Breaking Into Cybersecurity

Discover how to break into cybersecurity by mastering foundational technologies like cryptography and scaling your career from engineer to CEO with Archit Lohokare. In this episode, we explore the mindset required to build secure enterprise systems from the ground up.

- How building the RSA algorithm from scratch launched Archit's career.

- The evolution of Identity and Access Management (IAM) in enterprise environments.

- Transitioning from a founding full-stack engineer to a high-level leader.

- Why curiosity is the most critical skill for modern security professionals.

- Lessons on building secure, scalable systems in a fast-moving startup.

Archit Lohokare is an experienced cybersecurity leader and current CEO with over 22 years of industry expertise. He began his journey as a founding engineer at Incentuate, where he developed deep technical proficiency in identity, access management, and hardware-level security.

Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com

The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It's a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.

The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.

Check out our books:

📘 The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage

📘 Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level - https://amzn.to/3443AUI

📘 Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles - https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/

📘 Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career - https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/

About the hosts:

Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and encouraging more people to enter the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/ Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book

Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/

Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com

🌐 Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity

🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuri

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Intern to Founder | Justin Collins | Breaking Into Cyber

Episode Summary

In this episode, Justin Collins shares his unique journey from a PhD student in Computer Science to becoming a key figure in the application security space. Justin explains how a funding shortage led him to a life-changing internship at AT&T Interactive, where he combined his passion for compiler theory with cybersecurity to create the open-source tool Brakeman. We dive into how he balanced a full-time job while co-founding a startup and the importance of preparation when breaking into a new field.

Key Takeaways

- Preparation as a Differentiator: Justin secured his first security role simply by researching the specific topics (SQL injection and XSS) the interviewers mentioned beforehand—a step many other candidates neglected.

- Applying Niche Skills to Security: Rather than starting from scratch, Justin leveraged his deep knowledge of programming languages and compilers to build a static analysis tool, proving that specialized non-security backgrounds are highly valuable.

- The Power of Open Source: Developing and open-sourcing Brakeman during an internship served as a massive career catalyst, eventually leading to a business acquisition.

- The "Side-Hustle" Startup Model: Justin highlights that successful startups don't always require VC funding or fancy offices; his company was built while the founders maintained their "real" jobs.

- Negotiating Flexibility: Early in his career, Justin successfully negotiated a part-time security role, which allowed him to support his family while simultaneously building his own business.

Resources Mentioned

- Brakeman: The open-source static analysis security tool for Ruby on Rails created by Justin.

- OWASP: Cited as a critical resource for learning about web vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS.

- Ruby on Rails: The programming framework that served as the foundation for Justin’s early work.

- Black Duck (formerly Synopsys): The company that eventually acquired Justin’s startup.

About the Guest

Justin Collins is a cybersecurity expert and the creator of Brakeman, a widely used static analysis tool for Ruby on Rails. With an extensive background in Computer Science and programming languages, Justin transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship, co-founding a boutique security firm that was later acquired by Synopsys. He is a specialist in application security and program analysis.

Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com

Check out our books:

📘 The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage

📘 Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level - https://amzn.to/3443AUI

📘 Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles - https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/

About the hosts:

Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/

Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com

🌐 Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity

🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuri

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Stop leaving your organization exposed to threats—learn why none of your current email security tools are enough without the right strategy. Tal Kollender joins the show to discuss closing the critical gaps in enterprise communication.

- Identify the most common vulnerabilities in modern email infrastructure.

- Learn how to move beyond basic filtering to advanced threat mitigation.

- Discover the role of security configuration in protecting email environments.

- Understand the evolving tactics used by attackers to bypass traditional defenses.

- Gain insights into building a specialized career in email and configuration security.

0:00 - Identifying Email Security Gaps with Tal Kollender

2:15 - Why Traditional Email Filters Often Fail

5:45 - Understanding the Advanced Threat Landscape

9:30 - Strategies for Securing Enterprise Communication

14:10 - Career Advice: Specializing in Security Niches

18:00 - Closing the Gaps: Future-Proofing Your Defense

Tal Kollender is the CEO of Gytpol and a recognized expert in configuration security and enterprise defense. She is dedicated to helping organizations identify hidden vulnerabilities and strengthen their security posture against modern attacks.

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Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com

The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It's a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.

The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.

Check out our books:

📘 The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage

📘 Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level - https://amzn.to/3443AUI

📘 Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles - https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/

📘 Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career - https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/

About the hosts:

Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and encouraging more people to enter the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/ Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book

Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/

Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com

🌐 Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity

🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuri

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Description:

Want to break into cybersecurity? Learn how Nikhil Agarwal moved from reverse engineering video games to leading AI security teams and automating complex infosec workflows. [bic-00003]

In this episode, we explore:

• How childhood curiosity about software keys and "cheat codes" builds a foundation for red teaming. [bic-00004]
• The evolution from freelance bug hunting to professional penetration testing. [bic-00004]
• Nikhil reveals practical AI tools for automating security tasks in the cloud. [bic-XXXX1] [bic-00009]
• Demystifying AI-powered threat hunting: Practical steps and strategies. [bic-XXXX2] [bic-00009]
• Implementing AI for cloud security threat detection and automated incident response. [bic-00008]

Timestamps: [bic-00004]

00:00 - Intro & Countdown
00:29 - Welcome Nikhil Agarwal
00:52 - Childhood curiosity and reverse engineering games
01:45 - Early freelance red teaming and the "pre-bug bounty" era

Guest Bio: [bic-00004]

Nikhil Agarwal is a cybersecurity expert specializing in AI security teams and the automation of complex security operations. He leverages a background in red teaming and penetration testing to bridge the gap between hands-on technical skills and modern AI-driven cloud security.

