No Password Required

Shane Tews — Non-Resident Senior Fellow at AEI and the person who explained the internet to Capitol Hill No Password Required Season 7: Episode 7 – Shane Tews Shane Tews is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where she focuses on cybersecurity, privacy, artificial intelligence, and internet governance. She is also President of Logan Circle Strategies, a strategic advisory firm working at the intersection of technology and policy. Before her think tank work, Shane helped introduce modems to the George H.W. Bush White House, walked the halls of Capitol Hill explaining the internet to blank-staring legislators, and spent years at VeriSign helping shape the foundational frameworks of how the internet would be governed. In this episode, Shane traces her unlikely path from the Bush administration to becoming one of Washington's most trusted voices on tech policy. She breaks down why regulating outcomes rather than inputs is the only sensible approach to technology governance, why the US and EU are operating from fundamentally different innovation philosophies, and why a national privacy bill is long overdue. She also explains why most organizations and individuals are far less protected than they think and why nobody knows who to call when something goes wrong. Jack Clabby and co-host Kayley Melton talk with Shane about legacy system vulnerabilities, the cybersecurity implications of agentic AI, and what policymakers absolutely must get right over the next decade. She also reflects on what the CISA reauthorization limbo means for companies that don't even know they've lost liability protection. In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Shane reveals she has 20,000 emails across eight accounts, admits she fakes laughs at bad jokes out of Midwestern politeness, shares her obsession with The Bear and Peaky Blinders, and tells us about her children's book project using Google Omni called "Shane on a Train." Follow Shane on LinkedIn and on X at @ShaneTews. Find her work at AEI.org and TechPolicyDaily.com. No Password Required is presented by ThreatLocker   In this episode: Shane's path from the George H.W. Bush White House to becoming Capitol Hill's go-to internet explainer (00:34 - 02:22) Why the Clinton-era multi-stakeholder model got internet governance right and what that means for policy today (04:40 - 06:13) The case for a national privacy bill and why 50 state standards aren't working (07:24 - 09:27) What AEI covers and how Shane thinks about riding the top of the wave across the entire tech policy stack (09:35 - 11:23) Legacy systems, vendor debt, and why outdated software is the easiest entry point for bad actors (11:30 - 13:34) The gap between how protected people think they are and how exposed they actually are, including a generational perspective on MFA (14:07 - 16:25) The biggest disconnect between everyday cyber reality and the policy world (16:59 - 20:35) Government readiness for a major cyber attack and why most people don't have a plan (20:54 - 22:32) How the US and EU innovation philosophies differ and why Europe's banking system is the real tech problem (22:41 - 25:38) The DeepSeek false narrative and where the US is leading vs. reacting on AI (25:45 - 29:21) The shift from AI features to AI coordination and what agentic AI means for cybersecurity permissions (29:28 - 32:16) What policymakers must get right on AI over the next 10 years (32:25 - 34:11) The Lifestyle Polygraph: inbox chaos, fake laughs, The Bear, and Shane on a Train (00:04 - 12:48)   Timestamp Highlights: (00:34) Shane's origin story: modems at the White House and blank stares on the Hill (04:40) Why the internet got policy right early on and what we can learn from it (07:24) The case for harmonizing breach standards with a national framework (11:30) Legacy systems and vendor debt as the easiest attack vectors (14:07) The real gap between how protected people think they are and how exposed they actually are (20:54) Government cyber readiness: do you know who to call when something goes wrong? (22:41) US vs. EU innovation: why Europe's banking system is the real tech problem (29:28) Agentic AI and the cybersecurity risks of permissions you forgot you gave (32:25) What policymakers must get right on AI over the next decade (06:44) Shane on a Train: using Google Omni to write a children's book series   Resources & Links: AEI.org — Shane's think tank home base TechPolicyDaily.com — Daily tech policy coverage ThreatLocker — Supporter of this podcast Cyber Florida — The Mother Ship  

Show Summary:    Mudita Khurana — Tech Lead at Airbnb and the person who always says, “I got this” No Password Required Season 7: Episode 6 - Mudita Khurana   Mudita Khurana is a Tech Lead for Automated Tooling and Vulnerability Management at Airbnb, where she focuses on building modular, scalable security systems in an era of rapidly evolving AI threats. Before Airbnb, she spent nearly a decade in security roles across Accenture, Meta, and PwC, making bold career pivots along the way, including turning down a PwC return offer to join Facebook's product security team. In this episode, Mudita shares her journey from a family of doctors in India to Carnegie Mellon and into the heart of Big Tech security. She discusses what it means to thrive as a non-traditional engineer in a deeply technical field, why she stepped back from management to get closer to the work, and how she thinks about building security tooling that won't be obsolete in three months. Jack Clabby and co-host Kayley Melton, recording live from Tampa B-Sides at the University of South Florida, talk with Mudita about imposter syndrome, AI's curveballs for security teams, leadership without a leadership title, and the importance of community in staying on top of a field that never stops moving. She also reflects on what great mentorship looks like early in a career and why clarity, ownership, and consistency are the leadership qualities she keeps coming back to. In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Mudita firmly plants her flag in the Harry Potter universe as Hermione, explains why Deadpool doesn't qualify as a superhero, debates gym vs. nature as a reset strategy, and reveals her dream remote work base: a high-altitude Buddhist mountain town in the Himalayas.   Follow Mudita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muditakhurana/     In this episode: Mudita shares her unconventional path into cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of mentorship and curiosity (0:25 - 1:37) The significance of mentorship, especially Vandana Verma, in her career development (2:26 - 4:00) Transition from management to technical IC roles and why staying close to technical work matters (9:29 - 10:23) The influence of her education at Carnegie Mellon and how it broadened her problem-solving skills (6:23 - 7:41) Navigating imposter syndrome and embracing challenges as growth opportunities (3:26 - 5:29) How AI is changing cybersecurity strategies—building modular, layered systems for agility (15:31 - 16:26) The importance of community, trust, and consensus in cybersecurity decision-making (17:06 - 17:47) Mudita’s favorite places for remote work and balancing planning with spontaneity in travel (23:01 - 24:13) Her personal approach to wellness, exercise, and resets during busy days (21:32 - 22:36) Her unique perspective on superhero characters, favorite places, and cultural roots (18:54 - 19:36, 25:19 - 26:21) Timestamp Highlights: (00:25) Mudita's 10-year journey into cybersecurity starting from India (02:26) Mentorship’s critical role in her growth and her admiration for Vandana Verma (09:29) Transition from management back to technical roles and why staying close to the work matters (15:31) How AI fosters layered, modular security systems for faster adaptation (17:06) The importance of community and trusted information sources in security (21:32) Reset routines—gym versus nature hikes—and staying grounded during busy days (25:19) Leh, Ladakh: Mudita’s ideal remote work location nestled in Himalayan beauty Resources & Links: Vandana Verma - Influential mentor in cybersecurity ThreatLocker - Supporter of this podcast Cyber Florida – The Mother Ship

Madeline Sedgwick — Cyber Threat Analyst at Palo Alto Networks and a DUUUUVALLL lifer No Password Required Season 7: Episode 5 – Madeline Sedgwick   Madeline Sedgwick is a  Cyber threat Researcher and Threat Analyst at Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, specializing in nation-state cyber activity, covert infrastructure, and cyber intelligence analysis. Before entering the private sector, she spent six years in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence specialist, helping support some of the earliest cyber operations under United States Cyber Command. In this episode, Madeline shares her journey from joining the Navy to becoming one of the first certified cyber targeteers supporting offensive cyber operations. She discusses the realities of tracking covert threat actor infrastructure, why defenders must understand adversary behavior beyond alerts and signatures, and how intelligence analysis helps uncover the bigger picture behind cyber campaigns. 
Jack Clabby and co-host Sarina Gandy talk with Madeline about fusion analysis, cyber warfare, leadership, and the challenges of translating highly technical investigations into actionable insights for government and industry leaders. She also reflects on the importance of humility in leadership, mentoring, and learning to navigate high-pressure situations with confidence and curiosity. 
In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Madeline debates cybersecurity in the Star Wars universe, explains her Weird Al Yankovic Dragon Con costume, reflects on her time playing bass in a metal band, and proudly shares why Jacksonville, Florida, will always be home.   Follow Madeline on Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mesedgwick/ Chapters:  02:10 Intro-Madeline Sedgwick  09:00 The Role of Cybersecurity in National Security 12:08 Understanding Covert Networks and Threat Intelligence 14:52 Fusion Analysis in Cybersecurity 18:04 The Importance of Distinguishing Threats 20:52 Challenges in Cybersecurity Response 23:58 Briefing Decision Makers on Cyber Threats 27:52 Understanding Adversary Intent and Risk Communication 30:12 Leadership Lessons from the Navy 34:33 The Importance of Mentorship in Career Development 37:30 The Lifestyle Polygraph: A Fun Twist on Cybersecurity 41:04 Embracing Creativity and Personal Expression 45:50 Pride in Roots: The Jacksonville Connection

