Podcast Summary: CyberWire Daily
Episode: Ed Amoroso: Security shouldn't be the main dish
Release Date: August 10, 2025
Host/Author: N2K Networks

Introduction

In this episode of CyberWire Daily, renowned cybersecurity expert Ed Amoroso, CEO and founder of TAG Cyber, shares his extensive journey in the field of computer science and cybersecurity. From his early inspirations influenced by his father to his transformative career at AT&T and eventual founding of TAG Cyber, Amoroso provides valuable insights into the evolution of cybersecurity roles and offers guidance for aspiring professionals in the industry.

Early Inspirations and Career Beginnings

Ed Amoroso begins by delving into his formative years, highlighting the significant influence of his father, one of the first computer science PhDs globally. Growing up with an ARPANET connection in the 1970s, Amoroso's early exposure to computing fueled his passion for the field.

• Quote [00:51]:
  "My dad famously said, 'Well, if you have to call yourself a science, you probably aren't one.' And he's right. Computer science is not a science. We don't have any laws. But he did that."

Amoroso recounts learning programming languages like Pascal at Carnegie Mellon University during his youth and earning his PhD in computer science. His father's guidance led him to Bell Labs in the mid-1980s, where he joined the UNIX group, immersing himself in a hub of technological genius alongside luminaries like Brian Kernighan and Richie Thompson.

• Quote [02:30]:
  "I would walk down the hallway where Brian Kernighan and Richie and Thompson, all those guys were working. And I would just go like this, hoping that some of that genius would waft into me."

Transition to Cybersecurity

At Bell Labs, Amoroso's trajectory shifted towards cybersecurity, a decision influenced by his father's advice. In the early '90s, he spearheaded the establishment of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role at AT&T, a pioneering move that would shape his future endeavors.

• Quote [04:15]:
  "I had a very cool boss then who said, you know what, you can put whatever you want on your business card. Just go. So I print, I still have them. It's a Chief Information Security Officer."

Despite initial setbacks, such as the ineffective deployment of the NetRanger IDS system plagued by false positives, Amoroso persevered. He learned invaluable lessons about running a Security Operations Center (SOC) and developing managed security services, ultimately contributing to AT&T's expansion and mergers, including acquisitions like DirecTV and BellSouth.

• Quote [06:50]:
  "We built the first managed security service. AT&T starts getting big and powerful... I start becoming this big fancy executive."

From Executive to Entrepreneur

After ascending to executive roles and managing vast teams, Amoroso realized his true passion lay in pure computer science rather than corporate leadership. Opting to leave AT&T, he founded TAG Cyber, a research and advisory firm focused on disrupting and enhancing the cybersecurity landscape.

• Quote [08:20]:
  "I just wanted to be a computer scientist like my dad. But I became this executive and I decided one day I didn't want to be an executive. So I quit, started TAG Cyber."

Despite initial challenges, including starting with no customers or revenue, Amoroso's dedication paid off as TAG Cyber began to experience exponential growth, doubling in size every year.

Core Philosophy: Security as a Feature

Amoroso emphasizes a critical paradigm shift in cybersecurity: security should be a feature, not the main focus. He advocates for professionals to prioritize mastering the core aspects of computing—such as development, engineering, networking, databases, and cloud systems—as these serve as the foundation upon which robust security measures can be built.

• Quote [09:55]:
  "Security is a feature, it's an aspect, it's an attribute it's an incredibly important one. So young people... learn something, develop some capability in something and then you'll be very naturally progress into cybersecurity."

This approach not only strengthens the overall functionality of systems but also ensures that security is seamlessly integrated rather than being treated as an afterthought.

Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

When questioned about the best way to break into network security, Amoroso advises aspiring professionals to build strong foundations in related disciplines. Whether one's interest lies in software security, database security, or networking, gaining expertise in these areas facilitates a natural transition into broader cybersecurity roles.

• Quote [10:00]:
  "If you want to get into something, then look at the meat of it. Learn development, learn engineering, learn networking, learn to build databases, learn to build cloud systems."

Conclusion

Ed Amoroso's journey from a computer science enthusiast inspired by his father to a cybersecurity trailblazer underscores the importance of foundational knowledge and adaptive learning in the ever-evolving tech landscape. His insights serve as a guiding beacon for both seasoned professionals and newcomers aiming to make meaningful contributions to the field of cybersecurity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [00:51]
  "Computer science is not a science. We don't have any laws."

• [02:30]
  "I was hoping that some of that genius would waft into me."

• [04:15]
  "It's a Chief Information Security Officer."

• [06:50]
  "We built the first managed security service."

• [08:20]
  "I quit, started TAG Cyber."

• [09:55]
  "Security is a feature, it's an aspect, it's an attribute."

• [10:00]
  "Learn development, learn engineering, learn networking..."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates Ed Amoroso's insights and experiences shared during the podcast, providing listeners with a clear understanding of his perspectives on cybersecurity and career development within the field.