InfoSec to Insanity

Is it just us, or is everyone drowning in a sea of messages? From never-ending email chains to Slack pings, alerts, and every other form of digital chaos, we’ve got one question: WTF is going on?! Join Evan (30+ year InfoSec veteran, founder of FRSecure & SecurityStudio) and his sidekick Matt as they dive into the madness of modern communication overload. How did we get here? What does it mean...

The cybersecurity world is fast-paced, high-pressure, and relentless. But what happens when the stress, burnout, and anxiety take a toll on the very people working to keep us safe? In this powerful episode of InfoSec to Insanity, we’re pulling back the curtain—or, in this case, the hoodie—to talk about a critical issue that’s too often overlooked: mental health in the InfoSec industry. Special Gue...

In this episode of InfoSec to Insanity, we’re diving headfirst into the thrilling (and sometimes chaotic) world of virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs). What do these digital sheriffs do? How are they tackling today’s relentless cybersecurity threats? And why might your business need one, even if you don’t know it yet? Join us as we unpack the unique challenges vCISOs face, their c...

In this episode, we’re calling it like we see it: stupidity seems to be everywhere these days, but why? From the rise of social media echo chambers to algorithms that reward bad behavior, and even the Dunning-Kruger effect in action, we break down what’s going on. We’ll explore how tech conveniences have hijacked our critical thinking and how it’s impacting cybersecurity, personal accountability,...

What’s in store for cybersecurity in 2025? In Episode 17 of InfoSec to Insanity, we’re dusting off the crystal ball to deliver bold, no-BS predictions about what’s coming next. Will AI finally live up to the hype? What new threats will keep us up at night? And how will we navigate the chaos of a rapidly evolving industry? From game-changing technologies to the challenges nobody’s talking about (ye...

It’s been a wild ride in cybersecurity this year, and we’re breaking it all down in Episode 16 of InfoSec to Insanity! From headline-grabbing breaches to groundbreaking advancements, shifting regulations, and industry shakeups, 2024 gave us plenty to talk about. Join us as we take a no-BS look back at the year that was. What worked? What didn’t? And what lessons can we take into 2025 to finally st...

The holidays are over, the gifts are unwrapped, and the shiny new gadgets are in our hands—but are they secure? From smart home devices to the latest tech toys, the season of giving can quickly turn into the season of hacking if we’re not careful. Host Evan Francen is joined by special guest Jordon Darling, a cybersecurity expert and tech enthusiast, to unpack the risks that come with post-holiday...

The cybersecurity industry loves to sell fear: fear of breaches, fear of hackers, fear of being the next headline. But is the "Fear Factory" doing more harm than good? In this unapologetic episode, host Evan Francen is joined by Matt Goodacre, a seasoned cybersecurity leader who isn’t afraid to call BS on fear-based marketing. Together, they take a sledgehammer to the industry’s obsession with fea...

In this heartfelt episode of InfoSec to Insanity, host Evan Francen and special guest Brad Nigh open up about their journeys to sobriety—Evan with 23 years of hard-earned sobriety and Brad celebrating 90 days. Together, they explore the parallels between breaking personal chains and tackling challenges in the cybersecurity industry. With candid stories, honest reflections, and a touch of humor, th...

In this episode of InfoSec to Insanity, we dive deep into one of cybersecurity's most critical and complex frontiers: the convergence of IT and OT (Operational Technology). Our guest, the brilliant and experienced Paul Veeneman, joins us to unpack the unique challenges of securing critical infrastructure—where downtime isn't just a cost; it’s a potential disaster. Paul brings his decades of expert...

Thanksgiving is here, and so is Episode 11 of InfoSec to Insanity! Join Evan and Ryan Cloutier for a holiday special packed with gratitude, critical insights, and actionable tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this season. We’re dishing out: What we’re thankful for in InfoSec: Progress, people, and lessons learned. Elderly scams uncovered: The latest threats targeting seniors and how to prot...

In Episode #10, we've brought the band back together for a "One Night Only: The Security Shit Show Reunion." It’s been a couple of years since Evan, Chris Roberts, and Ryan Cloutier last shook up the infosec world with their unfiltered takes and straight-shooting style. For one night only, we’re reuniting to dig back into the wild world of security, reflect on what’s changed (or hasn’t), and share...

In this episode, I’m diving into a question that’s haunted me since I started in InfoSec back in ’92: Are we actually more secure now, or have we just been spinning our wheels? With three decades of so-called "advancements," it's time to get brutally honest about what’s worked, what hasn’t, and whether all the tools, policies, and frameworks have moved the needle on security—or just made it look t...

In this candid episode, I’m joined by my wife as we tackle a topic that's on everyone’s mind: Are we relying on technology too much? My wife shares her unfiltered thoughts on how tech is creeping into every corner of our lives, sometimes causing more problems than it solves. From smart homes to smartphones, we discuss the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating ways tech is taking over. You k...

In this eye-opening episode of InfoSec to Insanity, we're joined by cybersecurity expert Lyle Melnychuk to tackle one of the biggest traps in the industry—over-relying on products to solve security problems. Lyle brings his no-nonsense perspective on why simply chasing the latest tools and tech won’t keep you safe from the real threats lurking out there. We dive into the true art of building a str...

In this episode of Insanity to InfoSec, we're joined by the incredible Rachel Arnold for a raw and real conversation about breaking down stigmas in the cybersecurity industry. Rachel, a leader known for championing authenticity and mental well-being in tech, shares her journey and the importance of showing up as your true self. We'll dive into the pressures of the infosec world, the mental health...

In this episode of Insanity to InfoSec, Evan dives into the complex world of public sector cybersecurity with a special guest, Shawn Riley (former CIO, State of ND). With his extensive experience as a public sector IT leader and strategist, Shawn brings valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by government organizations in defending against cyber threats. We'll explore topics like navig...

In this episode, Chip Harris and Evan discuss the complexities of cybersecurity, personal experiences in military and tech backgrounds, the evolution of hacking, the impact of the OPM breach, and the challenges of maintaining anonymity in their line of work. They delve into the life of a private military contractor, the long game in cyber operations, and the dark side of data monetization, while a...

In this engaging conversation, Evan and Oscar explore the intersections of personal experiences, professional challenges, and the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. They discuss the importance of trust, credibility, and situational awareness in both life and work, while sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the human side of the industry.       The dialogue also touches on cultural insi...

In this episode of the InfoSec to Insanity podcast, Evan and Michael Kennedy discuss various themes surrounding cybersecurity, including the importance of transparency, the role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and the launch of Ostra, a security as a service company. They share personal anecdotes, reflect on their journeys in technology, and emphasize the need for accountability and honesty i...

In the inaugural episode of the InfoSec to Insanity Podcast , Evan welcomes his longtime friend Ryan Cloutier to discuss challenges and their experiences in information security. Both of them are together in Mexico, and things don't go off without a hitch. 20 minutes before the live show was set to begin, the power goes out! The show picks up immediately after Evan gets back from racing to get his...