No Password Required: No Password Required: Next Gen - Ep. 2 - Tim Kircher From Freshman Stress to Cyber Success:  Formula 1, Pickleball, and hacking in Real life In this episode of No Password Required: Next Gen, Yazzel Corona interviews Tim Kircher, a cybersecurity student at USF and member of the Security Operations Center Apprenticeship Program at Cyber Florida. Tim shares how his fascination with technology first sparked his interest in cybersecurity. From networking advice and navigating the chaos of a cybersecurity education,  Tim keeps it real, giving us all the tips about what it takes to get started successfully in the field. He talks about why communication skills matter just as much as technical ability in the age of AI and automation, and how taking things “one day at a time” helped shape his journey. Outside of cyber mode, Tim is a huge pickleball and Formula 1 fan, leading to fun conversations about cyber pit crews, movie hacking scenes, and why Mercedes would absolutely be his dream team. From defensive cyber operations to teamwork and leadership, Tim’s story is all about staying curious, building connections, and finding your path in cybersecurity. Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-kircher/ Chapters:  00:00 — Introduction 00:30 — Discovering Cybersecurity   00:54 — Advice for Freshman Cybersecurity Students   01:47 — Formula 1 & Cybersecurity 02:10 — Which F1 Team Would Be Vulnerable?   02:28 — Building the Ultimate Cybersecurity Pit Crew 03:01 — Hollywood Hacking vs. Real-Life Hacking 03:22 — Final Advice for Future Cybersecurity Professionals 04:01 — Toasting to the Future Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-kircher/ Presented by ThreatLocker

Fagan Afandiyev — Elite Cybersecurity Competitor and Legendary Whitehatter No Password Required: Breakout Room: Episode 1 — Fagan Afandiyev Fagan Afandiyev is a cybersecurity student at the University of South Florida and a member of the CyberHerd competition team, known for his strategic mindset and passion for solving complex challenges. From competing in international robotics competitions to discovering cybersecurity through hands-on platforms, Fagan has built his skills through curiosity, persistence, and a love for problem solving. Fagan shares how competitions, community, and continuous learning shaped his journey into cybersecurity. He walks through his growth within USF’s cyber community, and how that led to a penetration testing internship at Microsoft. He also offers insight into the mindset needed to succeed in cybersecurity, encouraging others to embrace challenges, learn through failure, and find enjoyment in the process. Follow Fagan on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fagan-afandi/ Presented by ThreatLocker Chapters:  00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Passion 3:02   Journey to Cyber Herd and University Life 06:12 Internship at Microsoft and Career Aspirations 08:59 Hackathon Experience and Community Engagement 12:39 Behind the Scenes of Cyber Competitions 14:30  Overcoming Challenges in Cyber Competitions 18:00 Gratitude and Mentorship in Cybersecurity  

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

Madhav Nakar — AI Security Researcher and Documentarian of Spirituality and Play   No Password Required Season 7: Episode 3 - Madhav Nakar   Madhav Nakar is a Security Researcher at BeyondTrust specializing in identity threats, endpoint security, and cloud attack paths. With a background in theoretical mathematics, his current research focuses on analyzing attacker behavior to build practical systems of detection.   In this episode, Madhav shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his first experience witnessing a nation-state attack unfold in real time from his seat in a SOC. He explains how mathematical thinking sharpens security strategy and why strong research is rooted in exploration, not predetermined outcomes.   Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, joined by co-host Kayley Melton of the Cognitive Security Institute, welcomes Madhav for a conversation on modern cyber defense. From AI-driven attacks and agentic systems to privilege escalation risks in role-based access environments, Madhav breaks down what teams are getting wrong about AI and why defending against AI increasingly requires AI-powered tools.   The conversation turns to Madhav’s philosophy of “serious play,” where curiosity, experimentation, and failure fuel better research and resilience. He also shares insights from his spiritual and philosophy project, The Fire of Knowing, exploring consciousness and belief through a neutral lens.   In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Madhav pitches a cybersecurity documentary, debates growth versus comfort, and reflects public dancing experiments.  Follow Madhav Nakar here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhav-nakar/ Follow "The Fire of Knowing" on Instagram and Youtube!  CHAPTERS:  00:00 Introduction with Kayley and Jack 08:08 Transition from Theoretical Math to Cybersecurity 16:13 Exploring Spiritual Traditions and Madhav’s Documentary 19:48 The Intersection of Art and Science in Content Creation 25:20 The Lifestyle Polygraph: Challenging Perspectives on Security

No Password Required: Next Gen – Ep. 1 - Michelle McAveety Michelle McAveety- Cyber Competitions, Crowd Surfing & Main-Character Energy Welcome to our new spinoff series, No Password Required: Next Generation.  Where we go behind the scenes and interview up-and-coming young professionals in cybersecurity! Whether you’re trying to figure out your career path, looking for a little inspiration, or just want to have a laugh while learning about the industry, this show is for you. Real stories. Real journeys. Next Gen Cyber. About this episode: Michelle McAveety is a Computer Engineering and Math student at USF and the Team Captain of the CyberHerd, the university’s cybersecurity competition team. We get into the chaos and adrenaline of competition life, what it’s like leading in a high-pressure cyber environment, and how she balances it all without losing herself. Spoiler: the answer includes crocheting, blasting heavy metal, going to concerts, and possibly crowd surfing if the vibe is right. Michelle also drops some real advice opening up about the pressure to compare yourself in competitive fields and why staying grounded and focused on your own path is the real win. Follow Michelles journey on linked in! https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcaveety/   Chapters: 00:39 - Who is Michelle?  00:54-  Being in Cyberherd  01:38- Hobbies that bring Michelle Joy!   02:51- Comparison and Growth   

Sue Serna - Social Media Security and Governance Leader and Lover of All BeaglesNo Password Required Season 7: Episode 2 - Sue SernaSue Serna is the CEO and Founder of Serna Social and the former head of global social media at Cargill. She brings more than two decades of experience at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and security.In this episode, she shares her journey from business reporter to leading her own consultancy serving companies around the world on social media strategy.Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A, joined by guest co-host Rex Wilson of Cyber Florida, welcomes Sue for a candid discussion about the realities of enterprise social media. From managing more than 150 Facebook pages for a single company, to navigating internal politics, agency relationships, and regulatory pressure, Sue explains why social media is far from “free” and why most organizations still under-resource it.Sue dives deep into the gap between social media teams and cybersecurity departments. She outlines how personal account compromises can escalate into enterprise-level incidents, why governance frameworks matter, and how large organizations can regain control of sprawling digital footprints. Drawing from real-world examples, she argues that social media must be treated like finance or HR, a core business function requiring structure, ownership, and accountability.The episode wraps with the Lifestyle Polygraph, where Sue reveals her love of Apollo-era space history, debates iconic Philadelphia traditions, and imagines what magical talent her beagle would bring to Hogwarts.Follow Sue at SernaSocial.com or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueserna/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and First Impressions   02:45 The Evolving Role of Social Media in Corporations   04:58 Transitioning from Journalism to Social Media  11:11 Building Social Media from Scratch   13:00 Becoming a CEO and Founder   16:28 The Importance of Networking   16:54 Bridging the Gap Between Social Media and Cybersecurity  20:51 Real-World Social Media Security Incidents  28:35 Navigating Internal Conflicts in Social Media  30:32 The Lifestyle Polygraph Begins   31:17 Nerd Things That Expose Sue: Space and Harry Potter!  35:16 Sue’s Love For Beagles  37:50 Wreckless Intern or Overconfident Executive?  40:42 Hogwarts and Magical Beagles 

