In this episode of The Phillip Wylie Show, Phillip Wylie sits down with Michael Farnum and Sam Van Ryder to discuss the growth of CYBR.SEC.Community, formerly known as HOU.SEC.CON. They share their hacker origin stories and how a grassroots conference evolved into a national, community-driven cybersecurity movement.

The conversation covers the expansion of CYBR.SEC.Community to include OT.SEC.CON, EXEC.SEC.CON, YOUTH.SEC.CON, CYBR.HAK.CON, and CYBR.SEC.Media, the community’s media platform focused on education, storytelling, and amplifying voices across the cybersecurity ecosystem. The episode highlights accessibility, youth and veteran involvement, bridging IT and OT security, and why curiosity and real-world experience remain essential to building the future of cybersecurity.

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Connect with Michael Farnum and Sam Van Ryder:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfarnum/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/svanryder/

CYBR.SEC.Community Links:

https://www.cybrsec.community/

https://www.cybrseccon.com/

https://www.otseccon.com/

https://www.cybrsec.community/execseccon

https://www.cybrhakcon.com/

https://www.cscusergroup.com/

https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/

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Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie

X: https://x.com/PhillipWylie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillipwylie/

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In this episode of the Phillip Wylie Show, host Phillip’s guest is Travis Weathers, a seasoned professional in cybersecurity and penetration testing. Travis shares his unique journey from military service to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the cybersecurity field. He discusses the importance of specialized training, the differences between red teaming and traditional pen testing, and offers valuable advice for those looking to advance their careers in cybersecurity. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in the industry and the innovative tools being developed for physical pen testing.

This episode is sponsored by Teleport, an identity-first security platform. Learn more: https://fandf.co/4p98SC6

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Connect with Travis Weathers:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trweathers/

https://mwgroup.io/

https://vtemlabs.com/

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Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie: 

LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie⁠

X: https://x.com/PhillipWylie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillipwylie/

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:32 Travis Weathers' Hacker Origin Story

05:31 Transitioning to Business Ownership

09:33 Training and Course Offerings

13:01 Advice for Aspiring Pen Testers

18:17 Understanding Red Teaming vs. Pen Testing

21:50 Career Advancement Strategies

24:40 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity

27:31 Teleport Ad

30:09 Phillip Wylie Show Outro

Summary

In this episode of the Phillip Wylie Show, Phillip welcomes Jason and Kevin from the Cyber Distortion Podcast, diving deep into their hacker origin stories and the evolution of their podcasting journey. Kevin shares his unconventional path from marketing and graphic design to IT, highlighting how a conversation about salaries led him to pursue Microsoft certifications and a long-standing career in technology. Jason recounts his early fascination with technology, from building science projects to coding on his first home computer, illustrating how his inquisitive nature laid the groundwork for his future in cybersecurity.

The conversation shifts to their experiences in podcasting, detailing how their shared passion for technology and cybersecurity led them to create the Cyber Distortion Podcast. They discuss the challenges and joys of producing content, including their recent involvement in the IAM Machine documentary, which explores transhumanism and the impact of AI. As they prepare for their upcoming live event in North Texas, they emphasize the importance of community and collaboration in the tech space, inviting listeners to engage with their work and the hacker community.

Connect with Kevin & Jason

https://twitter.com/DistortionCyber

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-popillion-cissp-863a464/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-pentecost-cissp-cism-ceh-cpt-mcse-cca-itil-f-4a61404/

https://www.youtube.com/@TheCyberDistortionPodcast

https://cyberdistortionpodcast.com/

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Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie: 

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@PhillipWylie

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:32 Hacker Origin Stories: Kevin's Journey

03:28 Hacker Origin Stories: Jason's Journey

10:24 The Transition to Podcasting

14:40 Inspiration Behind the Podcast

19:54 Season Five Changes and Innovations

24:20 The Return of Vito

28:54 Building a Virtual Personality

33:03 The Art of Problem Solving

33:28 Creating the IAM Machine Documentary

42:12 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

Summary

In this episode of the Phillip Wylie Show, Phillip Wylie interviews Shubham Khichi, a cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur. They discuss Shubham's journey from a computer science student to the founder of CyberAGI, a company focused on enhancing cybersecurity through AI. The conversation covers the importance of human involvement in cybersecurity, innovative threat modeling techniques, and the role of AI in augmenting the capabilities of security professionals. Shubham emphasizes the need for privacy in AI applications and offers advice for aspiring pen testers, highlighting the significance of self-belief and continuous learning in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

This episode is sponsored by Teleport, an identity-first security platform. Learn more: https://fandf.co/4pVfIwk

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Connect with Shubham: ⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubhamkhichi⁠

https://www.cyberagi.ai/

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Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@PhillipWylie

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:55 Shubham's Hacker Origin Story

