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Title: “These Aren't Soft Skills — They're Human Skills”A Post–Infosecurity Europe 2025 Conversation with Rob Black and Anthony D'AltonGuestsRob BlackUK Cyber Citizen of the Year 2024 | International Keynote Speaker | Master of Ceremonies | Cyber Leaders Challenge | Professor | Community Builder | Facilitator | Cyber Security | Cyber Deceptionhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-black-30440819/Anthony D'AltonProduct marketing | brand | reputation for cybersecurity growthhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydalton/HostsSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazineWebsite: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, CMO, and Creative Director at ITSPmagazineWebsite: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974___________ Yes, Infosecurity Europe 2025 may be over, but the most important conversations are just getting started — and they're far from over. In this post-event follow-up, Marco Ciappelli reconnects from Florence with Rob Black and brings in Anthony D'Alton for a deep-dive into something we all talk about but rarely define clearly: so-called soft skills — or, as we prefer to call them… human skills.From storytelling to structured exercises, team communication to burnout prevention, this episode explores how communication, collaboration, and trust aren't just “nice to have” in cybersecurity — they're critical, measurable capabilities. Rob and Anthony share their experience designing real-world training environments where people — not just tools — are the difference-makers in effective incident response and security leadership.Whether you're a CISO, a SOC leader, or just tired of seeing tech get all the credit while humans carry the weight, this is a practical, honest conversation about building better teams — and redefining what really matters in cybersecurity today.If you still think “soft skills” are soft… you haven't been paying attention.⸻Keywords: Cybersecurity, Infosecurity Europe 2025, Soft Skills, Human Skills, Cyber Resilience, Cyber Training, Security Leadership, Incident Response, Teamwork, Storytelling in Cyber, Marco Ciappelli, Rob Black, Anthony Dalton, On Location, ITSPmagazine, Communication Skills, Cyber Crisis Simulation, RangeForce, Trust in Teams, Post Event Podcast, Security Culture___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Dr. Natalie Jones is a licensed professional clinical counselor with more than 16 years of experience helping survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. She specializes in working with both those who've experienced narcissistic abuse — and those who struggle with narcissistic traits themselves. As a trusted voice in both the media and legal communities, Dr. Jones frequently consults on high-profile cases. Today, she's joining us to break down the psychological dynamics of stalking, explore its long-term impact on victims, and share what survivors need to know to protect themselves and begin the healing process.HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED STALKING? LET US KNOW:strictlystalkingpod@gmail.comPLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS!QuinceGo to https://www.quince.com/strictly for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. BeamIf you want to try Beam's best-selling Dream Powder, get up to 40% off for a limited timewhen you go to shopbeam.com/stalking and use code STALKING at checkout. Progressive InsurancePress play on comparing auto rates. Get your auto quote at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive.GUEST LINKSDr. Natalie Joneshttps://www.drnataliejones.comhttps://www.drnataliejones.com/podcast/https://www.instagram.com/dr.nataliejones/Instagram:@strictlystalkingpod@feathergirl77@jaked3000See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We're so grateful you tune in each week — seriously, it means the world. If you've gotten value from the show, would you mind taking 30 seconds to leave a quick review? It helps more than you know and keeps the podcast growing strong. Thanks for being part of the journey! LINK Membership Get Brian's Free Newsletter https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/ LMN Mastermind Sessions (Use code Brian). LMN Landscape Software (Interested in checking out LMN and giving it a free Trial? Use our link or the code "Brian" to get the best savings and signup experience possible). Brian's Lawn Maintenance On YouTube Brian's Lawn Maintenance On Instagram www.brandedbullinc.com www.CycleCPA.com mention code: Brian to save $200. www.PostcardMania.com/Brian Zero to $100K!: The Complete Guide on How to Start a Successful Lawn Care Company Brian's Lawn Maintenance "MERCH" Together In The Trades - The Summit for Couples in Business - Savannah, Georgia August 14 - 16, 2025 EQUIP Expo - Oct 21-25, 2025 (Save 50% with code Brian) Our Affiliate Partners: www.EquipmentDefender.com (Brians10 Save 10%) www.KujoYardwear.com (Brians10 Save 10%+Free Shipping!) www.ISOtunes.com (Save 10%) https://bit.ly/3wzhaI4 www.ProvenLocks.com (Brians10 Save 10%) www.DarwinsGrip.com (Brians10 Save 10%) www.Plow-Right.com (Brians10 Save 10%) www.Ballard-Inc.com (Brians10 Save 10%) www.EarthWay.com (Brians10 Save 10%) www.RhinoHitch.com (Brians10 Save 10%) www.SureCanUSA.com (Brians10 Save 10%) www.ComfortTrim.com (Brians10 Save 10%)
William Lyne of the UK's National Crime Agency joins us live at Infosecurity Europe to talk ransomware, AI threats, and the future of cybercrime disruption.When the UK's top cyber intelligence strategist sits down with you in London, you listen — and you hit record.At Infosecurity Europe 2025, the ITSPmagazine podcast team — Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin — sat down with William Lyne, Deputy Director and Head of Cyber Intelligence at the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA). This is the guy who not only leads cyber strategy for the NCA, but has also represented the UK at the FBI in the U.S. and now oversees national-level ransomware disruption efforts. It's not just a conversation — it's a rare front-row seat into how one of the world's most serious crime-fighting agencies is tackling ransomware 3.0.The message? Ransomware isn't just a cyber issue. It's a societal one. And it's evolving faster than we're prepared for — unless we change the game.“It went from niche to national threat fast,” Lyne explains. “The tools were always there. It just took a few threat actors to stitch them together.”From banking malware to fully operational cybercrime-as-a-service ecosystems, Lyne walks us through how the underground economy has industrialized. Ransomware isn't just about tech — it's about access, scale, and business models. And most importantly, it's no longer limited to elite coders or closed-door Russian-speaking forums. The barrier to entry is gone, and the dark web is wide open for business.Sean brings up the obvious: “Why does this still feel like we're always reacting?”Lyne responds: “We've shifted. We're going after the ecosystem — the people, the infrastructure, the business model — not just the payload.” That includes disrupting ransomware-as-a-service, targeting marketplaces, and yes, investing in preemptive intelligence.Marco flips the script by comparing today's cyber landscape to something deeply human. “Extortion is nothing new — we've just digitalized it. This is human behavior, scaled by tech.”From there, the conversation takes a future-facing turn. Deepfakes, AI-powered phishing, the commoditization of generative tools — Lyne confirms it's all on their radar. But he's quick to note that cybercriminals aren't bleeding-edge innovators. “They adopt when the ROI is right. But AI-as-a-service? That's coming. And it will reshape how efficient — and damaging — these threats become.”And then the real insight lands:“You can't wait to be a victim to talk to law enforcement. We may already have access to the infrastructure. The earlier we hear from you, the better we can act — and fast.”That kind of operational openness isn't something you heard from law enforcement five years ago. It signals a cultural shift — one where collaboration is not optional, it's essential.William also highlights the NCA's partnerships with private sector firms, academia, and international agencies, including the Kronos operation targeting LockBit infrastructure. These kinds of collaborations prove that when information moves, so does impact.Why does this matter?Because while most cybersecurity media gets stuck in product buzzwords and vendor hype, this is the real stuff — how ransomware groups behave, how law enforcement thinks, and how society can respond. It's not theory. It's strategy, lived on the front lines.
Just out of college, Justine landed a full-time job at a community health clinic. But everything changed when the clinic brought in a temporary physician - someone we'll refer to as Dr. T. What started as frequent visits to her desk and too many phone calls, quickly crossed the line into harassment… and then into stalking. Justine followed eery protocol. She reported the incidents to HR, spoke to security, and asked for help. But instead of support, she was met with disbelief, blame, and questions about her own conduct. The system that was supposed to protect her… didn't. Fearing for her safety and with nowhere left to turn, Justine made the difficult decision to leave her job. Now she's telling her story - not just to shine a light on the damage workplace stalking can cause, but to call out the institutional failures that allow it to continue. And to empower others to speak up, even when it feels like no one is listening.HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED STALKING? LET US KNOW:strictlystalkingpod@gmail.comPLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS!BeamIf you want to try Beam's best-selling Dream Powder, get up to 40% off for a limited timewhen you go to shopbeam.com/stalking and use code STALKING at checkout. Delete MeToday get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to JoinDeleteMe.com/STALKING and use promo code STALKING at checkout. Progressive InsurancePress play on comparing auto rates. Get your auto quote at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive.Instagram:@strictlystalkingpod@feathergirl77@jaked3000See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, Amanda Finch, Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Information Security, offers a perspective shaped by decades of experience in a field she has grown with and helped shape. She shares how cybersecurity has transformed from an obscure technical pursuit into a formalized profession with recognized pathways, development programs, and charters. Her focus is clear: we need to support individuals and organizations at every level to ensure cybersecurity is inclusive, sustainable, and effective.Amanda outlines how the Chartered Institute has developed a structured framework to support cybersecurity careers from entry-level to fellowship. Programs such as the Associate Development Program and the Full Membership Development Program help individuals grow into leadership roles, especially those who come from technical backgrounds and must now influence strategy, policy, and people. She emphasizes that supporting this journey isn't just about skills—it's about building confidence and community.A significant part of the conversation centers on representation and diversity. Amanda speaks candidly about being one of the only women in the room early in her career and acknowledges the progress made, but she also highlights the structural issues still holding many back. From the branding of cybersecurity as overly technical, to the inaccessibility of school programs for under-resourced communities, the industry has work to do. She argues for a wider understanding of the skills needed in cybersecurity—communication, analysis, problem-solving—not just coding or technical specialization.Amanda also addresses the growing threat to small and medium-sized businesses. While large organizations may have teams and resources to manage security, smaller businesses face the same threats without the same support. She calls for a renewed emphasis on community-based solutions—knowledge sharing, mentorship, and collaborative platforms—that extend the reach of cyber defense to those with fewer resources.In closing, Amanda urges us not to forget the enduring principles of security—know what you're protecting, understand the consequences if it fails, and use foundational practices to stay grounded even when new technologies like AI and deepfakes arrive. And just as importantly, she reminds us that human principles—trust, empathy, responsibility—are vital tools in facing cybersecurity's biggest challenges.___________Guest: Amanda Finch, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Information Security | https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-finch-fciis-b1b1951/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
What if the key to cybersecurity isn't more tech—but more humanity?In this On Location episode of ITSPmagazine, Rob Black—UK Cyber Citizen of the Year and founder of the Global Institute of Cyber Deception—joins hosts Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin to challenge conventional thinking around cyber defense. With a background spanning military operations and human sciences, Rob brings a fresh perspective that prioritizes multidisciplinary thinking, behavioral insight, and creative disruption over brute-force technology.Rob highlights the importance of soft skills and critical thinking through initiatives like the UK Cyber Leaders Challenge, where students take on crisis simulation roles to sharpen leadership and communication in real-world scenarios. These experiences underscore the need to cultivate professionals who can think dynamically, not just code efficiently.A key focus of the conversation is the strategic use of deception in cybersecurity. Rob points out that while organizations obsess over vulnerabilities and zero-days, they often overlook attacker intent. Instead of just locking down infrastructure, defenders should disrupt decision-making—using tools, tactics, and even perception itself to sow doubt and hesitation. From publicizing the use of deception technologies to crafting networks that appear already compromised by rival threat actors, Rob argues for a smarter, more psychological approach to defense.He also pushes back against the industry's obsession with tools for every symptom—drawing a parallel to big pharma's model of selling treatments without tackling root causes. If cybersecurity is to become more resilient, he argues, it needs to embrace a systems mindset that includes governance, behavioral science, and even cultural analysis.This episode is a must-listen for anyone tired of buzzwords and ready to rethink cybersecurity as a socio-technical system—not just a digital one. From geopolitics to psychology, deception to diplomacy, Rob Black connects the dots between how we live with technology and how we must protect it—not just through code, but through creativity, context, and compassion. Listen now to explore how cybersecurity can grow up—and get smarter—by getting more human.___________Guest: Rob Black, Director, UK Cyber Leaders Challenge | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-black-30440819/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
