Hacker Valley Studio

Sponsored by Axonius

Hacker Valley Blue S2 Episode 4 - Lenny Zeltser May 18, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, we brought back our good friend Lenny Zeltser. Lenny is Chief Information Security Officer at Axonius. He's developed a mindset of looking at security components as building blocks to create a holistic security environment. To this day, even while operating as an executive, he has wisdom that anyone can learn from.

Quite often, the less sexy aspects of information security are ignored, when in reality, you need to understand what resources you're supposed to protect, which assets are compromised, and the infrastructure for your organization. People jump right into fighting the big fires, and as you know, there is a reason why there are so many day-to-day urgent activities.

To start moving in a positive direction, Lenny shares this advice, “Understand what the major data sources you can tap into rather than thinking ‘let me create this one new way of serving everything I have are.’” The information is there. Think about three sources of information that might get you the biggest bang for the buck!

Key Takeaways:

0:00 Previously on the show

1:40 Lenny introduction

2:05 Episode begins

3:10 What Lenny is doing today

5:35 The evolution of Lenny’s career

8:30 Parallels between beginning and now

10:38 Journey and growth of REMnux

13:00 Challenges Lenny has faced

15:21 Collaboration surprises

17:18 Horror stories

20:18 Enforcing policies

23:34 Asset management

26:08 New tech and trends

28:45 Biggest discovery about self

32:38 Advice for others

34:24 Keeping up with Lenny

Links:

What Lenny Does

Lenny on the Web

Follow Lenny on Twitter

Lenny on LinkedIn

Chris Cochran on LinkedIn

Sponsored by Axonius

Hacker Valley Blue S2 Episode 3 - Chani Simms May 18, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of Hacker Valley Blue, we brought in a guest who has been on a journey of transformation of self and technology. Our guest is Chani Simms, managing director of Meta Defence Labs. We talk about what is essential for cybersecurity. If there was a magic box that could solve an issue, what problem would Chani want solved? “People!” They need to be trained, and care, and have buy in. They must be devoted to what they’re doing. They need cultural awareness and support – it isn’t easy and the hardest job.

When it comes to leadership, organizations need to use people already in the organization. It is important to know what they’re trying to do. You have to use security as an enabler. Leadership is responsible for communicating objectives and goals.

Key Takeaways

0:00 Previously on Hacker Valley Blue

1:36 In this episode

3:10 Background and day job

5:37 Cyber essentials

13:46 Keeping up to date

15:26 Access control

17:07 Security hygiene

19:48 Magic box

21:32 Leadership fundamentals

26:22 Formula 1 analogy

28: 46 Wrap up

Links:

Chani on LinkedIn

Chani on Twitter

Email: info@metadefencelabs.com

Sponsored by Axonius

Hacker Valley Studio

Ron Eddings on LinkedIn

Hacker Valley Blue S2 Episode 2 - Marcus Carey May 18, 2021

Show notes

Know thy organization is key! Wise words from the powerful Marcus J. Carey. Don’t be afraid to admit the bad stuff and be honest about the situation. Most of the time people get fired because they are scared to admit the failure.

You have to build a tight network of people you trust who will be brutally honest with you. You need those people who are going to tell you the truth. Other people will see your superpowers before you do. Superman didn’t know he was different, but others saw the differences and the strengths he didn’t even realize he had. Always pay attention to how people react to what you do, then you will figure out what you are really good at. We over emphasize what we suck at and ignore what we are good at. Don’t do that. You need to understand how amazing, awesome and beautiful you are. Double down and double down hard. Do not be afraid to show your talents and be confident in your superpower.

In security, there is a role for everybody.

Key Takeaways:

1:40 In this episode

2:12 Welcome

3:40 Marcus background

4:57 What lead Marcus to cyber

7:09 Self discovery

9:48 Creations and inventions

14:22 Gathering and retaining information

17:53 Auxiliary skill

21:35 Abilities and mission

25:26 Overlooked areas

31:44 Advice to others

35:41 Staying up-to-date with Marcus

Links:

Marcus on Twitter

Marcus' Books on Amazon

Marcus on LinkedIn

Sponsored by Axonius

Hacker Valley Blue S2 Episode 1 May 18, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to Hacker Valley Blue Season 2 “Know Thyself”. Instead of focusing on the enemy – threat intelligence and environment, we are focusing on knowing yourself and security stack. You need to know the business, but also the fundamentals of security landscape. Without the fundamentals, you cannot reach the level of success you desire. Getting laser sharp on computer networks and how computers speak to each other. Without understanding how each of the pieces work together, you cannot make strategic decisions. We have many guests this season that will teach more about the fundamentals. Stop ignoring the fundamentals and find synchronicity among your team. Building this team makes an impact for the business. You will have positive outcomes. Stop sweeping the issues under the rug to make better decisions.

Cybersecurity is a lot like playing a game of chess using pieces, policies, and guidelines. Opponents use the same things but don’t play by the rules. You continually must up your game and face the opponent who isn’t playing fairly.

Knowing business, team, story and self is so important and that is what is coming up on the rest of the season.

Key Takeaways

0:00 Welcome

2:00 Kick-off

3:13 The fundamentals

5:46 How do you get people excited?

7:07 Making an impact on a business

8:43 Where does one begin to know thyself

10:32 Formula 1 analogy

12:32 Leadership

16:00 Superpowers

19:38 Three Rs of memory

24:58 Chaos engineering

27:56 The brother’s trip

30:11 Stepping into unknown

31:15 Play at work

32:00 Season recap

Links: