Unencrypted Chatter - ISC2 New Jersey Chapter Podcast

On this stop of the Unencrypted Chatter Roadshow, host Joe Patti catches up with NJ SECON speaker Debra Price ahead of her talk to explore what happens when cybersecurity meets Go-to-Market strategy.Debra breaks down GTM and why building a great product is only part of the equation. With 42% of startups failing because of a lack of product-market fit, understanding your audience, analyzing the market, and determining whether there is real demand can make all the difference.The conversation also explores the growing role of AI in Go-to-Market strategies. AI tools can help accelerate research and analysis, but they can also create new challenges when organizations make assumptions about their market, pricing, or the problems customers are actually willing to pay to solve.From finding the right market and analyzing demand to pricing and product-market fit, Joe and Debra look at the business considerations that can determine whether an idea gains traction or falls short.

AI is making us faster and smarter, but it is doing the same for the adversary.Recorded live at NJ SECON 2026, closing keynote speaker Dr. Erdal Ozkaya joins hosts Joe Patti and Rich Mendoza to explore the new rules of enterprise security in an age where AI is both a powerful defender and an emerging weapon.From prompt-based attack vectors and the growing threat of Shadow AI to attackers moving faster than defenders, the conversation challenges us to rethink how we protect our organizations. If defenders are the back wheel of the bicycle, how do we stop following and start getting ahead?The discussion also ventures into almost science-fiction territory: we are increasingly relying on AI to defend us while still working to fully understand, govern, and control what we are creating.Featuring Joe Patti and Rich Mendoza, with Audio Engineer Charlie Fraser.

Recorded live at NJ SECON 2026, Alissa Knight joins Joe Patti and Richard Mendoza immediately following her keynote for a conversation on the future of agentic AI.Alissa explains what an AI harness is and why it's becoming the missing piece between large language models and autonomous AI agents. Using the analogy of the harness as the "body" and the LLM as the "brain," she breaks down how these systems work together to create intelligent, task-driven AI. The discussion also explores Ares, Claude Mythos, and how agentic AI is transforming cybersecurity and the broader technology landscape.Don't miss this insightful conversation from the Unencrypted Chatter Live podcast at NJ SECON 2026.

Recorded live at NJSECON 2026 as part of the Unencrypted Chatter Live Podcast Roadshow, hosts Joe Patti and Rich Mendoza sit down with Michael Geraghty for a conversation on cybersecurity, public service, and protecting New Jersey's digital future.Drawing from his extensive experience in government, law, and cybersecurity leadership, Michael shares insights on the evolving threat landscape, the importance of public-private partnerships, and the challenges organizations face as they work to strengthen resilience against modern cyber threats.Join us for this live discussion from the conference floor as we explore what it takes to defend New Jersey in an increasingly connected world.

In this episode, as part of our countdown to NJSECON 2026, we're revisiting memorable conversations from NJSECON 2025.Recorded live at NJ SECON 2025, host Joe Patti sits down with the team from Rainbow Secure to explore the meaning behind their unique approach to cybersecurity and their signature concept, "Color & Style."What do colors have to do with cybersecurity? More than you might think. From visual identity and authentication to rethinking how we protect digital assets, Rainbow Secure shares how color, patterns, and human interaction can play a role in building stronger security solutions.Join us for a conversation that challenges traditional thinking and shows how cybersecurity can be viewed through a different lens; one that's secure, innovative, and full of color.

As part of our countdown to NJ SECON 2026, we're revisiting memorable conversations from NJSECON 2025. In this episode, recorded live at NJ SECON 2025, host Alex Velez sits down with Yolanda Baker, a cybersecurity veteran with more than 20 years of experience, to discuss the importance of wellness in a demanding profession.Yolanda shares how a workplace wellness program introduced her to yoga and meditation, and how those practices helped shape her approach to stress, burnout prevention, leadership, and career longevity. Together, Alex and Yolanda explore the human side of cybersecurity and offer practical insights for students and experienced practitioners looking to build resilience and maintain balance in their personal and professional lives.Whether you're new to cybersecurity or a seasoned professional, this conversation is a reminder that protecting yourself is just as important as protecting the systems you defend.

As part of our countdown to NJ SECON 2026, we're revisiting memorable conversations from NJSECON 2025.In this episode, host Joe Patti sits down with Podcast Committee member Claudia Hernandez to discuss their experiences with the Unencrypted Chatter podcast project, various volunteer initiatives within the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter, and the value of community involvement. Recorded live at NJ SECON 2025, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people helping drive the chapter forward.

As we make our way towards NJSECON 2026, we're revisiting some of the memorable conversations from last year's conference. At Throwback Stop #1, host Joe Patti sits down with Dr. Erdal Ozkaya to discuss his NJSECON 2025 presentation, Hacking Humans. From the psychology behind cyber threats to stories and insights gathered throughout his career, Dr. Ozkaya shares why the human element remains one of the most important aspects of cybersecurity. Filled with engaging discussion and conference banter, this episode is a great way to kick off our road trip back through NJSECON 2025.