04:39 The Importance of Human Element in Cybersecurity

07:20 Excalibur: A Human-Centric Security Platform

10:02 Building Intuitive Security Tools

11:45 The Role of Experience in Cybersecurity Startups

14:27 Understanding Red Teaming vs. Pen Testing

19:26 Inversion Theory in Threat Modeling

24:00 AI and Privacy in Cybersecurity

29:17 AI's Role in Augmenting Human Work

33:19 Advice for Aspiring Pen Testers

34:55 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Summary

In this episode of the Phillip Wylie Show, host Phillip Wylie interviews Ron Eddings, a prominent figure in cybersecurity and podcasting. They discuss Ron's journey into cybersecurity, his experiences in podcasting, and the evolution of Hacker Valley Media. The conversation delves into the importance of video and audio quality in content creation, the role of AI in cybersecurity, and the future of jobs in the industry. Ron shares insights on tools for penetration testing and the impact of AI on traditional cybersecurity roles, emphasizing the need for professionals to adapt and future-proof their careers in an AI-driven landscape.

Takeaways

• Ron Eddings shares his unique hacker origin story.
• The importance of storytelling in cybersecurity careers.
• Podcasting can be a powerful tool for sharing knowledge.
• Quality video and audio are crucial for engaging content.
• Lighting and color correction significantly impact video quality.
• AI is transforming the landscape of cybersecurity.
• Understanding AI vulnerabilities is essential for security research.
• Tools like Claude code and Gemini are valuable for pentesting.
• Future cybersecurity roles will require adaptability to AI.
• Positive energy and collaboration are key to job security in the AI era.

Connect with Ron:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldeddings/

https://hackervalley.com/

Connect with Phillip:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie/

X (formerly Twitter) https://x.com/PhillipWylie

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/phillipwylie/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Podcasting

01:43 Ron Eddings' Hacker Origin Story

04:29 The Journey into Podcasting

06:33 Evolution of Hacker Valley Media

08:17 Understanding Video and Audio Quality

10:38 Lighting and Its Importance in Video Production

12:47 Color Grading and Post-Production Techniques

14:24 Marketing and Branding in Cybersecurity

17:00 AI Security Research and Prompt Injection

19:11 Tools for AI Pentesting

22:30 AI in Traditional Pen Testing

24:12 The Future of Cybersecurity with AI

27:09 Job Security in the Age of AI

29:18 The Importance of Education and Experience

32:53 Conclusion and Future Outlook

33:39 Outro

Summary

In this episode of the Phillip Wylie Show, Phillip Wylie interviews Chris Glanden, a cybersecurity professional and podcaster. They discuss Chris's journey into cybersecurity, his experiences in podcasting, and his recent ventures into documentary filmmaking. The conversation also touches on public speaking, community engagement through events like the Lone Star Cyber Circus, and advice for aspiring podcasters. Chris shares insights on the importance of storytelling in cybersecurity and the impact of podcasts on listeners' lives.

Takeaways

• Chris Glanden's journey into cybersecurity began after high school.
• He transitioned from IT to cybersecurity in 2011.
• Chris started his podcast during the pandemic in 2020.
• He has produced two documentaries focusing on cybersecurity themes.
• The Lone Star Cyber Circus is a community event Chris is passionate about.
• Public speaking was a challenge for Chris, but he has embraced it.
• Chris aims to create a conference for content creators in cybersecurity.
• He encourages aspiring podcasters to start with a clear purpose.
• Feedback from listeners motivates podcasters to continue their work.
• Community engagement is vital for personal and professional growth.

Connect with Chris:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisglanden/

https://pr0ph-1t.com/

https://www.barcodesecurity.com/

Summary

In this conversation, Gideon Rasmussen discusses the importance of understanding one's professional development areas and how to prepare for promotion. He emphasizes the need for individual contributors to demonstrate leadership and deliver solid performance over time to be considered for advancement.

Takeaways

• Know what your areas of professional development are.
• Pursue your professional development actively.
• Prove yourself ready for promotion now.
• No one will provide a clear path to promotion.
• Write performance plans to guide your development.
• Run projects to showcase your skills.
• Demonstrate leadership even as an individual contributor.
• Aim for three to four years of solid performance.
• Deliver on projects consistently to advance.
• Seek feedback to improve your performance.

Connect with Gideon:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gideonrasmussen/

Gideon's book:

Program Architecture: Fight the Good Fight (Security, Audit and Leadership Series) https://www.amazon.com/Program-Architecture-Fight-Security-Leadership/dp/1032896000

Summary

In this conversation, Christopher Russell emphasizes the importance of being well-rounded in the field of cybersecurity. He discusses the necessity of understanding both offensive and defensive strategies, as well as the need for security professionals to grasp the business aspects of their roles. Russell highlights that a successful CISO must not only be technically proficient but also understand how security tools can support and enhance business operations.

