And Security For All

As AI agents become more autonomous and robots continue to evolve, the line between innovation, automation, and human control is becoming increasingly blurred. How do we embrace these technologies while staying ahead of the security risks they introduce?

On this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim is joined by Jonathan Kimmitt, CISO at Alias CyberSecurity, for a fun and thought-provoking conversation about the future of AI, robotics, and cybersecurity.

From a convincing bank impersonation scam and Microsoft's recent service disruptions to rogue AI agents, insider threats, and the growing challenges of securing autonomous systems, they explore what's happening today and what could be coming next.

Could AI agents become the next insider threat? Who's responsible when autonomous systems make dangerous decisions? And how do we maintain control while taking full advantage of these powerful technologies?

🎙️ Tune in for an engaging discussion on the opportunities, risks, and future of AI, robotics, and cybersecurity!

Is AI really taking over, or are we getting caught up in the hype? With alarming headlines, predictions of AI doom, and rapid advancements in technology, it's becoming harder to separate legitimate cybersecurity risks from fear and fiction.

In this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim is joined by Michael Manrod, CISO, and Ezra Woods, Information Security Engineer, at Grand Canyon Education, to cut through the noise and explore what AI really means for the future of cybersecurity.

From AI-generated malware and vulnerability discovery to autonomous agents, human oversight, and the growing fear of machines taking control, the conversation challenges popular AI myths while examining the real risks organizations need to understand.

The discussion also explores how AI is changing both offensive and defensive security, why foundational cybersecurity practices still matter, and how organizations can safely embrace innovation without sacrificing control. Plus, the group tackles AI sentience, robots, self-driving cars, and whether the future of AI is really as frightening as some headlines suggest!

Is AI the threat we should fear, or is the bigger risk how humans choose to use it?

Tune in for a lively, thought-provoking conversation filled with real-world examples, practical insights, and a few laughs as we separate AI fear from fact!

Topics include: AI myths vs. reality, AI cybersecurity risks, AI-generated malware, vulnerability discovery, autonomous AI agents, human oversight, responsible AI adoption, AI safety, and the future of cybersecurity.

AI is advancing faster than ever, but with growing concerns surrounding autonomous AI agents, industry shake-ups, and bold predictions about the future, should we actually be worried, or is the fear getting ahead of reality?

In this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim sits down with Dr. Chase Cunningham, also known as Dr. Zero Trust, to separate the AI hype from the real cybersecurity risks.

They explore recent developments involving OpenAI, Anthropic, and Hugging Face, the dangers of poorly secured AI agents, and why proper security controls and Zero Trust principles are more important than ever. The conversation also dives into Elon Musk's predictions, AI replacing jobs, the rise of autonomous robots, government regulation, and what the next five years of artificial intelligence could look like.

With AI transforming industries and raising new questions about security, accountability, and human control, are we moving toward a future of incredible opportunity or creating risks we aren't prepared to manage?

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about AI, cybersecurity, Zero Trust, robotics, and the future of technology as Kim and Chase tackle the big question: Should we be worried?

Robots and AI are becoming part of our everyday lives — but as machines become more connected, intelligent, and autonomous, can we actually trust them?

In this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim sits down with Darin Andersen, CEO and Co-Founder of NXT Robotics, to explore the intersection of robotics, AI, cybersecurity, and zero trust.

They discuss how organizations can secure autonomous systems, the cyber risks created by robotics and AI, autonomous vehicles, privacy concerns, workforce disruption, and what CISOs should consider as intelligent machines become part of their environments.

As automation continues to accelerate, one question becomes increasingly important: How do we determine what — and who — we can trust?

Tune in as Kim and Darin ask the question: Can you zero trust a robot?

Cybersecurity is full of metrics, risks, and technical details—but sometimes the most effective way to get people to listen is simply by telling the right story.

