#CyberChats

In this episode of #CyberChats, we’re joined by Tennisha Martin, Founder and Executive Director of BlackGirlsHack, a nonprofit that's opening pathways into cybersecurity for Black women and girls across the country. With a background in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon and over 15 years of experience in government consulting, Tennisha brings both technical expertise and a deep commitment to equity in tech.

She shares what inspired her to create BlackGirlsHack, how the organization is helping to bridge access gaps, and why building diverse cyber talent pipelines is critical to the future of the field. We also explore her work as a mentor, ethical hacking advocate, and educator — and why representation matters from entry-level to the executive suite.

Whether you're breaking into cyber, mentoring others, or rethinking what inclusive leadership looks like, this conversation offers practical insight and powerful inspiration.

Topics discussed: cybersecurity education, cybersecurity, diversity, opportunity, cyber kids, cyber careers

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Follow us on Instagram @ncfcyber

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Coming to you LIVE from Cyber Saturday! In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the world of youth-driven cybersecurity education. Casey Nazelrod and Emmett Omron, two standout high school students from Loyola Blakefield, share their impressive journeys into the field of cyber and the valuable experiences they’ve gained along the way. Joining the conversation is Alexis Davis, COO of the Technology Advancement Center, who discusses the organization’s dedication to empowering young people through cyber education. Together, they highlight how programs like Cyber Saturday are shaping the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how today’s youth are driving the future of cybersecurity!

Topics discussed: cybersecurity, youth in cybersecurity, cyber education, youth programs

NEW CTF CHALLENGES HAVE DROPPED!
Register to compete in #CyberChats' FREE Cyber Challenges individually or join a team, and look for your name on the leaderboard: https://metactf.com/join/cyberchats

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and passwords — it’s about people, communication, and trust. In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with an expert who has spent years helping executives, organizations, and everyday individuals understand cybersecurity in a way that actually makes sense. From breaking down complex threats for non-technical audiences to helping parents navigate online safety for their kids, this conversation goes beyond the technical to explore the human side of cybersecurity.

How do we make cybersecurity more accessible? How can young adults take control of their digital footprints? And what’s the key to building trust in a digital world? Tune in for a deep dive into these questions and more!

Topics discussed: cybersecurity education, cybersecurity careers, internet safety

NEW CTF CHALLENGES HAVE DROPPED!
Register to compete in #CyberChats' FREE Cyber Challenges individually or join a team, and look for your name on the leaderboard: https://metactf.com/join/cyberchats

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Follow us on Instagram @ncfcyber

Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

We’re celebrating a major milestone in Episode 50 of #CyberChats with an inspiring conversation featuring Ethan Zhang, a high school senior and cybersecurity trailblazer from Portland, Oregon. As the Co-founder and President of Youth Cyber Defender, Ethan is transforming how students across the country learn and engage with cybersecurity. From leading over 30 training sessions to securing small businesses’ digital infrastructure, Ethan is shaping the future of cyber defense one student at a time.

In this special episode, we dive deep into his journey, the impact of his nonprofit, and the importance of cybersecurity education. Plus, hear about his incredible achievements, including winning the National Cyber Scholarship and being named a 2024 Prudential Emerging Visionary! Tune in for an energizing conversation that will inspire the next generation of cyber defenders.

Topics discussed: cybersecurity education, cyber challenges, high school cybersecurity, business owner, young entrepreneur

NEW CTF CHALLENGES HAVE DROPPED!
Register to compete in #CyberChats' FREE Cyber Challenges individually or join a team, and look for your name on the leaderboard:
https://metactf.com/join/cyberchats

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at:
https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Follow us on Instagram @ncfcyber

Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

In honor of Women's History Month, we highlight the groundbreaking work of three influential women in cybersecurity.

Join us for an inspiring discussion with Dr. Georgianna 'George' Shea, Chief Technologist at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where she leads the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation and its Transformative Cyber Innovation Lab; Daria Bahrami, Head of Policy at Dreadnode and former technical advisor to DARPA's AI Cyber Challenge (AIxCC), where she led AIxCC's programmatic and engagement strategy for a global competition to develop AI systems for automated vulnerability detection and remediation in open source software; and Renata Spinks, CEO of CyberSec International, empowering organizations to tackle evolving cyber threats, and former USMC CISO.

These leaders share their unique insights, experiences, and the vital role women play in securing our digital world. Tune in to learn how they are paving the way for future generations of women in cybersecurity.