Rob Hughes — CISO at RSA and Champion of a Passwordless FutureNo Password Required Season 7:  Episode 1 - Rob HughesRob Hughes, the CISO at RSA, has more than 25 years of experience leading security and cloud infrastructure teams. In this episode, he reflects on his unconventional career path, from co-founding the original Geek.com and serving as its Chief Technologist during the early days of the internet, to leading security and systems design at Philips Home Monitoring.Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A. and Kayley Melton welcome Rob for a wide-ranging conversation on identity, leadership, and the realities of modern cybersecurity. Rob currently leads RSA’s Security and Risk Office, overseeing cybersecurity, information security governance, and risk across both RSA’s products and corporate environment.Rob explains his dream for a passwordless future. He unpacks why passwords remain one of the largest sources of cyber risk, how real-world incidents and password-spraying attacks have accelerated change, and why phishing-resistant technologies like passkeys may finally be reaching a tipping point.  The episode wraps with the Lifestyle Polygraph, where Rob lightens the conversation with stories about gaming with his kids, underrated horror films, and classic cars.Follow Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-hughes-816067a4/Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to No Password Required01:43 Meet Rob Hughes, CISO at RSA02:05 The Role of a CISO in a Security Company05:09 Transitioning to the CISO Role08:00 The Early Days of Geek.com12:14 Launching a Startup During the Dot Com Boom14:30 The Push for a Passwordless Future18:21 Tipping Point for Passwordless Adoption20:20 Ongoing Learning in Cybersecurity26:09 Managing Stress in High-Pressure Environments33:46 The Lifestyle Polygraph Begins34:15 Career Insights in Cybersecurity36:08 Dream Cars and Personal Preferences39:58 Underrated Horror Films41:19 Creating a Cybersecurity Monster

Gina Yacone — Virtual CISO at Trace3 and Roller Derby Penalty Box VisitorLive from B-Sides Jacksonville, No Password Required welcomes Gina Yacone, Virtual CISO at Trace3. Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A. and Sarina Gandy, host and producer of the CyberBay Podcast, host a conversation on Gina’s unconventional career path, leadership under pressure, and the power of community in cybersecurity. With career stops in private investigation, digital forensics, and executive security, Gina brings a people-first, purpose-driven perspective to complex cyber risk.Gina shares how her early work as a private investigator on high-profile criminal defense cases laid the foundation for her success in cybersecurity. She also reflects on raising her hand for big challenges, the rewards and risks of always saying yes, and how authenticity has guided her. She offers insight on why conference hallway conversations can be just as impactful as keynote sessions.A visible advocate for the cybersecurity community, Gina speaks openly about setting healthy mentorship boundaries and building resilient professional networks.The episode wraps with the Lifestyle Polygraph, where Gina lightens the mood with stories from her roller derby days, dream Amazing Race partners, and why John Wick might just be the ultimate executive assistant.Follow Gina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginayacone/ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and B-Sides Jacksonville01:16 Gina Yacone's Unique Journey to Cybersecurity06:22 Navigating Burnout in Cybersecurity08:06 The Importance of Raising Your Hand10:04 Adapting Leadership Styles in Different Roles 14:03 Being a Role Model for Women in Cybersecurity16:34 How to Establish a Good Mentee and Mentor Relationship18:50 Feedback and Constructive Criticism22:55  The Value of Hallway Conversations26:19 The Lifestyle Polygraph: Fun and Insights38:54 Conclusion and Future Connections

Danny Jenkins — Founder of ThreatLocker and the Zero-Trust RevolutionDanny Jenkins is the CEO of ThreatLocker, the leading cybersecurity company that he built alongside his wife. Hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and Kayley Melton of the Cognitive Security Institute follow Danny’s journey from a scrappy IT consultant to leading one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity companies in the world.Danny shares the moment everything changed: watching a small business nearly collapse after a catastrophic ransomware attack. That experience reshaped his mission and ultimately sparked the creation of ThreatLocker. He also reflects on the gritty early days—cold-calling from his living room, coding through the night, and taking on debt before finally landing their first $5,000 customer.Danny explains the origins of Zero Trust World, his passion for educating IT teams, and why adopting a hacker mindset is essential for modern defenders.In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Danny relates his early “revenge tech” against school bullies, the place he escapes to when celebrating big wins, and the movie franchise he insists is absolutely a Christmas classic.Follow Danny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyjenkins/ 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and ThreatLocker02:26 The Birth of ThreatLocker: A Personal Journey05:42 The Evolution of Zero Trust Security08:35 Real-World Impact of Cyber Attacks11:25 The Importance of a Hacker Mindset14:46 The Role of SOC Teams in Cybersecurity17:34 Building a Culture of Security20:23 Hiring for Passion and Skill in Cybersecurity23:44 Understanding Zero Trust: Trust No One26:32 Lifestyle Polygraph: Personal Insights and Fun29:41 Conclusion and Future of ThreatLocker

SummaryIn this episode of No Password Required, host Jack Clabby and Kayley Melton engage with Steve Orrin, the federal CTO at Intel, discussing the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the importance of diverse teams, and the intersection of technology and security. Steve shares insights from his extensive career, including his experiences in the startup scene, the significance of AI and IoT, and the critical blind spots in cybersecurity practices. The conversation also touches on nurturing talent in technology and offers valuable advice for young professionals entering the field.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and the Edge01:48 Steve Orrin's Role at Intel04:51 The Evolution of Security Technology09:07 The Startup Scene in the 90s13:00 The Intersection of Biology and Technology15:52 The Importance of AI and IoT20:30 Blind Spots in Cybersecurity25:38 Nurturing Talent in Technology28:57 Advice for Young Cybersecurity Professionals32:10 Lifestyle Polygraph: Fun Questions with Steve

Starbucks’ Security Pro Went from Cyber Competitions to Corporate Red TeamingDeMarcus Williams, a senior security engineer at Starbucks, has built a career defined by creativity, intuition, and persistence. With roles at the U.S. Department of Defense, AWS/Amazon, and now Starbucks, he specializes in offensive security, red teaming, and adversary emulation. In this episode, DeMarcus joins Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A. and Cyber Florida’s Sarina Gandy (guesting hosting) to share how his love of video games first sparked his cybersecurity journey—and how competitions like the Southeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (SECCDC) cemented his path.DeMarcus opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, the unique work-life balance he’s found at Starbucks, and why half of his red teaming comes down to gut instinct. He shares the difference between penetration testing and red teaming, what it’s like preparing for full-scale global operations, and the hacker mindset that still kicks in whenever he walks into a Starbucks café.In the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Sarina poses the ultimate face-off: what’s the bigger moment—the walk-up to a boxing ring or to the DEF CON keynote stage? And, between Stone Cold, The Rock, and The Undertaker, who would dominate in a Capture the Flag competition?Follow DeMarcus on Twitter: https://x.com/medarkus_  @ medarkus_ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Curiosity02:47 Day-to-Day Life of a Senior Security Engineer05:30 The Role of Gut Instinct in Cybersecurity08:31 Early Inspirations and the Journey into Cybersecurity11:35 The Importance of Competitions in Career Development14:33 Transitioning from Student to Professional17:34 The Red Team Experience and Its Impact20:25 Recruitment Opportunities in Cybersecurity Competitions23:33 Navigating Corporate Culture in Cybersecurity26:31 Mentorship and People-First Approach29:11 Lifestyle Polygraph and Fun Insights

SummaryIn this episode of No Password Required, host Jack Clabby and co-host Kayleigh Melton engage in a lively conversation with John Shipp, a product strategist at Rapid7. They explore John's unique journey from a metalhead to a cybersecurity expert, discussing the importance of passion in career development, the intricacies of product management, and the significance of customer insights in shaping cybersecurity solutions. John shares his early experiences in hacking, the influence of music on his life, and the value of building strong teams and company culture. The episode concludes with a fun segment called the Lifestyle Polygraph, where John answers quirky questions about his ideal cyber team and his dream day with Ric Flair.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Personal Journeys02:49 The Role of Passion in Career Development05:21 Navigating Product Management and Market Strategy08:23 The Evolution of Cybersecurity Skills11:37 The Importance of Customer Insights in Product Development14:35 Early Experiences in Hacking and Cybersecurity17:24 The Influence of Music on Personal and Professional Life20:19 Building Teams and Company Culture23:10 Startup Life and Risk Management26:08 Lifestyle Polygraph: Fun Questions and Insights29:13 Final Thoughts and Connections 