Building an effective Information Security program requires more than a collection of tools, policies, and controls. It requires a clear strategy, strong governance, executive alignment, and a foundation that can scale as the business evolves.In this session, we are fortunate to be joined by two dynamic and thoughtful leaders, Juan Morales and Michael Lebiedzinski, who have built and led high-performing security programs at Fortune 100 organizations. They will share practical insights, lessons learned, and strategic considerations to help listeners design Information Security programs that are resilient, business-aligned, and built to last.

Continuing our SECON 2025 throwback series, host Joe Patti sits down with Joseph Nunes, President of the ISACA New Jersey Chapter, during the conference.With both the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter and ISACA New Jersey chapters sponsoring SECON 2025, the conversation highlights the strong connection between the two communities and the many professionals who actively participate in both.Joe reflects on his 14 years as an ISACA member, sharing insights on certifications, testing experiences, and the value of continuing education for cybersecurity and IT governance professionals. The discussion also explores the chapter’s growing focus on community outreach, educational workshops, partnerships with universities, and new initiatives engaging high school students interested in cybersecurity careers.Looking ahead, Joe shares his hopes for 2026, including expanding collaboration and partnerships between ISACA and ISC2 chapters to continue strengthening the cybersecurity community.

Warm up from the storms with this throwback episode as we revisit the live conversations hosted in person at SECON 2025 with Ken Fishkin, President of the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter with our host, Joe Patti.Recorded during the conference itself, this discussion captures the real-time energy of SECON 2025 as it was happening. Ken shares insights on the vision behind the event, the momentum building throughout the day, and how the chapter continues to elevate professional development, collaboration, and leadership across our cybersecurity community.From the conference floor to the broader mission of the chapter, this episode highlights leadership in motion and what it looks like when a community comes together with purpose.Press play and revisit the energy of SECON 2025.

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, hosts Richard Mendoza and Aneta Klepacka sit down with Wesley Reinhart, CMMC Program Director at Compass MSP, to break down the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0).Wes shares actionable insights for businesses preparing to meet Department of Defense (DoD) compliance standards — from scoping environments and mapping CUI data to executive buy-in, risk prioritization, and timelines. Whether you’re a small contractor or a major supplier, this discussion will help you understand the real-world impact, urgency, and steps to achieve certification.

As Veterans Day approaches, we’re honored to feature a guest whose path reflects the discipline, service, and commitment that strengthen our cybersecurity community every day.In this episode, Tom Brennan shares how his early experiences in the U.S. Marine Corps shaped his attacker mindset, informed his approach to risk, and prepared him for a career focused on real-world defense and cyber resiliency. Tom also joined us this past June as one of our valuable speakers at SECON 2025, bringing practical insights to our community.

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Joe Patti talks with Michelle Schaap, an attorney specializing in cybersecurity and privacy law. They discuss the evolving role of legal professionals in the cybersecurity landscape, the importance of vendor management and compliance, the challenges of data governance, and the necessity for effective communication between IT and legal teams. They also explore the nuances of privacy laws across different states and the impact of AI on legal practices.

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Aaron Kraus talks with Stan Mierzwa, Director of the Center for Cybersecurity at Kean University, about how education and mentorship are shaping the next generation of cyber talent. From classroom insights to real-world crisis management, Stan shares what it takes to build skilled, resilient cybersecurity professionals.

In this episode, Joe Patti sits down with Michael C. Redmond, an accomplished CISO, author, and international speaker, to explore her journey in cybersecurity leadership. Michael reflects on her unique path—from theater and teaching to military service and risk management—and the mentors who shaped her commitment to giving back. She shares insights from her global speaking engagements, her published research on the evolving role of CISOs, and why continuous learning is essential for success. Michael also discusses the critical skills CISOs need today, from AI and digital transformation to business continuity planning, and emphasizes that true impact comes not from chasing titles, but from sharing knowledge and building stronger communities.

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, Aaron Kraus sits down with James McQuiggan, Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4 and featured speaker at SECON 2025. James shares his journey into cybersecurity, from his engineering work at Siemens to becoming a passionate educator and thought leader in human risk management. They discuss why people aren’t the “weakest link,” the need for continuous awareness programs, and how empowering users to make smarter security decisions strengthens the future of cybersecurity.

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, cybersecurity entrepreneur Cheri Hotman shares her journey from corporate burnout to founding The Hotman Group, a cybersecurity consulting firm. After leaving a toxic work environment that affected her well-being, she pursued her passion for cybersecurity, starting solo before organically growing a team.Cheri emphasizes the importance of aligning work with personal strengths, knowing when to ask for help, and building an intentional, people-focused culture. She also dives into the real challenges in cybersecurity today: understaffed teams, overreliance on compliance checklists, and the urgent need for holistic, well-run security programs.Along the way, Cheri reflects on the balance between planning and adaptability, the value of mentorship, and why people and process are just as critical as technology in securing organizations.

