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
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
What if cybersecurity training could be as engaging as your favorite game? In this episode, Simeon Kakpovi, founder of the KC7 Foundation, shares how his gamified approach is changing lives and reshaping the cybersecurity pipeline by making cybersecurity education accessible.
From his journey as a threat hunter to building a free online game that teaches real-world blue team skills, Simeon joins Ron to show how creativity and inclusion can unlock potential in unexpected places. Plus, listen to the remarkable story about how a watchmaker with no cyber background landed a dream job at Microsoft—all thanks to KC7.
Impactful Moments
00:00 - Introduction
01:11 - The evolution of cybersecurity
03:03 - Cybersecurity Mergers & Acquisitions
05:38 - Meet our guest: Simeon Kakpovi of KC7 Foundation
06:00 - KC7 wins “Team of the Year” at the SANS DMAs
8:43 - Founding the KC7 Foundation
10:00 - Lessons from Lockheed Martin’s Cyber Analyst Challenge
11:46 - How KC7 gamifies real-world cybersecurity
14:52 - Bringing KC7 to high school and middle school students
16:52 - Expanding access to cybersecurity careers
25:09 - A watchmaker’s journey to Microsoft
34:00 - How to get started with KC7
Links
Connect with our guest, Simeon Kakpovi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kakpovi/
Check out the Cybersecurity M&A Roundup Article here: https://www.securityweek.com/cybersecurity-ma-roundup-37-deals-announced-in-december-2024/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
What’s the key to mitigating unseen cyber risks? In this episode, Wes Wright, Chief Healthcare Officer at Ordr and Jerich Beason, CISO at WM uncover the complexities of attack surface management (ASM) and its impact on cybersecurity.
Together with Ron, they explain what constitutes an attack surface and introduce practical frameworks like See-Know-Secure, emphasizing the need for complete visibility and data-driven risk mitigation.
Impactful Moment:
00:00 - Introduction
03:00 - Defining attack surface management
06:13 - See-Know-Secure framework
09:05 - Analogies for explaining ASM to stakeholders
15:33 - Building an inventory for asset visibility
20:42 - Convincing leadership: Budget strategies
25:00 - Tools and methodologies for ASM
36:57 - Managed services vs. in-house approaches
43:00 - Starting your ASM journey
Links:
Connect with our guests –
Wes Wright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/4kidwes/
Jerich Beason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerich-beason/
Learn more about Ordr: https://ordr.net/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
How will AI redefine cybersecurity in 2025? According to Marco Figueroa, Program Manager for Gen AI at the ODIN Bug Bounty Program, this year is set to be the "Year of the Agent," where AI systems and integrations take a central role.
In this special New Year bonus episode, Ron sits down with Marco to discuss the transformative role of AI in solving cybersecurity challenges. Marco breaks down AI jailbreak techniques, the impact of bug bounty programs on securing AI systems, and why 2025’s fast-evolving tech landscape demands creative thinking. Learn how tools like ChatGPT and Gemini 2.0 are reshaping the industry and why staying adaptable is essential.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Introduction
02:14 - Speed vs. safety: AI system challenges
05:30 - Why experience matters more than information
07:45 - Legal stakes for deepfakes and AI
18:36 - Marco’s creative journey in cybersecurity
28:00 - Jailbreaks: Risks and surprising AI findings
37:13 - 2025 predictions: The rise of agents
41:00 - Closing thoughts and the power of community
Links:
Connect with our guest, Marco Figueroa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-figueroa-re/
Chuck Brooks' 2025 Cybersecurity Predictions article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckbrooks/2024/12/24/cybersecurity-trends-and-priorities-to-watch-for-2025/
Focus Areas for the FaccT Conference News: https://facctconference.org/2025/focusareas
“Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418573
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Most people think cybersecurity training is about knowledge, but what if motivation is the real key to success? David Shipley, CEO and Field CISO at Beauceron Security, shares how psychology and neuroscience reshape how we approach security awareness, reducing risks in ways tech alone never could.
In this episode, Ron and David examine why people, not technology, are at the core of effective cybersecurity. David teaches us about the SCARF model, warns us about the dangers of overconfidence in training, and explains how gamification can drive meaningful behavior change when it comes to cybersecurity awareness and risk reduction.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – David Shipley’s journey from journalist to cybersecurity leader
06:10 – Why motivation outshines knowledge in security training
08:20 – The Dunning-Kruger effect: Overconfidence in cybersecurity
11:17 – How overreliance on tech increases click rates
17:03 – Cybercriminals’ evolving tactics and emotional manipulation
25:00 – Gamification in cybersecurity: Changing security behaviors
30:56 – Using the SCARF model to enhance security culture
39:45 – Emotional intelligence as a defense against AI threats
Links:
Connect with our guest, David Shipley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbshipley/
Learn more about Beauceron Security here: www.beauceronsecurity.com/partner
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
How does a scorching July day in a van with no air conditioning lead to a career at one of the world’s top cybersecurity companies? In this episode, Cole Lisko shares his journey from landscaping to becoming the Cortex Team Manager at Palo Alto Networks.
Joined by his bestie Cole, Ron weaves the conversation through their history of friendship with laughs and lessons learned along the way. Discussing career pivots, unexpected opportunities, and the impact of mentorship, this conversation offers relatable motivation and a candid look at the power of meaningful connections.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Introduction
03:00 - Cole’s first exposure to cybersecurity
06:30 - Pivotal moment: a call for mentorship
11:40 - Breaking into cleared work
18:30 - Lessons learned at Booz Allen
22:00 - The art of work-life compartmentalization
27:45 - Leadership insights from landscaping days
32:50 - What’s next for Cole at Palo Alto Networks
Links:
Connect with our guest, Cole Lisko: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewlisko/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/