SummaryIn this episode of No Password Required, hosts Jack Clabby and Kayley Melton sit down with Kurt Sanger — former Deputy General Counsel at U.S. Cyber Command — to talk about the evolving world of cyber law, the wild ride from government service to private sector strategy, and what keeps him grounded in a field that’s constantly shifting. Kurt dives into the fast-growing cybersecurity scene in Tampa, the power of mentorship, and why people still get cyber law so wrong. Plus: insights on responding to incidents under pressure and what role the government should (and shouldn’t) play in the digital fight. Chapters00:00 NPR S6E7 Kurt Sanger52:53 NPR S6E7 Kurt Sanger01:45:47 Introduction to Cybersecurity Conversations01:48:22 Transitioning from Military to Private Sector Cybersecurity01:51:11 The Growth of Tampa as a Cybersecurity Hub01:54:05 Understanding Cybersecurity Misconceptions01:57:15 The Role of Mentorship in Cybersecurity Careers02:00:24 Military vs. Civilian Cybersecurity Law02:03:07 The Excitement of Cyber Command vs. Private Sector02:13:52 High Stakes in Cybersecurity for Small Organizations02:15:44 The Role of Legal Experts in Cybersecurity02:17:21 Translating Technical Jargon for Clients02:18:57 Challenges of Explaining Cyber Operations to Commanders02:22:43 Lifestyle Polygraph: Fun Questions and Insights02:23:30 The 10,000 Hour Rule in Cybersecurity02:29:34 Creative Freedom with LEGO Bricks02:31:27 Tampa's Culinary Delights and Local Favorites

SummaryIn this episode of the No Password Required podcast, host Jack Clabby and co-host Kaylee Melton welcome Kathy Collins, a security consultant at Secure Ideas. Kathy shares her unique journey from working in IT to pursuing a culinary career, and then back to cybersecurity. The conversation explores the transferable skills between cooking and cybersecurity, the unpredictability of physical penetration testing, and the high-pressure situations faced in both fields. Kathy also recounts memorable experiences from her culinary career and discusses the lack of horror films centered around cybersecurity. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of cybersecurity, including the use of the dark web in penetration testing, the importance of community events like B-Sides, and the fun of the Lifestyle Polygraph segment. They also share personal anecdotes about music, childhood memories, and culinary skills, creating a rich tapestry of insights and experiences in the cybersecurity field. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Culinary Journeys02:46 From IT to Culinary Arts: A Unique Transition06:02 The Shift Back to Cybersecurity09:00 Experiences in Physical Penetration Testing11:48 High-Pressure Situations: Cooking vs. Cybersecurity15:02 Unexpected Challenges in Culinary Events17:54 The Intersection of Horror and Cybersecurity23:32 Exploring the Dark Web in Pen Testing25:34 Engaging with the B-Sides Community27:09 The Lifestyle Polygraph: Fun and Games 31:09 Bonding Over Music and Childhood Memories34:17 Culinary Skills and Competition Insights

SummaryIn this episode, Jack Clabby and Kayley Melton discuss their conversation with Reginald Andre, a cybersecurity expert and CEO of ARK Solvers. They explore themes of mentorship, the evolution of cybersecurity businesses, the impact of AI, team culture, and community engagement. Andre shares his journey from aspiring English teacher to successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and personal growth in the cybersecurity field. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of mentorship, innovative teaching methods, and the role of AI in personal and professional development. They share personal anecdotes about mentoring students and children, emphasizing hands-on learning and real-world applications. The discussion also touches on the fun and insightful lifestyle polygraph segment, where the guest answers quirky questions that reveal his personality and approach to challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Mentorship01:56 The Journey of Reginald Andre05:58 From IT to Cybersecurity: A Business Evolution11:55 The Impact of AI on Cybersecurity17:52 Building a Strong Team Culture22:05 Community Engagement and Personal Growth27:39 Mentorship and Impact30:21 Innovative Teaching Approaches34:04 Lifestyle Polygraph: Fun and Insightful Questions

SummaryIn this episode of No Password Required, host Jack Clabby and co-host Kaylee Melton engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Mariana Padilla, co-founder and CEO of HACKERverse.AI. The discussion revolves around the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity, the role of leadership in fostering a positive work environment, and the challenges faced in the cybersecurity vendor landscape. Mariana shares her insights on the need for better communication in the industry and the importance of a beginner's mindset in driving innovation. The conversation also touches on the future of investment in cybersecurity and the necessity of rebuilding trust within the industry. In this engaging conversation, Mariana discusses the challenges of job searching in the current landscape dominated by AI and the importance of networking and personal branding. She emphasizes that building trust and connections is crucial in the cybersecurity field. The discussion transitions into a fun segment called the lifestyle polygraph, where Mariana shares her thoughts on superheroes and their relevance to personal and professional growth. The episode concludes with Mariana providing insights on how to connect with her and her work.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Conversations02:00 Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity06:02 The Role of Leadership in Startups09:00 The Value of a Beginner's Mindset11:58 Understanding HACKERverse's Mission13:59 Challenges in the Cybersecurity Vendor Landscape17:08 Shaking Up the Status Quo in Cybersecurity21:52 The Future of Investment in Cybersecurity24:36 Navigating Job Searches in the Age of AI29:35 The Importance of Personal Branding30:23 Lifestyle Polygraph: Fun and Games39:05 Superheroes and Their Lessons43:45 Connecting with Mariana: Final Thoughts

SummaryIn this episode of No Password Required, host Jack Clabby and guest Trevor Hilligoss discuss various aspects of cybersecurity, including the transition from military service to the private sector, the importance of leadership in tech, and the misconceptions surrounding cyber threats. Trevor shares insights from his career, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to cybersecurity and the value of empowering teams to innovate and learn from failures. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into memorable experiences in cybersecurity, including impactful interactions and the importance of sharing knowledge. They explore personal preferences through a fun lifestyle polygraph segment, discussing walk-up songs, breakfast favorites, and nerd culture. The conversation also touches on the lighter side of cybersecurity with prank calls and the dynamics of building an escape room team. The episode concludes with contact information and an invitation to connect further. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Insights02:54 Career Path and Unexpected Experiences05:55 Transitioning from Military to Cybersecurity09:07 Daily Life at Spy Cloud12:12 Leadership Philosophy and Management Style14:53 The Nature of Cyber Threats17:50 Technical Skills in Leadership20:52 Misconceptions About Cyber Criminals25:32 Memorable Cybersecurity Interactions28:12 Lifestyle Polygraph Introduction28:35 Walk-Up Songs and Personal Preferences32:07 Breakfast Favorites and Culinary Influences34:40 Building the Ultimate Escape Room Team37:36 Nerd Culture and Personal Interests39:02 Prank Calls and Culinary Competitions41:20 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

SummaryIn this episode of the No Password Required podcast, host Jack Klabby engages with cybersecurity experts Kaylee Melton and Rob Allen, discussing Rob's journey to ThreatLocker, the importance of overcoming public speaking fears, and the principles of Zero Trust security. They explore common mistakes organizations make when implementing Zero Trust, the future of cybersecurity in relation to AI threats, and the public's perception of cybersecurity incidents. The conversation also touches on the significance of layered security approaches and personal experiences in the industry, culminating in a fun lifestyle polygraph segment. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into their personal tech addictions, particularly focusing on extravagant purchases like the Vision Pro. They explore the future of wearable technology and its integration into daily life. The discussion shifts to the uniquely American experience of visiting Buc-ee's, a gas station that offers much more than fuel. They also debate the joy derived from sports victories versus personal achievements like hitting a hole in one. Finally, the conversation wraps up with a humorous take on the challenges of mastering DIY skills.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Insights03:05 Rob Allen's Journey to ThreatLocker05:49 Overcoming Public Speaking Fears08:55 Understanding Zero Trust Security12:12 Common Mistakes in Zero Trust Implementation15:02 The Future of Zero Trust and AI Threats18:05 Public Perception of Cybersecurity21:08 Layered Security Approaches24:02 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned26:58 Lifestyle Polygraph and Fun Questions27:11 Tech Addictions and Unnecessary Purchases32:05 The Future of Wearable Technology34:08 Experiencing Buc-ee's: The Most American Gas Station36:44 Joyful Moments: Sports Wins vs. Personal Achievements39:03 Mastering DIY Skills: A Personal Journey

