Welcome back to the show! Hacker Valley Studio podcast features Host Ron Eddings, as he explores the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of professionals in the industry. We cover everything from inspirational real-life stories in tech, to highlighting influential cybersecurity companies, and we do so in a fun and enthusiastic way. We’re making cybersecurity accessible, creating a whole new form of entertainment: cybertainment.
Episodes
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
AI is neither friend nor foe, it’s both. The way we choose to use it determines whether it helps or harms.
In this solo episode, Ron Eddings shares lessons from his first job at a grocery store, his early days in cybersecurity, and today’s AI-driven landscape. From productivity hacks like meeting transcription, to creative tools like content-aware editing, to the dark side of phishing and deepfakes, Ron shows why human judgment remains the ultimate defense. This is a passionate reminder that the real power isn’t in the tools, it’s in us.
Impactful Moments
00:00 - Introduction
01:15 - AI is the tool, not the toolbox
03:00 - A grocery store scam that taught a life lesson
06:00 - The irreplaceable role of human judgment
07:30 - First cybersecurity job at Booz Allen Hamilton
09:00 - How AI boosts productivity with meeting transcription
12:00 - Creative shortcuts with AI in image and video editing
15:00 - Vibe coding and generative red teaming
17:30 - AI-powered phishing and scam emails
18:50 - Testing a deepfake voice on Ron’s mom
21:30 - Why curiosity and skepticism beat AI deception
22:30 - Final challenge: don’t serve AI—make AI serve you
Links:
Connect with our Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldeddings/
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