Episoder
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In this episode of Cyber Inspiration Podcast, Jaap Mantel from Data & More shares invaluable insights on data compliance, classification, and governance. He walks us through the company's founding, its unique Microsoft-influenced approach, and their expansion into North America. Jaap emphasizes the importance of strong company culture, maintaining a vision-driven strategy, and adapting to market challenges. He also sheds light on how the rise of AI is shaping data management processes. Tune in for practical tips on scaling a business, leadership lessons, and achieving work-life balance while maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction.
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In this episode, Derik Belair, Co-Founder and CEO of Augmentt Technology, takes us through the fascinating journey of building a platform designed to help MSPs manage and secure Microsoft environments. Derik shares how the idea for Augmentt Technology was born during a sailing trip, spurred by a market shift toward cloud and SaaS solutions. He walks us through the early days of drafting a business plan, developing a prototype, and gathering valuable feedback from MSPs.
Derik also delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a strong team, adapting to remote work, and maintaining company culture during the pandemic. He discusses the importance of honest customer feedback, the role of founders in driving sales, and the hurdles of scaling a growing company. Additionally, Derik draws insightful parallels between sailing and cybersecurity, emphasizing preparedness, adaptability, and communication as key elements in both fields. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional in the tech industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
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Join us in an insightful interview with Alex Shan, the CEO of Jolera. Alex shares his journey from his early days at IBM to establishing Jolera as a pioneering Global Systems Integrator. Over the past 20 years, Jolera has evolved from an MSP to a master MSP, managing complex business problems with technology. Alex dives into the origin of the company's fixed-price IT service model, his approach to hiring and maintaining talent, transitioning from technical to sales roles, and the importance of maintaining client relationships. He also candidly discusses the challenges and lessons learned in the fast-paced tech industry. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and MSP professionals looking to gain valuable insights into scaling a tech business.
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In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, we sit down with David Redekop, the Founder and CEO of ADAMnetworks™, to explore his journey into the world of cybersecurity and the inspiration behind starting his company. Here's a breakdown of the key topics covered:
Introduction and Background
David introduces himself and gives an overview of ADAMnetworks™, a company specializing in Zero Trust Connectivity and egress control, aimed at disrupting the attack chain between the endpoint and the internet.Early Career and Inspiration
David shares his background as a network architect and his early career in the Israeli Navy, drawing parallels between compartmentalization in naval vessels and cybersecurity.The Aha Moment
The inspiration for ADAMnetworks™ stemmed from a personal experience where David and his wife faced challenges in safely introducing the internet to their children. This experience highlighted the need for better internet security and led to the founding of ADAMnetworks™.Developing the Technology
David discusses the decision to develop a proprietary DNS filtering solution, despite industry advice against it. He emphasizes the importance of building from first principles and ensuring the technology could run on various architectures.Bootstrapping and Early Challenges
The company was initially bootstrapped, with support from David's IT company, Nerds On Sight. David explains how the team navigated the challenges of developing a new product without external funding.Hiring and Company Culture
David talks about the importance of hiring individuals who share the company's philosophy and values, particularly around decentralization and freedom. He shares how they found the right talent, including a key developer who joined through a Bible study group.Selling the Product and Storytelling
Transitioning from a technical focus to sales was a challenge. David highlights the role of storytelling in selling complex technology and how his friend, a filmmaker, helped craft compelling narratives to explain the benefits and consequences of their technology.Business Growth and Customer Feedback
David reflects on the company's vision, which remains focused on protecting people rather than companies or countries. He shares an "aha moment" when customers expressed satisfaction with the seamless, frictionless experience provided by ADAMnetworks™' whitelist approach.Work-Life Balance
David touches on the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, especially when growing a company, and how his large family has influenced his perspective and approach to business.Join us for an insightful conversation with David Redekop, where we delve into the intersection of technology, philosophy, and family life, and how these elements shaped the journey of ADAMnetworks™.