SummaryIn this episode of No Password Required, host Jack Clabby and cybersecurity expert Dr. Anmol Agarwal discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, focusing on the challenges and innovations surrounding 5G and 6G networks, the integration of AI and quantum computing, and the importance of global collaboration in addressing cybersecurity threats. Dr. Agarwal shares her insights on the significance of creativity in the field, offers advice for those entering the cybersecurity space, and engages in a fun lifestyle polygraph segment that highlights her personal interests and professional aspirations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Insights02:30 Exploring 5G and 6G Security Challenges11:10 The Intersection of AI, Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity18:00 Global Collaboration in Cybersecurity24:57 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals26:48 The Role of Creativity in Cybersecurity31:27 Lifestyle Polygraph: Fun and Insightful Questions

In this conversation, Tanya Janca discusses the importance of secure coding in the cybersecurity landscape, sharing her journey and experiences as both a developer and educator. She emphasizes the need for software developers to understand security principles, the role of OWASP in providing resources, and the challenges of balancing user experience with security measures. Tanya also highlights the significance of validation in development and the implications of implied trust in cybersecurity practices.

SummaryThis conversation explores the U.S. Army's investment in cybersecurity compliance for small businesses, the importance of mentorship in the defense industry, and the unique career path of Sabrina McIntyre at KPMG. Sabrina discusses her transition from art to cybersecurity, the challenges of navigating compliance standards, and her advocacy for women in the field. The episode also touches on the intersection of art and cybersecurity, the vision for a cybersecurity museum, and fun personal insights from Zabrina's life. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Next Generation Commercial Operations Program02:51 The Importance of Cybersecurity Compliance for Small Businesses05:45 Zabrina McIntyre's Role at KPMG08:54 Zabrina's Unique Career Path11:51 Navigating Cybersecurity Standards14:48 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals17:58 Women in Cybersecurity: Building Community20:59 The Intersection of Art and Cybersecurity24:04 Zabrina's Vision for a Cybersecurity Museum27:02 Lifestyle Polygraph: Fun Questions with Zabrina30:09 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts 

SummaryIn this episode, the conversation begins with a significant data breach at Star Health Insurance, affecting over 31 million individuals. The discussion delves into the complexities of insider threats, particularly focusing on the alleged involvement of the company's CISO. The episode transitions to an introduction of Dr. Sunny Ware, a web application penetration tester, who shares her journey from software development to cybersecurity. Dr. Sunny discusses her role in penetration testing, the importance of understanding application logic, and the use of AI in her work. The episode concludes with a lifestyle polygraph segment, where Dr. Sunny shares personal insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in cybersecurity. Chapters00:00 Data Breach at Star Health Insurance06:06 Insider Threats and Whistleblowers07:05 Introduction to Dr. Sunny Ware30:14 Dr. Sunny's Career Path and Penetration Testing37:00 Lifestyle Polygraph with Dr. Sunny48:55 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

No Password Required Podcast Episode 53 — Confidence Staveley Confidence Staveley — The Founder of CyberSafe Foundation and a Person Who Is Comfortable in the API Kitchen. Confidence Staveley is the founder and CEO of CyberSafe Foundation, Africa's leading non-governmental organization in digital development. Her mission in this initiative is to ensure inclusive and safe digital access across Africa. Confidence discovered her passion for computer science during a gap year after high school when she first touched a computer keyboard. She then convinced her parents—who had envisioned a medical career for her—to support her new career by presenting hand-drawn slides and a twinkle in her eye. Since then, Confidence has become a leader in application security. She has also founded multiple businesses, starred in the "API Kitchen" series of videos. Follow Confidence Staveley on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/confidencestaveley/ Learn more about Cybersafe Foundation. https://cybersafefoundation.org/ Watch API Kitchen on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfi0VCyZDkUYDGYOQHxZybGGZjTbjng2B

Summary: A new school in San Antonio called Nukudu offers a paid training program followed by a guaranteed job in cybersecurity. The program aims to address the shortage of cyber jobs and provides hands-on training to ensure candidates are prepared for the workforce. Our guest, Dr. Thomas Hyslop, an assistant professor at the University of South Florida, shares his experience in law enforcement and the importance of interagency collaboration in combating cybercrime. He also discusses the Master of Science in Cybercrime program at USF, which focuses on digital forensics and criminal investigation. The future of cybercrime is concerning as large criminal organizations are becoming more sophisticated and mimicking nation states in their capabilities. Investigating international cybercrime is challenging due to the need for cooperation between countries and the slow response times. Changes in international treaties and agreements are needed to expedite investigations. Dr. Highslip ran a museum of vintage technology and is looking for a place to house it permanently. He enjoys swimming in Mirror Lake, biking on Champs-Elysees, and running in DC for his ideal triathlon. His favorite junk food treat is Bit-O-Honey and he loves all kinds of pies. Guns N' Roses is his favorite hair metal band and his favorite song is Paradise City. He enjoys playing metal songs at social gatherings and believes that Appetite for Destruction is a timeless album. Dr. Highslip has what it takes to join the fantasy cybersecurity squad and is a force multiplier with his expertise in incident response and alternative theories for obtaining information from foreign governments.Chapters00:00 Nukudu: A New School Offering Paid Training and Guaranteed Job Placement in Cybersecurity06:21 The Role of Interagency Collaboration in Combating Cybercrime19:07 The Master of Science in Cybercrime Program at the University of South Florida25:48 Emphasizing Team Building and Collaboration in Cybersecurity Education26:42 The Future of Cybercrime27:11 Investigating International Cybercrime31:25 Preserving Vintage Technology37:30 The Ideal Triathlon43:03 Indulging in Junk Food45:23 Rocking Out with Guns N' Roses49:11 Dr. Highslip: A Valuable Addition to the Fantasy Cybersecurity Squad

SummaryKenya's efforts to enhance its cybersecurity and technological progress through partnerships with the US and major tech companies. The focus is on responsible state behavior in cyberspace and addressing mobile app security. The role of public-private partnerships in promoting a robust digital economy and infrastructure. The conversation then transitions to an interview with Maretta Morovitz, a cybersecurity expert at MITRE, discussing her career path, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of ADHD on her work. The discussion also covers MITRE Engage, which focuses on cyber denial, deception, and adversary engagement, and highlights the use of simple yet effective techniques like decoy credentials. In this conversation, Maretta Morovitz discusses the importance of thinking creatively and outside the box when it comes to cybersecurity solutions, especially for organizations with limited budgets. She emphasizes the need for simplicity and proactive measures in cybersecurity. Maretta also highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in the field, involving professionals from various backgrounds such as human behavioral scientists and graphic designers. She shares a successful collaboration between MITRE and HSBC in the field of deception operations. Maretta also talks about her passion for dance and her unique talent of reciting the alphabet backwards.Follow Maretta Morovitz on LinkedIn: Maretta MorovitzFollow MITRE on Twitter: @MITREcorpLearn more about MITRE Engage: MITRE Engage Chapters00:00 Kenya's Cybersecurity Partnerships03:24 Addressing Mobile App Security07:13 Interview with Maretta Morovitz11:35 Cyber Deception and Adversary Engagement29:12 The Importance of Simplicity and Proactive Measures30:07 Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Cybersecurity31:06 Successful Collaboration in Deception Operations34:44 Bringing Unique Perspectives and Skills to Cybersecurity

