CyberMAYnia - CyberTalks with May Brooks

In this episode of CyberMAYnia, I sat down with cybersecurity expert Rotem Bar, who brings over 25 years of experience to the table. We talked about how cybersecurity is too often seen as a blocker, when it should be recognized as a true business enabler. Rotem shared powerful insights on the challenges of scaling security in large organizations, how AI is changing the game, and why understanding...

In this episode of CyberMAYnia, Rainer Rem shares his extensive journey in the field, from his early days to becoming a leader in community engagement through the ISC2 chapter. We discuss the importance of networking, the evolving threats in cybersecurity, the role of AI, and strategies for maintaining passion and avoiding burnout in a demanding industry. Rainer emphasizes the need for a proactive...

In this episode, May hosts Sujit Christ, Group CISO in Sri Lanka's largest conglomerate. They discuss his journey in the field, the evolving role of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), and the importance of effective communication in cybersecurity. They discuss the impact of AI on decision-making, the need for diverse backgrounds in cybersecurity, and the shift from compliance to a risk-aware...

In this episode of CyberMAYnia, host May interviews Owen Connolly, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 30 years of experience. They discuss Owen's journey in cybersecurity, the cultural influences on cybersecurity practices, and the challenges faced in different regions, particularly in the UAE. Owen shares insights from his experience with the Careem data breach, emphasizing the impor...

In this episode of CyberMAYnia, I talk with Matthew Rosenquist, CISO at Mercury Risk and former cybersecurity strategist at Intel. We discuss why security can't just be “turned on,” what real leadership in cyber looks like, and how to build programs that work when it matters most. Matthew shares insights from over two decades in the field, including what he would do differently, the biggest lesson...

From Nigeria to the US, Bidemi Ologunde’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and proactive career growth. In this episode of CyberMAYnia , Bidemi shares how he carved his own path in cybersecurity, moving from a passion for cybercrime investigations to becoming a specialist in threat intelligence and security strategy. We dive into: How Bidemi transitioned from Nigeria to the US...

From serving as a CISO for one of Israel’s largest telecom companies to advising global enterprises on cybersecurity innovation, Ami Hofman brings a wealth of experience in risk management, CTEM, SOC transformation, and beyond. We explore: - What it takes to be a successful CISO in a high-stakes environment -The challenges and rewards of moving from Israel to the other side of the world - How emer...

John Linkowsky is a cybersecurity leader, educator, and mentor who has spent decades shaping the next generation of cyber professionals. From his work managing cybersecurity engineering teams to his passion for teaching and mentoring, John shares what it really takes to build a career in cybersecurity with purpose. We discuss: Why education and mentorship are the keys to a thriving cybersecurity i...

Lori Ross O'Neil has spent her career protecting some of the most critical systems on the planet—from aerospace engineering at NASA to securing national infrastructure at PNNL. In this episode of CyberMAYnia , Lori shares how she transitioned from aerospace to cybersecurity, the unique challenges of protecting critical infrastructure, and the evolving threats facing national security. We also dive...

In this episode of CyberMAYnia , I sit down with Walter Speelman , a passionate cybersecurity evangelist, mentor, and the new president of the ISC2 Central Florida Chapter. Walter’s journey in cybersecurity is not just about building a career—it’s about making a real impact. From his years of technical expertise to his unwavering commitment to community building and mentorship, Walter shares his i...

Join us on CyberMAYnia for an insightful conversation with Joe Patti, a seasoned Information Security leader. With extensive experience in the financial sector, Joe offers a unique perspective on the evolution of cybersecurity, particularly in highly targeted industries. In this episode, we delve into Joe's journey from the early days of the commercial internet to his recent experiences in shaping...

In this episode of CyberMAYnia , I sit down with Tracy Hickey , a cybersecurity leader who took an unconventional path from managing a Zappos warehouse to leading AWS security initiatives that drive billions in revenue. Tracy shares how she built her career, the lessons she learned along the way, and why personal branding and authenticity are crucial for success in tech. We dive into: The unexpect...

In this episode of CyberMAYnia , we sit down with Kyle Hinterberg , Senior Manager & PCI QSA at LBMC, to explore the evolving threats in payment security, fraud, and compliance . As AI and deepfake technology continue to advance, businesses face new challenges in protecting financial transactions from cybercriminals. What you’ll learn in this episode: How AI and deepfakes are reshaping fraud a...

In this episode, Daniel Ehrenreich and I discuss ICS security challenges, why hackers are unlikely to use ransomware against ICS systems, and why planning is the secret to resiliency. We delves into the importance of proactive security measures, the role of standards in ICS security, and the evolving approaches organizations must take to manage risks effectively. Daniel emphasizes the need for tra...

In this episode of Cyber MAYnia, host May interviews Chris Hadnagy, CEO of Social Engineer LLC and founder of the Innocent Lives Foundation. They discuss Chris's journey into cybersecurity, the evolution of social engineering, the impact of AI on threats, and the importance of human factors in cybersecurity. Chris shares insights on phishing scams, psychological tactics used by cybercriminals, and...

In this episode of CyberMAYnia, I sit down with Jim West, an award-winning cybersecurity expert and author, to tackle the tough questions on why cybersecurity is broken and what can be done to fix it. Jim shares his deep insights into the current state of cybersecurity, drawing from his extensive experience across multiple domains and his work as a cryptography architect and risk management specia...

In this riveting episode of CyberMAYnia, we sit down with the extraordinary Chris Kubecka, a renowned cybersecurity expert with over two decades of experience in the digital defense arena. Chris shares her journey from a curious hacker to a strategic advisor and CEO, offering invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. Join us as Chris shares her relentless fight to identify...

With three decades of experience in the industry, Ofer shares his incredible journey from early days in the IDF intelligence to founding successful startups and spearheading innovative cybersecurity solutions. In this episode, we discuss the complexities of incident response, the balance between prevention and detection, and the evolving landscape of cloud security. Ofer also provides valuable in...

Dive into this exciting episode of CyberMAYnia with Rachel Arnold, the innovative human API and creator of The Coffee Table Talks. Rachel takes us through her incredible journey into cybersecurity, sharing how she successfully transitioned from a different field and established herself as a pivotal connector in the industry. In this episode, Rachel reveals her effective strategies for building and...

oin us for an electrifying episode of CyberMAYnia featuring the legendary Chris Roberts. In this candid conversation, Chris shares his unique insights on the current state of cybersecurity, the evolving landscape of threats, and why no system is truly unbreakable. From his experiences as a hacker and strategist to his advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, this episode is packed with val...

In this engaging episode of Cybermania, we dive deep into the world of cybersecurity with James Packer, a Positive Security Practitioner, ISC2 Board Member, and Top 100 IT Leader. James shares his fascinating journey from aspiring marine biologist to a leading figure in cybersecurity, discussing his international experience across various industries, including financial services, professional serv...

In this captivating episode of CyberMAYnia, we welcome the phenomenal Keren Elazari, a renowned cybersecurity expert and advocate. Join us as Keren shares her incredible journey from a curious young hacker inspired by Angelina Jolie in "Hackers" to becoming a leading voice in cybersecurity. We delve into the critical role of ethical hackers as the "immune system" of the internet, the innovative ta...

Dive into the world of cybersecurity with Rami Shaath, a Senior Intelligence Analyst at CrowdStrike and founder of 971sec, in this thrilling episode of Cybermania. With over a decade of experience in cyber defense, Rami shares invaluable insights into managing complex security incidents and the innovative strategies for threat mitigation. From his early days in the field to handling sophisticated...

In this compelling episode of Cyber Mania, join host May Brooks as she engages in a profound discussion with Adam Roth, a seasoned Cybersecurity Director known for his expertise in IT infrastructure and security engineering. Adam shares his journey from the early days of network security to the complex challenges he tackles today, offering unique insights into the ethical dimensions of cyber warfa...

Join us on this episode of CyberMAYnia as we dive into the dynamic intersection of marketing and cybersecurity with Dani Woolf, Founder & CEO of Audience 1st. Dani shares her transition from digital marketing in high-growth tech startups to mastering marketing in the unique landscape of cybersecurity. Discover the challenges she faced applying traditional marketing strategies to the cybersecur...