In the season five finale of the Cyber Security Mentors podcast, hosts Steve and John reflect on the season's highlights, featuring insightful discussions with various cybersecurity experts. They recap key lessons learned, including leadership during crises, negotiation tactics, and the importance of community support. The episode also addresses listener questions and outlines future plans for the podcast, emphasizing continued growth and engagement with the cybersecurity community.

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In this episode of the Cyber Security Mentals podcast, hosts Steve and John delve into effective strategies for studying cybersecurity. They discuss the importance of structured learning, hands-on labs, and consistent practice, while exploring the challenges of self-paced learning. The episode highlights the benefits of programs like ACI Learning and the value of certifications such as A+, Network+, and Security+. Engaging, interactive content and practice tests are emphasized as key to maintaining motivation and momentum in the learning journey.

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In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Eric O'Neill shares his experiences as an undercover FBI agent who caught one of the most damaging spies in U.S. history, Robert Hansen. He discusses the evolution of cybercrime, the importance of understanding cyber attacks, and the intersection of espionage and cybersecurity. O'Neill emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to cyber defense, the dangers of the dark web, and the psychological tactics used by cybercriminals. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals and highlights the importance of traits like attention to detail and flexibility in investigations.

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In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Charles Carmakal, CTO at Mandiant, discusses the current state of cybersecurity, the evolving threat landscape, and the importance of resilience in organizations. He emphasizes the ongoing arms race between cyber attackers and defenders, the rise of ransomware and extortion tactics, and the critical traits needed for aspiring cybersecurity analysts. Charles also shares insights into the day-to-day life at Mandiant and the transformative role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity efforts. He concludes with valuable advice for those looking to enter the field, highlighting the importance of passion, persistence, and continuous learning.

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In Part 2, we discuss how a routine firewall rollout at ANU accidentally severed the attackers’ C2, forcing them into noisy, rushed activity that revealed their tradecraft. Suthagar explains the balance between observing for intel and acting to minimize harm, and how transparent, tightly controlled communications—culminating in a readable public breach report—helped rebuild trust. We also unpack why stolen databases without a data dictionary were hard to weaponize, and close with career advice: resilience, empathy, and people-first communication matter as much as tools.

ANU Breach Report

Suthagar Seevaratnam’s LinkedIn 

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In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Suthagar Seevaratnam, a former CISO at the Australian National University, shares his journey into cybersecurity and the challenges faced during a significant data breach. He discusses the importance of addressing organizational trauma, effective leadership during crises, and the human element in cybersecurity. The conversation delves into the details of the breach, including the attack vector, the role of phishing, and the impact of legacy systems. Suthagar emphasizes the need for calmness, compassion, and effective communication in crisis management, highlighting the lessons learned from the incident.

ANU Breach Report

Suthagar Seevaratnam’s LinkedIn 

ACILearning.com/SimplyCyber

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In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down how to negotiate with confidence — whether you’re reviewing a job offer, asking for a raise, or chasing that next promotion.

Drawing from years of leadership experience, they share real-world stories about what hiring managers actually think during negotiations, how to spot red flags in a job offer, and how to build leverage the right way.

You’ll learn:

• The three things to evaluate before accepting any offer — fit, growth, and lifestyle
• How to flip the script and interview the company back
• Why keeping receipts of your wins is essential before asking for a raise
• What to do when you’re given more responsibility without more pay
• How to use tactical empathy (inspired by Never Split the Difference) to win negotiations without losing relationships

Whether you’re a cybersecurity analyst or a future CISO, this episode will help you get paid what you’re worth — and do it with professionalism and confidence.

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

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Magician, podcaster, and World’s Greatest Con creator Brian Brushwood joins us to talk about the coming Scampocalypse, where AI-powered deception meets human vulnerability. We dive into how magic, psychology, and “deceptive role play” can transform security awareness from boring quizzes into hands-on human defense training. Learn why Brian says it’s time to stop training “sheep” and start raising “wolves.”

Topics include:
• Why traditional phishing tests fail
• How AI is powering the next generation of scams
• What magicians know about deception that CISOs don’t
• The “sheep vs. wolf” model for human training
• How to gamify social engineering safely

• The Greatest Con Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xZYIEwtxkB1YxIENS7c6z?si=a6b654370c424128
• The Modern Rogue: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRogue/
• ScamStuff: https://www.scamstuff.com/
• Brian Brushwood’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-brushwood/

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

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In the Season 4 finale of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John wrap up an incredible season with a special listener-driven Q&A. The episode opens with a recap of Episodes 1–7, revisiting key lessons on soft skills, leadership, resume pitfalls, networking strategies, and inspiring career journeys. From there, they dive into your most pressing questions about breaking into cybersecurity — from whether college or certifications matter most, to the projects that truly prove you’re job-ready, to building home labs that tackle real-world problems. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes reflections, practical advice, and set the stage for an exciting Season 5. 

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

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In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John explore one of the most powerful career accelerators in cybersecurity: networking. While a strong resume might get you noticed, it’s meaningful relationships that truly open doors. Together, we unpack the key do’s — being genuine, consistent, and adding value — and highlight the common mistakes to avoid, like spamming, ghosting, or only showing up when you need something. You’ll also hear real-world examples and actionable tips you can start using right away.

If you’re ready to transform connections into career opportunities, this episode is a must-listen.

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

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