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In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, host Evgeniy Kharam sits down with Mike Krygier, a seasoned cybersecurity leader and CISO, to discuss his journey and the insights he’s gained along the way. Mike shares his experiences from his impressive career, providing valuable perspectives on driving innovation in cybersecurity, tackling emerging threats, and fostering a security-first culture within organizations. Whether you're an aspiring cybersecurity professional or a seasoned expert, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the industry's leading voices!
Key Takeaways:
Continuous innovation is crucial to effectively combat emerging cyber threats.A strong security culture is driven by leadership and a commitment to education.Staying informed and adaptable is essential for career success in cybersecurity.
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A Conversation with Rick Howard: From Cybersecurity Leader to Author
In this episode, we have the honor of speaking with Rick Howard, Chief Security Officer at N2K, about his journey in cybersecurity, his career in the U.S. Army, and his transition to becoming an author and podcaster. Rick shares his thoughts on cybersecurity first principles, his writing process, and the motivation behind his book. He also discusses the challenges of the publication process, the importance of historical perspective in research, and offers advice to prospective authors. Additionally, Rick talks about the Canon Security project, a resource for evaluating influential cybersecurity literature.
Link to the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Cybersecurity-First-Principles-Strategy-Tactics/dp/1394173083
00:00 Introduction to Rick Howard and His Work
00:56 Rick Howard's Career Journey
01:46 Transition to Cybersecurity and Commercial Sector
03:46 Inspiration Behind Writing the Book
05:29 Writing and Publishing Process
10:07 The Role of Research in Writing
12:20 The Canon Project and Its Impact
15:00 Hall of Fame Nomination Process
15:47 Dealing with Creative Blocks
17:26 First Principles in Writing
19:33 The Importance of Communication in Cybersecurity
21:16 Storytelling in Cybersecurity
23:35 Final Reflections and Advice
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From Cybersecurity Nerd to CEO: Vivek's Journey with SquareX
In this episode, we sit down with Vivek, the founder and CEO of SquareX, to discuss his inspirational journey from a deep tech cybersecurity expert to a successful entrepreneur. Vivek shares how his previous ventures, including research at Cisco and founding Pentester Academy, culminated in the creation of SquareX, a company dedicated to helping organizations detect, mitigate, and hunt web threats in real-time. He emphasizes the importance of tenacity and customer feedback in validating ideas and discusses the critical phases of building a startup, from hiring talent to managing cross-time zone teams.
Vivek also delves into the balance of technical skills and salesmanship necessary for leading a tech startup, the challenges with funding, and his unique approach to team morale and company culture. This insightful conversation offers a blend of technical depth and practical business wisdom, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and cybersecurity professionals alike.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:54 Overview of SquareX
01:15 Vivek's Background and Previous Ventures
02:04 Inspiration Behind SquareX
03:07 From Idea to Product
04:33 Navigating Competition and Market
06:13 Building the Team and Company Culture
09:25 Challenges of Global Operations
12:42 Transitioning from Technical to Sales
15:52 Hiring Early Stage Salespeople
16:13 Onboarding Process
17:32 Sales and Security Dynamics
17:56 Task Management Strategies
18:22 Focus on Product and Market Fit
19:29 Adopting Task-Based Approaches
20:28 Understanding OKRs
21:51 Budget Allocation for GTM
23:49 Work-Life Balance Realities
25:38 Handling Disappointments
27:26 Challenges with Investors and Hires
29:32 Concluding Thoughts
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In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, we sit down with Carlson Choi, CEO of Cork, to explore their groundbreaking smart cyber warranty product tailored for managed service providers. Carlson candidly shares Cork's journey, shedding light on the driving forces behind the product's inception, the hurdles they encountered, and the dynamic team behind its development. From navigating sales strategies to refining product iterations, Carlson articulates the essence of agility and customer-centricity in the startup landscape. He underscores the significance of attuning to customer demands, staying nimble in the face of challenges, and adhering to a rigorous schedule for sustained success. Tune in for an insightful conversation on innovation, resilience, and strategic growth in the realm of cybersecurity startups.
