Hackers to Founders all Episodes with AI Transcript

Technology

Business

Chris Magistrado

On the Hacker to Founder podcast, we are joined with our host Chris (REal0day) Magistrado, who interviews hackers who have reached the pinnacle of their cybersecurity journey and have ventured into the world of startups and/or investing.

Total 6 episodes

Ep.5 - Greg Martin, Founder of Ghost Security

SummaryIn this episode of the Hackers to Founders podcast, host Chris REal0day interviews Greg Martin, a prominent figure in the cybersecurity field. Greg shares his journey from a young hacker in a small Texas town to becoming the CEO of Go Security. He discusses his early fascination with computers, the rise of Linux, and his first job at a local ISP. As he transitioned into the world of data centers and cloud computing, Greg also recounts his experiences working with law enforcement agencies like the FBI and Secret Service on cybercrime initiatives. The conversation highlights the evolution of cybersecurity and Greg's entrepreneurial ventures. In this conversation, Greg Martin shares his journey from feeling like an imposter in the cybersecurity field to being recruited by the NSA. He discusses the challenges he faced during the recruitment process, his experiences at ArcSight, and the importance of mentorship in cybersecurity. Greg also reflects on his transition from employee to entrepreneur, emphasizing the significance of training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. In this conversation, Greg Martin shares his journey from developing a cybersecurity tool to founding multiple startups, including Ghost AI. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of securing investment, and the evolving role of AI in business. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship, the realities of startup life, and the innovative solutions being developed in the application security space.TakeawaysGreg Martin's journey in cybersecurity began at a young age.He was inspired by movies depicting hacking culture.Linux played a crucial role in his early career.His first job was at a local ISP where he learned networking.Greg transitioned to data centers during the rise of cloud computing.He worked closely with law enforcement on cybercrime cases.The Secret Service's Nitro program focused on cybercrime.Private sector collaboration is essential in combating cyber threats.Greg's entrepreneurial spirit led him to found multiple companies.His experiences shaped his understanding of cybersecurity's complexities. Cybersecurity professionals often experience imposter syndrome.Recruitment by the NSA can feel surreal and movie-like.Young talent in cybersecurity can be intimidating.The interview process at the NSA is rigorous and unique.Honesty in background checks can impact career opportunities.Transitioning to a startup can open new doors.Building software for cybersecurity requires creativity and passion.Mentorship is crucial for the growth of young professionals.Entrepreneurship in cybersecurity can stem from open-source projects.The journey from employee to founder is filled with challenges. Starting a company can stem from recognizing a valuable opportunity.Navigating early challenges is crucial for startup success.Securing investment is often about finding the right partners.The entrepreneurial journey is filled with ups and downs.AI is transforming the landscape of business and security.Investing in startups carries significant risks and rewards.Mentorship can be a game-changer for first-time founders.Automation can significantly enhance productivity in tech roles.Understanding market needs is essential for successful entrepreneurship.Building a product that evolves with technology is key to long-term success.Greg Martin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregcmartin/Ghost Security - https://ghostsecurity.com/Ghost Security Reaper - https://github.com/ghostsecurity/reaper

01:45:0704/11/2024

Ep.4 - Hahna Latonick, Director of Security Research at Dark Wolf Solutions

SummaryIn this episode, Chris interviews Hannah Latonick, a cybersecurity expert with over 18 years of experience. They discuss Hannah's journey into cybersecurity, her experiences with Capture the Flag competitions, her role at Dark Wolf Solutions, and her insights on government contracts and networking. Hannah shares valuable advice for aspiring cybersecurity entrepreneurs and highlights innovative projects her team is working on, including a focus on drone technology and vulnerability research. In this conversation, Hahna Latonick discusses her journey in cybersecurity, the importance of data security in hostile environments, and the future of Dark Wolf Solutions. She shares insights on scaling success in defense contracting, building strong customer relationships, and the role of mentorship in her career. Hahna reflects on her entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, explores various side hustles, and discusses her experiences with seed funding and startups. She emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself and continuous learning, particularly in the field of cybersecurity training. The conversation concludes with Hahna sharing her upcoming conferences and networking opportunities.TakeawaysHannah Latonickhas over 18 years of experience in cybersecurity.Her journey began with a family computer and curiosity about technology.Capture the Flag competitions played a significant role in her career.Dark Wolf Solutions focuses on finding zero-day vulnerabilities.Networking is crucial for small businesses in government contracting.Small business set-asides on SAM.gov provide opportunities for new companies.Engaging with small business offices can facilitate government contracts.Conferences and trade shows are valuable for networking and learning.Cybersecurity is vital for national security and everyday life.Innovative projects include automated tools for vulnerability discovery. Data security is crucial, especially in hostile environments.Dark Wolf Solutions aims to compete with top defense contractors.Customer intimacy is key to successful contracting.Mentorship has played a significant role in my career growth.Entrepreneurial spirit can start from a young age.Investing in yourself opens up more opportunities.Continuous learning is essential in the tech industry.Teaching cybersecurity helps reinforce my own knowledge.Networking at conferences is vital for career advancement.Exploring side hustles can lead to new business opportunities.Hahna LatonickLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hahnakane/X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/hahnakaneBSides Tampa Presentation - https://youtu.be/xi5EFPmw18g?si=w10fpRjv4hswWMc_Dark Wolf SolutionsWebsite - https://darkwolfsolutions.com/Android Security Research Playbook - https://asrp.darkwolf.io/Drone Security Research Playbook - https://dronewolf.darkwolf.io/IoT Exploitation Blog Post - https://blog.darkwolfsolutions.com/dws-blog-09-26-2024-ep-15Spoofing Mint Browser Blog Post - https://blog.darkwolfsolutions.com/dws-blog-07-30-2024-ep-8TopicsMastering Your Money - Stop Yearning Start Earning - https://amzn.to/48nuOTfUnlock Your Millionaire Mindset Today Course - https://www.udemy.com/course/unlock-your-millionaire-mindset-today/The Personal MBA - https://amzn.to/3Ys9gQE

