Hacker Valley Studio

Latest Episodes:

Episode 173 - Laughing your Cyber Off with Ian Murphy Oct 05, 2021

Show notes

This week, join Ron and Chris as they sit down for a raw conversation with Ian Murphy. Ian is a game-changing pioneer in cyber training resourcing, adding spice to a dull, outdated training market. His company, CyberOff, is the “antidote for dull cyber training.” The three dive deep into topics like comedy, creating and sourcing content, being vulnerable and the reason for it all.

Key Takeaways:

02:44 This is Rock n’ Roll

03:04 Bio

4:00 Content- where does it originate?

06:43 What is it like to be an entrepreneur in cyber?

08:20 Where does Ian draw the line?

11:55 What makes comedy? Chris and Ian deliberate

15:36 Working on vulnerability

17:23 Ian’s approach- Where did we go wrong in teaching?

20:31 The end goal

23:35 The most “popular” form

28:09 Ian’s inspiration

Ian Murphy: LinkedIn | Twitter | Email | Website

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This episode is sponsored by Living Security

QuickQ: What the Heck is Going on with Ransomware? Sep 30, 2021

Show notes

The average ransomware cost is $312,493. That number has increased 171% compared 2019. Why does it still work? What we have to do to stop it? How, in 2021, can a criminal organization have a customer service division? Yes, that’s right, customer service. Join Ron and Chris for this ransomware discussion.

Note: After additional research we discovered that an investigation determined that the woman that lost her life, did not die due to the ransomware and would have perished regardless of the attack.

Key Takeaways:

00:57 What is ransomware?

02:39 Who gets attacked?

04:53 Criminal service with customer service

07:43 The history of Ransomware

11:45 Immutable

14:40 Use 2-factor authentication!

16:32 Chris’ take on the future of ransomware

19:20 Ron’s future predictions

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This episode is sponsored by Axonius

Episode 171 - Resilient Mindset with Chris Hughes Sep 28, 2021

Show notes

Chris Hughes is the CISO and Co-Founder of Aquia and has nearly 20 years of Cyber/IT experience. He's an Air Force veteran as well as former Government civil service employee with the U.S. Navy and FedRAMP. Chris also teaches in two M.S. Cyber Programs at Capitol Technology University and UMGC. Chris is passionate about Cloud Security and is active with the Cloud Security Alliance and Cloud Native Computing Foundation and he also hosts a podcast called "Resilient Cyber".

Key Takeaways:

02:52 Bio

04:24 What motivates Chris?

06:03 Time management

07:24 Failing up – lessons learned

09:09 Habits and mindset

10:59 Chris’ podcast – Resilient Cyber

13:09 Branding & persona – using your vulnerability

15:07 Using your network

19:06 Stop waiting and start working harder

20:40 Maintaining authenticity

22:22 Input vs. Output

25:13 Talking Legacy

28:12 Being resilient

Chris Hughes: Linkedin | Podcast

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This episode is sponsored by Living Security

Episode 170 - The Beauty of Cybersecurity with Grace Chi Sep 21, 2021

Show notes

Grace is Cofounder and COO of Pulsedive, a US-based threat intelligence startup. At Pulsedive, Grace works closely with defensive security (and in particular, cyber threat intelligence) teams to support the development of integrated intelligence capabilities and programs. Join Chris, Ron and Grace as they discuss transitioning into cyber, finding the right community to support your personality, and the beauty and purpose behind it all – as a creative in cybersecurity.

Key Takeaways:

01:46 Bio

02:46 Creativity & cyber

07:34 How does modeling help Grace’s career in cybersecurity?

09:37 The beauty in cybersecurity

14:38 Making the transition with no experience

17:27 What’s the greater purpose? How do you mesh your personality into your career?

20:51 Grace’s ideas for continuing to level the playing field regarding transitioning into cyber

23:19 Humanity in cybersecurity

28:32 Understanding how to find the beauty in cyber

31:42 Get in touch with Grace Chi

Grace Chi: LinkedIn | Twitter

Pulsedive: Twitter | LinkedIn

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This episode is sponsored by livingsecurity.com

Episode 169 - Art, Science, and Nanotechnology with Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

Among other things, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham is an award-winning researcher, lecturer and trailblazer in the world of nanotechnology. She also hosts a podcast called Monday Science, keeping listeners updated on the latest in tech, science, health and their relationship. She joins hosts Ron and Chris for a jam packed episode, where they cover nanotechnology, biohacking, the vast world of academia and much more.

Key Takeaways:

02:30 Bio

04:52 The origin story: combining science and art

09:40 Nanotechnology: what’s the latest, and where is the science headed?

16:00 Biohacking?

18:00 How does nanotechnology communicate?

23:34 The path to Academia: how do you find yours?

29:45 A message to the multi-talanted; knowing yourself, your strengths and Identifying the need

33:30 Get in touch with Bahijja Raimi-Abraham

Bahijja Raimi-Abraham: Twitter | LInkedin | Website | Podcast

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This episode is sponsored by livingsecurity.com

Episode 168 - Asking the Right Cybersecurity Questions with Ganesh Pai Sep 09, 2021

Show notes

Hacker Valley's Hosts, Ron and Chris are speaking with Ganesh Pai, the CEO and founder of Uptycs. What is it like to be an entrepreneur in the Cybersecurity field? While learning how Ganesh started Uptycs, learn of the techniques that he uses, such as asking the right questions and using different systems to further understand security software.