Community Link | Subscribe on YouTube [bic-00007]

In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, host Christophe sits down with Shan Kulkarni, a security leader focused on the intersection of AI, engineering, and human-centric security practices.

They explore the massive shift currently happening in the industry as AI takes over traditional "knowledge work," forcing a move toward higher-level human intuition. Shan introduces the concept of **"Vibe Coding"** and discusses how outcome-driven requirements are changing the types of vulnerabilities we face.

Key Discussion Points

- The End of Knowledge Work? How AI is automating the repetitive analysis and coding tasks that used to define a career, and why intuition is the new premium skill.

- AI in Security: Practical ways to use tools like Claude to automate leadership tasks and reclaim your time.

- Vibe Coding & Security: What happens when software is generated based on "vibes" and outcomes rather than line-by-line coding?

- Gamifying Vulnerability Fixes: Using scoreboards and competitive metrics to drive engineering engagement and faster remediation.

- The Business Language of Security: Why translating technical risk into business value remains the biggest hurdle for security leaders.

About the Guest

Shan Kulkarni is a security leader and strategist known for innovative approaches to automation and gamification. He has a deep background in software engineering, which informs his outcome-driven approach to security.

Resources Mentioned

- Claude AI (Anthropic)

- Vibe Coding (Modern development concept)

Connect with Us

- Breaking Into Cybersecurity YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity

- Christophe Foulon on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/

This episode features Jeremiah Baker discussing emerging cybersecurity threats, specifically how AI is being weaponized by cybercriminals. He highlights the use of AI to accelerate and automate scams, using a specific example of internal chat breaches leading to extortion. The conversation emphasizes the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the need to stay informed about new tactics.

Key Takeaways

• AI is being used to automate and accelerate cyber scams: Criminals are using AI to rapidly sift through data and identify vulnerabilities.

• Ransomware-like extortion is on the rise: Threat actors are going beyond encrypting data and are now leveraging sensitive information for financial gain.
• Internal communication tools are a ripe target: Compromised admin accounts in internal chat platforms provide access to a wealth of sensitive data.
• Compromising conversations are being weaponized: AI can quickly analyze chat logs to identify conversations that can be used for blackmail.
• Financial extortion can target individual executives: Cybercriminals may directly target individuals with compromising information gathered from corporate systems.

Our guest is an experienced cybersecurity professional focused on emerging threat vectors. They provide deep insights into how artificial intelligence is changing the game for both attackers and defenders.

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Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com

The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.

The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.

Check out our books:

The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage

Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUI

Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles

https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/

Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career

https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/

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About the hosts:

Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and encouraging more people to enter the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/

Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book

Christophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/

Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com

Unlock the ultimate guide to building a future-proof cybersecurity career and mastering the complex world of AI security!

Join us for an exclusive interview with Ben Wilcox, CTO and CSO of ProArch, as he unveils his unparalleled insights forged over three decades in digital defense. This video is your essential roadmap to navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI security, securing enterprise AI, and understanding the critical challenges and opportunities in cyber defense.

Whether you're looking to break into cybersecurity, advance your tech career, or are a seasoned IT veteran, Ben’s journey—from early internet hustles to a leadership role in cloud and application security—provides invaluable, practical guidance. Discover the foundational knowledge, crucial soft skills, and continuous learning strategies vital for anyone aspiring to a successful cybersecurity career. Ben highlights the immense value of professional certifications and the unique advantages gained through diverse experiences, especially within consultancies.

Dive deep into what truly keeps Chief Security Officers (CSOs) awake at night, including the growing threat of identity-driven attacks and the rapidly emerging security challenges posed by sophisticated AI agents. We explore the critical importance of implementing zero-trust architectures and how advanced security tools are becoming indispensable to managing the expanding AI attack surface effectively. Ben offers actionable cybersecurity career advice for newcomers: embrace every learning opportunity, cultivate strong communication and people skills, and actively network within the industry. Tune in for expert insights on cybersecurity leadership, sustainable career growth, robust security best practices, and truly securing the future in an age of artificial intelligence.

