Podcast
Cyber Work
Hosted by Infosec · EN
Learn how to break into cybersecurity, build new skills and move up the career ladder. Each week on the Cyber Work Podcast, host Chris Sienko sits down with thought leaders from Carbon Black, IBM, CompTIA and others to discuss the latest cybersecurity workforce trends.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From stealing servers to saving lives: Working in red teaming | Jim Broome
Aug 1800:56:50Tap to summarizeGet your FREE Cybersecurity Salary Guide:https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastJim Broome of Direct Defense has been doing red teaming since before it became a term — back when a "pentest" meant $25,000, no questions asked and walking out with a server under your arm. In this episode, Jim shares wild stories from decades of ethical hacking, including breaking into major tech companies, causing a cardiac event during a physical penetration test, and why he believes soft skills trump technical knowledge for aspiring red teamers. Learn why most companies aren't ready for red teaming, how to transition into cybersecurity from unexpected fields like education or event planning, and what it really takes to succeed in offensive security.0:00 - Intro to legendary red teamer Jim Broome1:00 - Cybersecurity Salary Guide2:58 - From BBS and ham radio to cybersecurity7:07 - Evolution from network admin to red teaming12:02 - GPS hacking and testing inflight entertainment systems15:31 - Hiring teachers and event planners as ethical hackers23:36 - Breaking into Symantec and stealing servers in the 90s28:33 - Physical pentest causes cardiac event34:06 - When companies should (and shouldn't) hire red teams39:44 - Why red teaming is "a punch in the mouth"44:09 - How AI is changing offensive and defensive security48:12 - Essential skills for aspiring red teamers50:39 - The groundskeeper who got domain admin52:18 - Best career advice: Be humbleView Cyber Work Podcast transcripts and additional episodes:https://www.infosecinstitute.com/podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastAbout InfosecInfosec's mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ's security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.
Transcribe →Why Hackers Are Stealing Encrypted Data Now To Decrypt Later | David Close
Aug 1100:44:27Tap to summarizeGet your FREE Cybersecurity Salary Guide: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastDavid Close, Chief Solutions Architect at Futurex, discusses the reality facing our digital world: quantum computing will soon break the encryption protecting everything from mobile banking to satellite communications. But here's the twist — hackers aren't waiting. They're harvesting encrypted data now, betting that quantum computers will eventually crack today's "unbreakable" codes in a strategy called "harvest now, decrypt later." David explains how NIST's new post-quantum cryptography standards are already being deployed by companies like Google and CloudFlare, why crypto agility is essential for future-proofing your security infrastructure, and how you can break into the exciting field of cryptography — even without a PhD in mathematics.0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Cybersecurity Salary Guide3:06 - Meet David Close from Futurex3:52 - David's journey from embedded systems to cryptography5:05 - What Futurex does and 40 years of crypto innovation6:39 - The role of Chief Solutions Architect8:21 - Evolution of cryptography from payments to enterprise10:13 - How David discovered his passion for cryptography13:23 - Post-quantum cryptography explained15:16 - Why quantum computers break current encryption16:05 - The "harvest now, decrypt later" threat18:19 - NIST's new quantum-resistant algorithms20:02 - Real-world quantum threats to satellites and IP22:43 - What organizations can do now25:25 - Crypto agility and future-proofing systems28:41 - Resources for staying current on cryptography30:45 - Career paths in cryptography beyond algorithm development32:18 - Getting started in cryptography careers34:26 - The cryptography landscape in 15 years37:34 - Regulatory enforcement of new crypto standards39:43 - Best career advice: Finding the right vehicle41:29 - David's current reading and recommendations42:35 - Where to find David and Futurex onlineView Cyber Work Podcast transcripts and additional episodes: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastAbout InfosecInfosec's mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ's security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.
Transcribe →Working in ransomware response, investigation and recovery | John Price
Jul 2800:35:58Tap to summarizeGet your FREE Cybersecurity Salary Guide: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastJohn Price of SubRosa joins today's Cyber Work Podcast to share insights from his unique career path spanning UK military counterintelligence, banking cybersecurity and founding his own digital forensics consultancy. John breaks down what really happens when ransomware hits small and medium businesses, why most companies choose recovery over legal action, and how his team helps organizations get back on their feet quickly. He also discusses the growing threats facing industries like automotive dealerships, the critical role of documentation in forensics work, and why AI will reshape both offensive and defensive cybersecurity strategies.0:00 - Intro1:00 - Cybersecurity Salary Guide2:34 - Meet John Price2:51 - Early career in military counterintelligence5:13 - Career journey from military to banking to SubRosa8:34 - Role as founder and head of SubRosa10:51 - Digital forensics and breach response operations13:13 - Typical ransomware response process17:57 - Building and managing a forensics team19:50 - Unusual cases and industry-specific threats24:29 - Importance of writing and documentation in forensics27:36 - Breaking into digital forensics without experience30:46 - Future of email security and AI's impact33:47 - About SubRosa and AI security focusView Cyber Work Podcast transcripts and additional episodes: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastAbout InfosecInfosec's mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ's security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.
