Socializing Security

In this episode of Socializing Security, Milou shares her journey as a founder and entrepreneur, discussing her various ventures, the challenges faced in the tech industry, and the importance of compliance and ethics. She emphasizes the value of community, networking, and personal growth while providing insights into her future aspirations and advice for others looking to start their own businesses. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ...

In this solo episode, Brian breaks down the role of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) — the federal agency responsible for protecting U.S. critical infrastructure and leading cyber defense efforts across government. From securing elections and the .gov domain to promoting “Secure by Design” software and coordinating with private industry, CISA’s reach is broader than most people realize. Brian also explor...

This week’s episode of Socializing Security is a little different — and very special.

Milou takes listeners inside Torote Co., a brand-new creative HQ in Austin, TX that’s set to become the physical home for Socializing Security, Compliance Counsel, Cyber Counsel, and a growing ecosystem of founders, technologists, artists, and security leaders.

What starts a...

In this episode, Brian and Milou discuss the evolving landscape of healthcare cybersecurity as they look ahead to 2026. They explore the challenges posed by funding, technology, and the integration of AI in healthcare, while also reflecting on their personal connections to the industry. The conversation highlights the importance of patient privacy, the role of healthcare providers, and the need for better standards in technology us...

We’re kicking off 2026 with a Founder-level episode — broken fingernails, moving boxes, and all — as Milou records from a brand-new Socializing Security HQ location in Austin, Texas at Torote Co.

In this solo installment, Milou reacts to Brian’s 2026 technologist predictions (go listen to his episode, too 👀) and brings the compliance + privacy heat: the AI arms race is accelerating, consumer burnout is real, state-by-state regulat...

In this episode, Brian Knudtson reflects on the cybersecurity landscape as we enter 2026, discussing key themes such as the AI arms race, the importance of proactive security measures, identity management, multi-cloud security, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the critical state of healthcare cybersecurity. He emphasizes the need for innovation and collaboration between government and private sectors to address these challenges ef...

In this episode of Socializing Security, Brian and Milou dive into the messy, often misunderstood reality of working through the holiday season. From cultural expectations to the pressure of Q4 deadlines, they break down why this time of year feels especially heavy for consultants, founders, and global teams.

They unpack the importance of boundaries (and why they’re so hard to set), how communication shifts when you’re working acr...

In this episode of Socializing Security, Brian and Milou discuss the evolving nature of workspaces, particularly in the context of small businesses and remote work. They explore the importance of physical spaces, confidentiality, and creating environments that foster productivity and well-being. The conversation delves into thoughtful office design, accommodating different work styles, and the future of workspaces, emphasizing the ...

In this episode of Socializing Security, hosts Brian and Milou discuss the implications of Spotify's new instant messaging feature, the risks associated with shadow IT, and the integration of ChatGPT with Spotify. They explore privacy and security concerns, particularly for users who may not be aware of the changes in the platform's functionality. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being cautious with new technology and ...

In the latest episode of Socializing Security, Milou Meier and Brian Knudtson embrace SYFI energy — Senior Year F-It — as they reflect on how far the podcast has come, from early audio hiccups to finding their flow as co-hosts.

With their signature mix of humor and real-world insight, they explore the art of showing up consistently, balancing prep with authenticity, and how even Spotify’s new messaging feature could quietly create ...

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of ransomware, detailing its definition, methods of delivery, and the various impacts it has on individuals and organizations. Brian Knudtson discusses the evolution of ransomware attacks, the types of targets, and the significant consequences that can arise from such incidents. He emphasizes the importance of prevention strategies, including strong passwords and regular backups, and h...

In this episode, Brian speaks with Justin Keck, Director of Security at Inspire Security Solutions, about the evolving role of the CISO, the importance of business acumen in security, and the need for effective communication across departments. They discuss the significance of building a security culture, the role of security champions, and the emerging BISO role as a liaison between security and business needs. As always, the conv...

In this episode, Brian and the host discuss the evolution of technology and its impact on daily life, particularly focusing on the ideal tech stack for 2025, frustrations with current technology, the need for standardization, and goals for 2026. They also touch on the intersection of pop culture and technology, exploring how past media has predicted current trends and the implications of smart devices and IoT on privacy and user ex...

In this episode of Socializing Security, host Milou Meier shares her personal experiences and frustrations as a compliance officer and small business owner in the IT sector. She discusses the challenges of navigating technology, the importance of a frictionless IT environment, and the need for connection in a tech-heavy world. Milou reflects on her own technology struggles and emphasizes the significance of making IT systems work s...

In this conversation, Patrick Kovalik discusses the critical role of data in the healthcare industry, emphasizing the importance of data strategy, protection, and governance. He highlights the complexities of managing healthcare data, the shift towards synthetic data, and the challenges posed by unstructured data. The discussion also touches on the balance between privacy and security, particularly in the context of healthcare, and...

In this episode of Socializing Security, Milou and Brian delve into the complexities of compliance programs, focusing on the importance of selecting the right audit firms, the role of GRC software, and the common controls necessary for effective compliance. They discuss the significance of access control, incident response, risk management, data protection, vendor management, security awareness training, audit logging, business con...

In this episode of Socializing Security, the hosts delve into the essential topic of compliance within the cybersecurity landscape. They explore various compliance frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and FedRAMP, discussing their significance, requirements, and the implications for organizations. The conversation highlights the importance of compliance in demonstrating security controls to customers and the challenges faced...

In this episode, Tracy Doaks, the president and CEO of MCNC, discusses her extensive background in both public and private sectors, emphasizing the importance of digital equity and the challenges faced in cybersecurity funding. She highlights the impact of technology on public service and the necessity of addressing the digital divide, particularly in rural communities. The discussion also delves into the ongoing negotiation betwee...

In this episode of Socializing Security, Brian and Milou delve into the fundamentals of risk management, emphasizing its importance across all organizations. They discuss the definition of risk management, the process of identifying and assessing risks, and the significance of executive buy-in. The conversation covers various aspects of risk management, including quantitative analysis, compliance requirements, and the integration o...