The Shady Side of Saratoga: Cybercrime, Trust & Hidden Threats | Rick Cobello

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 thriller The Shady Side of Saratoga.Drawing on more than 40 years of experience protecting Fortune 5 companies, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and law enforcement, Rick brings a rare insider's perspective to modern cybersecurity. His debut novel blends technical realism with compelling storytelling, revealing how crime, corruption, and cyber threats can hide within the very institutions people rely on most.Together, Dominic and Rick explore the inspiration behind The Shady Side of Saratoga, the evolution of cybercrime, why trust can become an organization's greatest vulnerability, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping both cybersecurity and digital threats. They also discuss the challenge of writing authentic technology thrillers that educate readers while keeping them on the edge of their seats.Whether you're fascinated by cybersecurity, enjoy intelligent thrillers, or simply want to better understand the hidden risks of today's digital world, this conversation offers valuable insights from someone who's spent a lifetime defending critical systems.In this episode, you'll discover:The real-life inspiration behind The Shady Side of Saratoga.Why today's greatest cyber threats often come from inside trusted systems.The biggest misconceptions people have about cybersecurity.How AI is transforming cybercrime and digital defense.What business leaders and everyday citizens can learn from the novel.One simple habit that can dramatically improve your cybersecurity.Connect with Rick Cobello:🌐 Website: https://rickcobello.com/📚 Learn more about The Shady Side of Saratoga and Rick's work through his website.If you enjoyed this episode, follow Hidden Secrets in Books, leave a rating and review, and share this conversation with anyone interested in technology, cybersecurity, and gripping, thought-provoking fiction.