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In this episode of Cyber Inspiration Podcast, we're joined by Richard Stiennon, a prominent figure in the cybersecurity realm. Richard shares his journey, from his beginnings as an industry analyst to becoming a prolific author. He reflects on his experiences at major events like RSA, offering insights gleaned from interacting with cybersecurity thought leaders.
Delving into the writing process, Richard discusses how he collects data on cybersecurity vendors and transforms it into comprehensive narratives in his books. He also touches on the challenges and rewards of self-publishing versus traditional publishing in the cybersecurity domain.
Richard emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding the evolution and challenges of cybersecurity. He shares personal anecdotes and stories of cybersecurity pioneers, enriching the narrative of his work.
Providing insights into his writing process, Richard gives a glimpse into his research methods and strategies for overcoming procrastination. He underscores the dedication and meticulousness required to craft impactful narratives in the cybersecurity genre.
Looking ahead, Richard teases upcoming book releases that promise to shed light on critical aspects of cybersecurity. He reflects on the profound impact of his work on readers from diverse backgrounds and the importance of raising awareness about cybersecurity issues.
Join us as we explore the captivating world of cybersecurity through Richard Stiennon's expertise and experiences. Tune in to Cyber Inspiration Podcast for this enlightening conversation!
Learn more about Security Yearbook here
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In this episode, Ross Haleliuk joins us to discuss his book 'Cyber for Builders'. Ross shares his background in technology and product management, leading into his journey in cybersecurity. His book is tailored for cybersecurity builders, offering a business perspective on the industry.
Ross delves into industry trends, fundraising, and building a cybersecurity company. He also shares insights into his writing process, challenges faced during the book's creation, and the decision to self-publish.
The episode concludes with Ross offering advice for aspiring writers and directing listeners to find 'Cyber for Builders' on Amazon.
Buy the book here!
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In this episode, join us as we delve into the world of cybersecurity with David DellaPelle, Co-Founder & CEO of Dune Security. Despite its name, Dune Security isn't about sandworms or spice; it's a company dedicated to reducing corporate attack surfaces and thwarting AI-powered social engineering. Founded just ten months ago, David shares the genesis and mission of Dune Security, emphasizing the critical role of addressing employee error in preventing breaches.
Discover how Dune Security is carving its niche in the cybersecurity landscape by fostering a culture of excellence, respect, and execution. David provides insights into the company's strategic approach to hiring and engaging industry-leading enterprise CISOs as part of their advisory council, ensuring a mission-driven focus in every aspect of their operations.
Embark on David's journey from venture capital to entrepreneurship, driven by the imperative need for robust employee risk management solutions. Learn about his personal management style, the pivotal role of company culture, and the delicate balance between ambition and ethics within a team.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned industry professional, this episode offers invaluable advice on navigating the entrepreneurial journey, from ideation to execution. Tune in to explore the importance of rigor, strategic hiring, and fostering a high-performance company culture in the fight against cyber threats.
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In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, our host, Evgeniy Kharam, delves into a captivating conversation with Cassie Crossley, an industry expert and author in the cybersecurity space. Cassie shares her journey of writing a groundbreaking book, "Software Supply Chain Security", that sheds light on the often overlooked realm of software supply chain security.