Topics discussed: Women's History Month, WHM, women in cybersecurity, work/life balance, doing both, family

NEW CTF CHALLENGES HAVE DROPPED!
Register to compete in #CyberChats' FREE Cyber Challenges individually or join a team, and look for your name on the leaderboard:
https://metactf.com/join/cyberchats

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at:
https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Follow us on Instagram @ncfcyber

Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

In this special Black History Month episode, we honor the Black pioneers who shaped cybersecurity and cryptology. From Carroll Robinson, NSA’s first Black engineer, to Debora Plunkett, a modern cybersecurity leader, these trailblazers broke barriers, safeguarded national security, and paved the way for future generations.

Their contributions aren’t just history—they’re the foundation of our future. Join us as we celebrate their lasting impact.

Topics discussed: Black history, American history, Invisible Cryptologists, Arlington Hall, NSA, World War II, cybersecurity, cryptology

NEW CTF CHALLENGES HAVE DROPPED!
Register to compete in #CyberChats' FREE Cyber Challenges individually or join a team, and look for your name on the leaderboard: https://metactf.com/join/cyberchats

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Follow us on Instagram @ncfcyber

Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

Coming to you LIVE from Cyber Saturday! In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the world of youth-driven cybersecurity education. Casey Nazelrod and Emmett Omron, two standout high school students from Loyola Blakefield, share their impressive journeys into the field of cyber and the valuable experiences they’ve gained along the way. Joining the conversation is Alexis Davis, COO of the Technology Advancement Center, who discusses the organization’s dedication to empowering young people through cyber education. Together, they highlight how programs like Cyber Saturday are shaping the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how today’s youth are driving the future of cybersecurity!

Topics discussed: cybersecurity, youth in cybersecurity, cyber education, youth programs

NEW CTF CHALLENGES HAVE DROPPED!
Register to compete in #CyberChats' FREE Cyber Challenges individually or join a team, and look for your name on the leaderboard:
https://metactf.com/join/cyberchats

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at:
https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Stock Music provided by AG_Music, fromPond5

In this episode, we’re joined by Roselle Safran, the dynamic CEO of KeyCaliber. With a wealth of experience spanning both government and entrepreneurship, Roselle dives into the lessons she’s learned throughout her impressive career in cybersecurity. From her time at the Executive Office of the President during the Obama Administration, to her role at the Department of Homeland Security’s US-CERT, and later founding Uplevel Security, Roselle’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in to hear how these pivotal experiences shaped her path to creating KeyCaliber and learn valuable insights from her diverse career!

Topics discussed: cybersecurity entrepreneurship, government service, cyber, leadership, growth

NEW CTF CHALLENGES HAVE DROPPED!
Register to compete in #CyberChats' FREE Cyber Challenges individually or join a team, and look for your name on the leaderboard: https://metactf.com/join/cyberchats

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

As the second half of the school year kicks off, are you starting to think about summer jobs and internships? Or next steps post-graduation? Or maybe you want to get clarity on your direction in cyber overall. If any of these sound like you, you won’t want to miss this episode!

In this special episode of #CyberChats, former host James Walsh talks with guest Nate Delgado, Director of Product Management at CodeHunter and Founder of Decrypt Cyber. Passionate about cyber and mentoring, Nate is a refreshing source of career guidance for folks considering or just getting started in cybersecurity.

You’ll hear Nate detail how to connect with others to grow your network, find mentors by asking for help, and follow your curiosities to discover your path in cyber.

Topics discussed: professional networking, paths to cyber, mentorship

Note: conversation originally recorded in summer 2024.

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

Happy New Year, cyber fans! Today's mini episode features an exciting opportunity for high school teachers nationwide from The National Cybersecurity Teaching Academy! Listen as Melissa Dark, founder of Dark Industries and Teach Cyber leader, tells us all!

NCTA is a graduate certificate that prepares high school teachers to teach cybersecurity. It includes coursework on teaching cybersecurity, foundations of cybersecurity, network security, and advanced topics. Courses take place in the summer and are delivered online. Interested? Visit the link below!

Link: https://teachcyber.org/ncta/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_source_platform=mailpoet&utm_campaign=Dec-2024-cyber-news

Topics discussed: Teach Cyber, high school teachers, teaching cybersecurity, foundations of cybersecurity, network security.

Register here to compete in #CyberChats' Cyber Challenges individually or join a team, and look for your name on the leaderboard: https://metactf.com/join/cyberchats

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at:
https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5