#CyberChats

What does it take to build the next generation of cybersecurity defenders? According to Jessica Gulick, it starts with a game. As the Founder and Commissioner of the U.S. Cyber Games and CEO of Katzcy PlayCyber, Jessica has spent years proving that hands-on competition, cognitive performance, and teamwork are just as important as technical skills when it comes to developing real cyber talent. In t...

We're on summer break! Enjoy this episode re-air until we return with a new season in late June 2026. Could Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) be both a help and a major hindrance? We asked Dr. Anmol Agarwal, AI/ML Security Researcher, what she thinks! During this discussion, Dr. Agarwal provides great insight into machine learning algorithms, how AI/ML is being used by att...

We're on summer break! Enjoy this episode re-air until we return with a new season in June 2026. Coming to you LIVE from Cyber Saturday! In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the world of youth-driven cybersecurity education. Casey Nazelrod and Emmett Omron, two standout high school students from Loyola Blakefield, share their impressive journeys into the field of cyber and the valuable...

This episode of #CyberChats features a special talk from #CyberSaturday, where Bianca Lewis of BiaSciLab teams up with her dad for a candid, insightful conversation on raising cyber-literate kids and teenagers in today’s digital world. Together, they explore practical strategies for building healthy tech habits at home, fostering curiosity about cybersecurity, and guiding young people to navigate...

What really happens inside a Security Operations Center (SOC) – and what does it take to thrive there? In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with James Walsh, seasoned SOC professional and former host of NCF's Cyber Pulse podcast, to break down the fast-paced world of cyber defense. James walks us through what a SOC actually is, what analysts do day-to-day, and how aspiring cybersecurity...

As Laura Nelson prepares to step away from her role as President & CEO of the National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF), we take time to reflect on her extraordinary legacy of leadership in cybersecurity and intelligence. In this special #CyberChats episode, Laura shares insights from her remarkable 37-year career at the National Security Agency and her impactful tenure guiding NCF since 2019. Fro...

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re re-airing one of our favorite conversations from last year, highlighting the groundbreaking work of three influential women in cybersecurity. Join us for an inspiring discussion with Dr. Georgianna “George” Shea, Chief Technologist at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Daria Bahrami, Head of Policy at Dreadnode and former technical advisor to DARPA’...

Bianca “BiaSciLab” Lewis first gained national attention at 12 after hacking a mock election system at DEF CON, later testifying before Congress on election security. Now 19, she returns to #CyberChats to talk about how her journey has evolved since our 2023 conversation. We catch up on the growth of her nonprofit Girls Who Hack, her experience leading DEF CON’s DC Next Gen, the transition from hi...

New year. Enduring legacy. In this special re-air for Black History Month, we spotlight the trailblazers who shaped modern cybersecurity and cryptology. From codebreaking and computer innovation to intelligence leadership and diversity advocacy, their impact helped secure the nation and open doors for generations to come. We are pleased to feature Bernard Pryor, William “Bill” Coffee, Carroll Robi...

In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with Dr. Yolanda Reid, Vice President at the MIL Corporation and former intelligence community leader, to discuss how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping cybersecurity, national defense, and the future of work. Designed for teens and young people growing up in an AI-first world, this conversation goes beyond hype to explore responsible AI use, st...

What does it take to build a cybersecurity program that prepares students to make a real-world, global impact, before they graduate high school? In this episode of #CyberChats, we go behind the scenes with Steve Morrill, Director of Information Technology at Loyola Blakefield and founder of its nationally recognized Cyber Science Program. With more than 20 years in technology education across high...

How do we help kids make wise choices online, especially when we’re not there to guide them? In this episode of #CyberChats, we’re joined by Tina Williams-Koroma, Founder of CyDeploy, for a thoughtful conversation on helping children navigate digital relationships, recognize warning signs, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Drawing from her upcoming Cyber Saturday session, Tina shares...