As Infosecurity Europe prepares to mark its 30th anniversary, Portfolio Director Saima Poorghobad shares how the event continues to evolve to meet the needs of cybersecurity professionals across industries, sectors, and career stages. What began in 1996 as a niche IT gathering has grown into a strategic hub for over 14,000 visitors, offering much more than just vendor booths and keynotes. Saima outlines how the event has become a dynamic space for learning, collaboration, and strategic alignment—balancing deep technical insight with the broader social, political, and technological shifts impacting the cybersecurity community.The Power of the Crowd: Community, Policy, and Lifelong LearningThis year's programming reflects the diverse needs of the cybersecurity community. Attendees range from early-career practitioners to seasoned decision-makers, with representation growing from academia and public policy. The UK government will participate in sessions designed to engage with the community and gather feedback to inform future regulation—a sign of how the show has expanded beyond its commercial roots. Universities are also getting special attention, with new student guides and tailored experiences to help emerging professionals find their place in the ecosystem.Tackling Today's and Tomorrow's Threats—From Quantum to GeopoliticsInfosecurity Europe 2024 is not shying away from bold topics. Professor Brian Cox will open the event by exploring the intersection of quantum science and cybersecurity, setting the tone for a future-facing agenda. Immediately following, BBC's Joe Tidy will moderate a session on how organizations can prepare for the cryptographic disruption quantum computing could bring. Rory Stewart will bring a geopolitical lens to the conversation, examining how shifting alliances, global trade tensions, and international conflicts are reshaping the threat landscape and influencing cybersecurity priorities across regions.Maximizing the Experience: Prep, Participate, and PartyFrom hands-on tech demos to peer-led table talks and new formats like the AI and Cloud Security Theater, the show is designed to be navigable—even for first-time attendees. Saima emphasizes preparation, networking, and follow-up as keys to success, with a new content download feature helping attendees retain insights post-event. The celebration culminates with a 90s-themed 30th anniversary party and a strong sense of pride in what this event has helped the community build—and protect—over three decades.The message is clear: cybersecurity is no longer just a technical field—it's a societal one.___________Guest: Saima Poorghobad, Portfolio Director at Reed Exhibitions | https://www.linkedin.com/in/saima-poorghobad-6a37791b/ Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
What does it really mean to be crisis-ready? In this conversation from InfoSecurity Europe 2025, Steve Wright—a data privacy and cybersecurity leader with three decades of experience spanning Siemens, Unilever, John Lewis, and the Bank of England—joins Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli to unpack the heart of effective crisis management. With a career that's evolved from risk, through cybersecurity, and now into privacy, Wright offers a refreshingly grounded perspective: crisis management starts with staying calm—but only if you've done the work beforehand.Preparation Over PanicCrisis management isn't just a technical checklist—it's a cultural discipline. Wright emphasizes that calm only comes from consistent practice. From live simulations to cross-functional coordination, he warns that too many organizations are underprepared, relying on ad hoc responses when a breach or outage occurs. Drawing on a real-life ransomware scenario from his time at John Lewis, Wright illustrates the importance of verification, collaboration with law enforcement, and informed decision-making over knee-jerk reactions.Containment, Communication, and CulturePreparation leads naturally to containment—an organization's ability to limit the damage. Whether it's pulling cables or isolating systems, quick thinking can prevent weeks of downtime. But just as important is how you communicate. Wright points to the contrast between companies that respond with transparency and empathy versus those that go silent, risking public trust. Modern crisis management requires the ability to shift the narrative and speak directly to affected stakeholders—before speculation takes over.Trust and Accountability in a Global EcosystemDigital trust has become a board-level concern, not just a technical one. Wright notes that conversations with executives have moved beyond compliance to include broader questions of data ownership, consumer expectations, and supply chain accountability. As global systems grow more complex, clarity about who owns what—and who's responsible when things go wrong—becomes harder to establish, but more important than ever.Looking AheadWright ends with a look to the future, imagining a world where individuals control their data through biometric locks and personal data brokers. Whether this utopia (or dystopia) arrives remains to be seen—but the path forward demands organizations prioritize practice, transparency, and trust today.___________Guest: Steve Wright, Data Protection Officer, Financial Services Compensation Scheme | https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevewright1970/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Dr. Jason Nurse, academic and cybersecurity behavior researcher, joins Marco Ciappelli at Infosecurity Europe to unpack the shift in cybersecurity thinking—away from purely technical measures and toward a deeper understanding of human behavior and psychology. Nurse focuses his work on why people act the way they do when it comes to security decisions, and how culture, community, and workplace influences shape those actions.Behavior is increasingly taking center stage in security conversations, and for good reason. Nurse points to recent attacks that succeed not because of flaws in technology but due to the manipulation of individuals—such as social engineering tactics that target help desk personnel. These incidents highlight how behavioral cues and psychological triggers are weaponized, making it critical for organizations to address not just systems, but the people using them.The conversation then shifts to artificial intelligence, particularly the growing issue of “shadow AI” in corporate settings. Nurse cites research from the National Cybersecurity Alliance's Behavior Report, revealing that approximately 40% of employees who use AI admit to sharing sensitive corporate information with these tools—often without their employer's awareness. Even more concerning, over half of those organizations offer no training on safe or responsible AI use.Rather than banning AI outright, Nurse advocates for responsible use grounded in training and transparency. He acknowledges that some companies attempt to enforce boundaries by deploying internal AI systems, but these are often limited in capability. Others are exploring solutions to filter or sanitize inputs, though achieving a practical balance remains elusive.The conversation also touches on the emotional and psychological bonds forming between individuals and AI. Nurse notes that users increasingly treat AI like a companion, trusting it with personal information and seeking advice, even in sensitive contexts such as mental health. That trust, while understandable, opens new avenues for misuse and misjudgment—especially when users forget AI lacks genuine understanding.This episode prompts an important question: as AI becomes part of our daily routines, how do we maintain control, context, and caution in our interactions with it—and what does that mean for the future of security?___________Guest: Dr. Jason R.C. Nurse, Associate Professor in Cybersecurity at the University of Kent | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrcnurse/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
As Infosecurity Europe prepares to mark its 30th anniversary, Portfolio Director Saima Poorghobad shares how the event continues to evolve to meet the needs of cybersecurity professionals across industries, sectors, and career stages. What began in 1996 as a niche IT gathering has grown into a strategic hub for over 14,000 visitors, offering much more than just vendor booths and keynotes. Saima outlines how the event has become a dynamic space for learning, collaboration, and strategic alignment—balancing deep technical insight with the broader social, political, and technological shifts impacting the cybersecurity community.The Power of the Crowd: Community, Policy, and Lifelong LearningThis year's programming reflects the diverse needs of the cybersecurity community. Attendees range from early-career practitioners to seasoned decision-makers, with representation growing from academia and public policy. The UK government will participate in sessions designed to engage with the community and gather feedback to inform future regulation—a sign of how the show has expanded beyond its commercial roots. Universities are also getting special attention, with new student guides and tailored experiences to help emerging professionals find their place in the ecosystem.Tackling Today's and Tomorrow's Threats—From Quantum to GeopoliticsInfosecurity Europe 2024 is not shying away from bold topics. Professor Brian Cox will open the event by exploring the intersection of quantum science and cybersecurity, setting the tone for a future-facing agenda. Immediately following, BBC's Joe Tidy will moderate a session on how organizations can prepare for the cryptographic disruption quantum computing could bring. Rory Stewart will bring a geopolitical lens to the conversation, examining how shifting alliances, global trade tensions, and international conflicts are reshaping the threat landscape and influencing cybersecurity priorities across regions.Maximizing the Experience: Prep, Participate, and PartyFrom hands-on tech demos to peer-led table talks and new formats like the AI and Cloud Security Theater, the show is designed to be navigable—even for first-time attendees. Saima emphasizes preparation, networking, and follow-up as keys to success, with a new content download feature helping attendees retain insights post-event. The celebration culminates with a 90s-themed 30th anniversary party and a strong sense of pride in what this event has helped the community build—and protect—over three decades.The message is clear: cybersecurity is no longer just a technical field—it's a societal one.___________Guest: Geoff White, Author, Speaker, Investigative Journalist, Podcast Creator | https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffwhitetech/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
As Infosecurity Europe prepares to mark its 30th anniversary, Portfolio Director Saima Poorghobad shares how the event continues to evolve to meet the needs of cybersecurity professionals across industries, sectors, and career stages. What began in 1996 as a niche IT gathering has grown into a strategic hub for over 14,000 visitors, offering much more than just vendor booths and keynotes. Saima outlines how the event has become a dynamic space for learning, collaboration, and strategic alignment—balancing deep technical insight with the broader social, political, and technological shifts impacting the cybersecurity community.The Power of the Crowd: Community, Policy, and Lifelong LearningThis year's programming reflects the diverse needs of the cybersecurity community. Attendees range from early-career practitioners to seasoned decision-makers, with representation growing from academia and public policy. The UK government will participate in sessions designed to engage with the community and gather feedback to inform future regulation—a sign of how the show has expanded beyond its commercial roots. Universities are also getting special attention, with new student guides and tailored experiences to help emerging professionals find their place in the ecosystem.Tackling Today's and Tomorrow's Threats—From Quantum to GeopoliticsInfosecurity Europe 2024 is not shying away from bold topics. Professor Brian Cox will open the event by exploring the intersection of quantum science and cybersecurity, setting the tone for a future-facing agenda. Immediately following, BBC's Joe Tidy will moderate a session on how organizations can prepare for the cryptographic disruption quantum computing could bring. Rory Stewart will bring a geopolitical lens to the conversation, examining how shifting alliances, global trade tensions, and international conflicts are reshaping the threat landscape and influencing cybersecurity priorities across regions.Maximizing the Experience: Prep, Participate, and PartyFrom hands-on tech demos to peer-led table talks and new formats like the AI and Cloud Security Theater, the show is designed to be navigable—even for first-time attendees. Saima emphasizes preparation, networking, and follow-up as keys to success, with a new content download feature helping attendees retain insights post-event. The celebration culminates with a 90s-themed 30th anniversary party and a strong sense of pride in what this event has helped the community build—and protect—over three decades.The message is clear: cybersecurity is no longer just a technical field—it's a societal one.___________Guest: Saima Poorghobad, Portfolio Director at Reed Exhibitions | https://www.linkedin.com/in/saima-poorghobad-6a37791b/ Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Cybersecurity isn't just about code, controls, or compliance—it's about people. That's the core message from Purvi Kay, Head of Cybersecurity for the Future Combat Air System at BAE Systems, and Rob Black, founder of the UK Cyber Leaders Challenge, as they share how genuine collaboration is reshaping security success in high-stakes environments.In this InfoSecurity Europe conversation, Purvi emphasizes that cybersecurity is still too often seen as an IT issue, when in reality it cuts across every aspect of business. Her role spans cybersecurity strategy, leadership development, and advocacy—serving also as Chair of BAE's Women in Cyber program and as a neurodiversity champion. For her, inclusion is more than a policy—it's essential to mission success, especially when coordinating across trilateral government and industry teams on programs as complex as next-gen fighter aircraft.Rob reinforces this point with his focus on developing soft skills in future cybersecurity leaders. His work brings non-traditional talent into cyber, prioritizing communication, empathy, and multidisciplinary collaboration. These human-centric capabilities are crucial when bridging divides between security, legal, HR, and operations.Both guests highlight how assumptions, language, and siloed thinking obstruct progress. Purvi shares how cybersecurity has often been seen as a barrier—brought in too late, misunderstood, or left out of key decisions. She now champions “secure by design” practices through early involvement of cross-functional teams. Rob brings a memorable example: using marriage counseling techniques to help auditors and developers understand each other better—not to resolve personal conflict, but to decode cultural and professional misalignments.Their conversation also touches on practical methods for building shared understanding, from sketching “river journeys” to map project dynamics, to fostering stakeholder buy-in through intentional communication. Whether aligning three governments or managing internal procurement, they show that collaboration isn't just a buzzword—it's a structured, repeatable approach to managing complexity.This episode offers a thoughtful and grounded look at how meaningful human connection—across functions, cultures, and roles—forms the foundation of effective cybersecurity. It's a timely reminder that the path to resilience begins with listening, empathy, and a clear sense of shared purpose.___________Guests:Purvi Kay, Head of Cybersecurity for the Future Combat Air System at BAE Systems | https://www.linkedin.com/in/purvikay/Rob Black, Director, UK Cyber Leaders Challenge | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-black-30440819/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Meghan's nightmare began just weeks after graduating high school, when she became the target of a stalker impersonating her online — posting fake messages that claimed she was suicidal. Years later, after she defended a friend from cyberbullying on a fan site, it happened again. This time, the harassment escalated. Someone sent fake welfare checks to her home and impersonated her online, even going so far as to send threatening messages to a celebrity while posing as Meghan online. She has contacted local police, but with the stalker operating across state lines and hiding behind layers of digital anonymity, legal action has proven nearly impossible. Now, Meghan is speaking out — determined to share her story and put an end to the stalking she has endured.HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED STALKING? LET US KNOW:strictlystalkingpod@gmail.comGUEST LINKSMeghan WalshInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/themeghanwalshTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themeghanwalsh PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS!Progressive InsurancePress play on comparing auto rates. Get your auto quote at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive.Instagram:@strictlystalkingpod@feathergirl77@jaked3000See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this On Location episode during OWASP AppSec Global 2025 in Barcelona, Maria Mora, Staff Application Security Engineer and active OWASP lifetime member, shares how her experience at the OWASP AppSec Global conference in Barcelona has reaffirmed the power of community in security. While many attendees chase back-to-back talks and technical training, Maria highlights something often overlooked—connection. Whether at the member lounge ping-pong table, during late-night beach meetups, or over keynote reflections, it's the relationships and shared purpose that make this event resonate.Maria emphasizes how her own journey into OWASP began with uncertainty but evolved into a meaningful path of participation. Through volunteering, serving on the events committee, and mentoring others, she has expanded not only her technical toolkit but also her ability to collaborate and communicate—skills she notes are essential in InfoSec but rarely prioritized. By stepping into the OWASP community, she's learned that you don't need decades of experience to contribute—just a willingness to start.Keynotes and sessions this year reinforced a similar message: security isn't just about hard skills. It's about bridging academia and industry, engaging first-time attendees, and creating welcoming spaces where no one feels like an outsider. Talks like Sarah Jané's encouraged attendees to find their own ways to give back, whether by submitting to the call for papers, helping with logistics, or simply sparking hallway conversations.Maria also points to how OWASP structures participation to make it accessible. Through demo rooms, project hubs, and informal lounge chats, attendees find ways to contribute to global initiatives like the OWASP Top 10 or volunteer-led trainings. Whether it's your first conference or your tenth, there's always room to jump in.For Maria, OWASP no longer feels like a secret club—it's a growing, open collective focused on helping people bring their best selves to security. That's the power of community: not just lifting up software, but lifting up each other.And for those thinking of taking the next step, Maria reminds us that the call for papers for OWASP DC is open through June 24th. As she puts it, “We all have something valuable to share—sometimes you just need the nudge to start.”GUEST: Maria Mora | Staff Application Security Engineer and OWASP events committee member | https://www.linkedin.com/in/riamaria/HOST: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.comSPONSORSManicode Security: https://itspm.ag/manicode-security-7q8iRESOURCESLearn more and catch more stories from OWASP AppSec Global 2025 Barcelona coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/owasp-global-appsec-barcelona-2025-application-security-event-coverage-in-catalunya-spainCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
We started off grey, things got darker, but ultimately we were freed – WE DID IT! We have come to the end of the E.L. James trilogy with the 2018 film “Fifty Shades Freed”. Join the St. Johns as we discuss unearned ending montages, long lost orphan brothers, and awkward hugs. Is this a good trilogy? Is it a bad trilogy? Should different ice cream have been used in that kitchen sex scene? LET US KNOW!You can find us at the following:Email: belowfreezingpodcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/BelowFreezing32Facebook: @belowfreezingpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/belowfreezingbadfilms/
In this On Location episode during OWASP AppSec Global 2025 in Barcelona, Sean Martin connects with event speaker, Wojciech Dworakowski, to unpack a critical and underexamined issue in today's financial systems: the vulnerability of mobile-only banking apps when it comes to transaction authorization.Wojciech points out that modern banking has embraced the mobile-first model—sometimes at the cost of fundamental security principles. Most banks now concentrate transaction initiation, security configuration, and transaction authorization into a single device: the user's smartphone. While this offers unmatched convenience, it also creates a single point of failure. If an attacker successfully pairs their phone with a victim's account, they can bypass multiple layers of security, often without needing traditional credentials.The discussion explores the limitations of relying solely on biometric options like Face ID or Touch ID. These conveniences may appear secure but often weaken the overall security posture when used without additional independent verification mechanisms. Wojciech outlines how common attack strategies have shifted from stealing credit card numbers to full account takeover—enabled by social engineering and weak device-pairing controls.He proposes a “raise the bar” strategy rather than relying on a single silver-bullet solution. Suggestions include enhanced device fingerprinting, detection of emulators or rooted environments, and shared interbank databases for device reputation and account pairing anomalies. While some of these are already in motion under new EU and UK regulations, they remain fragmented.Wojciech also introduces a bold idea: giving users a slider in the app to adjust their personal balance of convenience vs. security. This kind of usability-driven approach could empower users while still offering layered defense.For CISOs, developers, and FinTech leaders, the message is clear—evaluate your app security as if attackers already know the shortcuts. Watch the full conversation to hear Wojciech's real-world examples, including a cautionary tale from his own family. Catch the episode and learn how to design financial security that's not just strong—but usable.GUEST: Wojciech Dworakowski | OWASP Poland Chapter Board Member and Managing Partner at SecuRing | https://www.linkedin.com/in/wojciechdworakowski/HOST: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.comSPONSORSManicode Security: https://itspm.ag/manicode-security-7q8iRESOURCESLearn more and catch more stories from OWASP AppSec Global 2025 Barcelona coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/owasp-global-appsec-barcelona-2025-application-security-event-coverage-in-catalunya-spainCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
In this On Location episode during OWASP AppSec Global 2025 in Barcelona, Aram Hovsepyan, an active contributor to the OWASP SAMM project, brings a critical perspective to how the industry approaches security metrics, especially in vulnerability management. His message is clear: the way we collect and use metrics needs a serious rethink if we want to make real progress in reducing risk.Too often, organizations rely on readily available tool-generated metrics—like vulnerability counts—without pausing to ask what those numbers actually mean in context. These metrics may look impressive in a dashboard or board report, but as Aram points out, they're often disconnected from business goals. Worse, they can drive the wrong behaviors, such as trying to reduce raw vulnerability counts without considering exploitability or actual impact.Aram emphasizes the importance of starting with organizational goals, formulating questions that reflect progress toward those goals, and only then identifying metrics that provide meaningful answers. It's a research-backed approach that has been known for decades but is often ignored in favor of convenience.False positives, inflated dashboards, and a lack of alignment between metrics and strategy are recurring issues. Aram notes that many tools err on the side of overreporting to avoid false negatives, which leads to overwhelming—and often irrelevant—volumes of data. In some cases, up to 80% of identified vulnerabilities may be false positives, leaving security teams drowning in noise and chasing issues that may not matter.What's missing, he argues, is a strategic lens. Vulnerability management should be one component of a broader application security program, not the centerpiece. The OWASP Software Assurance Maturity Model (SAMM) offers a framework for evaluating and improving across a range of practices—strategy, risk analysis, and threat modeling among them—that collectively support better decision-making.To move forward, organizations need to stop treating vulnerability data as a performance metric and start treating it as a signal in a larger conversation about risk, impact, and architectural choices. Aram's call to action is simple: ask better questions, use tools more purposefully, and build security strategies that actually serve the business.GUEST: Aram Hovsepyan | OWASP SAMM Project Core Team member and CEO/Founder at CODIFIC | https://www.linkedin.com/in/aramhovsep/HOST: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.comSPONSORSManicode Security: https://itspm.ag/manicode-security-7q8iRESOURCESLearn more and catch more stories from OWASP AppSec Global 2025 Barcelona coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/owasp-global-appsec-barcelona-2025-application-security-event-coverage-in-catalunya-spainCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
When it comes to data protection, the word “immutability” often feels like it belongs in the realm of enterprise giants with complex infrastructure and massive budgets. But during this RSAC Conference conversation, Sterling Wilson, Field CTO at Object First, makes a strong case that immutability should be, and can be, for everyone.Wilson brings a grounded perspective shaped by his experience on the floor at RSAC, where Object First made its debut as a sponsor. The energy, he notes, was contagious: not just among vendors, but also from practitioners expressing serious concerns about their ability to recover data post-incident. These conversations weren't hypothetical; they were real worries tied to rising insurance premiums, regulatory compliance, and operational survivability. And at the core of all this? Trust in the data backup process.Agentic AI, AI capable of making decisions independently, is one of the trends Wilson flags as both promising and risky. It offers potential for improving preparedness and accelerating recovery. But it also raises concerns around access and control of sensitive data, particularly if exploited by adversaries. For Sterling, the opportunity lies in combining proactive readiness with simplicity and control, especially for those who aren't traditional security practitioners.Object First is doing just that through OOTBI: Out of the Box Immutability. And yes, there's a mascot: OOTBI. More than just a marketing hook, OOTBI represents a shift toward making backup and recovery systems approachable, usable, and, importantly, accessible. According to Wilson, the product gets users from “box to backup” in 15 minutes... with encrypted, immutable storage that meets critical requirements for cyber insurance coverage.Cost, Wilson adds, is a key barrier that often prevents organizations from reaching data protection best practices. That's why Object First now offers consumption-based pricing models. Whether a business is cloud-first or scaling fast, it's a path to protection that doesn't require breaking the budget.Ultimately, Wilson emphasizes education and community as critical drivers of progress. From field labs where teams can configure their own Opi, to on-location conference conversations, the company is building awareness, and reducing fear, by making secure storage not just a feature, but a foundation.This episode is a reminder that effective cybersecurity isn't only about innovation; it's about inclusion, practicality, and trust... both in your tools and your team.Learn more about Object First: https://itspm.ag/object-first-2gjlNote: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Sterling Wilson, Field CTO, Object First | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterling-wilson/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Object First: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/object-firstLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:sean martin, marco ciappelli, sterling wilson, immutability, agentic, ai, backup, recovery, cybersecurity, insurance, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
In this On Location episode during OWASP AppSec Global 2025 in Barcelona, Sarah-Jane Madden brings a unique lens to application security, shaped by her journey from developer to security leader and CSO. Speaking at OWASP AppSec Global, she tackles one of today's most pressing concerns: how AI is reshaping software engineering—and how we must respond without compromising core values like quality and security.Madden emphasizes that AI is only the latest in a series of major disruptions, comparing it to shifts like remote work triggered by COVID. Her message is clear: organizations must prepare for continuous change, not just chase the current trend. That means prioritizing adaptability and ensuring critical practices like application security are not sacrificed in the rush to speed up delivery.She makes the case for a layered, iterative approach to development—rejecting the outdated linear mindset. Developers, she argues, should leverage AI as an accelerator, not a replacement. Think of AI as your digital intern: handling the drudgery, automating boilerplate code, and even applying internal security standards to code before it reaches human hands. This frees developers to focus on creative problem-solving and thoughtful architecture.However, Madden cautions against blind enthusiasm. While experimentation is healthy, organizations must be discerning about outcomes. Speed is meaningless without quality, and quality includes security. She calls on developers to advocate for high standards and reminds business leaders not to fall for the allure of shortcut statistics or flashy claims that promise results without skilled labor. Her analogy of microwave dinners vs. proper cuisine illustrates the risk of prioritizing convenience over substance—especially in complex problem-solving environments.For line-of-business leaders, Madden urges realistic expectations. AI can enhance productivity, but it doesn't eliminate the need for thoughtful development. Ultimately, customers will notice if quality drops, and reputational damage is hard to undo.In closing, Madden celebrates OWASP as more than an organization—it's a source of support, camaraderie, and genuine community for those working to build secure, reliable systems. Her message? Embrace change, use tools wisely, protect your standards, and never forget the human side of engineering.GUEST: Sarah-Jane Madden | Global Director of Cyber Defense at Fortive | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjanemadden/HOST: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.comSPONSORSManicode Security: https://itspm.ag/manicode-security-7q8iRESOURCESLearn more and catch more stories from OWASP AppSec Global 2025 Barcelona coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/owasp-global-appsec-barcelona-2025-application-security-event-coverage-in-catalunya-spainCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
In this On Location episode during OWASP AppSec Global 2025 in Barcelona, Starr Brown, Director of Open Source Projects and Programs at OWASP, unpacks the real engine behind the organization's impact: the projects and the people driving them forward.With over 130 active projects, OWASP continues to expand its open source contributions to improve software security across the board. While the OWASP Top 10 remains its most recognized initiative, Starr points out that it's just one among many. Other significant projects include the Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS), the Software Assurance Maturity Model (SAMM), and the increasingly popular security games like Cornucopia, which use gamification to bring security concepts into business conversations and development workflows.AI is playing an increasingly prominent role in OWASP's work. Starr highlights the GenAI Security Project as a focal point, encompassing tools and guidance for LLM use, agentic AI, red teaming, and more. The scale of community engagement is equally impressive: around 33,000 people are active on Slack, and hundreds contribute to individual initiatives, reflecting the organization's truly global and grassroots structure.Beyond tools and documentation, OWASP is influencing regulation and policy through initiatives like the AI Exchange and the Transparency Exchange. These projects connect with government entities and standards bodies such as the European Commission and CEN/CENELEC to help shape responsible governance frameworks around software, AI, and cybersecurity.Listeners also get a glimpse into what's ahead. From upcoming events in Washington, D.C., to the OWASP Community Room at DEF CON in Las Vegas, the goal is to keep fostering connections and hands-on engagement. These gatherings not only showcase flagship tools and frameworks but create space for open dialogue, prototyping, and collaboration—whether you're breaking things or building them.To get involved, Starr encourages exploring the OWASP Projects page and joining their Slack community. The conversation makes it clear: OWASP is not just a collection of tools—it's a living, breathing network of contributors shaping the future of secure software.GUEST: Starr Brown | Director of Open Source Projects and Programs at OWASP | https://www.linkedin.com/in/starr-brown-8837547/HOST: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.comSPONSORSManicode Security: https://itspm.ag/manicode-security-7q8iRESOURCESLearn more and catch more stories from OWASP AppSec Global 2025 Barcelona coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/owasp-global-appsec-barcelona-2025-application-security-event-coverage-in-catalunya-spainCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
In this On Location episode during OWASP AppSec Global 2025 in Barcelona, Josh Grossman, co-leader of the OWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS) project, shares key updates and strategic thinking behind the release of ASVS version 5. This release, years in the making, reflects a renewed focus on making the standard more approachable, practical, and actionable for development teams and security leaders alike.ASVS is designed to provide a comprehensive and verifiable set of security requirements for building and maintaining secure applications. More than just a checklist, it offers a clear blueprint for what a secure application should look like—making it easier to benchmark progress, develop secure design requirements, and implement effective controls. Version 5 emphasizes accessibility, particularly by lowering the barrier to entry for organizations adopting Level 1 of the standard, reducing the threshold of required controls from nearly 50% to under 30%.One of the major shifts in this new version is the tighter focus on the application itself, moving away from system-level topics like backup policies that tend to fall outside the scope of app development teams. This makes the standard more relevant to software architects, developers, and QA engineers—providing requirements that fall within their sphere of influence, while still covering the full software lifecycle from design to deployment.Grossman explains how organizations can customize ASVS to include their internal controls and build out secure coding checklists, implementation guides, and requirements documents tailored to their environments. He also highlights how ASVS aligns with other OWASP projects, like the Cheat Sheet Series and SAMM, for both control-level guidance and organizational process development.For security leaders looking to improve their application security programs, ASVS v5 offers a foundation to build on—clear, community-driven, and extensible. And true to OWASP's spirit, the project is backed by a passionate community, from project co-leads like Grossman and Elar Lang to contributors around the world. As Grossman puts it, OWASP is about connection—people tackling similar challenges, working together to make software safer.If you're looking for a way to bring practical, standards-based security into your software lifecycle, this conversation is your starting point.GUEST: Josh Grossman | CTO of Bounce Security and co-leader of the OWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS) project | https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcgrossman/HOST: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.comSPONSORSManicode Security: https://itspm.ag/manicode-security-7q8iRESOURCESOWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS): https://owasp.org/www-project-application-security-verification-standard/Learn more and catch more stories from OWASP AppSec Global 2025 Barcelona coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/owasp-global-appsec-barcelona-2025-application-security-event-coverage-in-catalunya-spainCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
During the upcoming OWASP Global AppSec EU in Barcelona, Spyros Gasteratos, long-time OWASP contributor and co-founder of Smithy, to explore how automation, collaboration, and community resources are shaping the future of application security. Spyros shares the foundation of his talk at OWASP AppSec Global: building a DevSecOps program from scratch using existing community tools—blending technical guidance with a celebration of open-source achievements.Spyros emphasizes that true progress in security stems not from an ever-growing stack of tools, but from aligning the humans behind them. According to him, security failures often stem from fragmented information and misaligned incentives across teams. His solution? Bring the teams together with a shared, streamlined flow of information and automate wherever possible to reduce wasted cycles and miscommunication.At the core of Spyros' philosophy is the need to turn AppSec from a blocker into a builder. Rather than overwhelming developers with endless bug reports, or security leaders with red dashboards, programs need to reflect the actual risk appetite of the business—prioritizing issues dynamically based on impact, timing, and operational goals. He challenges the one-size-fits-all approach, advocating instead for tagging systems that defer certain risks and encode organizational priorities in automation logic.A major part of that transformation lies in Smithy, the platform he's helping build. It's designed to be “Zapier for security”—an automation engine rooted in open-source standards that allows for custom workflows without creating a tangle of fragile scripts. The idea is to let teams focus on what's unique to them, while relying on battle-tested components for the rest.Looking ahead, Spyros doesn't buy into the doom-and-gloom narrative about AI limiting developer creativity. On the contrary, he argues that AI-enabled coding frees up cognitive space for better architecture and secure design thinking. In his view, creativity doesn't die—it just shifts from syntax to strategy.This episode is more than a discussion—it's a blueprint for how teams can rally around a common goal, and how OWASP's community can be the catalyst. Tune in to hear how open-source, automation, and human alignment are redefining AppSec from the ground up.GUEST: Spyros Gasteratos | OpenCRE co-lead and Founder of smithy.security | https://www.linkedin.com/in/spyr/HOST: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.comSPONSORSManicode Security: https://itspm.ag/manicode-security-7q8iRESOURCESSpyros' Session: A completely pluggable DevSecOps programme, for free, using community resources (https://owasp2025globalappseceu.sched.com/event/1whCB/a-completely-pluggable-devsecops-programme-for-free-using-community-resources)Learn more and catch more stories from OWASP Global AppSec EU 2025 Conference coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/owasp-global-appsec-barcelona-2025-application-security-event-coverage-in-catalunya-spainCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
The introduction of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) marks a major shift for the software industry: for the first time, manufacturers are being held accountable for the cybersecurity of their products. Olle E. Johansson, a long-time open source developer and contributor to the Asterisk PBX project, explains how this new regulation reshapes the role of software creators and introduces the need for transparency across the entire supply chain.In this episode, Johansson breaks down the complexity of today's software supply ecosystems—where manufacturers rely heavily on open source components, and end users struggle to identify vulnerabilities buried deep in third-party dependencies. With the CRA in place, the burden now falls on manufacturers to not only track but also report on the components in their products. That includes actively communicating which vulnerabilities affect users—and which do not.To make this manageable, Johansson introduces the Transparency Exchange API (TEA), a project rooted in the OWASP CycloneDX standard. What started as a simple Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) delivery mechanism has evolved into a broader platform for sharing vulnerability information, attestations, documentation, and even cryptographic data necessary for the post-quantum transition. Standardizing this API through Ecma International is a major step toward a scalable, automated supply chain security infrastructure.The episode also highlights the importance of automation and shared data formats in enabling companies to react quickly to threats like Log4j. Johansson notes that, historically, security teams spent countless hours manually assessing whether they were affected by a specific vulnerability. The Transparency Exchange API aims to change that by automating the entire feedback loop from developer to manufacturer to end user.Although still in beta, the project is gaining traction with organizations like the Apache Foundation integrating it into their release processes. Johansson emphasizes that community feedback is essential and invites listeners to engage through GitHub to help shape the project's future.For Johansson, OWASP stands for global knowledge and collaboration in application security. As Europe's regulatory influence grows, initiatives like this are essential to build a stronger, more accountable software ecosystem.GUEST: Olle E Johansson | Co-Founder, SBOM Europe | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ollejohansson/HOST:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.comSPONSORSManicode Security: https://itspm.ag/manicode-security-7q8iRESOURCESCycloneDX/transparency-exchange-api on GitHub: https://github.com/CycloneDX/transparency-exchange-apiVIDEO: The Cyber Resilience Act: How the EU is Reshaping Digital Product Security | With Sarah Fluchs: https://youtu.be/c30eG5kzqnYLearn more and catch more stories from OWASP AppSec Global 2025 Barcelona coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/owasp-global-appsec-barcelona-2025-application-security-event-coverage-in-catalunya-spainCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Kate met a man on Facebook just before the COVID lockdown—and what began as a pandemic relationship soon turned into a nightmare. After discovering his obsessive behavior toward other women, Kate ended things. But the breakup didn't stop him. For over a year, Kate was relentlessly harassed. She received a flood of messages, phone calls, and emails from multiple numbers. Disturbing packages began arriving at her home. Even after she moved to a nearby city, he found her and followed. Desperate, Kate filed cyberstalking charges—but that only escalated the situation. He started appearing in person, even confronting her in the park while she was with her children. With nowhere else to turn, Kate finally went to the police for help.HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED STALKING? LET US KNOW:strictlystalkingpod@gmail.comShopifySign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period atSHOPIFY.COM/STRICTLYSTALKING to take your retail business to the next level. That's SHOPIFY.COM/STRICTLYSTALKINGProgressive InsurancePress play on comparing auto rates. Get your auto quote at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive.Clues with Morgan Absher & Kaelyn Moore!Just search for Clues wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop everyWednesday.OTHER LINKSlovelustfear + lovelustfridays | with Jake DeptulaApple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283?uo=4Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWecAmazon Music | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b06d0ea8-cb29-4c3a-98e6-0249d84df748Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/Submissions | https://lovelustfear.aidaform.com/lovelustfearThe Last Trip - Podcast - hosted by Jaimie BeebeListen & Subscribe to The Last Trip - https://audioboom.com/channels/5119581-the-last-tripFollow The Last Trip on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelasttripcrimepod/And Subscribe for all the updates on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheLastTripPodcastInstagram:@strictlystalkingpod@feathergirl77@jaked3000See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
During the upcoming OWASP Global AppSec EU in Barcelona, Kate Labunets, a cybersecurity researcher focused on human factors and usable security, takes the stage to confront a disconnect that too often holds the industry back: the gap between academic research and real-world cybersecurity practice.In her keynote, “Outside the Ivory Tower: Connecting Practice and Science,” Kate invites practitioners to reconsider their relationship with academic research—not as something removed from their daily reality, but as a vital tool that can lead to better decisions, more targeted security programs, and improved organizational resilience.Drawing from her current research, Kate shares how interviews and surveys with employees reveal the hidden motivations behind the use of shadow IT—tools and technologies adopted without formal approval. These aren't simply acts of rebellion or ignorance. They reflect misalignments between human behavior, workplace needs, and policy communication. By understanding these mindsets, organizations can move beyond one-size-fits-all training and begin designing interventions grounded in evidence.This is where science meets practice. Kate's work isn't about generating abstract theories. It's about applying research methods—like anonymous interviews and behavior-focused surveys—to surface insights that security leaders can act on. But for this to happen, researchers need access, and that depends on building trust with practitioners.The keynote also raises a critical point about time. In industries like medicine, the gap between a published discovery and its application in the real world can be 15 years. Kate argues that cybersecurity faces a similar delay, citing the example of multi-factor authentication: patented in 1998, but still not universally adopted today. Her goal is to accelerate this timeline by helping practitioners see themselves as contributors to science—not just consumers of its outcomes.By inviting companies to participate in research and engage with universities, Kate's message is clear: collaboration benefits everyone. The path to smarter, more human-aligned cybersecurity isn't gated behind academic walls. It's open to any team curious enough to ask better questions—and brave enough to challenge assumptions.GUEST: Kate Labunets | Assistant Professor (UD1) in Cyber Security at Utrecht University | https://www.linkedin.com/in/klabunets/HOSTS:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martinMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelliSPONSORSManicode Security: https://itspm.ag/manicode-security-7q8iRESOURCESKate's Session: https://owasp2025globalappseceu.sched.com/event/1v86U/keynote-outside-the-ivory-tower-connecting-practice-and-scienceLearn more and catch more stories from OWASP AppSec Global 2025 Barcelona coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/owasp-global-appsec-barcelona-2025-application-security-event-coverage-in-catalunya-spainCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