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Lindsay Pierre and co-host Joe Patti engage with Grace Chi, co-founder and CEO of Pulse Dive, to explore the multifaceted world of threat intelligence. Grace shares her insights on the importance of community engagement in cybersecurity, the collaborative nature of threat intelligence, and the role of AI as a force multiplier. The conversation also delves into the challenges of customizing threat intelligence for clients and the fundamental practices that remain crucial in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

🎙️ Volunteer Chatter | Episode: Spotlight on Anicee MonfleuryIn this special International Women’s Day episode, Alex Velez sits down with Anicee Monfleury—Volunteer of the Year and a powerhouse in the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter. Anicee shares her journey, the impact of mentorship, and her leadership in the Senior Scam & Fraud Awareness initiative that’s reached hundreds across New Jersey. From planning major events like SECON and chapter picnics to mentoring future cyber professionals, Anicee’s dedication shines. Tune in to hear how she's helping shape the next generation of cybersecurity leaders—and why she loves every minute of it.#isc2chapternj #VolunteerChatter #BoldlyForward #Cybersecurity #WomenInCyber #CommunityImpact

In this episode, Ken Fishkin, President of ISC2 NJ Chapter, chats with Pradeep Nerupati, a dedicated volunteer and cybersecurity professional. Pradeep shares his journey from India to the U.S., how networking helped him build a strong cybersecurity community before arriving, and his transition into the workforce. He discusses industry challenges, key skills for success, and his passion for mentoring others. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance, learning, and career growth in cybersecurity!

In this episode, hosts Aaron Kraus and Reggie Alford sit down with ISC2 New Jersey chapter members Alex Velez and Lindsay Pierre to explore how the chapter empowers its members preparing for the pivotal ISC2 CISSP exam.Discover practical study tips, essential exam prep materials, and proven test-taking strategies. We also dive into Alex and Lindsay’s unique journeys, uncovering scholarship opportunities, hidden resources, and unexpected surprises they found along the way to earning this prestigious certification. Whether you’re preparing for the CISSP or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to kick off 2025!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Prabha Jha, a passionate Business Information Security Officer (BISO) dedicated to empowering women in cybersecurity and prioritizing health and wellbeing. Prabha shares the pivotal moments that sparked her interest in cybersecurity, including key events and individuals who influenced her career journey. Prabha opened up about her challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, how she overcame obstacles with resilience, and the lessons learned along the way. Prabha discusses how her involvement with the ISC2 NJ Chapter has helped her grow professionally and personally, and she shares her vision for a more inclusive and equitable cybersecurity industry. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone inspired by trailblazers advocating for diversity, resilience, and balance in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.

Join us for this very special episode recorded live at ISC 2 Security Congress 2024 in Las Vegas! We talk with May Brooks, ISC2 Board Member and speaker at the Congress. Her career has spanned from game hacker to GRC consultant, pen tester to security architect, and she shares insights from her unique and varied work history. She also shares with us the importance of being realistic when hiring and evangelizing security to the masses. Tune in for insights that can shape your career!

Episode 3 of Volunteer Chatter is a very special episode! We recorded live at ISC2 Security Congress 2024 in Las Vegas, where we were lucky enough to get some time with super NJ Chapter volunteer and 2024 ISC2 Volunteer Service Award recipient Jay Ferron. This conversation covered the evolution of computing and associated cyber risks, Jay’s volunteer work as the NJ Chapter has grown, and the importance of giving back to make positive changes in the world.

In this episode, we talk with Sophia Kokolis about how regulatory changes in financial services led her into a career in cybersecurity. She shares insights about how to adapt to changing regulatory requirements and evolving cyber risks, how her experience as a woman in IT informs her approach to communicating security risk topics, and essential soft skills that cyber career seekers should be aware of. She emphasizes a broad perspective, including work on her small hobby farm, and the importance of varied skill sets in meeting cyber challenges. Tune in to discover insights that can shape your career!

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Episode 2 of Volunteer Chatter features a conversation with Claudia Hernandez and Sammy Cordero from the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter. Guided by this year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping Our Future Together,” Claudia and Sammy share how their Hispanic roots inspire their volunteer work in cybersecurity. They discuss their pride in their heritage and how diversity within the chapter enriches the community.

This segment explores Debbie's journey in cybersecurity, covering her inspiration for entering the field, the challenges she faced as a woman, and the essential skills for success. She also offers recommendations to make the industry more inclusive and shares a story demonstrating the impact of women's leadership in cybersecurity.

Introducing Volunteer Chatter: A New Mini-Series! Join us as we dive into the stories of the incredible volunteers from the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter. In this episode, we hear from Podcast Committee members Marie Wang and Alex Velez, sharing their experiences at the NY Metro Joint Cyber Security Conference, insights, and why they love giving back. Don’t miss these inspiring conversations!

This segment focuses on Michael's leadership journey in cybersecurity. It covers her evolving perspective on leadership, a pivotal career moment that ignited her passion, and her approach to mentorship and empowerment. Additionally, she highlights the importance of a strong governance framework, discusses innovative approaches, and offers advice for aspiring women leaders in cybersecurity.

Ken Fishkin, President of ISC2 NJ Chapter interviews Marie Wang, Claudia Hernandez and Aneta Klepacka, who will be the future hosts of our first podcast series "Jersey Girls in Cyber".