This week had so much variety that I could not decide on a thumbnail. Analysis paralysis in real life.

The Weekly Run-Down 5/6–5/10

Ryan Williams Sr.
The Weekly Run Down
6 min readMay 10, 2024

--

**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” newsletter, presented by “The Other Side of The Firewall” podcast. As always, we strive to blend in-depth cybersecurity discussions with engaging cultural commentary, ensuring there’s a little something for everyone. This week, our hosts Ryan Williams Sr., Shannon Tynes, and special guests take you on a journey from the technical trenches of cybersecurity to the entertaining realms of movies, TV shows, and beyond.

Join us as we navigate through groundbreaking developments in AI, legislative advancements, and even the intricate dynamics of rap battles, offering both enlightenment and entertainment. So, whether you’re here to sharpen your technical acumen or simply looking to unwind, let’s dive into a week of rich discussions and insightful banter.

Celebrating Heroes Month

I’m truly honored to have joined Adam Bird on the Heroes Media Group’s “HMG Weekly Wrap Up”! We had a great conversation about data privacy, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), veteran support programs, and much more. Please like, share, and subscribe to all things HMG. And while you’re at it, share our weekly newsletter with your nerdy friends and family!

CISSP Exam Prep

This week marked several “firsts” for me, including featuring in a new article by Help Net Security where I share CISSP exam preparation tips alongside five other certified leaders in cybersecurity, thanks to Mirko Zorz.

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a leading certification in information security, validating an individual’s ability to design, engineer, and manage an organization’s security posture with extensive technical and managerial skills.

In the article, we CISSP-certified professionals offer actionable advice to help candidates efficiently navigate the comprehensive study requirements and manage their prep time for the CISSP exam. These strategies are invaluable whether you’re beginning your study journey or nearing the final stages of exam preparation, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the certification test.

Friday — The Weekly Run-Down 5/10/24

Join today’s episode of The Weekly Run Down for a lighter take on the digital world. Hosts Ryan Williams and Shannon Tynes dive into a mix of current movies, TV shows, and the world of rap battles. Enjoy a break from the norm with discussions ranging from Shannon’s revisit of “Lopez vs. Lopez” to debates over the “Hellboy” remake. Don’t miss the latest on hip-hop’s newest rap battle with, Drake and Kendrick Lamar, as the hosts dissect the art of the diss track.

Thursday — From Aviator to Cybersecurity Pioneer: Elizabeth Stephens & DBS Cyber

Elizabeth Stephens (she/her/hers), PMP, a retired Marine Aviator turned cybersecurity leader, shares her journey with Ryan on “Ask a CISSP”. Learn how her military experience paved the way for a second career in cybersecurity, leading to the founding of DBS Cyber. This episode is a deep dive into the transition from military precision to cybersecurity innovation and the growth of her company which emphasizes cybersecurity consulting, education, and proactive defense strategies.

Read More

DEF CON Training

Elizabeth Stephens- Cyber Risk Intelligence: Exposing Threats and Hacking Mitigation

Ready to dissect the world of cyber threats and outsmart attackers? This 2-Day crash course gives you a practical intro to Cyber Risk Intelligence (CRI). Learn to analyze the threat landscape, profile attackers, and build proactive defenses. Get ready for a mix of insights, real-world scenarios, and hands-on techniques!

Interested? Click the image above or follow the link to learn more.

Wednesday — The Double-Edged Sword of GPT-4 Vulnerability Exploitation

Wednesday’s “The Other Side of the Firewall” episode discusses a disturbing development in AI technology. Hosts Ryan and Shannon explore the newly reported capabilities of OpenAI’s GPT-4 to exploit cybersecurity vulnerabilities. They tackle the implications, from the shockingly low cost of AI-driven cyberattacks to ethical concerns and future defensive strategies against increasingly savvy AI threats.

Read More

Tuesday — The UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act

Dive into an in-depth analysis of the UK’s groundbreaking PSTI Act with hosts Ryan and Shannon. This new legislation sets a higher standard for IoT device security and could signal a new era in global cybersecurity practice. Learn about the challenges and opportunities this presents for manufacturers, the implications for international cybersecurity norms, and the essential role consumers play in cybersecurity.

Read More

Monday — The Evolving Frontline of Cybersecurity

Ryan and Shannon discuss the pivotal role of the US Cyber Force in bolstering global security. From ‘Hunt Forward’ missions in allied countries to significant budget increases for cyber defense, they cover the strategic shifts shaping our cyber futures. Understand how these efforts are not just defending against immediate threats but shaping the broader geopolitical landscape.

Read More

Our Next Guest on Ask A CISSP — Delisha Hodo

Delisha Hodo — SANS Technology Institute’s, Assistant Director & Cybersecurity Advocate

Excited for the next edition of Ask A CISSP with Delisha Hodo, SANS Technology Institute’s Assistant Director of Advising. During our first interview we explored Delisha’s extraordinary cybersecurity “origin story” and discussed the pathways her and SANS have developed to bring more people of color, woman, veterans, young adults, and HBCU students and alumni into the field of cybersecurity. During this session I hope to dive even deeper into Delisha’s ongoing initiatives and all things SANS.

Make sure to submit your questions and tune in for this amazing interview!

Delisha’s Previous Episode

Happy Friday!

Whether it’s dissecting the latest developments in AI, understanding groundbreaking cybersecurity legislation, or unwinding with movies and music, “The Other Side of The Firewall” offers a multifaceted look at the intersection of technology and daily life. Engage with us in conversations that broaden your perspective, deepen your knowledge, and entertain. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for a weekly dose of all things cyber and beyond.

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!

Learn the key skills needed to kickstart your cybersecurity journey at “The Technical Edge” event!

Chelsea Pierre has an 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!

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.

--

--

Ryan Williams Sr.
The Weekly Run Down

Cybersecurity Professional | CISSP | PMP® | Founder & Host of The Other Side of the Firewall & Ask A CISSP Podcasts | Retired U.S Air Force Vet | DE&I Advocate