This comprehensive deep dive into AI security, strategic career development, and cutting-edge security strategies is an absolute must-watch for anyone interested in AI's profound impact on cyber defense and professional growth. Learn directly from an industry leader how to not only secure your own career but also contribute to securing our digital world against advanced threats. Don't miss out on mastering AI security concepts and advancing your cybersecurity career.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction: CTO Ben Wilcox & AI Security Career Map

13:00 Breaking Into Cyber Today: AI's Impact & Essential Skills

17:49 CSO Concerns: Identity Attacks, Passkeys & Agentic AI Risks

22:41 Enterprise AI Security: Zero Trust & Attack Surface Management

26:14 Career Growth Advice: Networking, Soft Skills & Future-Proofing

Connect with Ben Wilcox on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wilcox/

Learn more about Breaking Into Cybersecurity:

Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity

Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuri

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Check out our books:

The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage

Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level - https://amzn.to/3443AUI

Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence - https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/

Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career - https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/

About the Hosts:

Renee Small, CEO of Cyber Human Capital: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/

Christophe Foulon, Cybersecurity Strategist: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/

Find out more about CPF-Coaching: https://www.cpf-coaching.com

Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com

Dreaming of a high-demand, secure career that protects the digital world, but unsure where to start?

This is your definitive guide to breaking into the thrilling field of cybersecurity, even with no prior experience! Industry expert Steve Regester reveals the exact roadmap you need to land your first cybersecurity job and build a resilient, rewarding future.In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is soaring. Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, making robust information security a critical concern for businesses worldwide. But how do you navigate this complex world and secure a lucrative role without an existing network or years of experience? Join us as Steve Regester, a seasoned veteran and renowned expert in the cybersecurity space, demystifies the entire process.

He breaks down common barriers, offering actionable advice on everything from mastering foundational IT security skills to advanced strategies for career progression and how to get a cyber security job.This comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for anyone aspiring to build a successful career in IT security. Whether you're a recent graduate looking for a clear career path, considering a significant career change into tech, or simply curious about the world of ethical hacking and digital defense, this video is your ultimate blueprint.

Steve shares his invaluable insights on the diverse roles within cybersecurity, the most sought-after industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ or the highly respected CISSP, and crucial strategies for effective networking that will open doors.Discover how to craft a compelling cybersecurity resume, ace those challenging technical interviews, and position yourself as an indispensable asset in the global fight against cybercrime.

Steve emphasizes practical tips and real-world scenarios, ensuring you understand not just 'what' to learn, but 'how' to apply it. We'll explore entry-level cybersecurity jobs, discuss potential cyber security salary expectations, and provide a clear framework for continuous learning in a field that constantly evolves.

This isn't just about landing a job; it's about building a robust, future-proof cybersecurity career that truly matters. Empower yourself with the knowledge and confidence to make your cybersecurity career aspirations a reality. Don't miss out on these expert strategies from Steve Regester for breaking into cyber and securing your future in tech.

Ready to embark on your cybersecurity journey?

Like this video, subscribe to our channel for more expert insights into tech careers and information security, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update on professional development! Share your questions and thoughts in the comments below – we love hearing from you!

🚀 ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE SILENT FAILURE OF AGENTIC AI? Agentic AI introduces a critical new risk for enterprise security: silent failures. Unlike traditional breaches, these occur when AI agents operate within their given permissions but subtly deviate from their intended purpose, creating stealthy, hard-to-detect vulnerabilities. _________________________________________________ 🛡️ MITIGATING ADVANCED AI RISKS To safeguard your digital future, you must move beyond traditional risk management. This discussion covers: • Defining Silent Failures: Understanding how AI agents deviate without triggering standard alarms. • The Power of Diverse Perspectives: Why non-traditional backgrounds in psychology and politics are essential for AI governance. • Real-Time Mitigation: An inside look at how Geordie AI's "Beam" system is engineered to detect and neutralize these advanced threats. _________________________________________________ 🎙️ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS Join hosts Renee Small and Christophe Foulon for a deep dive with Hanah-Marie Darley, co-founder of Geordie AI. Hanah-Marie leverages her background as a former US Government intelligence analyst to expose the unseen risks demanding immediate attention from CISOs. _________________________________________________ ⏳ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 AI's Silent Threat: Are CISOs Prepared for Agentic AI? 0:45 Meet Hanah-Marie Darley: From US Intelligence to AI Security Visionary 2:15 Uncovering 'Silent Failures' in Agentic AI: What Every CISO Needs to Know 14:15 Geordie AI's Beam System: Real-time AI Risk Mitigation Explained 26:15 Navigating Your Cybersecurity Career Path in the Age of AI _________________________________________________ 🔗 CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE • Newsletter: https://newsletter.breakingintocybersecurity.org • Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71 • Listen On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-into-cybersecurity/id1463136698 • Learn More: http://cpf-coaching.com _________________________________________________ 📚 FEATURED RESOURCES • Magnetic Hiring (Free Book): http://magnetichiring.com/book • The Cybersecurity Advantage: https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantage • Hacker Inc. Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/ #Cybersecurity #CISO #AgenticAI #GenerativeAI #InfoSec #aistatus Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comThe Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.Check out our books:The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantageDevelop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUIHack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roleshttps://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/