CYBR.SEC.CAST

This week Michael and Sam are talking to Bytewhisper CEO and previous HOU.SEC.CON. speaker, John Dickson! They discuss his journey from the Air Force into cybersecurity, his long-standing passion for application security, and why AI security testing isn’t fundamentally separate from traditional penetration testing. 

Things Mentioned:

• John’s 2024 talk: https://youtu.be/_dYQ2aFOxGA?si=s8fK04WhUJDCutV6
• John’s 2025 talk: https://youtu...

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

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

Things Mentioned:

• Mike’s site - https://www.mikeholcomb.com/
• Mike’s YouTube C...

Michael and Sam are talking to the new VP and Editor-in-Chief of CYBR.SEC.Media, Bill Brenner! They discuss his extensive 20+ year career journey from traditional journalism to cybersecurity media, the importance of supporting the mental health of cyber defenders, and his vision for CYBR.SEC.Media. 

Things Mentioned:

• Bill’s Letter from the Editor - https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/letter-from-the-new-editor-in-chief-of-cybr-sec-media...

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

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

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

Things Mentioned:

• Cloudflare Outage on November 18...

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

Things Mentioned:

• Guidance on Managing Risks Related to Third-Party Service Providers - https://www.dfs.ny.gov/industry-g...

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of CYBR.HAK.CAST, a new spinoff from our popular CYBR.SEC.CAST feed! Hosted by Michael Farnum and co-hosted by renowned penetration tester and ethical hacker Phillip Wylie, CYBR.HAK.CAST dives deep into the world of hacking. From real-world exploits and red team tactics to the human stories behind the hackers themselves. Every guest on this show is a part of the community, bringing raw insight,...

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

Things Mentioned:

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

Things Mentioned:

• Sponsor our 2026 events:
  • CYBR...

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

Th...

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

In this episode, Michael and Sam are joined by Matt Johansen, founder of Vulnerable U, to discuss his journey in cybersecurity, the importance of networking, and the evolution of technical content creation in the industry.

Things Mentioned:

·      Vulnerable U - https://www.vulnu.com/

·      Spain under fire for contracting Huawei to store judicial wiretaps - https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-huawei-contract-judicial-wiretaps/

·   ...

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

Things Mentioned:

• DarkForums Rushes to Hide after Hacker Exposes User IPs - https://cybernews.com/cybercrime/...

In this episode Michael and Sam sit down with Emily Crose - cybersecurity professional, speaker, and author of “Hack to the Future”. Emily shares her journey into the field, the project that sparked the idea for her debut novel, and her candid thoughts on hacker culture. 

Emily will be a featured speaker and author at HOU.SEC.CON. 2025, so be sure to grab your ticket for a chance to receive a free signed copy of her book!

Things Ment...

We’re chatting with another fantastic HOU.SEC.CON. author and speaker, Doug Landoll! In this episode Michael and Sam talk to Doug about his book “Security Risk Assessment Handbook”, how he transitioned from traditional IT to cybersecurity, and why others should consider a similar path before moving into a GRC role. 

Things Mentioned:

·      HSC User Group on July 31, 2025 – https://www.hscusergroup.com

·      Get your HOU.SEC.CON. Tic...

We’re back with another keynote speaker, Robert “RSnake” Hansen! He chats with Michael and Sam about his new book, AI’s Best Friend (and how to get a free copy!), how he started hacking, and his upcoming HOU.SEC.CON. presentation around his research on the CVSS framework. 

Things Mentioned:

·      HSC User Group on June 26, 2025 – https://www.hscusergroup.com

·      Get your HOU.SEC.CON. Ticket before they go up on July 1, 2025 -  htt...