Takeaways

• Being well-rounded is essential in cybersecurity.
• A balance of offensive and defensive skills is necessary.
• Understanding various technologies is crucial.
• One must grasp how the business operates.
• An appetite for business knowledge is important.
• Security professionals should not just be cost centers.
• Enabling security tools can improve business areas.
• Tinkering and experimenting is part of the learning process.
• Thinking like a CISO involves business alignment.
• Collaboration between security and business is key.

Connect with Christopher:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-russell-5a9b20a7/

Summary

In this episode of the Philip Wylie Show, host Phillip Wylie speaks with Ted Harrington, a fellow podcaster and author, about the hacker mindset and its implications in cybersecurity. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding hackers, the importance of curiosity and creativity, and how the hacker mindset can be applied beyond technology. Ted shares his personal journey into the world of hacking, the motivation behind his new book, and offers insights on building a personal brand in the cybersecurity field. The conversation concludes with a message of optimism regarding the future of cybersecurity and the role of hackers in creating a safer digital world.

Takeaways

• The hacker mindset is about curiosity and creativity.
• Not all hackers are malicious; many are ethical.
• It's never too late to pivot into cybersecurity.
• The hacker mindset can be applied to various fields, not just tech.
• Building a personal brand requires authenticity and consistency.
• Helping others should be the primary goal of content creation.
• The hacker community is diverse and includes many positive contributors.
• Innovation and disruption are key aspects of the hacker mindset.
• Ted's journey illustrates that anyone can become a hacker.
• Optimism is essential in the face of cybersecurity challenges.

Connect with Ted:

https://www.tedharrington.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/securityted/

https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Hacker-New-Way-Thinking-ebook/dp/B0FQR1SWWH

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Hacker Mindset

04:09 Ted Harrington's Hacker Origin Story

11:27 The Inspiration Behind 'Inner Hacker'

16:42 Defining the Hacker Mindset

20:12 Building a Personal Brand in Cybersecurity

26:46 Optimism in the Security Profession

Summary

In this episode of the Philip Wylie Show, Bat shares her journey from a childhood fascination with computers to a career in cybersecurity, specifically in threat hunting. Bat discusses her early experiences with hacking, the transition from wanting to be a pen tester to discovering a passion for digital forensics, and the day-to-day responsibilities of a threat hunter. The conversation also touches on the importance of education, certifications, and the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity.

Takeaways

• Bat emphasizes the importance of privacy in their work.
• The journey into hacking often starts from a young age.
• Career paths in cybersecurity can vary widely.
• Exploring different disciplines can lead to fulfilling careers.
• Threat hunting involves a lot of research and documentation.
• AI is becoming more integrated into cybersecurity roles.
• Hands-on experience is crucial for success in threat hunting.
• Certifications can be beneficial but are not always necessary.
• Education in cybersecurity can be outdated and expensive.
• Defensive security roles are essential for protecting systems.

Connect with Bat:

https://x.com/batlogged

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Guest and Their Background

01:29 Bat's Hacker Origin Story

05:14 Career Path and Transition to Cybersecurity

10:14 Exploring Different Areas in Cybersecurity

12:24 Day-to-Day in Threat Hunting

17:49 Leveraging AI in Threat Hunting

19:28 Training and Experience for Threat Hunting

21:32 The Importance of Building Narratives in Security

24:07 Certifications and Their Value

27:12 The Value of Formal Education vs. Self-Study

29:06 Closing Thoughts on Defensive Security

AI Won't Take Your Job - If You Learn This | Cybersecurity & Employment in the AI Era

Is AI going to take your job? In this essential episode, Phillip Wylie sits down with Michael Bell, CEO and Co-founder of Suzu Labs, to dive deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence, employment security, and the future of cybersecurity. Learn why adapting to AI is crucial for your career survival and discover how to make yourself invaluable in an AI-driven workforce. From Suzu Labs' cutting-edge services to practical advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, Michael shares everything you need to know about thriving alongside AI technology.

Whether you're a seasoned professional worried about job displacement or someone looking to break into cybersecurity, this conversation provides actionable strategies for integrating AI into your skill set and future-proofing your career.

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS

✅ AI is a tool for enhancement, not replacement

✅ Focus on making yourself invaluable by integrating AI skills

✅ Continuous learning is non-negotiable in the AI age

✅ Human creativity and critical thinking remain irreplaceable

✅ New opportunities emerge as technology evolves

✅ Collaboration with AI > Competition against AI

✅ Adaptability is your greatest asset

✅ The future belongs to those who embrace change

Connect with Michael and Suzu Labs:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/artificial-mike/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/suzu-labs/

https://suzulabs.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI and Cybersecurity

04:06 Overview of SUSE Labs and Its Services

10:01 The Impact of AI on Cybersecurity

14:35 The Future of Offensive Security

20:19 AI's Role in Job Security

23:10 The Importance of the Human Element in AI

25:04 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

26:56 Starting Your Own Business in Cybersecurity

30:06 Phillip Wylie Show Outro Video.mp4