Here's a glimpse into the key points discussed:
Introduction to Cassie and Her Book: Cassie, who has been immersed in cybersecurity for over 14 years, shares her motivation behind writing her book. Focused on bridging the gap in understanding product security and software supply chain security, Cassie's book delves into critical aspects that many overlook.The Journey of Writing the Book: Cassie narrates her journey from recognizing the need for comprehensive documentation in her interactions with suppliers to the realization that she needed to write a book. Collaborating with a community called the Purple Book, Cassie initially contributed a chapter on software supply chain security, which eventually evolved into a full-fledged book published by O'Reilly Media.Challenges and Triumphs: From grappling with imposter syndrome to overcoming the daunting task of writing, Cassie discusses the highs and lows of the writing process. Despite the challenges, her dedication to filling the gap in cybersecurity literature kept her motivated.Target Audience and Content: Cassie shares insights into her target audience, which includes both developers and C-suite executives. Her book serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone involved in software development or procurement, providing actionable insights and raising awareness about the importance of secure development practices.Writing Process: Cassie reveals her writing process, such as recording sections and transcribing them to overcome writer's block. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, technical reviewers, and developmental editors in refining the content.Future Endeavors: While reflecting on her writing journey, Cassie hints at potential future projects, including a book aimed at board-level executives to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity risks, particularly in the realm of software supply chain security.Expectations for the Book: Cassie discusses the potential for an audio version of her book and the challenges associated with translation into other languages. Despite the hurdles, she remains hopeful that her book will reach a broader audience and make a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity community.Join us in exploring Cassie's insightful journey and the invaluable lessons she shares in her groundbreaking book on software supply chain security. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on the Cyber Inspiration Podcast.
Note: The book discussed in this episode is available for purchase HERE
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In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Ammolite Analytx, a company that evolved from a management consulting firm to an AI powerhouse and eventually found its niche in the cybersecurity realm. Our guest is none other than Cara Wolf, the CEO of Ammolite Analytx, who takes us through the twists and turns of the company's trajectory.
Starting back in 2006 as a management consulting firm, Ammolite Analytx underwent a significant transformation over the years. Cara shares insights into the company's origins, the challenges faced during its evolution, and the pivotal decision to shift focus towards AI and then cybersecurity by 2018.
One of the key highlights of this episode is Cara's recounting of her extensive background in finance, corporate fraud, and her experiences working with startups. She sheds light on the challenges of raising capital in Canada and how these hurdles were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately leading to the decision to pivot towards cybersecurity services.
Throughout the conversation, Cara discusses the importance of team building, sales strategy, and the core values that drive Ammolite Analytx. She also candidly shares lessons learned from failures, emphasizing the critical role of customer relationships and delivering top-notch service in the cybersecurity industry.
Join us as we unravel the entrepreneurial journey of Cara Wolf and gain valuable insights into navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology and business.
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In this podcast episode, Dan Amiga, CTO and co-founder of Island, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the story behind founding his company during the peak of COVID-19 in mid-2020.
With a background in cybersecurity and experiences that range from programming in his early teens to serving in the Israeli Defense Forces' intelligence unit, Dan discusses the inception and growth of Island. With his rich background in cybersecurity and a series of successful entrepreneurial endeavors, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Island, an enterprise browser designed with security, IT, and productivity tools at its core, addresses the gap between general-purpose browsers and the unique needs of the business environment. Dan reveals the motivations behind starting Island, challenges faced, and the strategy behind building a new product category.
Additionally, he talks about raising funding, team building amid COVID-19, and maintaining a culture of humility and excellence within the company. With a footprint in Dallas, Texas, and Tel Aviv, Island has grown rapidly, securing significant venture capital investment and achieving a high customer adoption rate across multiple industries.
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In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, the host, Evgeny Kharam, a cybersecurity veteran, speaks to Co-Founder & CEO Ezzeldin Tahoun from Cypienta.
The discussion revolves around the startup journey of the cybersecurity company Cypienta. The podcast spotlights the company's evolution which involved pivoting their focus towards solving more significant issues. The guest also talks about the challenges and rewards of leadership in a start-up and the importance of getting the right team.
Ezz emphasizes the idea of playing to strengths while reflecting on their shift from being tech-driven to incorporating sales strategies into their business model. He shares various instances of learning from failures and breaks down the concept of how being a bottleneck can impact growth, emphasizing the significance of work-life balance.
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In this episode of our podcast, we are joined by Mariana Padilla, the co-founder and CEO of HACKERverse®, a platform and marketplace for cybersecurity in the world of e-sports. Mariana shares her journey from the pain of purchasing enterprise software to becoming the CEO of HACKERverse®, formerly known as KIKRR. She discusses the challenges she faced in naming the company and the importance of making it easy for vendors and customers to navigate the cybersecurity landscape.