As Infosecurity Europe prepares to mark its 30th anniversary, Portfolio Director Saima Poorghobad shares how the event continues to evolve to meet the needs of cybersecurity professionals across industries, sectors, and career stages. What began in 1996 as a niche IT gathering has grown into a strategic hub for over 14,000 visitors, offering much more than just vendor booths and keynotes. Saima outlines how the event has become a dynamic space for learning, collaboration, and strategic alignment—balancing deep technical insight with the broader social, political, and technological shifts impacting the cybersecurity community.The Power of the Crowd: Community, Policy, and Lifelong LearningThis year's programming reflects the diverse needs of the cybersecurity community. Attendees range from early-career practitioners to seasoned decision-makers, with representation growing from academia and public policy. The UK government will participate in sessions designed to engage with the community and gather feedback to inform future regulation—a sign of how the show has expanded beyond its commercial roots. Universities are also getting special attention, with new student guides and tailored experiences to help emerging professionals find their place in the ecosystem.Tackling Today's and Tomorrow's Threats—From Quantum to GeopoliticsInfosecurity Europe 2024 is not shying away from bold topics. Professor Brian Cox will open the event by exploring the intersection of quantum science and cybersecurity, setting the tone for a future-facing agenda. Immediately following, BBC's Joe Tidy will moderate a session on how organizations can prepare for the cryptographic disruption quantum computing could bring. Rory Stewart will bring a geopolitical lens to the conversation, examining how shifting alliances, global trade tensions, and international conflicts are reshaping the threat landscape and influencing cybersecurity priorities across regions.Maximizing the Experience: Prep, Participate, and PartyFrom hands-on tech demos to peer-led table talks and new formats like the AI and Cloud Security Theater, the show is designed to be navigable—even for first-time attendees. Saima emphasizes preparation, networking, and follow-up as keys to success, with a new content download feature helping attendees retain insights post-event. The celebration culminates with a 90s-themed 30th anniversary party and a strong sense of pride in what this event has helped the community build—and protect—over three decades.The message is clear: cybersecurity is no longer just a technical field—it's a societal one.___________Guest: Saima Poorghobad, Portfolio Director at Reed Exhibitions | https://www.linkedin.com/in/saima-poorghobad-6a37791b/ Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
In this episode of our InfoSecurity Europe 2024 On Location coverage, Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin sit down with Professor Peter Garraghan, Chair in Computer Science at Lancaster University and co-founder of the AI security startup Mindgard. Peter shares a grounded view of the current AI moment—one where attention-grabbing capabilities often distract from fundamental truths about software security.At the heart of the discussion is the question: Can my AI be hacked? Peter's answer is a firm “yes”—but not for the reasons most might expect. He explains that AI is still software, and the risks it introduces are extensions of those we've seen for decades. The real difference lies not in the nature of the threats, but in how these new interfaces behave and how we, as humans, interact with them. Natural language interfaces, in particular, make it easier to introduce confusion and harder to contain behaviors, especially when people overestimate the intelligence of the systems.Peter highlights that prompt injection, model poisoning, and opaque logic flows are not entirely new challenges. They mirror known classes of vulnerabilities like SQL injection or insecure APIs—only now they come wrapped in the hype of generative AI. He encourages teams to reframe the conversation: replace the word “AI” with “software” and see how the risk profile becomes more recognizable and manageable.A key takeaway is that the issue isn't just technical. Many organizations are integrating AI capabilities without understanding what they're introducing. As Peter puts it, “You're plugging in software filled with features you don't need, which makes your risk modeling much harder.” Guardrails are often mistaken for full protections, and foundational practices in application development and threat modeling are being sidelined by excitement and speed to market.Peter's upcoming session at InfoSecurity Europe—Can My AI Be Hacked?—aims to bring this discussion to life with real-world attack examples, systems-level analysis, and a practical call to action: retool, retrain, and reframe your approach to AI security. Whether you're in development, operations, or governance, this session promises perspective that cuts through the noise and anchors your strategy in reality.___________Guest: Peter Garraghan, Professor in Computer Science at Lancaster University, Fellow of the UK Engineering Physical Sciences and Research Council (EPSRC), and CEO & CTO of Mindgard | https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgarraghan/ Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974___________ResourcesPeter's Session: https://www.infosecurityeurope.com/en-gb/conference-programme/session-details.4355.239479.can-my-ai-be-hacked.htmlLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
As InfoSecurity Europe prepares to welcome cybersecurity professionals from across the globe, Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer at ThreatLocker, shares why this moment—and this location—matters. Allen doesn't frame the conversation around hype or headlines. Instead, he focuses on a universal truth: organizations want to sleep better at night knowing their environments are secure.ThreatLocker's mission is grounded in achieving Zero Trust in a simple, operationally feasible way. But more than that, Allen emphasizes their value as enablers of peace of mind. Whether helping customers prevent ransomware attacks or meet regional regulatory requirements like GDPR or Australia's Essential Eight, the company is working toward real-world solutions that reduce complexity without sacrificing security. Their presence at events like InfoSecurity Europe is key—not just for outreach, but to hear directly from customers and partners about what's working and where they need help.Why Being There MattersDifferent regions have different pressures. In Australia, adoption surged without any local team initially on the ground—driven purely by alignment with the Essential Eight framework. In the UK, it's conversations about Cyber Essentials that shape booth discussions. Regulations aren't just compliance checklists; they're also conversation starters that change how organizations prioritize security.The ThreatLocker team doesn't rely on generic demos or vague promises. They bring targeted examples to the booth—like asking attendees if they know what software can be run on their machines without alerting anyone. If tools like remote desktop applications or archive utilities can be freely executed, attackers can use them too. This is where ThreatLocker steps in: controlling what runs, identifying what's necessary, and blocking what isn't.Booth D90 and BeyondRob Allen invites anyone—whether they're new to ThreatLocker or longtime users—to visit booth D90. The team, built with a mix of technical skill and humor (ask about the “second-best beard” in the company), is there to listen and help. It's not just about showcasing technology; it's about building relationships and reinforcing a shared goal: practical, proactive cybersecurity that makes a measurable difference.If you're at InfoSecurity Europe, stop by. If you're not, this episode offers a meaningful glimpse into why showing up—both physically and philosophically—matters in cybersecurity.Learn more about ThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer, ThreatLocker | https://www.linkedin.com/in/threatlockerrob/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from ThreatLocker: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/threatlockerCyber Essentials Guide: https://threatlocker.kb.help/threatlocker-and-cyber-essentials-compliance/?utm_source=itsp&utm_medium=sponsor&utm_campaign=infosec_europe_pre_interview_rob_q2_25&utm_content=infosec_europe_pre_interview_rob&utm_term=podcastAustralia's Essential Eight Guide: https://www.threatlocker.com/whitepaper/australia-essential-eight?utm_source=itsp&utm_medium=sponsor&utm_campaign=infosec_europe_pre_interview_rob_q2_25&utm_content=infosec_europe_pre_interviLearn more and catch more event coverage stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 in London: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25 ______________________Keywords:sean martin, marco ciappelli, rob allen, cybersecurity, zero trust, infosec, compliance, ransomware, endpoint, regulation, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
At RSAC 2025, the most urgent signals weren't necessarily the loudest. As ISACA board member and cybersecurity veteran Rob Clyde joins Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli for a post-conference recap, it's clear that conversations about the future of the profession—and its people—mattered just as much as discussions on AI and cryptography.More Than a Job: Why Community MattersRob Clyde shares his long-standing involvement with ISACA and reflects on the powerful role that professional associations play in cybersecurity careers. It's not just about certifications—though Clyde notes that employers often value them more than degrees—it's also about community, mentorship, and mutual support. When asked how many people landed a job because of someone in their local ISACA chapter, half the room raised their hands. That kind of connection is difficult to overstate.Clyde urges cybersecurity professionals to look beyond their company roles and invest in something that gives back—whether through volunteering, speaking, or simply showing up. “It's your career,” he says. “Take back control.”Facing Burnout and Legal Risk Head-OnThe group also addresses a growing issue: burnout. ISACA's latest research shows 66% of cybersecurity professionals are feeling more burned out than last year. For CISOs in particular, that pressure is compounded by personal liability—as in the case of former SolarWinds CISO Tim Brown being sued by the SEC. Clyde warns that such actions have a chilling effect, discouraging internal risk discussions and openness.To counteract that, he emphasizes the need for continuous learning and peer support as a defense, not only against burnout, but also isolation and fear.The Silent Threat of QuantumWhile AI dominated RSAC's headlines, Clyde raises a quieter but equally pressing concern: quantum computing. ISACA chose to focus its latest poll on this topic, revealing a significant gap between awareness and action. Despite widespread recognition that a breakthrough could “break the internet,” only 5% of respondents are taking proactive steps. Clyde sees this as a wake-up call. “The algorithms exist. Q Day is coming. We just don't know when.”From mental health to quantum readiness, this conversation makes it clear: cybersecurity isn't just a technology issue—it's a people issue. Listen to the full episode to hear what else we're missing.Learn more about ISACA: https://itspm.ag/isaca-96808⸻Guest: Rob Clyde, Board Director, Chair, Past Chair of the Board Directors at ISACA | https://www.linkedin.com/in/robclyde/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from ISACA: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/isacaStay tuned for an upcoming ITSPmagazine Webinar with ISACA: https://www.itspmagazine.com/webinarsISACA Quantum Pulse Poll 2025 and related resources: https://www.isaca.org/quantum-pulse-pollISACA State of Cybersecurity 2024 survey report: https://www.isaca.org/resources/reports/state-of-cybersecurity-2024Learn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:sean martin, marco ciappelli, rob clyde, rsac2025, burnout, quantum, cryptography, certification, isaca, cybersecurity, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
At RSAC Conference 2025, the conversation with Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer at ThreatLocker, centered on something deceptively simple: making cybersecurity effective by making it manageable.During this on-location recap episode, Rob shares how ThreatLocker cut through the noise of flashy booths and AI buzzwords by focusing on meaningful, face-to-face conversations with customers and prospects. Their booth was an open, no-frills space—designed for real dialogue, not distractions. What caught people's attention, though, wasn't the booth layout—it was a live demonstration of a PowerShell-based attack using a rubber ducky device. It visually captured how traditional tools often miss malicious scripts and how ThreatLocker's controls shut it down immediately. That kind of simplicity, Rob explains, is the real differentiator.Zero Trust Is a Journey—But It Doesn't Have to Be ComplicatedOne key message Rob emphasizes is that true security doesn't come from piling on more tools. Too many organizations rely on overlapping detection and response solutions, which leads to confusion and technical debt. “If you have five different jackets and they're all winter coats, you're not prepared for summer,” Sean Martin jokes, reinforcing Rob's point that layers should be distinct, not redundant.ThreatLocker's approach simplifies Zero Trust by focusing on proactive control—limiting what can execute or communicate in the first place. Rob also points to the importance of vendor consolidation—not just from a purchasing standpoint but from an operational one. With ThreatLocker, multiple security capabilities are built natively into a single platform with one agent and one portal, avoiding the chaos of disjointed systems.From Technical Wins to Human ConnectionsThe conversation wraps with a reminder that cybersecurity isn't just about tools—it's about the people and community that make the work worthwhile. Rob, Marco Ciappelli, and Sean Martin reflect on their shared experiences around the event and even the lessons learned over a slice of Detroit-style pizza. While the crust may have been debatable, the camaraderie and commitment to doing security better were not.Learn more about ThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974⸻Guest: Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer, ThreatLocker | https://www.linkedin.com/in/threatlockerrob/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from ThreatLocker: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/threatlockerLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:sean martin, marco ciappelli, rob allen, cybersecurity, zero trust, threat prevention, powerShell, vendor consolidation, rsac2025, endpoint security, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
In this post-RSAC 2025 Brand Story, Marco Ciappelli catches up with Steve Schlarman, Senior Director of Product Management at Archer, to discuss the evolving intersection of GRC, AI, and business value. From regulatory overload to AI-enhanced policy generation, this conversation explores how meaningful innovation—grounded in real customer needs—is shaping the future of risk and compliance.Not All AI Is Created Equal: The Archer ApproachRSAC 2025 was buzzing with innovation, but for Steve Schlarman and the Archer team, it wasn't about showing off shiny new toys—it was about proving that AI, when used with purpose and context, can truly enhance the risk and compliance function.Steve, Senior Director of Product Management at Archer, breaks down how Archer Evolve and the recent integration of Compliance.ai are helping organizations address regulatory change in a more holistic, automated, and scalable way. With silos still slowing down many companies, the need for tools that actually do something is more urgent than ever.From Policy Generation to Risk NarrativesOne of the most practical applications discussed? Using AI not just to detect risk, but to help write better risk statements, control documentation, and even policy language that actually communicates clearly. Steve explains how Archer is focused on closing the loop between data and business impact—translating technical risk outputs into narratives the business can actually act on.AI with a Human TouchAs Marco notes, AI in cybersecurity has moved from hype to hesitation to strategy. Steve is candid: some customers are still on the fence. But when AI is delivered in a contextual way, backed by customer-driven innovation, it becomes a bridge—not a wedge—between people and process. The key is not AI for the sake of AI, but for solving real, grounded problems.What's Next in Risk? Better ConversationsLooking ahead, Schlarman sees a shift from “no, we can't” to “yes, and here's how.” With a better grasp on loss exposure and control costs, the business conversation is changing. AI-powered storytelling and smart interfaces might just help risk teams have their most effective conversations yet.From regulatory change to real-time translation of risk data, this is where tech meets trust.