From Cybersecurity Expert to Thriller Author: The Hidden Crimes of Rick Cobello

What happens when the person who spent decades protecting the world’s most complex systems turns to fiction to expose the dangers hiding inside them?In this episode of Hidden Secrets in Books, Dominic sits down with Rick Cobello, former Chief Information Security Officer for New York State, enterprise IT executive, cybersecurity advisor, professor, and author of The Shady Side of Saratoga.With more than four decades of experience across cybersecurity, government, healthcare, law enforcement, and Fortune 5 organizations, Rick has seen firsthand how technology, trust, compliance, and institutional systems can be exploited. He brings that rare real-world expertise into a gripping mystery where crime operates beneath the surface of seemingly legitimate systems.Rick explains what inspired him to transition from cybersecurity executive to novelist, how his professional experience shaped the story, and why he chose Saratoga Springs as the setting. We also explore cybercrime, privacy, institutional blind spots, equine microchip technology, and the ways modern criminals can manipulate systems without attracting attention.The conversation goes beyond the novel to examine what everyone gets wrong about cybersecurity, why protecting personal information matters, and how ordinary people—including seniors—can become more aware of the risks surrounding them.If you enjoy mysteries, technology, cybersecurity, or stories inspired by the uncomfortable realities of modern society, this episode offers a fascinating look at the hidden side of crime—and the systems we trust every day.Learn more about Rick Cobello and The Shady Side of Saratoga:[Richard Cobello's Website](https://www.cobello.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)Follow Rick on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-cobello-112b9710b/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/authorrick51/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), and [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@rcobello741?utm_source=chatgpt.com).