Transcribe →From security audits to privacy consulting: Building a GRC practice | Will Sweeney
Jul 2100:42:20Tap to summarizeGet your FREE Cybersecurity Salary Guide: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastWill Sweeney, founding and managing partner of Zaviant, joins the Cyber Work Podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of data privacy and GRC (governance, risk and compliance). With experience overseeing complex information security audits for Fortune 100 companies, Will shares insights on everything from the key differences between security auditing and implementation to whether privacy regulatory frameworks will continue multiplying or begin consolidating. He offers practical advice for GRC aspirants, emphasizing the importance of understanding core security processes rather than getting lost in framework structures. Will also discusses the challenges of starting a consultancy practice and provides valuable career guidance for those looking to transition into the data privacy and compliance space.0:00 - Intro1:15 - Cybersecurity Salary Guide promo2:30 - Will Sweeney and his early tech background6:45 - Building his first high school website9:20 - Career pivot from IT to data privacy and GRC12:15 - Audit vs. implementation: Understanding the difference16:30 - Starting Zaviant and the GDPR opportunity20:45 - Current challenges in data privacy compliance24:10 - Common security gaps companies overlook28:30 - Breaking into GRC: Skills and career advice32:45 - Starting a consultancy: Hidden challenges36:20 - The future of privacy regulations and AI impact40:15 - Career advice for help desk professionals41:30 - Closing thoughtsView Cyber Work Podcast transcripts and additional episodes: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastAbout InfosecInfosec's mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ's security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.
Transcribe →From "dead-end job" to CEO: Building an IT consulting business | John Hansman
Jul 1400:45:40Tap to summarizeGet your FREE Cybersecurity Salary Guide: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastJohn Hansman of Truit joins today's Cyber Work episode to share his journey from a "dead-end job" in electronic security to building a thriving managed IT services company. As the co-host of the Business & Bytes podcast, John brings a unique perspective on how small businesses can leverage AI tools to solve fundamental challenges while maintaining strong cybersecurity practices. He shares practical AI tools that business owners are leaving on the table, discusses the mindset shifts required for entrepreneurship, and explains how his company pivoted during the pandemic to emerge stronger than ever.0:00 - Intro to today's episode0:50 - Cybersecurity Salary Guide2:15 - Meet John Hansman4:20 - Early tech experiences and family influence8:45 - The career transition from dead-end job to entrepreneur12:30 - Starting an MSP during the pandemic16:15 - CEO role vs. hands-on technical work20:45 - Business & Bytes podcast format and pivot25:30 - AI tools for small businesses31:20 - John's AI toolbox and custom GPTs36:00 - Career transition stories and mindset challenges42:15 - Getting out of your own head as an entrepreneur47:30 - About Truitt and cybersecurity services50:45 - Wrap up and where to find JohnView Cyber Work Podcast transcripts and additional episodes: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastAbout InfosecInfosec's mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ's security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.
Transcribe →From FBI Cyber Agent to Police Tech Innovator | Andre McGregor
Jun 1600:52:39Tap to summarizeGet your FREE Cybersecurity Salary Guide: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcastAndre McGregor of ForceMetrics shares his incredible journey from reluctant FBI recruit to cybersecurity entrepreneur. Despite initially declining the FBI's recruitment call, Andre went on to become a special agent, tackling high-profile cybercrime cases involving nation-state actors like China, Russia and Iran. Growing up in marginalized communities shaped his commitment to creating safer police-community interactions, leading him to develop ForceMetrics — a platform that gives law enforcement officers real-time contextual data to make better decisions and de-escalate situations. This episode dives deep into cybercrime investigation techniques, the challenges of building secure law enforcement technology, and how data can transform public safety.0:00 - Intro to today's episode1:36 - Cybersecurity Salary Guide2:31 - Meet Andre McGregor4:03 - Early tech experiences and nonprofit work10:50 - FBI recruitment story and cybercrime work15:30 - Nation-state hacking investigations25:28 - Creating ForceMetrics platform29:45 - How ForceMetrics works in practice38:48 - Technical security challenges42:00 - Future of AI in law enforcement43:00 - Career advice for security professionals47:20 - Best career advice received49:20 - More about ForceMetrics and contact infoView Cyber Work Podcast transcripts and additional episodes: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastAbout InfosecInfosec's mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ's security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.
