The Weekly Run-Down 7/29–8/2
Welcome to this week’s special edition of our newsletter! July has been an incredibly busy and chaotic month for all of us, and as a result, we have a wealth of content packed into this issue to keep you informed and entertained. We’ve got three weeks’ worth of exciting episodes from “The Other Side of the Firewall” podcast, covering a wide range of topics from the latest in cybersecurity to personal stories and global events. Whether you’re looking to catch up on our discussions about recent cyber incidents, delve into inspiring career journeys, or enjoy some light-hearted banter, there’s something here for everyone.
Ryan’s Vacation Report
Greetings from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines! This week, my co-hosts Shannon, Chris, and Daniel took over in my absence. This is my first time missing an episode, let alone a whole week’s worth. However, the crew has done an excellent job while I enjoy Mai Tais and the local favorite, Hairoun beer, by the pool.
This is also my first real vacation after retiring from the military. My wife and I have spent several days doing as little as possible. We’ve relaxed in private cabanas, strolled on black sand beaches, floated in the pool, lounged in our villa, and cruised around the islands that make up the Grenadines by boat. The only “work” we did was a thrilling ATV ride around the countryside and enjoying a lot of fine dining.
I’m not a tourist agent, but I highly recommend this brand new Sandals resort, which just opened this past March. The beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and crystal-clear water make it a must-visit adult destination. If the Grenadines are too far from your current location, take some time before the year ends to relax and recharge your batteries. Remember, self-care is the best care.
On today’s episode of “The Weekly Run-Down”, the Friday episode of The Other Side of the Firewall podcast, hosts Shannon Tynes, Chris Abacon, and Daniel Acevedo dive into a range of engaging topics. Daniel shares his experiences from a family trip to Tokyo during a scorching heatwave, describing how they celebrated multiple birthdays and navigated the city’s intense summer weather. He also highlights the challenges of balancing work, family time, and personal interests like watching anime and exploring new media. Chris, meanwhile, talks about the latest developments in his favorite manga, “My Hero Academia,” and “One Piece,” as well as his enjoyment of the Tokyo Olympics, despite some mixed reactions to the opening ceremony.
The conversation continues to reflect on how extreme weather conditions are affecting different parts of the world, with Daniel noting the unusually high temperatures in Japan and Puerto Rico. The hosts humorously discuss coping mechanisms, such as avoiding crowded public transport during peak heat, and share their thoughts on recent entertainment, including the film “Die Hart” featuring Kevin Hart and John Travolta. The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter and a reminder to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and support.
Ask a CISSP — Championing Diversity in Cybersecurity with Professor Roger Whyte
In our latest Ask a CISSP episode, we explore Professor Roger Whyte’s ambitious goal of bringing 10,000 African Americans into cybersecurity. Driven by a passion for community and the desire to make his daughter proud, Professor Roger is a beacon of inspiration and leadership in the industry. Tune in to hear how he’s leveraging his vast network and the Professor Roger’s Cyber Lounge to create a more inclusive cyber workforce.
Looking for career advice in cybersecurity? Check out Professor Roger’s Cyber Lounge “Career Thursdays” podcast! Professor Roger Whyte and his team cover everything from resume tips to mock interviews, and even have guest speakers like hiring managers and directors sharing what they look for in candidates. Tune in every Thursday for valuable insights and guidance on your career journey!
Ask a CISSP — From FBI Special Agent To Cybersecurity & GRC Evangelist Featuring Miguel Clarke
On our previous week’s episode of Ask a CISSP we discussed the inspiring journey of Miguel Clarke, a retired Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Supervisory Special Agent who transitioned to become a cybersecurity evangelist at Armor Defense. Discover valuable lessons on career transitions, the importance of rapid threat response, and understanding cybersecurity as a business risk. Miguel’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning in navigating the dynamic fields of law enforcement and cybersecurity. Additionally, learn about Miguel’s hobbies in gaming, firearms, and photography, which contribute to his holistic approach to cybersecurity.
