Episode 46: Building the Future with Agentic AI — Deep Dive with Ben Wilcox

In this episode of Cybersecurity America, technologist and Proarch leader Ben Wilcox breaks down the biggest insights from Microsoft Ignite, including breakthroughs in agentic AI, emerging security trends, and what organizations must prepare for as AI-driven systems rapidly evolve.

Ben reveals: • What's really happening with Microsoft's newest AI technology • How agentic systems are advancing faster than expected • Why data readiness is the foundation of future productivity • How companies should approach security, governance, and infrastructure in the AI era • His early entrepreneurial journey launching a hosting company at age 15 • The unexpected link between technology leadership and high-performance racing

We also explore: • Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) • Identity-based attacks and real-world fraud cases • AI's impact on compliance, audits, and supply-chain risk • The rise of agentic workflows, MCP, and automation • Why traditional SaaS may give way to agent-driven platforms

This episode is packed with insights for CISOs, IT leaders, engineers, and anyone preparing for the future of enterprise AI.

Connect with Ben Wilcox & Proarch: www.proarch.com LinkedIn: Ben Wilcox

Sponsored by DarkStack7 – Cybersecurity leadership, vCISO services, incident response, and engineering. www.darkstack7.com

Joshua R Nicholson - DarkStack7 Cyber Defense | LinkedIn

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp94j2q_-F4SwvxgQYI_8Cg

Agentic AI, Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft AI, Enterprise cybersecurity, Data security, AI agents, AI automation, CISO insights, Cloud security, AI in business, AIPosture management, Identity-based attacks, Fraud prevention, MCP (Model Context Protocol), AI workflows

In episode 45, we sit down with Jasson Casey, CEO and Co-Founder of Beyond Identity, to explore how identity has become the new perimeter in cybersecurity. With over two decades of experience across security, networking, and software-defined infrastructure, Jasson unpacks why traditional defenses are failing and how the next generation of identity security is reshaping cyber resilience.

We dive deep into today's identity-based attack landscape — from Russian threat campaigns and TLS fragility to how endpoint trust, hardware-backed credentials, and zero trust authentication are converging. Jasson also shares fascinating insights on securing AI agents, drones, and machine identities, and what it really means to make credential-based attacks "impossible." Whether you're a security leader, technologist, or curious about the intersection of identity, AI, and the future of cyber defense, this episode is packed with forward-thinking insights you won't want to miss.

🔐 Key Topics: - The evolution of identity as the new cybersecurity perimeter - How attackers are exploiting TLS and credential sprawl - Why AI agents and drones demand new identity frameworks - TPMs, device-bound credentials, and the end of password-based trust The future of identity defense and zero trust authentication

🎧 Guest: Jasson Casey, CEO & Co-Founder, Beyond Identity

🔗 Learn more: www.beyondidentity.com

🎙 About the Show Sponsor: Darkstack7 Darkstack7 is a cybersecurity and IT management firm based in Charlotte, NC, founded by Joshua R. Nicholson, a Marine Corps veteran and seasoned cybersecurity leader with experience at Northrop Grumman, EY, Wells Fargo, and Booz Allen Hamilton. The company delivers Fortune 500–level expertise to mid-sized and growing organizations—specializing in Security Engineering, Incident Response, vCISO advisory, Insider Threat programs, and IT Management consulting. Darkstack7 also provides proactive services such as tabletop exercises, cyber readiness assessments, and strategic security architecture, helping organizations build resilient defenses and align technology investments with business objectives.

In episode 44 of Cyber Security America, host Joshua Nicholson sits down with Matthew Waddell, a battle-tested cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of experience in digital forensics, incident response, and ransomware defense.

From conducting "just-in-time forensics" under combat conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan to leading global ransomware investigations for Fortune 100 companies, Waddell shares unmatched real-world insight into how cyber threats have evolved—and what it takes to defend against them.

Topics Covered:

• The evolution of ransomware and why it remains a billion-dollar business

• Real-world stories from digital forensics on the battlefield

• Practical strategies for preventing lateral movement and improving network segmentation

• How AI and large language models (LLMs) are changing cybersecurity and cybercrime

• Why advanced tools like EDR and XDR can fail if humans disable alerts or skip training

• The promise and peril of AI in security operations, hiring, and incident response

Matthew also discusses his upcoming book, Survive Ransomware, a practical playbook for small and medium-sized businesses navigating today's threat landscape.