Summary:The conversation discusses the extradition case of Julian Assange and the role of the US prison system in the decision. It also explores Tanya Janca's role at Semgrep and her passion for affordable cybersecurity education. Additionally, it touches on Tanya's experience in election security and the importance of transparency in the process. Tanya discusses her volunteer work with the Canadian government, where she helps educate students about cybersecurity. She talks about the importance of teaching young people about privacy, protecting digital devices, and understanding cyber threats. Tanya also mentions her involvement in the Cyber Titan competition and her efforts to promote cybersecurity as a career. She shares her experience writing the book 'Alice and Bob Learn Application Security' and her unique approach to making technical concepts accessible through stories and different learning styles. Tanya also talks about the importance of mentoring and how she has benefited from mentors throughout her career.Chapters00:00 The Extradition Case of Julian Assange08:18 Affordable Cybersecurity Education at Semgrep30:40 Tanya's Volunteer Work with the Canadian Government31:35 Promoting Cybersecurity as a Career34:02 Making Technical Concepts Accessible: 'Alice and Bob Learn Application Security'39:45 The Value of Mentoring

SummaryIn this episode of the No Password Required podcast, host Jack Clabby and co-host Kayley Melton interview Tamiko Fletcher, the CISO at Kennedy Space Center. Tamiko shares her journey from a small town in South Carolina to working at NASA and discusses her role as a CISO. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, outreach, and diversity in the cybersecurity field. Tamiko also talks about the unique challenges of cybersecurity at NASA, such as patching during launches and balancing innovation with security. She emphasizes the need to know and learn about individuals' strengths, interests, and motivations in order to effectively place them on teams and utilize their skills. Tamiko also shares her experiences working at NASA and the changes she has witnessed over the years, including the evolution of IT and the increasing diversity at the Kennedy Space Center. She highlights the excitement and pride she feels when witnessing a launch and the impact of NASA's work on the world.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome to the Podcast08:00 Education and Career Trajectory25:48 Challenges and Innovations in Cybersecurity at NASA34:4 8Building a Team and Emphasizing Diversity41:30 The Diversity of the Cyber Team at NASA54:25 Instilling Values in Teams to Change the Work Environment

SummaryRoman Sanikov, is the president of Constellation Cyber and specializes in cyber threat intelligence. In this episode, Roman discusses the importance of collaboration and transparency in the cybersecurity industry, particularly in combating ransomware attacks. He also emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to cybersecurity, involving education and empowerment for both employees and consumers. In this episode, Roman Reinhart shares his experiences as an undercover agent in the cybercrime world. He discusses maintaining a persona, dealing with forum behavior, and memorable arrests. He also emphasizes the importance of redemption and second chances. Roman also talks about his involvement with Helpster USA, an organization dedicated to providing life-saving treatment to young people in developing economies. He shares his hobbies of mushrooming and highlights the satisfying moments at work. Finally, he reflects on the cultural differences he experienced after moving overseas.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pig Butchering Schemes (opening conversation)02:18 Online Scams and Exploitation03:41 Forced Labor and Human Trafficking04:41 Approaching Scams with Compassion05:39 Guest Introduction: Roman Sanikov07:01 Roman's Role at Constellation Cyber08:22 Promoting Transparency in Ransomware Incidents10:17 Mitigating Secondary and Tertiary Impacts of Ransomware Attacks11:14 The Ripple Effect of Ransomware Attacks13:10 The Importance of Collaboration in Cybersecurity14:58 Roman's Career Path and Background19:34 Educating and Empowering Employees and Consumers21:28 Avoiding Victim-Blaming in Cybersecurity24:16 The Need for Collaboration and Transparency in the Industry25:10 Balancing Non-Traditional Pursuits with College26:37 Undercover Work and Building Relationships33:07 Maintaining a Persona36:25 Dealing with Forum Behavior38:18 Memorable Arrests41:25 Redemption and Second Chances45:13 Helpster USA48:16 Eccentricities of NHL Players50:56 Life's Unexpected Moments56:19 The Joy of Mushrooming58:43 Satisfying Moments at Work01:01:04 Learning Politeness in America

SummaryIn this episode, Jo Anna joins Carlton Fields P.A. Jack Clabby and KnowBe4’s VP of Remote Publishing Teams Kayley Melton to tell the story of how her career has changed since starting at Rice University 17 years ago. From her early days as a receptionist at a hair salon to her current role as a security analyst, Jo Anna shares her journey in the cyber world and her fascination with artificial intelligence, stemming from her compliance-related responsibilities. Emphasizing a realism-based view on AI, she passionately advocates for a comprehensive understanding of AI, emphasizing that it’s neither inherently good nor bad.Chapters00:00 Stolen Recordings and Cyber Criminals01:29 Arrest of a Florida Man and Stolen Rap Recordings02:27 The Allegations and Nicknames03:26 The Connection Between Cyber Crime and Rap Music04:23 Real-Life Consequences of Cybersecurity Crimes05:52 The Role of Law Enforcement in Cybersecurity Crimes06:50 Introduction of Guest Joanna Parker-Martin07:18 Joanna's Role at Rice University08:15 Protecting Data at Rice University09:08 Joanna's Journey into Cybersecurity10:04 Overcoming Challenges and Changing Career Paths18:14 Joanna's Interest in Artificial Intelligence19:22 The Intersection of Cybersecurity and AI20:46 The Challenges of Assessing AI Risk21:13 The Inevitability of AI22:37 The Risks of Facial Recognition Technology27:26 Joanna's Involvement with WiCys29:48 Community Outreach and Cybersecurity Education30:10 Misconceptions About Cybersecurity Professionals32:32 The Lifestyle Polygraph43:35 Joanna's Preference for Sponge Cake in Strawberry Shortcake

SummaryThe conversation discusses the arrest of Ola Segun Simpson Adagorin, a Nigerian national facing US federal charges for a business email compromise scheme. The collaboration between the FBI and Ghana is highlighted, along with the role of the legal attache job in solving crimes with international impact. The scheme and indictment details are explored, emphasizing the sophistication of the attack. Dr. Diana Burley, Vice Provost for Research and Innovation at American University, shares insights on cybersecurity education and workforce readiness. The importance of understanding human behavior in cybersecurity is discussed, along with strategies for engaging in conversations and addressing the search for cyber unicorns. In this episode, the importance of password security and the various methods to enhance it are discussed. The conversation covers common password mistakes, the use of password managers, multi-factor authentication, biometric authentication, and the future of password security.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Arrest of Ola Segun Simpson Adagorin01:24 Collaboration between FBI and Ghana03:15 Scheme and Indictment Details04:44 Legal Attache Job and Collaboration06:10 Deterrence and Sealed Indictments07:36 Introduction of Dr. Diana Burley08:31 Dr. Burley's Background and Role at American University09:23 Interest in Cybersecurity and Technology10:21 American University's Role in Educating Policymakers12:15 Engaging with Leaders and Shaping Policy13:36 Engaging with Students and Future Leaders14:28 American University's Focus on Policy and Research15:27 Misconceptions about the Cybersecurity Workforce16:23 Digital Literacy and Foundational Cybersecurity Skills18:45 Retaining Skilled Members in the Academic Environment19:43 Benefits of Engaging as a University Faculty Member20:37 Understanding Human Behavior in Cybersecurity22:05 Insights from Research on Human Behavior23:25 Understanding Employee Behavior in Cybersecurity24:47 Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity27:08 Strategies for Initiating Conversations with Strangers31:50 The Cyber Unicorn Project35:08 Addressing the Search for Cyber Unicorns41:45 Lifestyle Polygraph50:57 Understanding Irrational Behavior and Self-Awareness53:37 Engaging in Conversations with Strangers02:30 The Importance of Password Security10:15 Common Password Mistakes18:45 Password Managers27:10 Multi-Factor Authentication35:40 Biometric Authentication44:20 Passwordless Authentication52:30 Future of Password Security58:21 Conclusion