Transcribe →Build your own pentesting tools and master red teaming tactics | Ed Williams
Jun 200:34:46Tap to summarizeGet your FREE Cybersecurity Salary Guide: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastEd Williams, Vice President of EMEA Consulting and Professional Services (CPS) at TrustWave, shares his two decades of pentesting and red teaming experience with Cyber Work listeners. From building his first programs on a BBC Micro (an early PC underwritten by the BBC network in England to promote computer literacy) to co-authoring award-winning red team security tools, Ed discusses his favorite red team social engineering trick (hint: it involves fire extinguishers!), and the ways that pentesting and red team methodologies have (and have not) changed in 20 years. As a bonus, Ed explains how he created a red team tool that gained accolades from the community in 2013, and how building your own tools can help you create your personal calling card in the Cybersecurity industry! Whether you're breaking into cybersecurity or looking to level up your pentesting skills, Ed's practical advice and red team “war stories,” as well as his philosophy of continuous learning that he calls “Stacking Days,” bring practical and powerful techniques to your study of Cybersecurity.0:00 - Intro to today's episode2:17 - Meet Ed Williams and his BBC Micro origins5:16 - Evolution of pentesting since 200812:50 - Creating the RedSnarf tool in 201317:18 - Advice for aspiring pentesters in 202519:59 - Building community and finding collaborators 22:28 - Red teaming vs pentesting strategies24:19 - Red teaming, social engineering, and fire extinguishers27:07 - Early career obsession and focus29:41 - Essential skills: Python and command-line mastery31:30 - Best career advice: "Stacking Days"32:12 - About TrustWave and connecting with EdAbout InfosecInfosec's mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ's security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.
Transcribe →
The Future is Cloud: Master Azure Certs for Cybersecurity Success | Guest Wilfredo Lanz
May 12, 202500:12:52Tap to summarizeGet your FREE Cybersecurity Salary Guide: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastInfosec instructor Wilfredo Lanz joins Cyber Work Hacks to break down the critical differences between the Azure AZ-104 certification for cloud administrators and the AZ-500 certification for cloud security professionals. Wilfredo explains why these complementary certifications can supercharge your cybersecurity career and emphasizes that cloud skills aren't optional in today's tech landscape. Whether you're in government, healthcare, finance or any other sector, cloud proficiency is quickly becoming mandatory for all cybersecurity professionals.0:00 - Intro to cloud certifications 1:00 - Cybersecurity Salary Guide promo 1:35 - Meet Wilfredo Lanz and intro to Azure certs 2:06 - Azure vs. AWS and other cloud platforms4:45 - Industries favoring Azure (government, healthcare, finance) 7:00 - AZ-104 Administrator vs. AZ-500 Security Engineer certifications 9:31 - Why all cybersecurity professionals need cloud skills 10:30 - "Cloud is the present and future" — career implications11:45 - Wrap up and final thoughtsView Cyber Work Podcast transcripts and additional episodes: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastAbout Infosec: Infosec's mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ's security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.
Transcribe →
Cloud career roadmap: Azure Administrator vs Security Engineer certs | Guest Wilfredo Lanz
May 5, 202500:08:44Tap to summarizeGet your FREE Cybersecurity Salary Guide: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast Today on Cyber Work Hacks, Infosec Boot Camp instructor Wilfredo Lanz discusses the importance of Microsoft Azure certifications for IT and security professionals. With over 90% of businesses moving to the cloud, understanding how to administer cloud resources is crucial. Wilfredo highlights the differences between the Azure Administrator Associate and Azure Security Engineer Associate certifications and how they can enhance career opportunities in IT, cybersecurity, project management and networking. Tune in to learn how cloud certifications can future-proof your career. And don't miss out on the free cybersecurity salary guide ebook linked in the description. 00:00 - The booming IT and cybersecurity job market00:52 - Free cybersecurity salary guide01:29 - Meet Wilfredo Lanz: Azure certification expert02:20 - Azure administrator associate vs. Azure security engineer associate04:53 - Importance of cloud certifications for IT and cybersecurity professionals07:53 - Pursuing Microsoft Azure certs– View Cyber Work Podcast transcripts and additional episodes: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastAbout InfosecInfosec’s mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec Skills to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ’s security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.
Transcribe →When AI Goes Rogue: API Security in the Age of AI Agents | Guest Sam Chehab
Apr 21, 202500:49:35Tap to summarizeGet your FREE Cybersecurity Salary Guide: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastToday on Cyber Work, Sam Chehab, the head of security and IT at Postman, dives into API security and the intriguing concept of rogue AI agents. Chehab discusses the internal challenges posed by well-meaning developers, the potential threat of hackers using AI to create more sophisticated malware, and the evolving roles of development and security teams. The episode also navigates through Chehab's career, including his time at Nvidia and leading a zero-trust strategy deployment for Palo Alto Networks. Listeners will gain insights on integrating AI tools for API defense, the future of cybersecurity roles, and practical advice for breaking into the industry. Plus, learn about Postman's strategies and tools to ensure secure API development and management.– View Cyber Work Podcast transcripts and additional episodes: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast00:00 API security and rogue AI agents00:45 Sam Chehab's background and career journey03:54 Transition to data security12:47 Implementing a zero-trust strategy at Palo Alto20:06 Responsibilities at Postman23:02 Understanding rogue AI agents26:42 Ensuring API security and collaboration27:34 Challenges in securing APIs28:31 Postman's approach to API hygiene29:39 The future of API security34:42 Career advice for aspiring security professionals39:18 The role of AI in API security45:20 Postman and upcoming events47:59 OutroAbout InfosecInfosec’s mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec Skills to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ’s security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.
Transcribe →