02:30:2828/10/2024

Ep.3 - Alan Braithwaite, Co-Founder & CTO of RunReveal

SummaryIn this episode, Chris Real0day interviews Alan Braithwaite, Co-Founder and CTO of RunReveal. They discuss Alan's journey from hacker to entrepreneur, his literary influences, the philosophical foundations of his work in cybersecurity, and the importance of curiosity and learning in the hacker mindset. Alan shares insights from his early experiences with gaming, his education, and his career at Cloudflare and Segment, highlighting the lessons learned along the way. The conversation culminates in a discussion about building RunReveal and understanding customer needs in the cybersecurity landscape. In this conversation, Alan discusses the importance of customer feedback in product development, emphasizing the value of engaging with paying customers. He shares insights on building a user-friendly product, the significance of data management and security, and the introduction of streaming detections. Alan also outlines his vision for a flexible security pipeline and strategies for customer acquisition. The discussion touches on the challenges of on-prem solutions, the journey of founding a startup, and the role of community in innovation. Alan highlights the balance between focusing on the big picture and being present in the moment, concluding with recommendations for books and resources that have influenced his journey.

02:13:0921/10/2024

Ep.2 - Umit Aksu, Founder of Mobile Hacking Lab

Umit Aksu (@MobileHackingLab)In this episode, host Chris "REal0day" Magistrado sits down with Umit Aksu, Founder of Mobile Hacking Lab. Umit shares his journey into cybersecurity and reflects on his experience working with leading organizations like ING, DarkMatter, and Microsoft. From his work at these industry giants to the creation of Mobile Hacking Lab, Umit’s insights reveal the depth and passion that drive his commitment to cybersecurity education.Key Highlights in This Episode:- Umit’s path from cybersecurity roles at ING, DarkMatter, and Microsoft to founding Mobile Hacking Lab.- The inception of Mobile Hacking Lab: the first lab of its kind to offer an immersive mobile research environment, developed in partnership with Corellium.- The lab’s mission to equip penetration testers and security researchers with practical tools and knowledge in 0day discovery across mobile applications and ecosystems.- The expertise of Mobile Hacking Lab’s educators, bringing real-world experience in 0day research to empower security professionals.- A detailed look at Corellium, led by Amanda Gorton (co-founder) and Bill Neifert (Director of Partnerships), as a powerful mobile virtualization platform that stands as a top choice for mobile security researchers.Additional Topics Covered:- Insights into building and leading cybersecurity programs.- Future offerings at Mobile Hacking Lab, including specialized courses in userland and kernel fuzzing.- How the partnership with Corellium enhances Mobile Hacking Lab’s capabilities, making advanced security research more accessible to professionals.Social Links:Umit AksuLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/umit-aksu-7397485b/Mobile Hacking Lab - https://www.mobilehackinglab.com/link/B1zkaVChris Magistrado (Host):LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/cmagistradoX - https://x.com/REal0dayPodcast - https://hackerstofounders.comRecruiting Agency - https://TopClearedRecruiting.comArticles - https://medium.com/@real0dayCorellium Leadership:Amanda Gorton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafgortonBill Neifert- https://www.linkedin.com/in/billneifert/Follow Us for More Episodes and Updates:Instagram - https://instagram.com/hackerstofoundersTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hackerstofoundersLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/105189100Discord - https://discord.gg/2TnH6hkuTGSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5BgjVtDJc7xoyiQlbhKmL6?si=af728a2b3cb74d8bApple iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hackers-to-founders/id1771903476Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e34efad3-bf38-431d-be45-348ef6838262/hackers-to-founders