Mariana is passionate about changing the way the world buys and sells cybersecurity software, and she shares her insights on the pitfalls of AI-based marketing and the need for targeted solutions. She believes 2024 will be their year, as they continue to gain recognition for their innovative approach.
Building and managing a team is another topic Mariana delves into. With an incredible team of 12 members, HACKERverse® has been able to tap into diverse talents across different areas, including development, sales, and marketing. Mariana emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem, being passionate about solving it, and creating a company culture that values inclusion and teamwork.
In the episode, Mariana also shares her strategies for managing tasks and goals. As a fast learner, Mariana acknowledges the importance of organization and accountability. Tracking goals publicly and ensuring the team has visibility into progress are key aspects of their workflow.
Lastly, Mariana makes a big announcement that HACKERverse® has been accepted into the prestigious Google Growth Academy AI Cybersecurity Program. This program provides access to Google's network, mentors, and a community of early-stage founders. Mariana looks forward to the opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights. We hope you enjoy this insightful episode with Mariana Padilla as she shares her entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned, and her mission to revolutionize the cybersecurity industry.
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Join us in this insightful episode as we dive into the fascinating journey of Tal Kollender, CEO and Co-founder of GYTPOL. Tal shares her remarkable story, from her early days of gaming to becoming a skilled hacker, and eventually, the visionary leader of a cybersecurity company.
In this candid conversation, Tal discusses her motivations for starting GYTPOL, a company focused on addressing device misconfigurations, human errors, and default settings. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the importance of building a strong company culture, and the unique path GYTPOL has taken in the world of cybersecurity.
Discover how Tal transitioned from a technical role to embracing sales, the lessons learned from running a startup, and the crucial role of passion in selling one's vision. Tal provides valuable insights into building a successful company, from hiring the right people to dealing with procurement challenges.
Don't miss this engaging episode, filled with anecdotes, advice, and the inspiring journey of a female CEO making waves in the cybersecurity landscape.
Key Takeaways:
Tal's unconventional path from gaming and hacking to founding GYTPOL.The genesis of GYTPOL and the pivotal role of addressing device misconfigurations.Navigating the challenges of startup life and the decision to remain bootstrapped.The significance of building a strong company culture and hiring the right people.Tal's perspective on the balance between technical expertise and salesmanship.Dealing with the highs and lows of running a startup and the role of passion in leadership.Insights into the validation and evolution of GYTPOL based on customer feedback.Tal's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and the importance of learning from mistakes.Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Tal's entrepreneurial journey and the innovative strides GYTPOL is making in the cybersecurity realm.
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Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.
From the Episode:
It's very easy to explain if you think about a company, doesn't matter the size of the company, 50 employees, 500 to 5,000. In order for them to run a business, they adopt and use a lot of SaaS applications.You need to make sure that you have a good team surrounding you. It's very hard to do it solo. I think it's very hard to do it with two people. I think three is a good format that you have, like, balances and checks, because you always have someone that can break the 50-50.I think for new people, people that want to start new companies, at the end of the day, you need to make sure that you have a good team surrounding youPlease comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.
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Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.
In this episode, Nadir shares insights into the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the groundbreaking solutions offered by Armis. Explore the holistic approach to security, from standard laptops and servers to industrial controllers and cloud-based workflows.
Discover the unique perspective of Armis, positioned as the "Google Maps of Security." Uncover the significance of understanding, discovering, and fingerprinting assets within your environment, all without the need for intrusive agents.
Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.
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Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.
From the Episode:
When you look at the social engineering attacks that target our people, they are targeting what are called these cognitive biases.When you get funding, just take your time. You're going to feel very rushed to hit those numbers, take your time and be strategic about your decisions and about your movement. It's all too easy to want to just jump and to move too quickly. When you do, you make mistakes that you might not make otherwise.I know a lot of people omit their executives from the security awareness training. I see it still to this day, and I think it's a terrible idea.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.
- Se mer
