Developing a Cybersecurity Workforce Through Gamification

In this episode, Steven Bowcut sat down with Jori VanAntwerp, Founder and CEO of EmberOT, to explore the challenges and innovations in operational technology (OT) security. Jori, a seasoned expert with nearly 20 years of experience in both OT and IT security, discussed EmberOT’s mission to enhance visibility, security, and risk quantification for critical infrastructure. He detailed how EmberOT’s software sensors provide unmatched protection for OT networks and shared insights into the importance of risk quantification for their clients. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, from the convergence of OT and IT security to the most significant threats facing critical infrastructure today. Jori shared practical steps for organizations new to OT security and highlighted a success story where EmberOT dramatically improved a client’s security posture. Looking ahead, he also discussed emerging trends and technologies that will shape the future of OT security and how EmberOT is preparing to lead in this evolving space. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in critical infrastructure security and the innovative solutions EmberOT is bringing to the table.

In Episode S6E5 of the BSM podcast, we sit down with Ryan Smith, the founder of QFunction, to delve into the transformative power of AI and Machine Learning in cybersecurity. Ryan shares his insights on the pressing challenges businesses face in securing their data amidst the rising tide of cyberattacks and how QFunction's innovative approach is bridging the gap where traditional tools fall short. Ryan explains how QFunction leverages cutting-edge AI and Machine Learning technologies to proactively identify cyber threats, even for businesses without extensive cybersecurity expertise. He highlights the cost-effectiveness of QFunction's solutions, detailing how they improve cybersecurity posture while saving businesses money compared to new AI-powered solutions. Looking to the future, Ryan discusses the ongoing evolution of AI in cybersecurity and the considerations businesses must consider when implementing these advanced technologies. He also addresses the specific needs of small and medium-sized companies, explaining how QFunction's solutions are designed to be effective without overwhelming limited IT resources. The conversation covers how QFunction keeps its AI models current and adapts to the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. Ryan also emphasizes the importance of data privacy and security in their processes, ensuring that their solutions protect and respect client data. Finally, Ryan offers a glimpse into future AI-driven threat detection and prevention innovations. Tune in to learn how QFunction is at the forefront of revolutionizing cybersecurity with AI and Machine Learning.

In this captivating episode, Steven Bowcut sits down with Edward Wu, the visionary Founder and CEO of Dropzone AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the cybersecurity landscape. Edward shares the journey of building Dropzone AI, the first AI SOC analyst that operates autonomously 24/7, integrating seamlessly with existing tools to deliver decision-ready reports without the need for playbooks, code, or prompts. We delve into the unique features that set Dropzone AI apart, including its ability to adapt to various environments and its cutting-edge behavioral attack detection capabilities. Edward discusses the challenges faced during development, the significant impact on cybersecurity teams, and the future trends in AI-driven cybersecurity. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity measures, practical advice for organizations looking to adopt AI technologies, and Edward’s lessons learned in leadership and innovation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and cybersecurity and how to effectively mitigate cyber threats in today's digital world. Tune in to discover how Edward Wu and Dropzone AI are revolutionizing cybersecurity and empowering organizations to stay ahead of cyber threats.

On the latest episode of the BSM podcast, host Steven Bowcut delves into the dynamic world of digital safety with Gavin Dunaway, Marketing Director at The Media Trust. This engaging conversation unveils how The Media Trust’s cutting-edge platform safeguards the user experiences across websites and mobile apps, enabling clients to both govern and monetize their digital assets effectively. Gavin explains the collaborative process between The Media Trust and various digital stakeholders—such as publishers, ad-tech platforms, and app developers—to shield consumers from digital threats and inappropriate content. He outlines the common challenges their clients face, such as delivering quality ads and maintaining optimal user experiences, and how The Media Trust’s solutions help navigate these issues. A significant focus of the discussion is on privacy and compliance. Gavin details how the platform ensures that digital properties not only respect user privacy preferences but also comply with stringent regulations like GDPR and CCPA. He also describes the sophisticated tools and methods used to monitor vendor activity across digital properties, ensuring all interactions are secure and compliant. Gavin shares insights into how The Media Trust customizes its services for a diverse range of clients, from advertisers to e-commerce platforms, tailoring solutions to meet specific needs and challenges. He highlights the most prevalent digital threats today, like malware and data breaches, and explains how the platform's real-time detection and mitigation strategies protect users. Looking to the future, Gavin speculates on emerging technologies and trends that could impact digital security and user experiences, offering valuable advice for listeners involved in digital asset management on how to enhance security, ensure compliance, and improve user experience, drawing from The Media Trust’s approach. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in digital publishing, advertising technology, and online commerce, offering critical insights and actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of digital security and compliance. Tune in to discover how you can make the internet a safer and more profitable space for your digital properties.