In this episode of #AndSecurityForAll, host Kim Hakim sits down with Joe Esposito, CISO at Wellpath, to discuss how security leaders can use storytelling to make Cyber Risk more relatable, memorable, and actionable.

Joe shares lessons from his own experience presenting to boards and communicating with employees, including why technical metrics alone often aren’t enough to inspire action. Instead, connecting cybersecurity risks to real-world scenarios and business impact can help leaders gain buy-in, influence behavior, and build stronger security awareness across an organization.

The conversation also explores how to create a #SecurityCulture that focuses on education rather than punishment, why employees should feel comfortable reporting mistakes, and how creative phishing tests, real-world examples, and ongoing communication can turn employees into an important part of an organization’s defense.

Kim and Joe also discuss #AI, evolving cyber risks, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, communicating with the board, and why today’s CISO needs strong communication and leadership skills alongside technical expertise.

Whether you’re a CISO, security leader, IT professional, or simply looking for better ways to communicate cybersecurity, this episode offers practical insights into making security a conversation people actually want to be part of.

Tune in to learn how the right story can turn cyber risk into something people understand—and ultimately help create meaningful change.

What does it really take to protect an entire city?

In this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim sits down with Merlin Namuth, CISO for the City and County of Denver, for a behind-the-scenes look at the complex world of public-sector cybersecurity.

With responsibility spanning 55 different agencies, Merlin is helping protect everything from police, fire, and emergency services to transportation, infrastructure, wastewater systems, and other essential services Denver residents depend on every day. And unlike many private-sector environments, the mission isn’t about protecting the bottom line—it’s about protecting people and keeping critical public services running.

Kim and Merlin dive into the realities of being a public-sector CISO, including navigating government red tape and procurement, balancing security across agencies with different priorities and resources, attracting cybersecurity talent, managing limited budgets, and deciding when risk has to be accepted in order to accomplish the larger mission.

They also discuss why relationships may be one of a CISO’s most important security tools. Merlin shares why only about 30–40% of his role involves the technical side of cybersecurity, with much of the rest centered around communication, collaboration, leadership, and building trust across the organization.

The conversation also tackles ransomware, critical infrastructure, incident preparedness, public communication, collaboration with other CISOs and security partners, and an important distinction every security leader should understand: the CISO helps identify and mitigate risk, but the organization ultimately owns it.

Plus, Merlin shares his advice for cybersecurity professionals who want to move into leadership and eventually become a CISO, including lessons from his own transition from a hands-on technical career into security leadership.

From hackers and headaches to budgets, bureaucracy, public safety, and the people behind the technology, this episode offers a candid look at what it means to lead cybersecurity when an entire community is counting on you.

Tune in for a conversation about cybersecurity, leadership, resilience, and the unique challenges—and rewards—of protecting the public sector.

What does it take to make the right decisions when everything around you is moving fast and the pressure is on?

On this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim sits down with Sal Lifrieri, Counter Terrorism Expert, President of PCCSecure, and author of Leading Through Chaos, to talk about crisis management, leadership under pressure, and how the way we respond to uncertainty can make all the difference. Drawing from his extensive background with the NYPD, hostage negotiation, intelligence operations, and counterterrorism, Sal shares real-world lessons on staying calm, checking your ego at the door, and making thoughtful decisions when the stakes are high.

Sal also breaks down his STOP Technique and why sometimes the best thing a leader can do in a crisis is slow down before reacting. Kim and Sal discuss how threats have evolved since 9/11, the role technology plays in both protecting us and creating new vulnerabilities, preparing for situations that could overwhelm even the best plans, and why situational awareness remains so important.

From the boardroom to a real-world security crisis, this conversation is a reminder that strong leadership isn’t about having every answer—it’s about knowing how to think, communicate, and lead when you don’t.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation on crisis management, security, preparedness, and what it really means to lead through chaos.

How secure are the devices and networks you use every single day?

In this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim sits down with Jonathan Kimmitt, Chief Information Security Officer at Alias Cybersecurity, for a practical conversation about the everyday cybersecurity risks that are easy to overlook — and the simple steps that can make a big difference.

