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Is cybersecurity still a great career in 2026?

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down the latest 2026 ISSA Life and Times of Cybersecurity Professionals report and compare the research to our own experience leading enterprise cybersecurity teams.

Based on feedback from 380 IT and cybersecurity professionals, we discuss:

• The best advice for breaking into cybersecurity
 • Why networking matters more than certifications alone
 • The growing workload facing security teams
 • Stress, burnout, and why many professionals have considered leaving the field
 • The leadership and culture that separate great security teams from struggling ones

If you're trying to land your first cybersecurity job, grow into leadership, or understand what the career really looks like behind the scenes, this episode is for you.

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Everyone is asking the same question:

"Will AI replace cybersecurity jobs?"

After working with AI every day in a real enterprise security program, my answer may surprise you.

In this episode, I explain why AI is actually creating more work for cybersecurity teams—not less.

We discuss:

• Why vulnerability management is exploding 
• How AI is accelerating vulnerability discovery 
• Why AI governance is becoming one of the fastest-growing areas in cybersecurity 
• How security operations (SOC) teams are actually using AI today 
• Why AI is a force multiplier—not a replacement 
• The cybersecurity skills that will become even more valuable over the next few years 

If you're worried about AI replacing your career—or you're trying to break into cybersecurity—this episode will help you understand where the real opportunities are.

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Trying to break into cybersecurity but not sure whether you should pursue a SOC Analyst role or a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) position?

In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down the differences between SOC and GRC careers, the skills needed for each path, and how to determine which one fits your strengths, interests, and long-term goals.

Whether you're a career changer, recent graduate, IT professional, or someone trying to land your first cybersecurity job, this episode will help you make a more informed decision about your future.

Tell us in the comments:

If you had to choose today, would you pick SOC or GRC, and why?

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Too many people are getting bad advice about cybersecurity careers, and it’s hurting their chances of getting hired.

In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down some of the biggest myths in cybersecurity today, including:

• “Cybersecurity is entry-level”
 • “AI is replacing SOC analysts”
 • “You need to know everything before applying”
 • “Cybersecurity pays six figures immediately”
 • “Technical skills are all that matter”
 • “LinkedIn networking is pointless”
 • “Cybersecurity influencers give realistic advice”

If you're trying to break into cybersecurity or grow your career, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters.

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In this special Q&A episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we answer REAL questions submitted directly by our community about breaking into cybersecurity in 2026.

We cover:

• How to become employable in your first 90 days 
• The best entry-level IT and cybersecurity roles 
• What hiring managers ACTUALLY look for 
• Home labs that recruiters care about 
• CompTIA vs GIAC certifications 
• MBA vs technical degrees for future CISOs 
• Common mistakes junior analysts make 
• Networking, mentorship, and career growth 
• What surprised us most working in cybersecurity 
• How to stand out when everyone says they want “experience” 

We also share personal stories from our own careers, lessons learned, and advice we wish someone gave us earlier.

If you're trying to break into cybersecurity, grow your career, or avoid common mistakes, this episode is for you. 

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AI is changing cybersecurity faster than ever… but what does that actually mean for YOU?

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI in cybersecurity—and most importantly, what you should be doing right now to stay ahead.

We cover:

• How AI is becoming a force multiplier for cybersecurity teams 
• The truth about AI replacing entry-level jobs (and why it’s NOT that simple) 
• The biggest risks: over-reliance, automation, and attacker advantages 
• Real-world examples of how we’re using AI today 
• A practical playbook to future-proof your cybersecurity career 

Bottom line:
AI isn’t replacing cybersecurity professionals—but it is changing the game. The people who win will be the ones who learn how to use it.

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In this special “After Hours” episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we’re switching things up.

No structured teaching.
No formal topics.
Just real, unfiltered conversation.

We’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what we actually talk about off-camera — from:

• What it’s really like hiring cybersecurity analysts
• What separates strong candidates from everyone else
• Career growth, persistence, and second chances
• The reality of building a podcast and growing on YouTube
• Mentorship wins (and why they matter more than numbers)
• And even what we’re watching, playing, and doing outside of cybersecurity

This episode is more personal, more relaxed, and more real.

But don’t worry — there are still plenty of “nuggets” and lessons throughout if you’re paying attention.

If you’ve ever wondered what cybersecurity leaders actually think, do, and talk about day-to-day… this is your chance to see it. 

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Trying to figure out which cybersecurity certifications are actually worth it in 2026?

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down the best certifications for every path in cybersecurity — whether you're just starting out or trying to level up.

We cover:

• The foundational certs you should start with (and why fundamentals matter) 
• The best certifications for SOC / Security Analyst roles 
• What to pursue for GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) 
• The most valuable paths for Cloud Security (AWS vs Azure) 
• Hands-on certifications for Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking 
• Certifications that are overhyped vs actually useful 
• Why certifications alone won’t get you hired (and what will) 

If you're overwhelmed by all the options out there, this episode will help you focus, save money, and build a clear roadmap.

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In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Randy Marchany, longtime CISO at Virginia Tech University, to break down the biggest lessons he’s learned from 35 years in cybersecurity and over 50 years in IT.

From building one of the earliest hands-on cybersecurity training labs to leading incident response and mentoring the next generation of professionals, Randy shares what actually matters if you want to succeed in this field.

This conversation goes far beyond a single story—it’s about mindset, experience, and what separates good cybersecurity professionals from great ones.

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What does it really mean to think like a hacker?

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Ed Skoudis, President of the SANS Technology Institute and one of the most respected leaders in cybersecurity education.

Ed shares how his career evolved from defense to offense—and why developing a hacker mindset is critical for anyone serious about cybersecurity.

We break down:

• Why focusing only on defense can limit your growth
• The mindset shift from reacting → proactively finding vulnerabilities
• How offense and defense are more connected than most people realize
• The real skills beginners should focus on (networking, cloud, AI)
• Why AI is changing cybersecurity faster than ever
• How to actually get started in cybersecurity without feeling overwhelmed

If you’re trying to break into cybersecurity—or level up your skills—this episode will challenge how you think about the field. 

Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.