In an enlightening episode of the BSM podcast, host Steven Bowcut dives deep with Cynthia Jenkins, CMO and Co-founder of Skillionaire Games by skillsgapp, into the innovative world of mobile gaming designed to bridge the gap between America's youth and the most in-demand career paths in fields like Advanced Manufacturing, Cyber/IT, Life Sciences, and Healthcare. This conversation unpacks the origin story of skillsgapp and Skillionaire Games, revealing a shared mission to engage and educate middle and high school students about critical and emerging industries through the medium of gaming. Jenkins highlights the strategic focus on industries like cybersecurity, underscoring the vital importance of raising awareness among younger generations about these lucrative and fulfilling career opportunities. The discussion around the games Cyber Watchdog and Hack Out Bl4ckout offers listeners a peek into how these games not only entertain but also impart essential skills and knowledge, aiming to inspire a new wave of professionals in the cybersecurity domain. The podcast delves into the balance of education and engagement in game development, providing insights into the creative and technical process from conception to launch. Jenkins shares compelling success stories and feedback from students and educators, painting a vivid picture of the impact skillsgapp is making on students' career trajectories, particularly in cybersecurity. Addressing the rapid technological advancements in cybersecurity, Jenkins explains how skillsgapp games remain at the forefront of industry trends to ensure relevancy and effectiveness. The conversation also tackles the critical issues of diversity and inclusion within tech, with Jenkins outlining skillsgapp's proactive measures to encourage participation from underrepresented groups in these burgeoning fields. Challenges in distinguishing educational games within a market dominated by entertainment-focused gaming are discussed, along with strategies to overcome these hurdles. Beyond cybersecurity, the podcast touches on skillsgapp's expansion into other critical industries and career paths, setting the stage for a broader impact on workforce development. For BSM listeners keen on supporting or getting involved with skillsgapp's mission, Jenkins provides actionable advice on how to contribute to this transformative educational endeavor. This episode not only sheds light on the powerful role of gamification in education and workforce development but also serves as a call to action for listeners to support initiatives that prepare the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Engaging, informative, and thought-provoking, this discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, education, and career development.

Join us on this illuminating episode of the BSM Podcast, where we dive deep into cybersecurity with Rosario Mastrogiacomo, Vice President of Strategy and Solution Engineering at SPHERE Technology Solutions, a pioneering company at the forefront of Identity Hygiene. In this comprehensive discussion, Rosario sheds light on the inception and mission of SPHERE, illustrating how their innovative approach to cybersecurity is reshaping the landscape of identity management and access control. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into the essence of Identity Hygiene—what it means, why it's critical for modern businesses, and how SPHERE's unique methodology and the SPHEREboard platform are revolutionizing how companies clean up permissions and ownership to secure their digital environments. Rosario delves into the complex challenges businesses face in managing identities and access, providing expert advice on how to navigate these hurdles with SPHERE's tailored solutions. Discover the success stories highlighting the transformative impact of SPHERE's services on their clients' security and compliance postures. Rosario also casts a forward-looking view on the future of Identity Hygiene, discussing the evolving threats in the cybersecurity domain and how SPHERE is innovating to stay ahead of the curve. Finally, businesses seeking to enhance their cybersecurity measures will find Rosario's advice invaluable for achieving a proactive security posture in the digital age. Whether you're a business leader, IT professional, or just keen on cybersecurity, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on the crucial role of Identity Hygiene in safeguarding your digital assets. Tune in to this episode of the BSM Podcast for a fascinating journey into the heart of cybersecurity innovation with SPHERE Technology Solutions and learn how to fortify your business against the ever-changing threats of the digital world.

In this insightful episode of the BSM Podcast, Ron Arden, the Executive Vice President, CTO, and COO of Fasoo, joins host Steven Bowcut to shed light on the often-overlooked realm of unstructured data security. Fasoo, a leader in unstructured data security and enterprise content platforms, brings innovative solutions to the table, ensuring secure and productive management of critical business information. Ron and Steven delve into the complex security challenges that unstructured data presents in today’s digital landscape. They explore the nuances of compliance and regulations, which are vital in safeguarding sensitive information. The discussion takes an exciting turn as Ron shares compelling case studies, demonstrating how Fasoo's strategies effectively mitigate risks and enhance data security. Furthermore, Ron offers a peek into the future trends in unstructured data security, equipping listeners with the knowledge to stay ahead in this dynamic field. His expert advice is a treasure trove for business owners seeking to fortify their data security frameworks. Don’t miss out on this episode! Dive into the conversation with Ron Arden and equip yourself with invaluable insights into managing and protecting your unstructured data. Click the link to listen now and embark on a journey towards mastering unstructured data security with the guidance of industry experts.