⸻Guest: Steve Schlarman, Senior Director, Product Management, Archert | https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveschlarman/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Archer: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/archerLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:steve schlarman, marco ciappelli, rsac2025, archer evolve, compliance.ai, regulatory change, grc, risk management, ai storytelling, cybersecurity, compliance, brand story, rsa conference, cybersecurity strategy, risk communication, ai in compliance, automation, contextual ai, integrated risk management, business risk narrative, itspmagazine______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Danielle Leukam is a survivor of a horrifying home invasion. While she and her three-year-old son slept, a masked and armed intruder broke in during the night. For the next five hours, Danielle was zip-tied and brutally assaulted before the attacker finally fled. For months, his identity remained a mystery—until DNA from another assault, committed hours away, matched her rape kit. That's when Danielle discovered the unthinkable: her attacker was someone from her past who had been stalking her. He had never been to her home, never had her address—yet somehow, he found her. Today, Danielle bravely shares her story in her memoir, Four Pounds of Pressure: A Memoir of Rape, Survival, and Taking Back My Power.**The following episode of Strictly Stalking contains graphics depictions of physical violence, abduction, torture, and sexual assualt. Please listen with caution.**HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED STALKING? LET US KNOW:strictlystalkingpod@gmail.comPLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS!Delete MeToday get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to JoinDeleteMe.com/STALKING and use promo code STALKING at checkout. QuinceGo to https://www.quince.com/strictly for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Progressive InsurancePress play on comparing auto rates. Get your auto quote at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive.Clues with Morgan Absher & Kaelyn Moore!Just search for Clues wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop everyWednesday.GUEST LINKSDanielle Leukumwww.danielleleukam.com https://www.instagram.com/danielleleukam/https://www.facebook.com/DanielleLouiseLeukam/OTHER LINKSlovelustfear + lovelustfridays | with Jake DeptulaApple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283?uo=4Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWecAmazon Music | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b06d0ea8-cb29-4c3a-98e6-0249d84df748Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/Submissions | https://lovelustfear.aidaform.com/lovelustfearThe Last Trip - Podcast - hosted by Jaimie BeebeListen & Subscribe to The Last Trip - https://audioboom.com/channels/5119581-the-last-tripFollow The Last Trip on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelasttripcrimepod/And Subscribe for all the updates on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheLastTripPodcastInstagram:@strictlystalkingpod@feathergirl77@jaked3000See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
At OWASP AppSec Global in Barcelona, the focus is clear: building secure software with and for the community. But it's not just about code or compliance. As Avi Douglen, OWASP Foundation board member, describes it, this gathering is a “hot tub” experience in contrast to the overwhelming scale of mega conferences. It's warm, immersive, and welcoming—designed for people who want to contribute, connect, and create.OWASP is more than just another security organization. It's a community-driven foundation that enables builders, breakers, defenders, and leaders to come together in pursuit of secure product development. This year's conference reflects that same inclusive energy. Whether you're a software engineer, architect, DevOps professional, security champion, or product manager, the sessions and networking spaces are built to meet you where you are—and help you grow.Beyond the BuzzwordsUnsurprisingly, AI will have a strong presence this year. But the conversations aren't limited to hype. Two flagship OWASP projects now focus on AI and LLMs—one on securing applications that use AI, the other on building secure AI systems themselves. Talks will unpack familiar problems in new contexts, like prompt injection mirroring the dynamics of older injection vulnerabilities. In other words: the technology shifts, but the core principles remain relevant.Diverse Tracks, Real ConversationsAttendees can engage across five curated tracks: builders, breakers, defenders, managers & culture, and project showcases. Topics range from threat modeling and DevSecOps to scaling security programs and fostering team culture. A dedicated training program, including hands-on sessions in secure coding and security champions, ensures practical takeaways—not just theory.Plus, the event embraces connection. A newcomer orientation, Women in AppSec gathering, hallway chats, evening socials, and even speed mentoring sessions all contribute to a vibrant, accessible experience where everyone—from seasoned leaders to curious newcomers—can find their place.A Truly Global CommunityWith participants flying in from all corners of the world, OWASP AppSec Global lives up to its name. The conversations, relationships, and tools that emerge from this event ripple far beyond Barcelona. If you build, secure, or manage software, this is one conference where showing up matters—not just for what you'll learn, but for who you'll meet.__________________________________Guest: Avi Douglen | Global Board of Directors at OWASP Foundation & Founder and CEO at Bounce Securityhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/avidouglen/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martinMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli____________________________This Episode's SponsorsManicode Security: https://itspm.ag/manicode-security-7q8i____________________________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from OWASP AppSec Global 2025 Barcelona coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/owasp-global-appsec-barcelona-2025-application-security-event-coverage-in-catalunya-spain____________________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to be at a disadvantage when it comes to cybersecurity—not because the risks are unclear, but because the means to address them remain out of reach for many. In this episode, Professor Steven Furnell of the University of Nottingham highlights the real barriers SMEs face and shares the thinking behind a new approach: creating cybersecurity communities of support.The research behind this project, supported by the University and its partners, explores how different types of SMEs—micro, small, and medium-sized—struggle with limited time, budget, and expertise. Many rely on third-party service providers, but often don't have enough cybersecurity knowledge to evaluate what “good” looks like. It's not just a resource problem—it's a visibility and literacy problem.Furnell emphasizes the potential of automation to lift some of the burden, from automated updates to scheduled malware scans. But he also makes it clear that automated tools can't fully replace the need for human judgment, especially in scenarios like phishing or social engineering attacks. People still need cybersecurity literacy to recognize and resist threats.That's where the idea of communities of support comes in. Rather than each SME navigating cybersecurity alone, the goal is to create local or sector-based communities where businesses and cybersecurity practitioners can engage in open, non-commercial conversations. These communities would offer SMEs a space to ask questions, share challenges, and exchange practical advice—without pressure, cost, or fear of judgment.The initiative isn't about replacing regulation or mandating compliance. It's about raising the baseline first. Communities of support can serve as a step toward greater awareness and capability—something that's especially critical in a world where supply chains are interconnected, and security failures in one small link can ripple outward.The message is clear: cybersecurity isn't just a technical issue—it's a social one. And it starts by creating room for dialogue, connection, and shared responsibility. Want to know what this model could look like in your community? Tune in to find out.__________________________________Guest: Steven Furnell | Professor of Cyber Security at University of Nottinghamhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenfurnell/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martinMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli____________________________This Episode's SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974____________________________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Infosecurity Europe 2025 London coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosec25____________________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Since September 2020, Jennifer's life has been overshadowed by fear. She's been followed. Harassed. Watched. And no matter how many times she's called the police—or even rushed into a station, terrified and pleading—help has felt just out of reach. When she finally filed for a restraining order, she hoped the system would protect her. But instead, the judge said there wasn't enough evidence. That what her stalker was doing wasn't technically “illegal.” Now, feeling cornered and unheard, Jennifer is speaking out. To raise awareness. To reclaim her voice. And to find the support she's long been denied.HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED STALKING? LET US KNOW:strictlystalkingpod@gmail.comPLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS!ShopifySign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/strictlystalking to take your retail business to the next level. That's shopify.com/strictlystalkingZocDocGo to Zocdoc.com/STALKING to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. OTHER LINKSThe Last Trip - Podcast - hosted by Jaimie BeebeListen & Subscribe to The Last Trip - https://audioboom.com/channels/5119581-the-last-tripFollow The Last Trip on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelasttripcrimepod/And Subscribe for all the updates on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheLastTripPodcastlovelustfear + lovelustfridays | with Jake DeptulaApple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283?uo=4Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWecAmazon Music | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b06d0ea8-cb29-4c3a-98e6-0249d84df748Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/Submissions | https://lovelustfear.aidaform.com/lovelustfearInstagram:@strictlystalkingpod@feathergirl77@jaked3000See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
When artificial intelligence can generate code, write tests, and even simulate threat models, how do we still ensure security? That's the question John Sapp Jr. and Alex Kreilein examine in this energizing conversation about trust, risk management, and the future of application security.The conversation opens with a critical concern: not just how to adopt AI securely, but how to use it responsibly. Alex underscores the importance of asking a simple question often overlooked—why do you trust this output? That mindset, he argues, is fundamental to building responsible systems, especially when models are generating code or influencing decisions at scale.Their conversation surfaces an emerging gap between automation and assurance. AI tools promise speed and performance, but that speed introduces risk if teams are too quick to assume accuracy or ignore validation. John and Alex discuss this trust gap and how the zero trust mindset—so common in network security—must now apply to AI models and agents, too.They share a key concern: technical debt is back, this time in the form of “AI security debt”—risk accumulating faster than most teams can keep up with. But it's not all gloom. They highlight real opportunities for security and development teams to reprioritize: moving away from chasing every CVE and toward higher-value work like architecture reviews and resiliency planning.The conversation then shifts to the foundation of true resilience. For Alex, resilience isn't about perfection—it's about recovery and response. He pushes for embedding threat modeling into unit testing, not just as an afterthought but as part of modern development. John emphasizes traceability and governance across the organization: ensuring the top understands what's at stake at the bottom, and vice versa.One message is clear: context matters. CVSS scores, AI outputs, scanner alerts—all of it must be interpreted through the lens of business impact. That's the art of security today.Ready to challenge your assumptions about secure AI and modern AppSec? This episode will make you question what you trust—and how you build.___________Guests: Alex Kreilein, Vice President of Product Security, Qualys | https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexkreilein/John Sapp Jr., Vice President, Information Security & CISO, Texas Mutual Insurance Company | https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbsappjr/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974Akamai: https://itspm.ag/akamailbwcBlackCloak: https://itspm.ag/itspbcwebSandboxAQ: https://itspm.ag/sandboxaq-j2enArcher: https://itspm.ag/rsaarchwebDropzone AI: https://itspm.ag/dropzoneai-641ISACA: https://itspm.ag/isaca-96808ObjectFirst: https://itspm.ag/object-first-2gjlEdera: https://itspm.ag/edera-434868___________ResourcesJP Morgan Chase Open Letter: An open letter to third-party suppliers: https://www.jpmorgan.com/technology/technology-blog/open-letter-to-our-suppliersLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsa-conference-usa-2025-rsac-san-francisco-usa-cybersecurity-event-infosec-conference-coverageCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Organizations are demanding more from their IT management platforms—not just toolsets, but tailored systems that meet specific business and security objectives. Vivin Sathyan, Senior Technology Evangelist at ManageEngine, shares how the company is responding with an integrated approach that connects IT, security, and business outcomes.ManageEngine, a division of Zoho Corporation, now offers a suite of over 60 products that span identity and access management, SIEM, endpoint protection, service management, and analytics. These components don't just coexist—they interact contextually. Vivin outlines a real-world example from the healthcare sector, where a SIM tool detects abnormal login behavior, triggers an identity system to challenge access, and then logs the incident for IT service resolution. This integrated chain reflects a philosophy where response is not just fast, but connected and accountable.At the heart of the platform's effectiveness is contextual intelligence—layered between artificial intelligence and business insights—to power decision-making that aligns with enterprise risk and compliance needs. Whether it's SOC analysts triaging events, CIS admins handling system hygiene, or CISOs aligning actions with corporate goals, the tools are tailored to fit roles, not just generic functions. According to Vivin, this role-based approach is critical to eliminating silos and ensuring teams speak the same operational and risk language.AI continues to play a role in enhancing that coordination, but ManageEngine is cautious not to follow hype for its own sake. The company has invested in its own AI and ML capabilities since 2012, and recently launched an agent studio—but only after evaluating how new models can meaningfully add value. Vivin points out that enterprise use cases often benefit more from small, purpose-built language models than from massive general-purpose ones.Perhaps most compelling is ManageEngine's global-first strategy. With operations in nearly 190 countries and 18+ of its own data centers, the company prioritizes proximity to customers—not just for technical support, but for cultural understanding and local compliance. That closeness informs both product design and customer trust, especially as regulations around data sovereignty intensify.This episode challenges listeners to consider whether their tools are merely present—or actually connected. Are you enabling collaboration through context, or just stitching systems together and calling it a platform?Learn more about ManageEngine: https://itspm.ag/manageen-631623Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Vivin Sathyan, Senior Technology Evangelist, ManageEngine | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivin-sathyan/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from ManageEngine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/manageengineLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:sean martin, vivin sathyan, cybersecurity, ai, siem, identity, analytics, integration, platform, risk, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
