CTRL-ALT-DEFEND

We are thrilled to be chatting with Phil Hagen, SANS Fellow, Principal Information Security Researcher at Red Canary, Author of FOR572: Advanced Network Forensics, Author of SOF-ELK.Phil Hagen has built a career spanning deep technical execution, leadership, and executive responsibility in information security. He has supported mission-critical 24×7 environments, led a national security forensic services team of 85 professionals, and delivered forensic consulting to law enforcement, government, and commercial clients. Today, he is a Principal Information Security Researcher at Red Canary (a Zscaler company) and the author of SANS FOR572: Advanced Network Forensics.

During this episode, we chat with Jackie McGuire, recorded at the 2026 ISACA LA Spring Conference. Jackie McGuire is a cybersecurity analyst and AI researcher known for connecting big technology trends to real-world community risk. Lately, she’s been especially vocal about the proposed AI data center developments in Marana, Arizona, raising thoughtful concerns around power demand, financial sustainability, public transparency, and what large-scale AI infrastructure could mean for local communities. She brings a sharp perspective that blends cybersecurity, economics, and emerging technology — making her a compelling voice on where AI, critical infrastructure, and public policy are starting to collide.Jackie is a thought leader, cyber security expert, data science and AI nerd, and outspoken advocate for underrepresented people in technology. With over 20 years of experience spanning Main Street, Wall Street, and Silicon Valley, people rely on Jackie to connect dots they don’t see and provide the honest feedback others won’t. Jackie strives to demystify technology, cut through FUD (and other marketing lingo), and help tell the stories of the people and companies who are building and protecting the world around us.

During this episode, we chat with Eric O'Neil. Eric O'Neil is a cybersecurity expert, legendary FBI operative, attorney, and founder of The Georgetown Group and NeXasure AI, who works with organizations to protect themselves against cybercriminals, whose total thefts constitute the world’s third largest economy. Eric began his career in the FBI as a “ghost” — an undercover field operative tasked to surveil foreign and domestic spies and terrorists. In 2001, he brought down the nation’s first cyberspy: Robert Hanssen, a 25-year veteran of the FBI and a notorious Russian mole. This edge-of-your seat story is featured in the critically-acclaimed movie, Breach, starring Ryan Philippe, Chis Cooper, and Laura Linney, and Eric’s book, Gray Day. During the Hanssen investigation, Eric worked directly undercover with the spy within the FBI’s Information Assurance Division – created to protect all classified FBI intelligence.

During this episode, we will chat with Jessica (Bair) Oppenheimer, the Director of Security Operations within Cisco’s Threat Detection & Response team, where she leads efforts to build a global, open ecosystem for security operations. Jessica heads the Cisco Security Operations Centers for Black Hat, RSAC, Cisco Live, and GovWare, and serves as a trusted subject matter expert to the SOCs supporting the NFL Super Bowl and Draft, as well as the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Olympics—bringing cyber defense to some of the world’s highest-profile live events.

Get ready for a podcast unlike any other—where storytelling meets live demos to showcase the real ways AI is transforming cybersecurity. This episode features Brennan Lodge, a cybersecurity and AI expert with over 15 years of experience at HSBC, Goldman Sachs, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Now the Founder of BLodgic Inc., creator of the AI-powered compliance platform CADDIE, and Director of Information Security at the Manhattan Institute, Brennan brings deep expertise at the intersection of AI, security, and regulatory compliance. Together, we’ll dive into the journey of bringing AI “superpowers” into cybersecurity—overcoming skepticism, proving value through results, and exploring career paths in AI/ML. Plus, don’t miss the live demos of tools like Arsenal Forge for blue teaming and Audit CADDIE for GRC. This isn’t theory or hype—it’s a front-row seat to the future of cybersecurity in action.

Mike and Peter talk to Michelle Dennedy, a trailblazer in privacy engineering and data ethics, currently serving as Chief Data Strategy Officer at Abaxx Technologies. We have a wonderful discussion about privacy engineering, cloud, and emerging technology such as AI. Don't miss this amazing episode!

Kick off the journey with the very first episode of Ctrl-Alt-Defend! This episode is all about introductions—both to the show and to the people behind the microphones. Hosted by Peter Morin and Mike Wylie, two seasoned cybersecurity professionals with decades of combined experience, the podcast dives deep into the world of digital defense. Each month, we’ll bring you in-depth discussions with incredible guests, exploring real-world stories, lessons learned from the front lines, and practical insights that every listener can apply.From hands-on incident response to shaping enterprise security strategy, Peter and Mike are here to share their expertise, their perspectives, and their passion for protecting organizations against today’s most advanced cyber threats.