Key Takeaways:

01:42 Introducing Ganesh Pai.

02:30 Learning Ganesh's Background and his journey in entrepreneurship.

06:20 The Query System.

07:00 What is your professional Superpower? What time was that Evident?

07:1 Understanding the technology, working and interacting with others in the field.

10:45 Proactive and Reactive security.

12:00 How to ask the right questions.

14:10 Where does artificial intelligence play a part in Cyber Security.

19:00 Challenges Ganesh has faced in the workplace during COVID and the challenges and changes it poses.

20:20 Adapting to the evolving businesses and communities in a changing environment.

24:00 Helpful Habits

27:11 Last Advice

Ganesh Pai: LinkedIn | Uptycs

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This episode is sponsored by Uptycs

Episode 167 - Fun Versus ”FUD” Security with Ashley Rose Sep 07, 2021

Show notes

In today's episode Ron and Chris talk to Living Security's CEO and Co-Founder Ashley Rose, speaking on breaking the mold in the workspace and how allowing your team to have fun with what they do will create a stronger, happier and healthier work environment. Tune in to find out why, and also to get a better understanding of why Living Security is a must-have resource.

01:10 Listeners are introduced to the topic of today's episode

02:10 We meet Ashley Rose and discover her role in cybersecurity

04:30 Ashley's background before cybersecurity

08:45 How she incorporated fun into training in the workplace

16:37 Training based off of an individual's unique learning technique

19:52 How the brain activity reacts when having fun, and why that matters

24:00 Interactive learning styles to keep someone captivated

27:52 Ashley speaks on what inspires her and her team to maintain a fun, healthy and inclusive environment for everyone

32:28 Discussing how to get out of the FUD: Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt and to genuinely enjoy what you do.

Ashley Rose: livingsecurity.com | LinkedIn | Twitter

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This episode is sponsored by livingsecurity.com

Episode 166 - There is No Skills Gap with Andy Ellis Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

Hosts Ron and Chris interview Andy Ellis, CISO for over two decades that recently started a startup. He is an operating partner at YL Ventures. Andy shares his perspective on whether there is really a skills gap or are we approaching this problem the wrong way?

0:57 – Intro

2:19 – Bio

3:12 – Andy’s personality that puts him in unique situations to win awards

4:29 – What other kind of things Andy experienced hacking in besides macro things

5:57 – The number one hack Andy did that spanned for a decade in his career

7:13 – Was Andy originally hired to do security for companies?

8:29 – Why Andy says there is no talent shortage

12:11 – If everyone started to go into security engineering team, would there be a gap to fill roles?

13:09 – Where did CISOS, managers, and recruiters go wrong in looking for security professionals?

19:55 – Andy’s number one tenet for leadership

22:42 –Andy’s philosophies on keeping the talent after investing on training programs, and having skills that can be used on other areas

24:49 – In what ways Andy is passing down knowledge

27:14 – Advice on the leadership journey that Andy gives to listeners

28::10 – Best ways to keep up with Andy

Follow Andy Ellis Twitter | LinkedIn

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Visit our sponsor Panther Labs

Episode 165 - Living Your Values with Dean Sysman Aug 26, 2021

Show notes

On this episode, Hacker Valley Studio has a very big announcement! Hosts Ron and Chris interview guest Dean Sysman, CEO and co-founder of Axonius.

The values, and founder story of Dean are shared as Ron and Chris ask him very interesting questions. Dean started his journey years ago with a passion on how technology could impact the world. He has also brought many values to Axonius, helping people through growth to become a better version of themselves.

Dean shares how he figured that the determining factor of success was realizing the problem that the organization needs to solve, and focusing on the customer’s experience.

0:21 – Intro

1:53 – Bio

3:24 – Ron and Chris talk about their role in Axonius and Dean Sysman shares the value he saw in them

7:26 – Dean’s founder story in Axonius

13:01 – The values that Dean has brought to Axonius and people’s lives

16:42 – Dean’s turning point where he could no longer go back from where he was

23:31 – Why Dean wants Ron and Chris to be the voice of Axonius

26:01 – Who are Dean’s inspiration for growth?

29:38 – What advice does Dean have to those that are looking for growth?

31:42 – How to stay up-to-date with Dean and all the great things at Axonius

Dean Sysman: Axonius Website | E-mail

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Episode 164 - Demystifying Product Innovation with Erik Goldman Aug 24, 2021

Show notes

Hosts Ron and Chris interview guest Erik Goldman, VP of Product at Panther Labs, a software engineer, expert in product and an entrepreneur.

Erik is great at asking questions, that is one of his superpowers. One of his strategies to build a product is to sit down with customers, ask them what they want him to do, deeply understand their persona, and gather data.

Erik builds his thesis for success, and knows how to distinguish a good company from a great company by analyzing which one has a philosophy that goes beyond the software.

Erik offers advice for listeners on how to operate better on their company.

1:03 - Intro

2:37 – Bio

6:18 – The difference between building a product and building a business

7:18 – What are Erik’s strengths based on his past experiences

9:20 – How Erik stays away from tinkering with the code, and more of the technical aspects

11:48 – Erik’s power of understanding the concepts by asking questions

13:19 – The difference between a good company and a great company

15:20 – What Erik thinks about the future of technology and the cyber security of the future

19:30 – Erik’s thoughts about automating security operation

26:07 – Erik’s advice for listeners to operate better in their company’s environment

27:50 – How to stay up to date with Panther Labs.