
QuickQ: What the Heck is Going on with Ransomware?
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 Hacker Valley Studio: Swag | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Email Ron & Chris | Website Support Hacker Valley Studio on Patreon Join our monthly mastermind group via Patreon This episode is sponsored by Axonius
30 Sep 202121min

Episode 171 - Resilient Mindset with Chris Hughes
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 Hacker Valley Studio: Swag | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Email Ron & Chris | Website Chris Hughes: Linkedin | Podcast Support Hacker Valley Studio on Patreon Join our monthly mastermind group via Patreon This episode is sponsored by Living Security
28 Sep 202130min

Episode 170 - The Beauty of Cybersecurity with Grace Chi
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 Hacker Valley Studio: Swag | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Email Ron & Chris | Website Grace Chi: LinkedIn | Twitter Pulsedive: Twitter | LinkedIn Support Hacker Valley Studio on Patreon Join our monthly mastermind group via Patreon This episode is sponsored by livingsecurity.com
21 Sep 202133min

Episode 169 - Art, Science, and Nanotechnology with Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham
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 Hacker Valley Studio: Swag | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Email Ron & Chris | Website Bahijja Raimi-Abraham: Twitter | LInkedin | Website | Podcast Support Hacker Valley Studio on Patreon Join our monthly mastermind group via Patreon This episode is sponsored by livingsecurity.com
14 Sep 202135min

Episode 168 - Asking the Right Cybersecurity Questions with Ganesh Pai
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 Hacker Valley Studio: Swag | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Email Ron & Chris | Website Ganesh Pai: LinkedIn | Uptycs Support Hacker Valley Studio on Patreon Join our monthly mastermind group via Patreon This episode is sponsored by Uptycs
9 Sep 202130min

Episode 167 - Fun Versus ”FUD” Security with Ashley Rose
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. Hacker Valley Studio: Swag | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Email Ron & Chris | Website Ashley Rose: livingsecurity.com | LinkedIn | Twitter Support Hacker Valley Studio on Patreon Join our monthly mastermind group via Patreon This episode is sponsored by livingsecurity.com
7 Sep 202135min

Episode 166 - There is No Skills Gap with Andy Ellis
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 Hacker Valley Studio: Swag | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Email Ron & Chris | Website Follow Andy Ellis Twitter | LinkedIn Support Hacker Valley Studio on Patreon Join our monthly mastermind group via Patreon Visit our sponsor Panther Labs
31 Aug 202129min

Episode 165 - Living Your Values with Dean Sysman
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 Hacker Valley Studio: Swag | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Email Ron & Chris | Website Dean Sysman: Axonius Website | E-mail Support Hacker Valley Studio on Patreon Join our monthly mastermind group via Patreon
26 Aug 202132min






















