resources to help individuals enhance their cyber literacy.
Helpful links:
https://cyberhoot.com/cybrary/identity-theft/
https://cyberhoot.com/solutions/for-individuals/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:00 Craig Taylor's Journey into Cybersecurity
03:56 Founding Cyber Hoo and Early Challenges
05:59 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity
09:04 AI's Impact on Phishing and Data Privacy
24:50 Positive Reinforcement in Cybersecurity Training
32:33 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals
Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com
The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, 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 and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.
Check out our books:
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 helping more people get into 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 to secure people and processes, using a solid understanding of the technology 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 the use of technology while balancing the 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/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreakintoCyberTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/breakingintocybersecurity
CISO Trade Craft Podcast: Navigating the Path to Cybersecurity Leadership: Insights from CISO Tradecraft with Christophe Foulon
2025/08/04
In this enlightening episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy engages with cybersecurity expert and podcast host Christophe Foulon to explore the multifaceted journey into the field of cybersecurity. The discussion delves into leadership, career development, the challenges of being a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and the strategic considerations for those aspiring to excel in this dynamic field.
CISO TradeCraft Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cisotradecraft
Website: https://www.cisotradecraft.com/
Christophe Foulon Links:
Profile - http://www.christophefoulon.com
Website - https://www.cpf-coaching.com
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/
Breaking Into Cybersecurity On Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/
Breaking Into Cybersecurity On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity
Breaking Into Cybersecurity On Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-into-cybersecurity/id1463136698
Breaking Into Cybersecurity On Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity
https://www.twitch.tv/breakingintocybersecuriy
Christophe Foulon Books:
Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://www.amazon.com/dp/1955976007/
Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: A complete interview preparation guide for jumpstarting your cybersecurity career https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/
Breaking Into Cybersecurity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity
AI and Cybersecurity: Jon Salisbury on Driving Change
2025/08/01
In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, Chris hosts Jon Salisbury, CEO and Chief AI Officer at Nexigen. Jon shares his journey from co-founding Nexigen in 2003 to becoming a leader in AI and cybersecurity. He discusses the development of Nexigen's innovative virtualization solutions, the company's evolution into a technology services powerhouse, and the creation of a smart city interoperability standard. Jon delves into the challenges and strategies of integrating AI into cybersecurity measures and emphasizes the importance of governance, financial indicators, team competency, and the use of smaller, specialized AI models for efficiency. The conversation also touches on the potential risks of multimodal attacks and the importance of research and robust security measures in the future of AI and cyber defense.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:33 Founding and Early Days of NextGen
04:59 Evolution and Growth of NextGen
05:54 AI and Smart City Innovations
07:35 Challenges and Adaptations in AI
09:01 AI Research Lab and Chief AI Officer Role
11:28 Nature-Inspired AI Models
12:22 Autonomous Drones and Cybersecurity
20:31 Exploring Sparse Encoding and Regional Activations
20:46 Understanding Multimodal Attacks
21:50 Cracks in Large Language Models
22:35 Cross-Modality Interface and Pixel Attacks
23:29 Cybersecurity Controls and Research Gaps
25:03 Enterprise Use of AI Models
26:57 AI in High-Speed Transactions and Marketplaces
29:09 Evaluating AI Implementation in Enterprises
31:27 Governance and Business Strategy in AI
36:33 The Importance of Simplification and Functionalism
38:10 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 did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, 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 and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.
Check out our books:
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 host:
Christophe Foulon focuses on helping to secure people and processes, using a solid understanding of the technology 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 the use of technology while balancing the 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/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreakintoCyberTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/breakingintocybersecurity
Podcast reviews
Read Breaking Into Cybersecurity podcast reviews
ErlethePearl 2024/05/06
For cybersecurity people
Great insights whether you are just breaking into cybersecurity or a seasoned veteran.
Micah1319 2023/04/20
Leeanna Nicolo
Great podcast by her and loved the direction given.
Gabeaaa 2019/06/28
Great show and very relevant to today's emerging tech industry
Awesome!
Dogfolife69 2019/05/18
Love all the amazing guests sharing their journeys
Love all the amazing guests sharing their journeys
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