BONUS Episode — How Did CrowdStrike Take Down The Internet?
In a episode of “Ask a CISSP x DBS Cyber,” we dissect the largest IT outage in history caused by a CrowdStrike mishap affecting Microsoft systems. With insights from cybersecurity expert Elizabeth Stephens (she/her/hers), PMP, we explore the implications of this event and the steps needed to build a more resilient digital future. Tune in to understand the importance of investing in people, processes, and technology to prevent such incidents.
Don’t forget to preorder Elizabeth’s soon to be released book, ‘Building a Resilient Digital Future: A Comprehensive Guide to Cyber Risk Monitoring’!
“Cyber risk monitoring is not merely a reactive measure; it’s a proactive approach to safeguarding your most valuable assets. By identifying vulnerabilities early on, you can thwart potential threats before they wreak havoc.” A stitch in time saves nine, especially in cybersecurity. Learn how to proactively monitor and mitigate risks in ‘Building a Resilient Digital Future.’
Pre-order today: https://lnkd.in/eZfDwjB9
Wednesday — CrowdStrike Incident Casts Shadow On Cyber Insurance
On Wednesday’s episode of The Other Side of the Firewall, Shannon, Chris and Daniel tackle the complex landscape of cybersecurity insurance, spurred by a recent CrowdStrike incident. Spurred by a critique from Warren Buffett the crew takes a deep dive into service level agreements (SLA), and explores whether cyber insurance is a necessary safeguard or a risky venture. Don’t miss this essential discussion for anyone involved in cybersecurity and risk management.
Tuesday — How Did Russia Shutoff Ukrainian Heat During The Winter?
On Tuesday’s episode of The Other Side of the Firewall, Shannon, Chris and Daniel explore the implications of a recent cyberattack by Russia on Ukraine’s heating infrastructure, which left 600 buildings without heat during the winter. This incident underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity in modern warfare, with non-kinetic attacks becoming increasingly pivotal. Tune in to hear our discussion on how this event shapes the future of conflict and cybersecurity strategies.
Monday — N. Korean Hacker Infiltrates Cybersecurity Company
On Mondday’s episode of The Other Side of the Firewall, Shannon, Chris and Daniel discuss the sophisticated tactics used by a North Korean threat actor to infiltrate KnowBe4. This incident underscores the critical need for robust security measures and vigilant monitoring in our increasingly digital world. The hosts explore the possible need for integration of HR and cybersecurity practices, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to defense. Stay ahead of the threats with our in-depth analysis and actionable insights.
TGIF
Thank you for joining us in this extended edition of our newsletter. We hope you enjoyed the diverse array of content we’ve shared, from engaging discussions on cybersecurity and global events to personal anecdotes and inspiring career stories. As always, we appreciate your continued support and encourage you to like, share, and subscribe to our podcast. Your engagement helps us grow our community and bring more valuable insights to you each week.
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. Please like, share, and, subscribe.
Stay safe, stay secure!
Next Guest on Ask A CISSP — Shauna Weatherly, President & Founder of FedSubK
Shauna Weatherly leverages her nearly 36-year Federal career, which spans administration, human resources, budget/manpower, training, project management, contracting, and acquisition policy, to enhance the experience of small businesses in the Federal contracting space. With over 30 years as a leader in the Federal Acquisition workforce, she specializes in acquisition policy guidance and research, subcontract development, proposal review, tailored acquisition training, and SAM.gov and SBA certification coaching. Shauna also performs agency 1102 skill gap analyses and provides agency-specific acquisition training. She places special emphasis on supporting prospective Federal contractors and new small business prime Federal contract awardees under SBA socioeconomic Federal contracting programs.
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.
Chris, a Navy veteran with over ten years in IT, information assurance, and risk management, currently works at CompliancePoint. His roles include vCISO, RMF assessor, and consultant, focusing on enhancing data security and privacy for various organizations.
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.