In this episode of On Location at RSAC Conference 2025, Phillip Miller—Chief Information Security Officer and founder of Corporal—offers a candid and practical look at the current realities of cybersecurity leadership, innovation ecosystems, and the business-first mindset required to drive effective security outcomes.With a unique background that blends enterprise cybersecurity leadership and hands-on work on his Virginia farm, Miller brings a grounded perspective to the CISO role. Over the past 18 months, he stepped away from a traditional enterprise seat to work directly with startups through his company, advising them on how to align their offerings with the real needs of security teams. His return to a full-time CISO position follows that immersive experience, giving him a renewed sense of what enterprise security leaders are missing when they close themselves off from emerging technology vendors.Shifting the Buying ConversationOne of Miller's strongest messages is that buying decisions should start with the security team—not just the CISO. Too often, tools are purchased at the top and handed down without enough input from those who will actually use them. Miller stresses that founders who are selling into the enterprise need to solve real problems with real people—and CISOs should invite that dialogue rather than block it.He also encourages CISOs to think beyond the big names. While legacy providers are often the default, marketplace ecosystems (like AWS or GCP) and accelerator programs (such as those run by CrowdStrike) offer curated, credible entry points to newer solutions. These platforms can streamline the validation process while introducing fresh capabilities that legacy tools may lack.Lead With the Business, Not the TechFor Miller, the CISO's most valuable contribution is helping business leaders understand their own risks—especially the ones they don't associate with cybersecurity. By starting with “What are your biggest non-cyber risks?” Miller helps organizations connect the dots between core operations and digital exposure.Whether working in manufacturing, retail, or financial services, his approach remains consistent: understand how the business creates value, then align security programs and tooling accordingly. The tech, he reminds us, comes second.Catch the full conversation to hear more on third-party risk, building high-functioning teams, and why peer conversations at conferences like RSAC are essential to the health of the cybersecurity community.___________Guest: Phillip Miller, CISO and founder of Qurple | https://www.linkedin.com/in/pemiller/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.comMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com___________Episode SponsorsThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974Akamai: https://itspm.ag/akamailbwcBlackCloak: https://itspm.ag/itspbcwebSandboxAQ: https://itspm.ag/sandboxaq-j2enArcher: https://itspm.ag/rsaarchwebDropzone AI: https://itspm.ag/dropzoneai-641ISACA: https://itspm.ag/isaca-96808ObjectFirst: https://itspm.ag/object-first-2gjlEdera: https://itspm.ag/edera-434868___________ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsa-conference-usa-2025-rsac-san-francisco-usa-cybersecurity-event-infosec-conference-coverageCatch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
In this episode, Subo Guha, Vice President of Product Management at Stellar Cyber, shares how the company is reshaping cybersecurity operations for managed service providers (MSPs) and their customers. Stellar Cyber's mission is to simplify security without compromising depth—making advanced cybersecurity capabilities accessible to organizations without enterprise-level resources.Subo walks through the foundations of their open XDR platform, which allows customers to retain the endpoint and network tools they already use—such as CrowdStrike or SentinelOne—without being locked into a single ecosystem. This flexibility proves especially valuable to MSSPs managing dozens or hundreds of customers with diverse toolsets, including those that have grown through acquisitions. The platform's modular sensor technology supports IT, OT, and hybrid environments, offering deep packet inspection, network detection, and even user behavior analytics to flag potential lateral movement or anomalous activity.One of the most compelling updates from the conversation is the introduction of their autonomous SOC capability. Subo emphasizes this is not about replacing humans but amplifying their efforts. The platform groups alerts into actionable cases, reducing noise and allowing analysts to respond faster. Built-in machine learning and threat intelligence feeds enrich data as it enters the system, helping determine if something is benign or a real threat.The episode also highlights new program launches like Infinity, which enhances business development and peer collaboration for MSSP partners, and their Cybersecurity Alliance, which deepens integration across a wide variety of security tools. These efforts reflect Stellar Cyber's strong commitment to ecosystem support and customer-centric growth.Subo closes by reinforcing the importance of scalability and affordability. Stellar Cyber offers a single platform with unified licensing to help MSSPs grow without adding complexity or cost. It's a clear statement: powerful security doesn't need to be out of reach for smaller teams or companies.This episode offers a practical view into what it takes to operationalize cybersecurity across diverse environments—and why automation with human collaboration is the path forward.Learn more about Stellar Cyber: https://itspm.ag/stellar-cyber--inc--357947Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Subo Guha, Senior Vice President Product, Stellar Cyber | https://www.linkedin.com/in/suboguha/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Stellar Cyber: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/stellarcyberLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:sean martin, subo guha, xdr, mssp, cybersecurity, automation, soc, ai, ot, threat detection, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Fred Wilmot, CEO and co-founder of Detecteam, and Sebastien Tricaud, CTO and co-founder, bring a candid and critical take on cybersecurity's detection and response problem. Drawing on their collective experience—from roles at Splunk, Devo, and time spent in defense and offensive operations—they raise a core question: does any of the content, detections, or tooling security teams deploy actually work?The Detecteam founders challenge the industry's obsession with metrics like mean time to detect or respond, pointing out that these often measure operational efficiency—not true risk readiness. Instead, they propose a shift in thinking: stop optimizing broken processes and start creating better ones.At the heart of their work is a new approach to detection engineering—one that continuously generates and validates detections based on actual behavior, environmental context, and adversary tactics. It's about moving away from one-size-fits-all IOCs toward purpose-built, context-aware detections that evolve as threats do.Sebastien highlights the absurdity of relying on static, signature-based detection in a world of dynamic threats. Adversaries constantly change tactics, yet detection rules often sit unchanged for months. The platform they've built breaks detection down into a testable, iterative process—closing the gap between intel, engineering, and operations. Teams no longer need to rely on hope or external content packs—they can build, test, and validate detections in minutes.Fred explains the benefit in terms any CISO can understand: this isn't just detection—it's readiness. If a team can build a working detection in under 15 minutes, they beat the average breakout time of many attackers. That's a tangible advantage, especially when operating with limited personnel.This conversation isn't about a silver bullet or more noise—it's about clarity. What's working? What's not? And how do you know? For organizations seeking real impact in their security operations—not just activity—this episode explores a path forward that's faster, smarter, and grounded in reality.Learn more about Detecteam: https://itspm.ag/detecteam-21686Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guests: Fred Wilmot, Co-Founder & CEO, Detecteam | https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredwilmot/Sebastien Tricaud, Co-Founder & CTO, Detecteam | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricaud/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Detecteam: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/detecteamWebinar: Rethink, Don't Just Optimize: A New Philosophy for Intelligent Detection and Response — An ITSPmagazine Webinar with Detecteam | https://www.crowdcast.io/c/rethink-dont-just-optimize-a-new-philosophy-for-intelligent-detection-and-response-an-itspmagazine-webinar-with-detecteam-314ca046e634Learn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:sean martin, fred wilmot, sebastien tricaud, detecteam, detection, cybersecurity, behavior, automation, red team, blue team, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
After remarrying and moving into what she hoped would be a peaceful new home, Amie was ready for a fresh start with her six-year-old son. But the promise of a new beginning quickly turned into a nightmare. Her next-door neighbors—two brothers—soon began to exhibit unsettling behavior. What started as odd glances and lingering stares escalated into full-blown stalking. They followed her, loitered in her yard, stared through her windows, and at one terrifying point, trapped her in her own car. Amie shares how she survived the relentless harassment—and how she turned her experience into her new book, Human/Animal: A Bestiary in Essays.HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED STALKING? LET US KNOW:strictlystalkingpod@gmail.comPLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS!Delete MeToday get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to JoinDeleteMe.com/STALKING and use promo code STALKING at checkout. GUEST LINKSAmie ReillyBluesky @amiesouzareilly.bsky.socialOTHER LINKSlovelustfear + lovelustfridays | with Jake DeptulaApple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283?uo=4Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWecAmazon Music | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b06d0ea8-cb29-4c3a-98e6-0249d84df748Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/Submissions | https://lovelustfear.aidaform.com/lovelustfearThe Last Trip - Podcast - hosted by Jaimie BeebeListen & Subscribe to The Last Trip - https://audioboom.com/channels/5119581-the-last-tripFollow The Last Trip on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelasttripcrimepod/And Subscribe for all the updates on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheLastTripPodcastInstagram:@strictlystalkingpod@feathergirl77@jaked3000See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this on-location conversation recorded during RSAC 2025, attorney, investor, and strategic advisor Yair Geva shares a global perspective shaped by years of legal counsel, venture investing, and deal-making across Israel, Europe, and the U.S. Geva offers unique insight into how cybersecurity, AI, and M&A are not only intersecting—but actively reshaping—the tech ecosystem.More than just a legal expert, Geva advises early-stage founders and institutional investors across markets, helping them navigate cultural, legal, and strategic gaps. With over 50 personal investments and a strong focus on cybersecurity in recent institutional activity, his perspective reflects where real momentum is building—and how smart capital is being deployed.AI Acceleration and M&A HesitationAccording to Geva, the accelerating capabilities of AI have created a strange paradox: in some sectors, VCs are hesitant to invest because the pace of change undermines long-term confidence. Yet in cybersecurity, AI is acting as a catalyst, not a caution. Cyber-AI combinations are among the few domains where deals are still moving quickly. He points to recent acquisitions—such as Palo Alto Networks' move on Protect AI—as a sign that strategic consolidation is alive and well, even if overall deal volume remains lighter than expected.Cyber Due Diligence Is Now Table StakesAcross all industries, cybersecurity evaluations have become a non-negotiable part of M&A. Whether acquiring a fashion brand or a software firm, buyers now expect a clear security posture, detailed risk management plans, and full disclosure of any prior breaches. Geva notes that incident response experience, when managed professionally, can actually serve as a confidence builder in the eyes of strategic buyers.From Global Hubs to Human ConnectionsWhile San Francisco remains a major force, Geva sees increasing momentum in New York, London, and Tel Aviv. Yet across all markets, he emphasizes that human relationships—trust, cultural understanding, and cross-border collaboration—ultimately drive deal success more than any legal document or term sheet.With a front-row seat to innovation and a hand in building the bridges that power global tech growth, Yair Geva is helping define the next chapter of cybersecurity, AI, and strategic investment.Listen to the full conversation to hear what's shaping the deals behind tomorrow's cybersecurity innovations.Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Yair Geva, Attorney and Investor | https://www.linkedin.com/in/yairgeva/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:sean martin, marco ciappelli, yair geva, cybersecurity, investment, ai, m&a, venture, resilience, innovation, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
In this episode, Sean Martin speaks with Richard Seiersen, Chief Risk Technology Officer at Qualys, about a new way to think about cybersecurity—one that puts value and business resilience at the center, not just threats.Richard shares the thinking behind Qualys' Risk Operations Center, a new approach that responds directly to a common pain point: organizations struggling to manage vast amounts of telemetry from dozens of security tools without clear direction on how to act. Instead of forcing companies to build and maintain massive internal platforms just to piece together asset, vulnerability, and threat data, Qualys is creating a system to operationalize risk as a real-time, measurable business function.With a background that includes serving as Chief Risk Officer at a cyber insurance firm and co-authoring foundational books like How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk and The Metrics Manifesto, Richard frames the conversation in practical business terms. He emphasizes that success is not just about detecting threats, but about understanding where value exists in the business, and how to protect it efficiently.From Security Operations to Risk OperationsWhile a traditional SOC focuses on attack surface and compromise detection, the Risk Operations Center is designed to understand, prioritize, and mitigate value at risk. Richard describes how this involves normalizing data across environments, connecting asset identities—including ephemeral and composite digital assets—and aligning technical activity to business impact.The Risk Operations Center enables teams to think in terms of risk surface, not just threat surface, by giving security leaders visibility into what matters most—and the tools to act accordingly. And importantly, it does so without increasing headcount.A CISO's Role in the Business of RiskRichard challenges security leaders to break away from purely tactical work and lean into business alignment. He argues that boards want CISOs who think strategically—who can talk about capital reserves, residual risk, and how mitigation and transfer can be measured against business outcomes. In his words, “A successful business is in the business of exposing more value to more people… security must understand and support that mission.”This episode is packed with ideas worth listening to and sharing. What would your version of a Risk Operations Center look like?Learn more about Qualys: https://itspm.ag/qualys-908446Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Rich Seiersen, Chief Risk Technology Officer, Qualys | https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardseiersen/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Qualys: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/qualysLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:sean martin, richard