Fresh off DEF CON, Jonathan shares some of his biggest takeaways from the event before diving into the security risks hiding in our daily routines. From public Wi-Fi and fake networks to mobile devices, outdated software, personal data, and the growing amount of sensitive information stored on our phones, the conversation explores how attackers can take advantage of vulnerabilities we may not even realize are there.

Kim and Jonathan also discuss protecting your privacy while traveling, why keeping your phone and applications updated matters, the risks of oversharing personal and family information online, and how compromised devices can potentially become an entry point into much larger organizational systems.

The conversation then turns to the human side of cybersecurity, including insider threats, extortion, privileged access, and why organizations must balance trust with verification — even when it comes to longtime employees and leadership.

Key topics include:

• Public Wi-Fi and fake network risks

• Mobile device security and software updates

• Protecting personal and business data while traveling

• Passwords, MFA, and privileged access

• Online privacy and protecting children's information

• Social engineering, extortion, and targeted attacks

• Insider threats and organizational risk

• Why “trust but verify” still matters

• Simple cybersecurity habits everyone should be practicing

Cybersecurity isn't only about sophisticated attacks or advanced technology. Sometimes the vulnerabilities that create the biggest risks are hiding in the devices, connections, and habits we use every day.

Tune in for practical advice that may make you rethink how you use your phone, connect to Wi-Fi, share information, and protect your digital life.

In this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim sits down with Dr. Shalini Kesar, Ph.D., Professor and Director of the MS-Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program at Southern Utah University and President & Co-Founder of WiCyS Utah, for a conversation about Taking on the Challenge Together: Building a Diverse CyberSecurity Future.

Building a stronger cybersecurity industry isn't just about bringing more people into the field—it's about creating an environment where different perspectives are valued, future leaders are prepared to succeed, and professionals actively support one another.

Kim and Dr. Kesar discuss how cybersecurity education is evolving to prepare the next generation for more than just the technical side of the profession. From critical thinking, communication, confidence, and leadership skills to hands-on learning and real-world experience, they explore what tomorrow's cybersecurity professionals need to succeed in an industry that continues to change at an incredible pace.

They also dive into what it truly means to be an ally in cybersecurity, why inclusion requires participation from everyone, and how something as simple as reaching out, making an introduction, mentoring someone, or helping a new professional feel welcome can have a lasting impact. Dr. Kesar shares why diversity needs to extend beyond gender to include different perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, and individuals who may not always feel represented in the cybersecurity community.

The conversation also explores the changing cybersecurity workforce, career readiness, mentorship, networking, AI in education, and why qualities such as dependability, curiosity, communication, and the ability to think outside the box are becoming increasingly important for emerging cyber professionals.

The future of cybersecurity will be shaped by the people entering the industry today—and building a more united, inclusive, and resilient community is a challenge that belongs to all of us.

Join us for a Vault Show from May 14th, 2026!

Cyberattacks aren’t slowing down in 2026 — and the recent Canvas attack is proof.

On this episode of #AndSecurityForAll, host Kim Hakim sits down with Jonathan Kimmitt, CISO at Alias CyberSecurity and former University of Tulsa CISO, to discuss the recent Canvas breach that impacted thousands of educational institutions and millions of students worldwide.

Together, they explore: ▪️ How the attack unfolded ▪️ Why universities are increasingly targeted ▪️ The growing risks surrounding SaaS and third-party vendors ▪️ The rise in healthcare and enterprise breaches ▪️ Business continuity and incident response challenges ▪️ Cybersecurity burnout among practitioners

The episode also touches on the Stryker Cyberattack, CareCloud Patient Records Breach, hacktivism, vendor trust, and the evolving tactics threat actors are using to disrupt organizations at scale.

If you’re a security leader, IT professional, student, or simply interested in today’s cyber threat landscape, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.