This special episode features the second portion of the recording of a live panel hosted at the NCF Education Summit on Cybersecurity Education, an event dedicated to empowering educators and expanding access to high-quality cyber learning across K–12. Our panel brought together national leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity education and workforce development: Quiana Bannerman, Siraaj Hasan...

This special episode features the full recording of a live panel hosted at the NCF Education Summit on Cybersecurity Education, an event dedicated to empowering educators and expanding access to high-quality cyber learning across K–12. Our panel brought together national leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity education and workforce development: Quiana Bannerman, Siraaj Hasan, Dr. Melissa Dar...

In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with Craig Taylor, co-founder of CyberHoot, to explore a new way of thinking about security awareness training: one built on confidence, encouragement, and real human psychology. Craig shares how he went from earning his CISSP way back in 2001 to building a platform that replaces fear-based “gotcha” training with gamified learning that actually works. We...

This festive #CyberChats episode explores the most popular tech gifts of the 2025 holiday season and the security surprises that may come with them. From smart speakers and wearables to trackers, VR headsets, and kid-friendly gadgets, we look at how these devices collect data and where privacy risks can sneak in. Join us for practical, easy tips to help you give and receive the latest tech with co...

In this episode we are teaming up with our favorite Cyber Security expert, James Walsh, for a crossover episode with Cyber Pulse where we discuss the pros and cons of family tracking apps like Life360. We talk about privacy issues, potential misuse by stalkers, effects on child development, the possible resulting trust issues with family and loved ones, and the effect on battery performance. Our g...

In this episode of #CyberChats, we’re joined by Armora Rama, founder of the ThinkCyber Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to making cybersecurity accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone. Armora shares her personal journey into cybersecurity and the inspiration behind ThinkCyber’s mission of “Cybersecurity for the Greater Good.” She dives into how the foundation bridges the gap between stu...

In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with Jay Patel, a high school senior whose passion for cybersecurity has already taken him into the professional tech world. Jay recently completed an internship at the Technology Advancement Center, where he gained hands-on experience learning how hardware and software work together – and how vulnerabilities in those systems can be exploited. We talk ab...

In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the world of cyber competitions with Frederick Hall – Cyber Education Leader for Texas District 23 and CyberPatriot coach for both the Medina Valley High School AFJROTC and the Hondo Cyber Owls – alongside Jessica Counselman, Team Captain of the Hondo Cyber Owls. Fred shares what it’s like to guide middle and high school students through the fast-paced...

It’s back-to-school season, and #CyberChats is kicking things off with a special guest: 2025 MCTA CTE Teacher of the Year, Robin Burns! From making cybersecurity feel like a puzzle instead of a textbook, to supporting students in the fast-paced Cyber Feud competition, she’s teaching the next generation how to think differently – like strategists, problem-solvers, and even opponents. In this episod...

What happens when schools are targeted by a cyberattack? In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the nationwide hack of PowerSchool, which impacted 60 million students and 10 million educators. We explore what happened, how the breach was possible, and the kinds of information that were exposed. Plus: We look at the legal fallout, PowerSchool’s response, and how to make sure your school is pr...

In this episode, we talk with cybersecurity students and recent grads from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) about their paths into cyber, balancing work and school, and how hands-on learning—like competitions, virtual labs, and real-world projects—is shaping their careers. They share tips, experiences, and advice for anyone looking to break into the field or level up through experie...

What happens when your DNA gets hacked? In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the 2023 cyberattack on 23andMe — one of the biggest genetic data breaches ever. We break down how it happened (spoiler: reused passwords), why it matters (even if you never signed up), and how your DNA could still be out there... years later. Plus: We unpack the $30 million lawsuit, the company’s bankruptcy, and...

In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with Greg Sisson, COO of CI-Discern and former CISO for the U.S. Department of Energy, for an engaging conversation on navigating a cybersecurity career across government and industry. Greg shares lessons from nearly 40 years in public service before transitioning into the private sector with EY and eventually launching his own firm. Greg breaks down wha...