Bridging Academia and Industry: Josh Brunty's Approach to Cybersecurity Training and Recruitment

Welcome to this week's episode of Forcepoint's "To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast." Hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher are joined by Dr. Josh Brunty, Professor of Cyber Forensics and Cybersecurity at Marshall University and the head coach of the U.S. Cyber Team for the U.S. Cyber Games. Together, they dive into the latest trends in cybersecurity education, the evolving demands of the cyber workforce, and how hands-on competitions prepare the next generation of talent for real-world cyber challenges. Dr. Brunty shares his journey from industry practitioner to academic trailblazer, his perspective on building forward-thinking curriculum, and the rise of specialization among cyber students. The conversation highlights the innovative strategies powering the U.S. Cyber Team's international success—including the role of AI and automation in competition—and discusses pathways into cybersecurity for young talent, with or without a college degree. Plus, hear inspiring stories about the entrepreneurial spirit flourishing among these future cyber leaders. Whether you're a student, a parent, or a cybersecurity professional, this episode is packed with insights on how to succeed and thrive in the fast-changing world of cyber. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e355