SummaryIn this episode, Jack Clabby and Kayley Melton discuss the upcoming Sunshine Cyber Conference and their collaboration with Winn Schwartau. They also talk about the importance of diverse cybersecurity talent and their plans for a joint session at the conference. The hosts then interview Lisa Plaggemier, the executive director at the National Cybersecurity Alliance, who shares her career journey and the role of creativity and curiosity in cybersecurity. They also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the cybersecurity industry and the importance of humor and satire in cybersecurity training. The episode concludes with a lifestyle polygraph segment. In this episode, the conversation covers various topics related to comedy, storytelling, and implementing change in organizations. The power of the internet is discussed, highlighting the potential consequences of online content. The guest shares her favorite comedy movies, emphasizing the comedic element in her expertise. The use of humor in training and awareness programs is explored, along with the challenges of implementing change in organizations. Dealing with roadblocks in security and the passion for security awareness are also discussed. The episode concludes with information on how to get in touch with the guest and a recap of what was learned.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:28 Fishing for Potential, the RTFM Guide to Diverse Cybersecurity Talent02:25 Live On-Site Remote Recording and Keynote Speakers03:51 Sunshine Cyber Conference and Registration04:46 Interview with Lisa Plaggemier05:15 Background and Role at the National Cybersecurity Alliance05:53 Transition to Security and Marketing Collaboration06:22 Incident Response and Training and Awareness07:20 Leadership and Skills in Cybersecurity08:18 Kubikle Series and Creativity in Security09:17 Curiosity and Creativity in Cybersecurity10:48 Naming and Shaming in Pen Tests and Phishing Testing11:41 DDoS Attack and Incident Response12:38 Neurodiversity and Cybersecurity13:21 Leading a Team During COVID-1914:21 Creating Engaging Training Content15:19 Global Data and Data Privacy Laws16:18 Humor and Satire in Cybersecurity Training18:47 Kubikle Series and Satire in Cybersecurity20:41 Creating Kubikle Series and Future Plans23:03Trust in Password Managers24:22 The Importance of Curiosity in Cybersecurity25:52 The Oh Behave Report and Behavioral Science26:50 Communicating Security Information Effectively28:44 Naming and Shaming in Phishing Testing29:39 Accepting Risk and Escalation Plans30:38 The Role of Security Teams and HR32:35 Building Trust in Password Managers33:32 Global Data and Cybersecurity Awareness36:51 The Importance of Curiosity in Cybersecurity Hiring40:03 The Underground Student-Led Newspaper41:12 The Significance of Curiosity and Creativity in Career50:44 The Power of the Internet51:14 Favorite Comedy Movies52:12 Using Humor in Training and Awareness53:38 Implementing Change in Organizations54:55 Dealing with Roadblocks in Security55:45 Passion for Security Awareness56:06 How to Get in Touch56:37 What Was Learned57:11 Closing Remarks

Jayson Street — Chief Adversarial Officer at Secure Yeti, a DEF CON Groups Global Ambassador, and a world-class awkward hugger Jayson Street, the dynamic Chief Adversarial Officer at Secure Yeti, has worn many masks throughout his life and career. He was once named a “World-Class Hacker” on the National Geographic series "Breakthrough Cyber-Terror," but he prefers the simpler title of Hacker, Helper, and Human. In this episode, Jayson joins Carlton Fields P.A.’s Jack Clabby and KnowBe4’s VP of Remote Publishing Teams Kayley Melton to talk about his journey of self-discovery that led him from being an award-winning janitor at McDonald's to one of the world’s most infamous ethical hackers. From his early childhood, Jayson has embraced hacking as a way of life, embodying the spirit of relentless exploration, innovation, and resilience. Like our favorite co-host Kayley, Jayson uncovered a new layer of his identity in his adulthood when he discovered that he is neurodivergent. He dives deep into how this new understanding altered his perception of himself, allowed him to embrace the various “masks” he wears throughout life, and discovered that his unique mind is actually his superpower. He also shares extraordinary stories of how he gained entry into some of the hardest-to-access cyber targets in the world. To start off the show, Jack and Kayley talk about the celebrity that’s topping the Hacker Celebrity Hot List as the celeb whose name is used most by cybercriminals when creating online scams. Hint: he’s just Ken… You can follow Jayson on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstreet/ You can follow Jayson on Twitter here: @jaysonstreet You can learn more about Jayson here: https://jaysonestreet.com You can learn more about Secure Yeti here: https://www.secureyeti.com/

Kristin Demoranville — CEO and Founder of AnzenSage, defender of the food sector, and friend to primates What is the role of cybersecurity in food safety? Kristin Demoranville, CEO and Founder of AnzenSage, is committed to shielding the food sector from potential cybersecurity threats and ensuring the resilience of the entire food supply chain. Her dedication is not just a professional pursuit; it's a mission to prevent any compromise to public health. In this episode, Carlton Fields Cybersecurity Attorney Jack Clabby and No Password Required producer Rex Wilson speak with Kristin about everything from the deployment of autonomous tractors to the secure refrigeration of airport food, and Kristin sheds light on the other facets of daily life that are linked to the food supply chain. Kristen also shares how her love for wildlife led to her working with primates at the Louisville Zoo before making the transition into cybersecurity, and the value that podcasting has brought to her life. Kristen’s podcast, the Bites & Bytes Podcast, is her platform for discussing cybersecurity and food safety, and is recommended listening for fans of No Password Required. Bites & Bytes has fast become a medium for Kristin to share insights, connect with audiences, and explore the intersections of her diverse interests. Jack and Rex also delve into the intricacies of the Environmental Protection Agency's recent decision not to include cybersecurity in water system audits, and the questions this may raise about the security of water utility infrastructure. You can follow Kristin on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demoranvillekristin/ You can follow Kristin on Twitter here: @demokris You can learn more about AnzenSage here: https://www.anzensage.com/

Jessica Gulick — Founder and Commissioner of the US Cyber Games, CEO of the cyber marketing firm Katzcy, and someone who values perseverance over perfection Jessica Gulick is a woman of many trades. She is the Founder and CEO of the cyber marketing firm Katzcy, the Founder and Commissioner of the US Cyber Games, and a trailblazer who is working to make cybersecurity a sport that thrives. In this episode, Jessica joins Carlton Fields P.A.’s Jack Clabby and KnowBe4’s Kayley Melton to share her experiences as a female entrepreneur and the role that perseverance has played throughout her career. She also talks about the inception of the US Cyber Games, its commitment to bringing together elite cyber athletes, coaches, and industry leaders, and the purpose she hopes it will serve in the cyber world. Jack and Kayley also discuss the recent developments of Droidish, which may sound like a new Star Trek language but is actually the language being developed by the US military to allow AI drones to communicate with one another to become useful “tools” for many different purposes. You can follow Jessica on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagulick/ You can follow Jessica on Twitter here: @CyberRiskLady You can learn more about US Cyber Games here: https://www.playcyber.com/

Allan Liska —Threat Intelligence Analyst at Recorded Future, the Ransomware Sommelier, and a guy with a mildly exciting expense account Allan Liska is a Threat Intelligence Analyst at Recorded Future. In this episode, Allan returns to No Password Required to talk with Carlton Fields Attorney Jack Clabby and KnowBe4’s Kayley Melton about his experiences in the ever-evolving battlefield of cyber threats, what has changed in ransomware since his first time on the show, and his perspective on the power of AI in the battle against cyber threats. He also updates us on his passion project: the upcoming release of the Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar comic book. In this thrilling new venture, Allan breathes new life into iconic insurance investigator Johnny Dollar by casting him in a role that hits close to home: a ransomware investigator. The best part was that he gifted the No Password Required team the chance to act out a scene from the comic. Jack and Kayley also talk about the dismantling of Qakbot, marking one of the largest-ever U.S.-led enforcement actions against a botnet (and also marking one of the best U.S. mission titles - Operation Duck Hunt.) You can follow Allan on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan2/ You can follow Allan on Twitter here: @uuallan You can learn more about Recorded Future here: https://www.recordedfuture.com/

Courtney H. Jackson — CEO of Paragon Cyber Solutions, family-night game champion, and calculated-risk taker Courtney H. Jackson is the CEO of Paragon Cyber Solutions, a Tampa-based cybersecurity solutions provider. If Courtney’s name sounds familiar, that may be because she was awarded the Global 2022 Cybersecurity Woman Entrepreneur of the Year! In addition, Courtney is a 2023 Business Woman of the Year Honoree and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, where she was introduced to the world of cyber and IT. In this episode of No Password Required, Courtney joins Carlton Fields P.A. Jack Clabby and KnowBe4’s Kayley Melton to talk about her path to becoming a CEO, the resources that she wished she’d had when starting her career in this industry, how she uses a Cybersecurity Apprenticeship program approved by the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs and SkillBridge to fill her growing team with talent, and the “one” family-night game that brings out her family’s competitive spirit. Jack and Kayley also talk about the unlikely duo behind the 2016 Bitfinex hack - one of whom is most known by her persona as the aspiring rapper “Razzlekhan.” You can follow Courtney on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyhjackson/ You can follow Courtney on Twitter here: @mrschjackson You can learn more about Paragon Cyber Solutions here: https://paragoncybersolutions.com/

