CYBR.SEC.CAST

In this episode Michael and Sam sit down with cybersecurity legend Chris Wysopal, Veracode co-founder and Chief Security Evangelist, to discuss the evolution of software security, and why awareness alone is not enough to solve today’s cybersecurity challenges. Chris shares his perspective on secure software, vendor accountability, liability, and the role government may need to play in protecting c...

In this episode of CYBR.SEC.CAST, hosts Michael and Sam sit down with Alastair Patterson, CEO of Harmonic Security, to discuss the rapid evolution of AI in the enterprise. They explore the shift from chatbots to autonomous agents, the challenges CISOs face in governing AI adoption, and how security teams can enable innovation without becoming blockers. Alastair also shares his founder journey, les...

In Episode 69 of CYBR.SEC.CAST, hosts Michael Farnum and Sam Van Ryder sit down with Crush Security CEO Joshua Jones , CTO Josh Johnson , and JB Poindexter & Co. CISO John Barrow to explore a growing problem facing security leaders: the inability to effectively evaluate, compare, and manage cybersecurity products at scale.  SHOW NOTES: Things Mentioned: Crush Security website: https://www.crus...

Cybersecurity has built its learning model around breaches, but as Wendy Nather explains, the real value lies in the incidents that almost happened. In this CYBR.SEC.CAST episode with hosts Michael Farnum and Sam Van Ryder , she makes the case for shifting focus to near-misses: the attacks stopped by a single decision, control, or moment of awareness. These unseen saves reveal how defenses actuall...

In this episode, hosts Michael Farnum and Sam Van Ryder sit down with Valerie Moon, Executive Director of the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT) for a wide-ranging discussion about cybersecurity policy, workforce development, and the growing threats facing critical infrastructure. Things Mentioned: Website for ICIT: https://www.icitech.org/ Upcoming CYBR.SEC.Community events:...

Dragos CEO and U.S. National Guard Lt. Col. Rob Lee joins hosts Michael Farnum and Sam Van Ryder to discuss why he returned to military service, the growing cyber threats to critical infrastructure, and the role exercises like Cyber Fortress play in preparing both government and private sector operators for real-world cyber incidents.  SHOW NOTES: Things Mentioned: Cyber Fortress 2026: https://va....

In this episode of CYBR.SEC.CAST, the hosts sit down with Dr. Kelley Misata, CEO of Sightline Security, to explore the often-overlooked cybersecurity challenges facing nonprofit organizations. Misata shares her powerful origin story — how a personal experience with cyberstalking led her to pursue a PhD in cybersecurity and ultimately launch a nonprofit dedicated to helping mission-driven organizat...

This week Michael and Sam are talking to Bytewhisper CEO and previous HOU.SEC.CON. speaker, John Dickson! They discuss his journey from the Air Force into cybersecurity, his long-standing passion for application security, and why AI security testing isn’t fundamentally separate from traditional penetration testing.  Things Mentioned: John’s 2024 talk: https://youtu.be/_dYQ2aFOxGA?si=s8fK04WhUJDCut...

In this episode, Michael and Sam sit down with Dr. Dustin Sachs (DCS), CEO and founder of Psybercog Labs, to explore why humans - not technology - are often the limiting factor in cybersecurity. They dive into cognitive overload, bias, and decision fatigue, and how these hidden forces shape security outcomes. Dustin also shares his unconventional path into cyber and explains how Psybercog Labs use...

This week, Michael and Sam chat with educator, founder, and OT.SEC.CON. opening keynote speaker Mike Holcomb! They discuss his free, in-person training coming up on March 31 in Houston, how - like many others - the movie War Games played a role in his journey into the cybersecurity industry, and how his focus has shifted toward OT/ICS security education. Things Mentioned: Mike’s site - https://www...

Michael and Sam are talking to the new VP and Editor-in-Chief of CYBR.SEC.Media, Bill Brenner! They discuss his extensive 20+ year career journey from traditional journalism to cybersecurity media, the importance of supporting the mental health of cyber defenders, and his vision for CYBR.SEC.Media.  Things Mentioned: Bill’s Letter from the Editor - https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/letter-from-the-new-...

We’re wrapping up 2025 with a special episode! Michael and Sam are talking to Jessvin Thomas, CEO of Auguria and winner of CYBR.SEC.CON.’s first pitch competition for cybersecurity startups! They discuss the evolving challenges in cybersecurity, the importance of root cause analysis, and how AI and context are shaping the future of SOC operations. Discover insights on burnout, data-driven defense,...

