The Weekly Run-Down 6/3–7
Welcome to this week’s, The Weekly Run-Down, newsletter! We’ve had an incredibly busy and exciting week filled with new podcast episodes, insightful discussions, and special guest appearances. We also received an exciting update from Daniel about his move to Japan. Of course, we covered essential cybersecurity topics like the Internet Archive’s ongoing DDoS attacks and the significant Ticketmaster data breach. Plus, don’t miss our conversation with Rico Randall on building community and diversity in cybersecurity. Let’s dive into the highlights of the week!
Celebrating Chris Abacon’s Achievement!
Big shoutout to our co-host, Chris Abacon , for passing the challenging CMMC 2.0 Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) certification! Chris has been dedicating time to study for this certification, and his hard work has paid off.
The CMMC 2.0 CCP certification is a crucial credential for professionals in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It ensures that individuals meet rigorous cybersecurity standards, which are essential for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This certification not only helps organizations comply with Department of Defense (DoD) requirements but also enhances their cybersecurity posture, giving them a competitive edge in securing defense contracts.
Congratulations, Chris, on this significant achievement!
Friday — The Weekly Run Down 6/7/24
In this week’s episode of The Weekly Run Down, we took a break from our usual cybersecurity deep dives to talk movies, games, and travel adventures. I shared my thoughts on Netflix’s Atlas, a solid action-packed film, and reminisced about classics like The Fifth Element. Shannon and I also discussed hidden gems like the animated series Blood of Zeus and shows like New Girl.
On the gaming front, I’m meticulously 100%-ing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, appreciating the expanded lore and incredible detail. I also shared updates on my son’s exciting coding camps, where he’s learning everything from Roblox game development to AI.
Finally, Daniel updated us on his big move to Japan, the challenges of jet lag, and his experiences settling back into life on a military base. Join us as we explore these fun, lighter topics alongside our usual tech and cybersecurity content!
Thursday — Building Community, Diversity in Cybersecurity, and the Importance of Soft Skills Ft. Rico Randall
This week on Ask A CISSP, we sit down with Rico Randall, a Marine Corps veteran and senior consultant at Red Hat. Rico shares his journey from tactical data networks in the military to mastering Kubernetes in civilian life. He highlights the importance of the CISSP certification, leveraging social networks for career transitions, and his commitment to community mentorship. Don’t miss this inspiring episode filled with valuable career insights and tips for breaking into cybersecurity.
Wednesday — Internet Archive Under Sustained DDoS Attack
In this episode we dive into the ongoing and sophisticated DDoS attacks targeting the Internet Archive. This critical resource, often referred to as the “Wayback Machine,” preserves our digital history, making it invaluable for journalists, researchers, and the public. We explore the implications of these sustained cyber assaults, the potential motives behind them, and the broader impact on digital transparency and accountability. Join us as we discuss why protecting the Internet Archive is essential for maintaining a truthful and accountable online space.
Tuesday — Ticketmaster Breach Exposes The Data Of Half A Billion Users
In episode we cover the recent Ticketmaster data breach that affected over 560 million users. This incident highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity practices and the vulnerabilities that persist in our digital landscape. Tune in to our latest podcast episode where we discuss the implications of this breach and what it means for companies and individuals alike. Stay informed, stay secure!
Monday — What’s Taking TikTok So Long To Divest?
In this episode we take a look into TikTok’s efforts to create a US-specific version of its algorithm amid regulatory pressures. This development raises significant questions about data privacy, national security, and user experience. Tune in to hear our insights and explore the broader implications for the future of social media and cybersecurity.
Next Guest on Ask A CISSP — Mariah Simone’ Denson, Founder & President of Global Patch, Video Gamer, Educator, & Entrepreneur
Pumped for the next edition of Ask A CISSP with Mariah Simone’ Denson, Global Patch, Founder & President and so much more! During our upcoming interview Mariah Simone’ and I will discuss her background, experience, gaming, the creation of her non-profit, and all of her upcoming initiatives. This will be an amazing episode so make sure you stay tuned and don’t miss out!
TGIF
That’s a wrap for this week’s The Weekly Run Down. We hope you enjoyed our exploration of movies, games, and travel, alongside our usual cybersecurity insights. Whether it’s catching up on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, learning about my son’s coding adventures, or hearing Daniel’s experiences in Japan, there’s always something exciting to share.
This week, we also tackled important cybersecurity topics like the Internet Archive’s sustained DDoS attacks and the significant Ticketmaster data breach, highlighting the ongoing need for robust cybersecurity practices. Plus, our conversation with Rico Randall provided valuable insights into building community and fostering diversity in the field. Stay tuned for more engaging content, and don’t miss our upcoming interview with Mariah Simone’ Denson.
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 Computer Coach IT Training class!
Foundations for Success: Early Career Pathways in Cybersecurity
🔍 Key Points:
- Discover the technical and soft skills essential for a successful cybersecurity career.
- Learn from real-world experiences and stepping stones to guide your journey.
- Understand the importance of earning certifications like CISSP, PMP, Network+, and Security+.
- Explore pathways to growth and advancement in the cybersecurity industry.
🎙️ Meet Our Guest Speaker:
Ryan Williams, Sr. is an IT Security Analyst supporting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). With 21 years of experience in the DoD, Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge in Governance, Risk & Compliance programs, and IT project management. He is also the host of the DE&I cybersecurity podcasts, “The Other Side of the Firewall” and “Ask A CISSP.”
🌟 Who Should Attend:
Students, early career professionals, and anyone interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
🚀 Start Your Cybersecurity Journey:
Join us as we lay the foundations for success in early career pathways in cybersecurity!
Ryan is a retired Air Force veteran who brings over 20 years of experience in network infrastructure, project management, and cybersecurity consulting to his current role at BuddoBot. Buddobot’s mission is to support national security by transforming, empowering, and educating organizations to shift from reactive, diluted, automated, and high-cost IT and security practices to proactive, effective solutions that fortify their security.
Shannon, also a retired Air Force veteran, has more than two decades of expertise in network security and vulnerability management. He now serves as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) for the U.S. Space Force, where he continues to enhance national security protocols.
Daniel is an Air Force veteran with over 15 years of combined experience in IT, cybersecurity, information assurance, and government risk compliance. He has held various roles, including IT administrator, cybersecurity engineer, senior information system security manager, and currently serves as a senior security consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. In this latest role, Daniel leverages his expertise to address unique and complex challenges in the cyber and IT domains, enhancing his customers’ capabilities.