seiersen, risk, cybersecurity, data, resilience, telemetry, automation, ciso, soc, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Kubernetes revolutionized the way software is built, deployed, and managed, offering engineers unprecedented agility and portability. But as Edera co-founder and CEO Emily Long shares, the speed and flexibility of containerization came with overlooked tradeoffs—especially in security. What started as a developer-driven movement to accelerate software delivery has now left security and infrastructure teams scrambling to contain risks that were never part of Kubernetes' original design.Emily outlines a critical flaw: Kubernetes wasn't built for multi-tenancy. As a result, shared kernels across workloads—whether across customers or internal environments—introduce lateral movement risks. In her words, “A container isn't real—it's just a set of processes.” And when containers share a kernel, a single exploit can become a system-wide threat.Edera addresses this gap by rethinking how containers are run—not rebuilt. Drawing from hypervisor tech like Xen and modernizing it with memory-safe Rust, Edera creates isolated “zones” for containers that enforce true separation without the overhead and complexity of traditional virtual machines. This isolation doesn't disrupt developer workflows, integrates easily at the infrastructure layer, and doesn't require retraining or restructuring CI/CD pipelines. It's secure by design, without compromising performance or portability.The impact is significant. Infrastructure teams gain the ability to enforce security policies without sacrificing cost efficiency. Developers keep their flow. And security professionals get something rare in today's ecosystem: true prevention. Instead of chasing billions of alerts and layering multiple observability tools in hopes of finding the needle in the haystack, teams using Edera can reduce the noise and gain context that actually matters.Emily also touches on the future—including the role of AI and “vibe coding,” and why true infrastructure-level security is essential as code generation becomes more automated and complex. With GPU security on their radar and a hardware-agnostic architecture, Edera is preparing not just for today's container sprawl, but tomorrow's AI-powered compute environments.This is more than a product pitch—it's a reframing of how we define and implement security at the container level. The full conversation reveals what's possible when performance, portability, and protection are no longer at odds.Learn more about Edera: https://itspm.ag/edera-434868Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Emily Long, Founder and CEO, Edera | https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-long-7a194b4/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Edera: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/ederaLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:sean martin, emily long, containers, kubernetes, hypervisor, multi-tenancy, devsecops, infrastructure, virtualization, cybersecurity, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Charles Henderson, who leads the cybersecurity services division at Coalfire, shares how the company is reimagining offensive and defensive operations through a programmatic lens that prioritizes outcomes over checkboxes. His team, made up of practitioners with deep experience and creative drive, brings offensive testing and exposure management together with defensive services and managed offerings to address full-spectrum cybersecurity needs. The focus isn't on commoditized services—it's on what actually makes a difference.At the heart of the conversation is the idea that cybersecurity is a team sport. Henderson draws parallels between the improvisation of music and the tactics of both attackers and defenders. Both require rhythm, creativity, and cohesion. The myth of the lone hero doesn't hold up anymore—effective cybersecurity programs are driven by collaboration across specialties and by combining services in ways that amplify their value.Coalfire's evolution reflects this shift. It's not just about running a penetration test or red team operation in isolation. It's about integrating those efforts into a broader mission-focused program, tailored to real threats and measured against what matters most. Henderson emphasizes that CISOs are no longer content with piecemeal assessments; they're seeking simplified, strategic programs with measurable outcomes.The conversation also touches on the importance of storytelling in cybersecurity reporting. Henderson underscores the need for findings to be communicated in ways that resonate with technical teams, security leaders, and the board. It's about enabling CISOs to own the narrative, armed with context, clarity, and confidence.Henderson's reflections on the early days of hacker culture—when gatherings like HoCon and early Def Cons were more about curiosity and camaraderie than business—bring a human dimension to the discussion. That same passion still fuels many practitioners today, and Coalfire is committed to nurturing it through talent development and internships, helping the next generation find their voice, their challenge, and yes, even their hacker handle.This episode offers a look at how to build programs, teams, and mindsets that are ready to lead—not follow—on the cybersecurity front.Learn more about Coalfire: https://itspm.ag/coalfire-yj4wNote: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Charles Henderson, Executive Vice President of Cyber Security Services, Coalfire | https://www.linkedin.com/in/angustx/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Coalfire: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/coalfireLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:charles henderson, sean martin, coalfire, red teaming, penetration testing, cybersecurity services, exposure management, ciso, threat intelligence, hacker culture, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
At RSAC Conference 2025, Rupesh Chokshi, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Application Security Group at Akamai, joined ITSPmagazine to share critical insights into the dual role AI is playing in cybersecurity today—and what Akamai is doing about it.Chokshi lays out the landscape with clarity: while AI is unlocking powerful new capabilities for defenders, it's also accelerating innovation for attackers. From bot mitigation and behavioral DDoS to adaptive security engines, Akamai has used machine learning for over a decade to enhance protection, but the scale and complexity of threats have entered a new era.The API and Web Application Threat SurgeReferencing Akamai's latest State of the Internet report, Chokshi cites a 33% year-over-year rise in web application and API attacks—topping 311 billion threats. More than 150 billion of these were API-related. The reason is simple: APIs are the backbone of modern applications, yet many organizations lack visibility into how many they have or where they're exposed. Shadow and zombie APIs are quietly expanding attack surfaces without sufficient monitoring or defense.Chokshi shares that in early customer discovery sessions, organizations often uncover tens of thousands of APIs they weren't actively tracking—making them easy targets for business logic abuse, credential theft, and data exfiltration.Introducing Akamai's Firewall for AIAkamai is addressing another critical gap with the launch of its new Firewall for AI. Designed for both internal and customer-facing generative AI applications, this solution focuses on securing runtime environments. It detects and blocks issues like prompt injection, PII leakage, and toxic language using scalable, automated analysis at the edge—reducing friction for deployment while enhancing visibility and governance.In early testing, Akamai found that 6% of traffic to a single LLM-based customer chatbot involved suspicious activity. That volume—within just 100,000 requests—highlights the urgency of runtime protections for AI workloads.Enabling Security LeadershipChokshi emphasizes that modern security teams must engage collaboratively with business and data teams. As AI adoption outpaces security budgets, CISOs are looking for trusted, easy-to-deploy solutions that enable—not hinder—innovation. Akamai's goal: deliver scalable protections with minimal disruption, while helping security leaders shoulder the growing burden of AI risk.Learn more about Akamai: https://itspm.ag/akamailbwcNote: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Rupesh Chokshi, SVP & General Manager, Application Security, Akamai | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupeshchokshi/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Akamai: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/akamaiLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:sean martin, rupesh chokshi, akamai, rsac, ai, security, cisos, api, firewall, llm, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Quantum computing and AI are no longer theoretical concepts for tomorrow—they're shaping how organizations must secure their infrastructure today. In this episode of the podcast, Marc Manzano, General Manager of Cybersecurity at SandboxAQ, joins the conversation to share how his team is helping organizations confront some of the most urgent and complex cybersecurity shifts of our time.SandboxAQ, a company spun out of Alphabet, operates at the intersection of quantum technology and artificial intelligence. Manzano highlights two immediate challenges that demand new approaches: the looming need for quantum-resistant cryptography and the unchecked proliferation of AI agents across enterprise systems.Post-Quantum Migration and Cryptographic AgilityManzano describes an industry-wide need for massive cryptographic migration in response to the quantum threat. But rather than treating it as a one-time fix, SandboxAQ promotes cryptographic agility—a framework that enables organizations to dynamically and automatically rotate credentials, replace algorithms, and manage certificates in real-time. Their approach replaces decades of static key management practices with a modern, policy-driven control plane. It's not just about surviving the post-quantum era—it's about staying ready for whatever comes next.Taming the Complexity of AI Agents and Non-Human IdentitiesThe second challenge is the surge of non-human identities—AI agents, machine workloads, and ephemeral cloud infrastructure. SandboxAQ's platform provides continuous visibility and control over what software is running, who or what it communicates with, and whether it adheres to security policies. This approach helps teams move beyond manual, one-off audits to real-time monitoring, dramatically improving how organizations manage software supply chain risks.Real Use Cases with Measurable ImpactManzano shares practical examples of how SandboxAQ's technology is being used in complex environments like large banks—where decades of M&A activity have created fragmented infrastructure. Their platform unifies cryptographic and identity management through a single pane of glass, helping security teams act faster with less friction. Another use case? Reducing vendor risk assessment from months to minutes, allowing security teams to assess software posture quickly and continuously.Whether it's quantum cryptography, AI risk, or identity control—this isn't a vision for 2030. It's a call to action for today.Learn more about SandboxAQ: https://itspm.ag/sandboxaq-j2enNote: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Marc Manzano, General Manager of Cybersecurity at SandboxAQ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcmanzano/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from SandboxAQ: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/sandboxaqLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:marc manzano, marco ciappelli, sean martin, cryptography, quantum, ai, cybersecurity, nonhuman, keymanagement, rsac2025, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More
Melissa, a single mom and social media influencer, became the target of a dangerous stalker after he found her online. What started with anonymous calls and obsessive messages quickly escalated. He tracked down her address, flew across the country, tried to break into her home, left disturbing items in her mailbox, and stayed at a hotel just a mile away—all while posting his actions in real time on TikTok. Even with mounting evidence, law enforcement failed to intervene. Left to protect herself, Melissa took matters into her own hands. She filed for a restraining order and, without police support, had to lure him to a public place just to get him served. She was eventually granted full protection. Her case is still under investigation, and she's hoping he'll be charged with criminal stalking for the terror he put her through.HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED STALKING? LET US KNOW:strictlystalkingpod@gmail.comPLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS!Progressive InsurancePress play on comparing auto rates. Get your auto quote at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive.GUEST LINKSMelissa Crouchhttps://www.tiktok.com/@melissaannmarieehttps://www.instagram.com/melissaannmariee/OTHER LINKSThe Last Trip - Podcast - hosted by Jaimie BeebeListen & Subscribe to The Last Trip - https://audioboom.com/channels/5119581-the-last-tripFollow The Last Trip on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelasttripcrimepod/And Subscribe for all the updates on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheLastTripPodcastlovelustfear + lovelustfridays | with Jake DeptulaApple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283?uo=4Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWecAmazon Music | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b06d0ea8-cb29-4c3a-98e6-0249d84df748Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/Submissions | https://lovelustfear.aidaform.com/lovelustfearInstagram:@strictlystalkingpod@feathergirl77@jaked3000See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For the past two years, Jani has been relentlessly stalked by her partner's ex-wife. What started as quiet manipulation escalated into anonymous threats, endless court hearings, and desperate pleas for help—only to be met with silence from a system that refused to intervene. Despite repeatedly violating an intervention order, her stalker has faced virtually no consequences, leaving Jani to navigate the fight for justice alone. Today, Jani is breaking that silence. She's here to share her story, shed light on the institutional gaslighting and gender bias that allow stalkers to slip through the cracks, and reclaim the power that was taken from her. By speaking out, she's not just telling her truth—she's making sure no one else has to face this kind of terror alone.HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED STALKING? LET US KNOW:strictlystalkingpod@gmail.comPLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS!Delete MeToday get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to JoinDeleteMe.com/STALKING and use promo code STALKING at checkout. QuinceGo to https://www.quince.com/strictly for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Progressive InsurancePress play on comparing auto rates. Get your auto quote at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive.OTHER LINKSIce Cold CaseApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ice-cold-case/id1685378007Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/5KZGIllYsj8jrQ6itE2AfBAmazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d613a5ff-760a-4f12-b84a-0de717fa2ff3/ice-cold-caseFor More Information:https://www.icecoldcase.com/https://www.instagram.com/icecoldcasehttps://www.instagram.com/madison_mcghee/lovelustfear + lovelustfridays | with Jake DeptulaApple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283?uo=4Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWecAmazon Music | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b06d0ea8-cb29-4c3a-98e6-0249d84df748Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/Submissions | https://lovelustfear.aidaform.com/lovelustfearThe Last Trip - Podcast - hosted by Jaimie BeebeListen & Subscribe to The Last Trip - https://audioboom.com/channels/5119581-the-last-tripFollow The Last Trip on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelasttripcrimepod/And Subscribe for all the updates on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheLastTripPodcastInstagram:@strictlystalkingpod@feathergirl77@jaked3000See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.