Building the Cybersecurity Community: From 120 People to 3,000 at CYBR.SEC.CON
Podcast: PrOTect It All (LS 27 · TOP 10% what is this?)Episode: Building the Cybersecurity Community: From 120 People to 3,000 at CYBR.SEC.CONPub date: 2026-09-07Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationWork with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/
The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep122/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Get your tickets for CYBR.SEC.CON., a two-day cybersecurity conference, here: https://www.cybrseccon.com/
What started with 120 people and a homemade Word flyer has grown into a cybersecurity community of more than 3,000. So what does it take to build a community that can scale without losing its personal connection?
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Michael Farnum, CEO and co-founder of CYBR.SEC.Community, and Sam Van Ryder, co-founder and an OT sales expert, to explore the story behind the growth of CYBR.SEC.CON and the community surrounding it.
Michael and Sam share how they went from a grassroots cybersecurity gathering to a thriving community while keeping the relationships and sense of connection that made the event special in the first place.
The conversation goes beyond conferences. Aaron, Michael, and Sam discuss the challenges facing people trying to break into cybersecurity and OT, why entry-level opportunities can be difficult to find, and what experienced professionals can do to help develop the next generation of cyber defenders.
They also share their hands-on efforts to introduce young people to cybersecurity, including bringing 75 high school students into the community, with plans to reach 150.
From hiring and firing lessons to career advice, community building, and the future of OT cybersecurity, this episode offers practical insight for anyone looking to grow their career, build meaningful connections, or help strengthen the cybersecurity workforce.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How CYBR.SEC.Community grew from 120 people to more than 3,000
What it takes to scale a cybersecurity community without losing its personal feel
Why conferences can play an important role in cybersecurity careers
How to break into OT and cybersecurity when you're just starting out
The challenges surrounding entry-level cybersecurity jobs
How community and mentorship can help develop the next generation of cyber professionals
What CYBR.SEC.Community is doing to engage high school students in cybersecurity
Coming September 15 and 16, 2026
CYBR.SEC.CON 2026 brings the cybersecurity community together again on September 15 and 16 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
If you're looking to connect with cybersecurity professionals, expand your network, learn from practitioners, discover career opportunities, and be part of a growing cyber community, CYBR.SEC.CON 2026 is an event worth checking out.
Tune in to hear the story behind CYBR.SEC.CON, the people building the community, and why the future of cybersecurity depends on bringing more people into the conversation.
About the guests:
Michael Farnum is the CEO and co-founder of CYBR.SEC.Community and has worked in IT and cybersecurity since 1994. He founded HOU.SEC.CON. in 2010, which evolved into CYBR.SEC.CON., now attracting more than 3,000 cybersecurity professionals annually. Michael is passionate about cybersecurity community building, workforce development, education, and career development, and is a frequent speaker and podcaster on security leadership and industry trends.
Sam Van Ryder is the CoFounder of CYBR.SEC.Community and Director of Strategic Accounts at Dragos. With more than 20 years of experience spanning mechanical engineering and technology sales, including over a decade focused on ICS and OT security, Sam brings deep industry expertise and a strong passion for cybersecurity community building. He is also a co-founder of HOU.SEC.CON., now CYBR.SEC.CON., which has grown into a major regional cybersecurity gathering.
Important Links:
LinkedIn of Michael Farnum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfarnum/
LinkedIn of Sam Van Ryder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svanryder/
CYBR.SEC.CON: https://www.cybrseccon.com/
CYBR.SEC.Community: https://www.cybrsec.community/
CYBR.SEC.Careers: https://www.cybrseccareers.org/
CYBR.SEC.Events on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybrsecevents/
Learn more about PrOTect IT All:
Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/
The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep122/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrOTectITAll
Email: [email protected]
X: https://twitter.com/protectitall
Facebook: https://facebook.com/protectitallpodcast
To be a guest or suggest a guest or episode, email [email protected].
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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Aaron Crow | Operational Technology & Cybersecurity Host, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.
