No Password Required Podcast Episode 71 - Cynthia Wrye

Cynthia Wyre —Project Manager at Rapid7 and the Queen of Cyber Media  No Password Required Season 7: Episode 4 - Cynthia Wyre  Cynthia Wyre is a Senior Strategic Engagement Project Manager at Rapid7, where she helps connect academic research and industry. Her path into cybersecurity innovation was untraditional, moving from healthcare and construction project management into vulnerability research and academic partnerships.  Cynthia reflects on how she applied for a role she did not think she was qualified for, why professionals of all backgrounds belong in cyber, and how project management skills can open unexpected doors.  Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and K. Melton of the Cognitive Security Institute welcome Cynthia live from CyberBay 2026 in Tampa for a conversation about research, resilience, and relationship-building in cybersecurity. Cynthia explains Rapid7’s partnership with USF and Cyber Florida, including her efforts to support research around SOC analyst training and burnout, and the future of cyber education.  Throughout the conversation, Cynthia highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and helping people see that cybersecurity is not limited to one path or one type of person.  The episode wraps with the Lifestyle Polygraph, where Cynthia reveals how she would work a room full of strangers and how she won a costume contest moments before meeting rapper Young Gravy. She also earns a crown of her own, officially joining the No Password Required fantasy cybersecurity squad as Queen of the Podcast.  Follow Cynthia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiawyre/ Presented by ThreatLocker  Follow ThreatLocker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/threatlockerinc/posts/ Chapters:  00:00 Introduction 02:15 From Aspiring Physical Therapist to Project Manager 03:50 Transitioning from Construction to Cybersecurity 05:12 Applying for the Rapid7 Role and Overcoming Self-Doubt 10:25 Academic Partnerships with USF and Cyber Florida 12:56 Leaning into Discomfort and Personal Growth 20:15 The Role of Marching Band and Education in Cynthia’s Life 24:25 A Memorable Encounter with a Music Industry Entertainer Yung Gravy 28:00 Lifestyle Polygraph and Fun Personal Questions 37:40 Crowning Cynthia as Queen of the Podcast