In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells sit down with Melanie Thomas, Vice President of Cyber Security at BridgePoint Technologies. Melanie shares insights from her role, her experience in cybersecurity, and her path from tech support to VP. She discusses her adjunct professorship at the University of San Diego, her community service, and the importance of networking. The conversation covers the significance of education in cybersecurity, Melanie's approach to balancing technical and strategic roles, and valuable advice for new entrants in the field, including teamwork and maintaining humility.=========================Connect with your hosts:Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmasonWade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs=========================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==================================================All the ways to connect with Simply Cyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials=========================

In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells welcome Ken, also known as MonkeyDragon, a member of Defcon 858 in San Diego and co-founder of Hard Hat Brigade. Ken introduces himself and discusses his role in cybersecurity, focusing primarily on incident response, threat detection, and threat hunting. The conversation transitions to the topic of 'war driving,' a practice of searching for wireless networks, which Ken is passionate about. He shares insights into the tools used, such as Kismet, and the community-driven project, Wiggle. Ken also talks about his journey into cybersecurity, the origins, and the activities of the Hard Hat Brigade, and offers advice for new blue teamers: ask questions without fear. The episode highlights Ken's involvement in various security events and his emphasis on community and kindness in the cybersecurity field.=========================Connect with your hosts:Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmasonWade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs=========================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==================================================All the ways to connect with Simply Cyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials=========================

Welcome to Simply Defensive! Josh Mason and co-host Wade Wells sit down with special guest Ashley Knowles from Black Hills InfoSec. Dive into the world of pen testing, SOC management, and the complex relationships between blue and red teams. Ashley shares her experiences working as a penetration tester for over a decade, her role with Black Hills InfoSec, and insights on improving SOC operations. Discover the challenges of balancing SOC metrics, handling new threats, and fostering transparency between teams. Plus, learn about the intricacies of Microsoft DevTunnels and other cutting-edge techniques used in the field. Don't miss Ashley's advice on research, continuous learning, and the importance of Googling effectively.Subscribe and hit the bell for more episodes!=========================Connect with your hosts:Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmasonWade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs=========================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==================================================All the ways to connect with Simply Cyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials=========================

Blake Reagan on Incident Response, Career Evolution, and the Importance of Soft SkillsIn this week's episode of Simply Defensive, host Josh Mason and co-host Wade Wells welcome incident response expert Blake Reagan. The discussion delves into Blake's journey from the building trades to cybersecurity, a field he entered after the 2008 economic downturn. Blake shares his experiences in digital forensics, emphasizing the importance of soft skills like public speaking and effective communication in cybersecurity roles. The trio also discusses the merits of tools like the Autopsy Digital Forensics platform, the utility of Toastmasters for public speaking, and time management strategies, making this episode a comprehensive look at the tech and human sides of cybersecurity.=========================Connect with your hosts:Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmasonWade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs=========================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==================================================All the ways to connect with Simply Cyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials=========================

In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells are joined by @TheFedXChannel, a seasoned security analyst from Central Florida. The conversation starts with FedEx discussing his local internet setup and transitioning into his extensive career journey from construction to IT and cybersecurity. They explore the importance of real-world experience, the challenges of getting started in the cybersecurity industry, and the value of networking, both online and locally. FedEx also shares his journey through higher education and obtaining his degree, along with the significance of continuous learning and certifications. The episode concludes with FedEx discussing his newly launched YouTube channel focused on cybersecurity content and his inspiration to share knowledge and help others enter the field.=========================Connect with your hosts:Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmasonWade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs=========================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==================================================All the ways to connect with Simply Cyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials=========================

In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells interview their first guest of the season, Jibby. Jibby shares his incredible journey from a decade-long career in watch and jewelry repair to a thriving role in cybersecurity. By leveraging community support, hands-on learning platforms like KC7 Cyber and TryHackMe, and staying committed despite multiple setbacks, Jibby has secured a prestigious role at Microsoft as a Security Researcher. He highlights the importance of networking, community, and continuous learning in forging a successful path in cybersecurity. The episode also explores Jibby’s passion for contributing back to the community, leading to talks at various conferences and building new cybersecurity challenges for others.=========================Connect with your hosts:Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmasonWade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs=========================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪=========================All the ways to connect with Simply Cyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials=========================