In this episode, SJRA SCADA Superintendent and HOU.SEC.CON./OT.SEC.CON. speaker Randy Petersen joins Michal and Sam on the podcast to share his expertise on SCADA systems and the unique security challenges facing water facilities. They highlight real-world incidents and vulnerabilities in OT environments, offer practical advice for improving OT security and protecting essential services from cyber...

In today's episode Michael and Sam are talking to Friedkin Group CISO and HOU.SEC.CON. speaker, Keith Turpen! They dive into the recent CloudFlare outage and what it means for cybersecurity professionals, explore Keith's fascinating career journey from mechanical engineering to becoming a CISO, and unpack valuable leadership lessons he shared at this year’s conference.  Things Mentioned:...

Michael and Sam are catching up with Attorney and friend of the conference, Haylie Treas! In this episode Hailey shares her journey from litigation to cybersecurity and privacy law, and offers expert insights on third-party risk management, regulatory guidance, and the evolving landscape of privacy in the U.S. Things Mentioned: Guidance on Managing Risks Related to Third-Party Service Providers -...

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of CYBR.HAK.CAST, a new spinoff from our popular CYBR.SEC.CAST feed! Hosted by Michael Farnum and co-hosted by renowned penetration tester and ethical hacker Phillip Wylie, CYBR.HAK.CAST dives deep into the world of hacking. From real-world exploits and red team tactics to the human stories behind the hackers themselves. Every guest on this show is a part of t...

In this episode hosts Michael and Sam welcome Page Glave, Security Engineer at Stellar Health, to discuss the evolving landscape of detection engineering, the impact of AI on cybersecurity roles, and practical advice for professionals entering the field. The conversation covers Page’s HOU.SEC.CON. 2025 talk, her unique career journey, and actionable insights on building and testing effective secur...

Today’s episode looks a little different! Michael and Sam are diving into the business side of cybersecurity with special guests Gianna Whitver and Maria Velasquez, Co-Founders of the Cybersecurity Marketing Society. They discuss Gianna and Maria’s personal journeys into the field, why they launched the Cybersecurity Marketing Society, and what’s next for their growing community. Things Mentioned:...

A TON of changes were announced at HOU.SEC.CON. including a change to this show – we’re now CYBR.SEC.CAST.! Tune into this episode for all of the latest updates!

It’s our 50th episode! This week Michael and Sam are joined by guests Mayra Foose and Maggie Torres from LyondellBasell to discuss their work in cybersecurity education, the programs they partner with to support their mission, and the importance of diversity and passion in the field. They share inspiring stories about working with students, building community, and the value of making cybersecurity...

In this episode, Michael and Sam sit down with Daniel Miessler, founder of Unsupervised Learning, for a thought-provoking conversation that spans the future of cybersecurity and Daniel’s unique personal journey. They dive into the escalating arms race between attackers and defenders, explore how Daniel’s path shifted from pre-med to cybersecurity thought leader, and preview his upcoming HOU.SEC.CO...

In this episode, Michael and Sam are joined by Matt Johansen, founder of Vulnerable U, to discuss his journey in cybersecurity, the importance of networking, and the evolution of technical content creation in the industry. Things Mentioned: ·      Vulnerable U - https://www.vulnu.com/ ·      Spain under fire for contracting Huawei to store judicial wiretaps - https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-...

Michael and Sam chat with HOU.SEC.CON 2025 speakers Sean Jones and Kaloyan Ivanov! In this episode, they explore how pathways into the cybersecurity industry have evolved across generations, what it takes to go undercover in cybercriminal communities, and why accountability is crucial when engaging in such high-risk work. Things Mentioned: DarkForums Rushes to Hide after Hacker Exposes User IPs -...

In this episode Michael and Sam sit down with Emily Crose - cybersecurity professional, speaker, and author of “Hack to the Future”. Emily shares her journey into the field, the project that sparked the idea for her debut novel, and her candid thoughts on hacker culture.  Emily will be a featured speaker and author at HOU.SEC.CON. 2025, so be sure to grab your ticket for a chance to receive a free...

We’re chatting with another fantastic HOU.SEC.CON. author and speaker, Doug Landoll! In this episode Michael and Sam talk to Doug about his book “Security Risk Assessment Handbook”, how he transitioned from traditional IT to cybersecurity, and why others should consider a similar path before moving into a GRC role.  Things Mentioned: ·      HSC User Group on July 31, 2025 – https://www.hscusergrou...