The Cyber Rants Podcast

This week, the guys welcome cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur, Ed Vasko. Ed shares his insights from decades of experience and reveals a much-needed cybersecurity education model that he has built at Boise State University.  With the cybersecurity industry experiencing a severe talent shortage, Ed is answering the challenge by improving the education model with innovative programs that equip students with real-world, hands-on experience. Regardless of whether you're a student, educator, employer, or tech professional, don't miss this episode!

Sorry to say it, but nobody else can secure your organization from the outside. The reality is, every company has a significant amount of work that must be done internally (by real humans) to build an effective cybersecurity and compliance program. Be wise when looking at tools and services implying that they'll take care of your cybersecurity for you. This week, the guys discuss the hands-on internal requirements every company should consider when preparing to build a cybersecurity program for the first time. 

This week the guys reunite for the first episode of 2022 by taking a look into the future. With their crystal ball of predictions, the guys look into the future of cybersecurity, ranting about potential trends, exploits, and tips for you to stay ahead in the new year! Plus, they share some housekeeping tips and how to "tidy up" your cyber risk management program in the new year.

This week the guys (and "Skippy the Intern") are joined by special guest, Caren Shiozaki, to discuss cybersecurity considerations among executive teams and boards of directors. Caren shares her experience as a technology executive, insights at the leadership level, and emerging trends that are changing the thought process around cybersecurity and compliance.

Cyber insurance is critical for risk management and the requirements are changing rapidly. With rate increases averaging 25-45% per year and many companies being declined for coverage altogether, this week the guys get the inside scoop with cyber insurance expert, Adam Guyton. Adam shares some important cyber insurance insights including how to get the most out of your policy, what to look for in your coverage, insurance carrier requirements, how to prepare for your renewal, and more.

This week, the guys welcome Founder and President of the Idaho Technology Council, Jay Larsen. They discuss his journey to building Idaho's premier tech organization, how technology councils help businesses thrive, the traits of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the benefits technology companies bring to their communities. 

Unfortunately, there are some IT professionals who feel threatened when a 3rd party cybersecurity team is engaged. While it's the exception rather than the norm, there are both in-house and 3rd party IT professionals who become uncooperative, feeling as if security people are trying to poke holes in their work. While many IT professionals are very accepting of cybersecurity support, it should never be the case that anyone feels threatened. IT and cybersecurity are complementary disciplines. Good professionals not only strengthen the organization, they can even help each other grow in their own careers.  This week, the guys share stories about walls going up and tensions growing, how to break down emotional barriers and eliminate the fear for better collaboration, the different personality types, valid sources of concern among IT professionals, and why nobody should ever feel threatened when their organization brings in quality cybersecurity support.

Thinking about a career in cybersecurity? This week, the guys share their thoughts about getting into the cybersecurity field. They share the pros and cons of the job, training and experience that helps along the way, how to find your first position or two, plus some reasons why cybersecurity is NOT a good career for some people. Chances are, you're probably closer than you realize to landing your first cybersecurity job.

As technology's most widespread and trusted vendors are compromised, who can you really trust in today's environment? This week, the guys discuss attacks originating from compromised tech products, how the bad guys gain insider access, multi-factor authentication fatigue, and even a few hints at their love for Rick Astley.

Cloud services can offer tremendous benefits and cloud computing environments have become a standard across all industries. However, marketing hype leads consumers to believe that "the cloud is secure" by default and that someone else is taking responsibility for their protection. Too many people are quick to adopt cloud services without truly understanding the risks. This week, the guys discuss the risks and considerations around cloud services to help you ask the right questions and make wise decisions when moving to new technology environments.