02:08:3514/10/2024

Ep.1 - Jordan Wiens aka @psifertex, Co-Founder of Vector35, BinaryNinja

Jordan Wiens (@psifertex) Welcome to Episode 1 featuring host Chris "REal0day" Magistrado and special guest Jordan Wiens, @psifertex, co-founder of Vector 35 and creator of Binary Ninja. In this episode, we discuss Jordan's journey from network defense to founding Vector 35, the unique features of Binary Ninja, and the evolving landscape of reverse engineering tools. We also delve into pricing strategies, sales processes, handling administrative challenges, and the impact of market dynamics on tool preferences among cybersecurity professionals. Key Highlights in This Episode:- The importance of not negotiating low-value licenses and setting a minimum threshold for negotiations to streamline sales processes.- Experiences with prolonged purchasing processes in financial institutions and the lesson learned in reducing bureaucratic processes.- Market entry strategies and navigating competition with free tools like Ghidra.- Enterprise sales and managing complex contracts for larger deals.- Impact of competing tools on revenue and strategy for commercial vs. non-commercial licenses.- The philosophy behind student discounts and nominal pricing.- Future plans for Binary Ninja and continuous commitment to its development.- Insights into the upcoming "Re-verse" conference in Orlando, Florida.Social Links:Jordan Wiens (Special Guest) X - https://x.com/psifertex LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwiensVector 35 - https://vector35.com/Binary Ninja - https://binary.ninja/Chris Magistrado (Host):LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/cmagistradoX - https://x.com/REal0dayArticles - https://medium.com/@real0dayRecruiting Agency - https://TopClearedRecruiting.comPodcast - https://hackerstofounders.comHackers Mentioned:Rusty Wagner @D0ntPanic - https://github.com/D0ntPanicJayson Street: - https://www.instagram.com/jayson.street/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstreet/Jeremiah Grossman - https://x.com/jeremiahgMike Frantzen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-frantzen/Conference Details:Re-verse Conference: https://re-verse.io/Date: February 28 to March 1Location: Orlando, FloridaCompanies and Tools Mentioned:Binary Ninja - https://binary.ninja/IDA Pro - https://hex-rays.com/ida-proGhidra - https://ghidra-sre.org/Miscellaneous Tools and References:CUI Standard - NIST Guidelines: https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/protecting-controlled-unclassified-informationCapture The Flag (CTF) Competitions: https://ctftime.org/Connect with Us:Twitter - https://x.com/HackerToFounderInstagram - https://instagram.com/hackerstofoundersTikTok -- https://www.tiktok.com/@hackerstofoundersLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/105189100Discord - https://discord.gg/2TnH6hkuTGWebsite - https://HackersToFounders.comSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5BgjVtDJc7xoyiQlbhKmL6?si=af728a2b3cb74d8bApple iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hackers-to-founders/id1771903476Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e34efad3-bf38-431d-be45-348ef6838262/hackers-to-foundersSubscribe for more episodes and insights from cybersecurity professionals who have transitioned into new ventures.Like, comment, and share if you found this episode useful.Follow us on social media for the latest updates and episodes.Watch, Learn, & Grow in Cybersecurity! (00:00) - 1 [00:00:00]: Introduction to Jordan and Vector 35 (00:00) - of Jordan's role and dedication to solving ongoing problems in the reverse engineering field. (00:00) - to the podcast and the guests, focusing on the guest’s background and company journey. (00:00) - Chapter 4 (00:00) - 2 [00:01:00]: Founding of Vector 35 (00:00) - of the formation of Vector 35 and its 10-year journey. (00:00) - into the DARPA CTF contract which gave the company its start. (00:00) - Chapter 8 (00:00) - 3 [00:05:00]: Binary Ninja's Development (00:00) - of the development history of Binary Ninja from an internal CTF tool to a commercial product. (00:00) - transition from Python to a full C++ rewrite to enhance capabilities and performance. (00:00) - Chapter 12 (00:00) - 4 [00:10:00]: Early Career and Education (00:00) - Wiens’ formative years, education in math and computer science, and first job experiences. (00:00) - journey from university IT support roles to a focus on network security and forensics. (00:00) - Chapter 16 (00:00) - 5 [00:20:00]: Network Defense and Security Work (00:00) - recount of early projects and learnings in network defense at the University of Florida. (00:00) - examples of handling security incidents and implementing automated security measures. (00:00) - Chapter 20 (00:00) - 6 [00:25:00]: Capture The Flag (CTF) Competitions and Impact (00:00) - introduction to CTF competitions and their significance in his transition to offensive security roles. (00:00) - development of a strong skill set in reverse engineering and exploit writing through CTF participation. (00:00) - Chapter 24 (00:00) - 7 [00:35:00]: Evolution and Experiences in DEFCON CTF (00:00) - evolution of DEFCON CTF from informal beginnings to a structured and competitive event. (00:00) - examples of strategies and shenanigans used in CTF events, highlighting the excitement and challenges involved. (00:00) - Chapter 28 (00:00) - 8 [00:45:00]: Business Lessons and Pricing Strategy (00:00) - discussion on the importance of pricing strategies and administrative efficiency. (00:00) - learned from engaging with large institutions and the shift to a no-negotiation policy for low-value deals. (00:00) - Chapter 32...

01:45:1007/10/2024

Ep.0 - Chris "REal0day" Magistrado

01:05:4202/10/2024