Lisa Ventura — founder of Cyber Security Unity, Member of the Order of the British Empire, and appreciator of 80s soap operas Lisa Ventura MBE is the founder of Cyber Security Unity, a UK-based organization seeking to unite the cyber security industry globally. In this episode of No Password Required, Lisa joins Carlton Fields, P.A.’s Jack Clabby and KnowBe4’s Kayley Melton to share how she went from working on the UK version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” to becoming an award-winning leader in the cybersecurity industry. She also tells us about receiving her honorary award from the British Parliament, her love of 1980s U.S. soap operas, and the sci-fi world she’d most want to live in. Jack and Kayley discuss the drastic increase in the amount of cash Americans lost to text-messaging scams in recent years. Why is this type of attack showing so much growth? How can consumers continue moving forward? They talk about all of that and more. A special thanks to the great Sarina Gandy for producing this episode. You can connect with Lisa on Twitter here: @cybergeekgirl You can connect with Lisa on her personal website here: https://lisaventura.co.uk/ You can learn more about Cyber Security Unity here: https://csu.org.uk/

Nick Biasini - Threat researcher at Cisco Talos and a veteran of the highest profile cyber incidents who roasts his own coffee beans Nick Biasini leads a team of threat researchers at Cisco Talos who patrol the cutting edge of the threat landscape. Not only has he investigated some of the most significant cyberattacks in history, but he also has hands-on experience with the 1980 Olympic bobsled track. In this episode of No Password Required, Nick joins Carlton Fields’s Jack Clabby and KnowBe4’s Kayley Melton to talk about his start as an FAA security analyst, some of his top discoveries during his threat research days, and the value of getting comfortable with failure. He shares his story of investigating the SamSam ransomware and his predictions for how AI might be able to support businesses in the future. Kayley and Jack break down the $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of alleged Russian ransomware affiliate Mikhail Matveev. You can connect with Nick on Twitter here: @infosec_nick Check it out on YouTube here: https://tinyurl.com/4mtbd4ed

Gotham Sharma is a cybersecurity consultant, writer, educator, and stand-up comic. He’s on a mission to help folks build successful careers in information security through his latest venture, AccessCyber.co. In his training, Gotham leverages humor to make security awareness and education relatable to audiences of various technical backgrounds. Inspired by satire publications like The Onion, Gotham recently launched an infosec magazine called Brute Farce Attack, one of the many projects on his growing list of side hustles. In this episode of No Password Required, Gotham joins Carlton Fields’s Jack Clabby and KnowBe4’s Kayley Melton to share how his life changed after a well-intentioned anti-mentor inspired him. Jack and Kayley discuss IARPA’s plan to hack hackers’ brains as the agency considers reimagining security with cyberpsychology-informed network defenses. You can connect with Gotham on Twitter here: @GothamJSharma You can learn more about AccessCyber here: https://accesscyber.co/ You can learn more about Brute Farce Attack here: https://www.brutefarceattack.com/

Bianca Lewis, also known by her hacker handle BiaSciLab, is a next-generation teenage hacker and the CEO of Girls Who Hack. Bianca’s cybersecurity journey started at age 11 when she was part of a team who successfully compromised a simulated election-reporting system at DEF CON 26. In this episode of No Password Required, Bianca joins Jack Clabby and KnowBe4’s Kayley Melton to share her experiences as a teenage hacker, her advice for being a confident public speaker, and her other biggest passion in life: the theatre. Jack and Kayley discuss the joint investigation between German police, the FBI, and law enforcement in Ukraine and the Netherlands and how they took down the DoppelPaymer ransomware group. You can connect with Bianca on Twitter here: @BiaSciLab

Louis Nyffenegger is the founder and CEO of PentesterLab. On this episode of No Password Required, Louis shares how he built his penetration-testing training company, why empathy is crucial to application security, and what can be learned from having hobbies you’re not good at. He also tells us his favorite pen testing story, explains the early days of smartwatch security, and describes his journey from France to Australia. The entire No Password Required team (Ernie, Jack, Rex, Devin, and Sarina) celebrate Ernie’s final episode by participating in a game show challenge about his life. Learn how many tattoos he has, how many countries he’s been to, and more juicy facts that we’ve all been dying to know. You can connect with Louis on Twitter here: @snyff You can learn more about the PentesterLab here: https://www.pentesterlab.com/

Joey deVilla is a Senior R&D Content Engineer at Auth0, a division of Okta. After hours, Joey is known as the Accordion Guy and spends his time playing music and sharing his nerdy takes on his two personal blogs. In this episode, Joey joins Jack and guest-host Tashya Denose (host of the Do We Belong Here podcast) to talk about his love for the tech community, his unique assortment of passions, hobbies, and jobs, and how he continues to trust the serendipity of his life even when the path seems unclear. Tashya and Jack talk about DoNotPay’s $1 million offer to lawyers to let AI take their place before the Supreme Court and what this kind of technology could mean for the future. You can connect with Joey here: globalnerdy.com and here: joeydevilla.com You can learn more about the Legendary Nanaimo Bar here: https://www.nanaimo.ca/about-nanaimo/nanaimo-bars

General (Ret.) Frank McKenzie is the Executive Director of the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida and the Executive Director of Cyber Florida. In April 2022, General McKenzie retired from the Marine Corps after completing over 42 years of service. He joins the No Password Required team to discuss the evolution of his leadership style over time, a typical morning for a four-star military general, and his preference for Star Trek over Star Wars. In honor of the holidays, Ernie and Jack discuss one of the most iconic (and shocking) Christmas movies of all time - Gremlins.

Andy Sekela is the Private Sector Coordinator for the FBI Tampa Division, who may just be on a mission to have the world’s coolest resumé. In this episode, Andy joins the No Password Required team to talk about his diverse career path, including his time as an officer on a nuclear submarine, public corruption investigations, and his best “wow, I’m an FBI agent” story. He also explains the FBI's role in investigating cybersecurity breaches, what happens after an IC3 report, and career opportunities at the agency. Jack and Ernie discuss the dark web's recent offer for sale of 487 million WhatsApp numbers and how modern businesses handle suspected website scraping.

Hannah Sutor is the Senior Product Manager at GitLab and Digital Privacy Advocate at The Privacy Chick. Hannah joins the No Password Required team to talk about how she discovered privacy and cybersecurity in college, what she expects for the future of usernames and passwords, and her adventures while traveling in an RV with her family for a year. Bonus: she also reveals her recipe for the best pumpkin spice latte. Ernie and Jack discuss the proposed U.S. labeling program for IoT consumer devices and some potential cyber and privacy implications.

Charles Shirer is the Chief Executive Officer of GlobalWave Consulting, an IT and cybersecurity consultancy. Known as the @bsdbandit to his 20,000+ Twitter followers, Charles is often considered the most positive person in cybersecurity (and for good reason!). In this episode, Charles joins the No Password Required team to tell us about how his childhood love for video games led to his passion for everything computer-related, what inspires him to share motivational messages on Twitter, and the importance of striving for a positive mindset in life. Jack and Ernie discuss the United Kingdom’s potential privacy enforcement against TikTok, and the regulatory regime for collecting the personal data of minors.

Kayley Melton is the Vice President of Security Awareness Company Courseware and Labs at KnowBe4. Although she can’t share too much about what the "labs" portion of her job entails, let's face it, the secrecy makes her even cooler. Kayley joins the No Password Required team to tell us about her journey from an Appalachian farm to fine arts major at a self-described “bougie” college, and from there to VP at a leading security awareness company and the challenges that she overcame to get there. Kayley also shares the story of how a Craigslist ad changed her life, who the Chewbacca is to her Han Solo, and the lessons she’s had to learn as a woman in this industry. Ernie, Jack, and Pablo discuss something likely to shock 90s babies; the cybercriminal “TarTarX” has stolen the data of 69 million Neopets users.