The Weekly Run-Down 4/22–26
**Please note, some links in this article may lead to affiliate products or services. Clicking and purchasing through these links supports our podcast at no additional cost to you. We thank you for your support.
Welcome to this week’s edition of “The Weekly Run-Down” from “The Other Side of the Firewall” podcast. This week, Ryan Williams Sr., Shannon Tynes, and Daniel Acevedo ventured beyond our usual discussions of cybersecurity threats and solutions to give you a glimpse into the personal lives and passions of our hosts. Alongside these lighter topics, we revisit some pivotal cybersecurity events, unpacking lessons and offering guidance that resonates whether you’re a seasoned expert or a novice in the field. From the complexities of historical hacks to the simple joys of travel and entertainment, this newsletter aims to provide a well-rounded perspective on the lives and challenges of tech professionals today. Join us as we balance the scales between personal interests and professional insights, illustrating the multifaceted lives behind the screens.
A Boring Road Trip Through The Civil War
This past weekend, I managed to persuade my wife to join me for a movie outing to see “Civil War” on the big screen at the B&B theater. We enjoyed the comfort of heated reclining seats and delicious food, which made the experience more pleasant. However, the movie itself was somewhat disappointing. While the sound quality was exceptional — sniper fire and tank shells felt incredibly realistic — the film focused on the less engaging aspects of war, particularly ambivalence.
The narrative skimmed over intriguing details such as why certain states took drastic measures against the federal government and the complex motivations behind American citizens fighting one another. These elements were only touched upon briefly, leaving much to the audience’s imagination. The movie had its strengths, like impressive action scenes, superb sound effects, and some dark humor, but it lacked depth in its portrayal of the lore.
Overall, while “Civil War” boasts some technical excellence and entertaining moments, it might be better suited for streaming at home rather than a theater viewing, due to its superficial exploration of potentially rich themes.
Friday — The Weekly Run-Down 4/26/24
This week, “The Other Side of the Firewall” took a lighter turn as hosts Ryan Williams, Shannon Tynes, and Daniel Acevedo shared insights into their personal lives and hobbies. This week’s “everything else episode”, covered a wide range of topics from travel and family connections to video games and popular TV shows like “Invincible” and “X-Men ‘97.” Listeners got a glimpse of the hosts’ personal interests, reminding everyone of the importance of work-life balance even in tech-heavy careers.
Throwback Thursday — Sunburst or Bust
In a throwback episode, the hosts revisited the monumental SolarWinds supply chain attack known as Sunburst. The discussion detailed the attack’s intricacies, its impact on high-level agencies, and its broader implications for cybersecurity professionals. This retrospective not only shed light on the attack’s technical aspects but also emphasized the ever-present need for robust security measures and swift incident responses.
Wednesday — MITRE ATT&CKed
Ryan, Shannon, and Daniel tackled the recent cyber incident at MITRE, known for its significant contributions to cybersecurity frameworks like the MITRE ATT&CK matrix. The breach at MITRE served as a stark reminder of the ongoing vulnerability even among cybersecurity giants. The episode delved into the importance of transparency post-breach and discussed strategies for strengthening defenses against sophisticated cyberattacks.
Tuesday — Unitedhealth’s Perilous Waters of Data Leakage and Extortion
The podcast explored the pressing issues of data leakage and extortion, particularly through the lens of a recent incident involving Change Healthcare. The hosts discussed the dual threat of ransomware and data theft, emphasizing the need for preventive measures such as Zero Trust models and robust GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) frameworks to mitigate these evolving cyber threats.
Monday — EURPOL Shutters Phishing-as-a-Service (PaaS) Platform
Monday’s episode focused on a significant crackdown led by the Metropolitan Police, which dismantled a global Phishing-as-a-Service platform. This operation highlighted the increasingly organized nature of cybercrime, which now operates on business models akin to legitimate SaaS platforms. The hosts discussed the implications of such services and the necessary steps to bolster cybersecurity in response to these sophisticated criminal enterprises.
Next Week’s Guest on Ask A CISSP — Chelsea Pierre
Looking ahead, Chelsea Pierre, Founder of Blerds Leading Technology, Inc. (BLT) & Pierre’s TechHeads, Inc returns to the podcast to share details about her new initiatives, as well as, her upcoming class, “The Technical Edge: Essential Skills for Cybersecurity Beginners” hosted by Computer Coach IT Training. Make sure you sign up to learn the key skills needed to kickstart your cybersecurity journey on Friday, 5/17/2024 at 10am EST. The event is FREE but you’ll be walking away with priceless information. Hit the link below and share with a friend!
Each story this week not only informs but also challenges us to rethink our strategies and approaches in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity. Stay engaged, stay informed, and let’s continue to fortify our defenses against the ever-growing spectrum of cyber threats.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more episodes of The Other Side of the Firewall podcast on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, as well as, the Ask A CISSP podcast every Thursday.
Stay safe, stay secure!
Upcoming Courses at Ellington Cyber Academy
Kenneth Ellington, Cyber Security Instructor’s, Ellington Cyber Academy (ECA), is set to launch a series of new courses. Among the most anticipated offerings are “The Cyber Career Boost Program” and “SIEM Analyst Foundations with Splunk” courses.
Make sure to use the promo code ASKACISSP to receive your 15% discount.
The Cyber Career Boost Program
A gateway for those new to cybersecurity, this program focuses on SIEM fundamentals with an approach grounded in practical application. Participants will benefit from:
- Hands-on Experience: Detailed coursework based on realistic SIEM practitioner situations.
- Guided Mentorship: Instructor-led troubleshooting and career guidance sessions.
- An exclusive community: Access to a network of fellow Splunk professionals.
SIEM Analyst Foundations with Splunk
- Hands-on Experience: Engage in realistic scenarios and projects that mirror the challenges faced by SIEM practitioners, enhancing understanding and skills in real-world contexts.
- Real-World Projects: Tackle assignments that can be added to your professional portfolio, showcasing your expertise to potential employers or clients.
- Industry-Leading Technologies: Gain access to and build with some of the most advanced technology stacks in the industry, preparing you for the demands of the cybersecurity field.
**Please note, some links in this article may lead to affiliate products or services. Clicking and purchasing through these links supports our podcast at no additional cost to you. We thank you for your support.