If you're serious about defending your organization—or just curious about how cybersecurity, AI, and human error collide—this episode is packed with lessons, stories, and expert insights. If you are in need of cybersecurity services please visit our sponsor Darkstack7 Cyber Defense at www.darkstack7.com

🎧 Listen, learn, Subscribe, like, and stay secure: http://www.darkstack7.com/media

Video podcast on Youtube: Cyber Security America Video

Host Info:

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

Guest Info:

• Website: www.tacticallysecure.com

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewwaddell

• Book: surviveransomware.com

Hashtags: #cybersecurity #ransomware #ai #incidentresponse #digitalforensics #securityoperationscenter #cyberthreats #cyberdefense #infosec #networksecurity #MatthewWaddell #cybersecurityamerica #JoshuaNicholson #dataprotection #techpodcast #cyberawareness #aiinsecurity #SurviveRansomware #edraid #xdr #PowerShellSecurity #TacticallySecure #cyberpodcast #podcast

🎙 Inside the World of Cybersecurity with Steve Stasiukonis

Tune in to the latest episode of Cyber Security America as we explore real-world solutions for defending against today's ever-evolving cyber threats. Our guest, Steve Stasiukonis, President of Secure Network Technologies, brings over 29 years of experience in penetration testing, information security, and incident response.

In this episode, Steve dives deep into the rise of social engineering, AI-driven attacks, and the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals. He shares firsthand stories from the field, discusses the importance of continuous learning, and highlights why programmatic penetration testing is crucial for safeguarding your organization.

🔑 Key Topics:

• The Evolution of Cyber Threats

• Social Engineering Tactics

• AI's Role in Cybersecurity

• Penetration Testing Insights & Challenges

• Insider Threats & Corporate Espionage

• Incident Response & Real-World Stories

Don't miss out on Steve's invaluable insights and the lessons every cybersecurity professional (and enthusiast) can learn from the frontlines of the digital battlefield.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify!

#CyberSecurity #PenetrationTesting #SocialEngineering #AIinCyberSecurity #CyberDefense #CyberSecurityAmerica

🔗 darkstack7.com

In our latest Cybersecurity America episode (42), I had the privilege of speaking with Jim Goepel, a true leader in cybersecurity and compliance — and someone who has helped shape the very ecosystem he now advises.

Jim is the CEO of Fathom Cyber, a consulting firm in North Wales, PA specializing in: 🔹 CMMC assessment preparation 🔹 CUI education and compliance strategy 🔹 Expert witness services

His unique background — lawyer, engineer, author, educator, and one of the architects behind the CMMC ecosystem — means he's seen this challenge from every angle: technical, legal, business, and regulatory. Jim has not only helped companies prepare for and achieve some of the first-ever CMMC certifications, he literally helped create the framework, launch The Cyber AB, and build the financial and training models that sustain the program today.

💡 In our conversation, Jim and I covered:

• Why CMMC is less about stopping attacks — and more about building resilience

• The cultural and leadership challenges that make compliance harder than the tech

• How other governments are now looking to adopt CMMC-like frameworks

• What small and mid-size businesses must do now to turn compliance into a competitive advantage

Whether you're in manufacturing, defense, or any sector touching sensitive government data, this episode is a must-listen if you want to understand not just what's coming, but how to strategically position your organization before the surge.

🎧 Listen here: [https://youtu.be/E0M61k5Z3KI]

#CyberSecurity #CMMC #Compliance #RiskManagement #DefenseIndustry #DoD #CyberResilience

Sponsored by, www.darkstack7.com - Cyber Defense

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyber-security-america-podcast/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true

In this episode of the Cybersecurity America Podcast, sponsored by DarkStack7, host Joshua Nicholson sits down with Nia Luckey — Army veteran, published author, and cybersecurity leader — to talk about her powerful journey from military service to the frontlines of cyber defense. Nia shares lessons on resilience, leadership, and transitioning from military to civilian life, while also unpacking the evolving challenges in today's cybersecurity landscape. From the importance of attention to detail, to burnout among cyber leaders, to the risks and opportunities of AI in security and governance, this episode is packed with insight for both aspiring professionals and seasoned experts. Key Topics Covered: - Nia's journey from Army communications to cybersecurity leadersh- ip - Building resilience and avoiding burnout in high-pressure environments - Specialization vs adaptability in cyber careers - AI, risk quantification, and governance in today's security programs - The future of work in cybersecurity Whether you're a veteran, a cybersecurity professional, or simply interested in how resilience and adaptability shape careers, this episode has something for you. 👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with today's cybersecurity leaders. #CyberSecurity #VeteransInTech #cyberresilience #leadership #cybercareers #aiincybersecurity #riskmanagement #ciso #cyberpodcast #NiaLuckey #cybersecurityamerica

In this episode, sponsored by Darkstack7, Joshua sits down with Chris Cronin, partner at Halock Security Labs and founding partner of Reasonable Risk, to explore the intersection of cybersecurity, risk management, and the legal principles behind "reasonable" safeguards. Chris unpacks the DoCRA Standard and CIS RAM, sharing how historical and legal frameworks can guide today's cybersecurity strategies. From his journey in academia to his leadership in cyber risk, Chris offers practical insights on balancing risk, ensuring compliance, and applying reasonable security measures that stand up to regulatory and legal scrutiny. The discussion covers real-world risk assessments, notable legal cases, and emerging tools that automate and enhance risk management.