In Season 5, Episode 19 of the BSM podcast, host Steven Bowcut welcomes Jared Atkinson, the Chief Strategist at SpecterOps and the host of the "Detection Challenging Paradigms Podcast." The episode focuses on the dynamic and increasingly important topic of purple teaming within cybersecurity. Key Points Discussed - Evolution of Purple Teaming: Jared delves into the progression of purple teaming practices and their significance in the current threat landscape. He emphasizes how both defensive (blue team) and offensive (red team) strategies have melded to form a more comprehensive security approach. - Testing Landscape and Vendor Claims: The conversation touches on how the testing landscape has evolved, particularly considering vendor claims about the capabilities of their security solutions. Jared scrutinizes these claims and suggests a more measured approach to evaluating their efficacy. - Shortcomings in Purple Team Assessments: Jared enumerates the reasons why many purple team assessments don't reach their full potential. These shortcomings often stem from a lack of realistic testing scenarios or comprehensive coverage of possible attack vectors. - Role of New Frameworks: The introduction of new frameworks like Atomic Testing is highlighted as a game-changer in the field. Jared talks about how these frameworks can improve the precision and effectiveness of security assessments. - Building and Selecting Test Cases: The importance of building and selecting diverse and relevant test cases is discussed. Jared underlines the necessity for organizations to cover a wide range of attack techniques in their testing protocols. - Evolution of Attack Techniques: Examples of how attack techniques have evolved over time are provided, offering listeners insights into the adaptive nature of cyber threats. - Analyzing Malware Samples: Jared points to SpecterOps's 10-part blog series that offers a deep dive into the technical aspects of malware sample analysis, an essential skill for modern threat hunters. - Future of Purple Teaming: Finally, Jared presents his perspective on the direction purple teaming should take in the future. He stresses the need for continual adaptation and the adoption of forward-thinking strategies to stay ahead of threat actors. Conclusion The episode is informative for cybersecurity professionals looking to understand the current state and the progression of purple teaming. Jared Atkinson's expertise provides listeners with a detailed examination of the challenges and considerations essential to advancing the effectiveness of cybersecurity defenses through collaborative and realistic testing. The discussion not only sheds light on current practices but also charts a course for the future of purple teaming, making it a must-listen for those engaged in or interested in the strategic aspects of cybersecurity.

In an eye-opening episode of the BSM podcast (S5E18), Dr. Shaun McAlmont, CEO of NINJIO Cybersecurity Awareness Training, joins host Steven Bowcut to delve into the critical topic of cybersecurity. Dr. McAlmont shares NINJIO's innovative strategies for cybersecurity awareness training, designed to empower individuals and companies to protect themselves against ever-evolving digital threats. What you'll hear: Unique Cybersecurity Perspectives: Discover NINJIO's distinctive approach to making cybersecurity awareness engaging and impactful. Practical Strategies for Everyone: Learn practical tactics that consumers and families can immediately implement to safeguard their digital lives. Protocols for Protection: Gain insights into essential practices that businesses of any size can introduce to strengthen their cybersecurity armor. National Cybersecurity Month Initiatives: Find out how NINJIO celebrated with free access to cutting-edge training resources and what the future holds beyond the awareness month. Valuable Resources: Dr. McAlmont doesn't just leave you with advice; he points you to resources, communities, and support systems to keep your cybersecurity knowledge current. Whether you're an individual looking to protect your personal information or a company aiming to secure sensitive data, this episode is packed with wisdom that can be a game-changer for your online safety. Don't miss out on the chance to learn from a leading expert in the field. Click the link below to listen to the full Podcast and start building a culture of cybersecurity that can withstand the threats of tomorrow. Join us and take control of your digital security today!

In the latest thought-provoking episode of the BSM podcast, host Steven Bowcut welcomes a special guest, Luigi Lenguito, the co-founder and CEO of BforeAI, to delve into the transformative world of Predictive Security. Moving beyond the conventional frameworks of cybersecurity, which typically emphasize a reactive approach, Luigi brings to light an intriguing narrative centered around predictive cybersecurity. Throughout the discussion, Luigi highlights the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning in orchestrating predictive security measures. He illuminates the conversation by pinpointing the significant benefits this forward-thinking approach offers, such as preemptively identifying potential threats, optimizing response times, and significantly mitigating risks before they materialize. However, the efficacy of predictive security is not without its prerequisites. Luigi underscores the critical nature of data—both in terms of quality and quantity—in making precise predictions. He provides insights into the rigorous processes involved in maintaining data integrity and the vast volumes required to train robust, reliable predictive systems. Listeners will be treated to real-world applications as Luigi walks through several compelling case studies that demonstrate the remarkable success and potential of predictive security in action. The conversation doesn't just stop at present achievements; it propels forward, with Luigi sharing his visionary perspectives on the future landscapes of cybersecurity. Moreover, in his quest to make this technology accessible and understandable, Luigi imparts some practical, actionable advice for both individuals and organizations. These insights emphasize not only the importance of embracing this innovative approach but also guidance on how to navigate the complexities it might present. This episode is a must-listen for cybersecurity professionals, tech enthusiasts, and anyone keen on understanding how technological advancements like AI are relentlessly reshaping the way we protect digital landscapes.