Episode 113 - Astonishing Stories with Neil Bearden

In this episode of the podcast, Ron Eddings and Chris Cochran share insights and tips on how to navigate a career in cybersecurity. They discuss the importance of having the right mindset, finding the right career path, building a network, and negotiating a salary. Ron and Chris emphasize the value of having a positive attitude and being open to learning and growth. They suggest exploring different areas within cybersecurity to find the best fit for your interests and skills. Additionally, they stress the importance of building a strong network, both online and in-person, to connect with industry professionals and stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies. Ron offers advice on negotiating a salary and knowing your worth. Ron and Chris also encourage listeners to do their research and interview for multiple jobs to get a sense of market rates for different roles. They also discuss the taboo around discussing salaries in cybersecurity and offer suggestions on how to navigate this sensitive topic. Be sure to subscribe to Hacker Valley Studio, the premiere cybersecurity podcast for cybersecurity professionals. NetSPI has a team of skilled pen-testers that can help you find those critical vulnerabilities and become your partner in creating the right remediation game plan for you. Check them out at http://netspi.com/HVM ........................... Links: Purchase an HVS t-shirt at our shop Join our Patreon monthly creative mastermind Connect with Ron Eddings on LinkedIn and Twitter Connect with Chris Cochran on LinkedIn and Twitter Continue the conversation by joining our Discord

21 Mars 202337min

In this episode of the Hacker Valley Studio podcast, hosts Ron and Chris tackle arguably one of the most difficult roles in cybersecurity: Incident Response. Drawing on his years of experience at organizations such as US Cyber Command, NSA, and Netflix, Chris shares his knowledge on what it takes to properly handle Severity 1, 2, and 3 level incidents. Together, Ron and Chris cover everything from the roles and responsibilities of an incident commander to the steps of bringing an incident to a close. Lastly, the two share their tips for improving incident response and steps that individuals and organizations can take to integrate incident command and communication efforts.  Be sure to subscribe to Hacker Valley Studio, the premiere cybersecurity podcast for cybersecurity professionals. NetSPI has a team of skilled pen-testers that can help you find those critical vulnerabilities and become your partner in creating the right remediation game plan for you. Check them out at http://netspi.com/HVM ........................... Links: Purchase an HVS t-shirt at our shop Join our Patreon monthly creative mastermind Connect with Ron Eddings on LinkedIn and Twitter Connect with Chris Cochran on LinkedIn and Twitter Continue the conversation by joining our Discord

14 Mars 202337min

In this episode, Chris and Ron are joined by author, TED Talk presenter, and Chief Research Officer at WithSecure, Mikko Hyppönen, to discuss the past, present, and future of cybersecurity. With over 30 years of experience in cybersecurity, Mikko shares his insights on everything from the importance of knowing and understanding the enemy to the security implications of smart devices. Be sure to subscribe to Hacker Valley Studio, the premiere cybersecurity podcast for cybersecurity professionals NetSPI has a team of skilled pen-testers that can help you find those critical vulnerabilities and become your partner in creating the right remediation game plan for you. Check them out at http://netspi.com/HVM ........................... Links: Connect with our guest Mikko Hyppönen on LinkedIn Check out Mikko's book If It's Smart, It's Vulnerable Join our Patreon monthly creative mastermind Connect with Ron Eddings on LinkedIn and Twitter Connect with Chris Cochran on LinkedIn and Twitter Purchase an HVS t-shirt at our shop Continue the conversation by joining our Discord Check out Hacker Valley Media and Hacker Valley Studio

7 Mars 202332min

In this episode of the Hacker Valley Studio podcast, Chris Cochran and Ron Eddings discuss cybersecurity resources for learning and standing out in the field. In the episode, the two discuss SANS Institute posters for pentesting, purple teaming, and incident response. The two also showcase Google Hacking resources for finding domains of interest for cybersecurity. Ron and Chris highlight how podcasts can be a great way to try out a book before buying it, as authors often share the best parts of their work when interviewed. Chris notes that the cybersecurity field is constantly evolving and that staying up-to-date is crucial. They emphasize that resources like books and podcasts can help professionals develop new skills and stay current with industry trends. Be sure to subscribe to Hacker Valley Studio, the premiere cybersecurity podcast for cybersecurity professionals. ........................... Links: Join our Patreon monthly creative mastermind Connect with Ron Eddings on LinkedIn and Twitter Connect with Chris Cochran on LinkedIn and Twitter Purchase an HVS t-shirt at our shop Continue the conversation by joining our Discord Check out Hacker Valley Media and Hacker Valley Studio

28 Feb 202329min

Welcome to the Hacker Valley Studio podcast, Ron Eddings and Chris Cochran reflect on their most pivotal moments in the industry. The two share personal stories that shaped their careers, from Chris' journey to landing his dream role at Netflix to Ron's early years in cybersecurity and hitting his career goal of earning $100k. But it's not all about the money – Ron and Chris delve into the importance of money management and the harsh realities of poor spending habits. They also discuss the philosophy of staying present, having gratitude, and being available for life-changing opportunities, especially in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. You'll also hear Ron's tips for success, including the power of breathwork, consistent self-development routines, and reading. And, surprisingly, how these practices even helped him meet his wife! Whether you're just starting out in cybersecurity or looking to take your career to the next level, this cybersecurity podcast episode is perfect for anyone interested in learning from two experienced professionals who have been there, done that, and are still going strong. ........................... Links: Join our Patreon monthly creative mastermind Connect with Ron Eddings on LinkedIn and Twitter Connect with Chris Cochran on LinkedIn and Twitter Purchase an HVS t-shirt at our shop Continue the conversation by joining our Discord Check out Hacker Valley Media and Hacker Valley Studio

21 Feb 202326min

In this episode of the Hacker Valley Studio podcast, hosts Ron Eddings and Chris Cochran explore the power of ChatGPT and attempt to build a Python script that scrapes BleepingComputer for the latest headlines. Chris also takes a moment to reflect on the rise of the ‘Industry Creative’- a term he coined for individuals that leverage their practical industry experience into creating content for their community. The two share their predictions on the future of cybersecurity content creation, why the demand for content is higher than ever, and why they believe industry creatives are the most valuable practitioners in cybersecurity. This cybersecurity podcast episode is perfect for anyone interested in advancing their understanding of the intersection between AI and cybersecurity. Enjoy! ........................... Links: Join our Patreon monthly creative mastermind Connect with Ron Eddings on LinkedIn and Twitter Connect with Chris Cochran on LinkedIn and Twitter Purchase an HVS t-shirt at our shop Continue the conversation by joining our Discord Check out Hacker Valley Media and Hacker Valley Studio

14 Feb 202333min

In this episode of the Hacker Valley Studio, hosts Ron and Chris are joined by McKenna Yeakey to talk about her experience with being laid off in cybersecurity and finding a new job. Mckenna shares her journey through the emotional and psychological struggles she faced during her layoff, and how she overcame feelings of self-doubt and worthiness. She also highlights the role her professional network and the cybersecurity community played in supporting her during this difficult time and how she ultimately landed her next gig. McKenna also shares her insights on diversity and leadership in the cybersecurity industry, as a black woman in tech. She offers her perspective on what true inclusivity should look like, and how to identify companies that are actively promoting it. From her favorite leadership questions to ask during job interviews to tips on how to support others in the industry, McKenna shares it all. This cybersecurity podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their cybersecurity career. This promises to be an inspiring and empowering resource for anyone facing job loss or seeking to improve their professional prospects in the cybersecurity field. ........................... Links: Stay up to date with McKenna Yeakey on LinkedIn Join our Patreon monthly creative mastermind Connect with Ron Eddings on LinkedIn and Twitter Connect with Chris Cochran on LinkedIn and Twitter Purchase an HVS t-shirt at our shop Continue the conversation by joining our Discord Check out Hacker Valley Media and Hacker Valley Studio

7 Feb 202334min

In this episode of the podcast, Maril Vernon joins Ron and Chris and discusses the importance of breaking down silos between cyber teams and inspiring individuals to drive their own careers in cybersecurity. Maril has been a key player in promoting the concept of purple teaming - the combination of red teaming and blue teaming to improve an organization's overall security posture. She discusses the importance of hands-on experience and practical knowledge over just having certifications. Maril's approach to her career has been driven by her passion for the work and her desire to break down silos between different cybersecurity teams. She emphasizes that individuals can drive their own success in the field and take control of their careers, regardless of the limitations their organizations or the industry may impose. Through her collaborations with organizations such as Cyber Queens and nonprofit foundations, she hopes to provide more educational material to high school and college students to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Maril has big plans for the future, including starting a doctorate program in cybersecurity and working on several undisclosed projects that she promises to share in future podcasts. She hopes to leave a legacy of empowering individuals in the cybersecurity field and inspiring them to love their work and take control of their careers.  This cybersecurity podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity and gain insight into the field from a successful professional.   -------------- Links: Stay up to date with Maril Vernon on LinkedIn Join our Patreon monthly creative mastermind Connect with Ron Eddings on LinkedIn and Twitter Connect with Chris Cochran on LinkedIn and Twitter Purchase an HVS t-shirt at our shop Continue the conversation by joining our Discord Check out Hacker Valley Media and Hacker Valley Studio

31 Jan 202333min