Key Topics: - How the DoCRA Standard and CIS RAM shape practical risk analysis

• Applying "reasonableness" from legal precedent to cybersecurity
• Balancing regulatory specificity with operational flexibility
• The role of community and professional standards in defining reasonable safeguards
• Historical analogies, insurance considerations, and executive decision-making in risk management Timestamps:
• 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Challenges
• 00:26 Meet Chris: A Cybersecurity Expert
• 01:25 Chris's Journey into Cybersecurity
• 02:50 Where Law Meets Cybersecurity
• 04:37 Defining Reasonable Security Measures
• 06:37 Regulations and Compliance in Practice
• 08:24 The Legal Concept of Reasonableness
• 10:22 Translating Legal Standards into Cyber Practices
• 14:53 Practical Risk Analysis Steps
• 21:20 Balancing Flexibility and Specificity in Regulations
• 24:54 Professional Standards That Shape Reasonableness
• 25:49 Certifications and Industry Benchmarks
• 26:17 How Community Shapes Standards
• 26:34 Lessons from Aviation for Cybersecurity
• 28:29 The CIS RAM and Risk Assessment Methods
• 30:51 Legal Implications of Adopting Reasonableness
• 32:16 Insurance and Risk Management
• 34:38 Challenges in Incident Response Reporting 39:40 Risk Assessments for Executive Decision-Making
• 46:02 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

www.darkstack7.com

In episode 39, host Josh Nicholson is joined by memory forensics expert Andrew Case, co-developer of the Volatility framework and co-author of The Art of Memory Forensics. Together, they explore the critical role of memory analysis in modern incident response—uncovering hidden malware, insider threats, and ransomware techniques invisible to traditional disk forensics or EDR tools.

Andrew breaks down what's new in Volatility 3, how memory-only malware operates, and why CISA now recommends memory imaging in its emergency directives. Whether you're a responder, analyst, or just curious about advanced DFIR, this episode is packed with practical insight and real-world experience.

🎧 Stay secure—and subscribe for more expert cyber content.

https://youtu.be/2q4z9Z2_cwc

www.darkstack7.com

Cyber threats aren't slowing down—and neither are we. In episode 38 of Cyber Security America, I sit down with two powerhouses from Surefire Cyber—Karla Reffold and Billy Cordio—to pull back the curtain on what's really happening in today's incident response and threat intelligence landscape.

💡 What we cover:

📈 Real-world ransomware trends (like longer dwell times and SSH backdoors) 📨 Surging business email compromise tactics—attachments are the new attack vector 🔐 Why incident response retainers are more valuable than ever 🔥 Rapid resiliency: 5 key misconfigurations every business must address 🧠 How threat actors are using AI (and why they still don't need it to win)

💬 Candid career advice for aspiring DFIR and intel pros Whether you're a CISO, SOC leader, or cyber-curious professional, this episode gives you front-line insights from the experts handling these threats daily. 🎧 Listen now and secure your edge: [https://www.darkstack7.com/podcast] #CyberSecurity #IncidentResponse #DFIR #ThreatIntelligence #Ransomware #BEC #SurefireCyber #CyberSecurityAmerica #Podcast #EDR #mfa #Resilience #digitalforensics

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

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kyle DuPont, CEO and Co-Founder of Ohalo, the trailblazing company reshaping the way organizations understand and manage unstructured data.

With deep experience in both finance and technology, including a background at Morgan Stanley, Kyle shares the origin story of Ohalo and how their flagship product, Data X-ray, is revolutionizing data governance through advanced machine learning and natural language processing (NLP).

We explore how Ohalo empowers major banks, governments, and enterprises to discover, classify, and protect sensitive data in a world of increasing complexity, compliance pressure, and security risks. From the rise of generative AI to the ethical implications of automation, this episode is packed with practical insights and future-facing perspectives.

Whether you're a tech leader, data scientist, or simply curious about the future of AI and data, this conversation is a must-watch.

🕒 Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Kyle DuPont and Ohalo 01:44 – Kyle's Journey to Founding Ohalo 03:35 – Understanding Data X-ray and Its Applications 05:21 – Challenges in Data Security and AI Solutions 07:04 – The Role of AI in Data Management 13:31 – Cultural Insights and Personal Anecdotes 15:27 – Ideal Customers and Use Cases for Ohalo 17:56 – Future of AI and Data Management 20:56 – The Future of AI: Predictions and Implications 21:10 – Automation and Productivity: Embracing AI Tools 21:55 – The Evolution of Coding and Business Processes 24:36 – AI in Business: Real-World Applications 26:46 – Emerging AI Protocols and Security Concerns 29:53 – Ethical and Legal Implications of AI 36:22 – Advice for Aspiring AI Professionals 38:32 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

📢 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert-led conversations on data, AI, and the future of technology. For the show video versions and the Cyber Battlefield training series are available.

https://www.youtube.com/@cybersecurityamerica_show

#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #DataScience #DataSecurity #CyberSecurity #NaturalLanguageProcessing #FinTech #BigData #DataGovernance #GenerativeAI #TechPodcast #StartupStories #Innovation #Automation #FutureOfWork #DigitalTransformation #UnstructuredData #Ohalo #KyleDuPont #DataPrivacy #AIethics #TechLeadership