This week Michael and Sam are talking to Bytewhisper CEO and previous HOU.SEC.CON. speaker, John Dickson! They discuss his journey from the Air Force into cybersecurity, his long-standing passion for application security, and why AI security testing isn’t fundamentally separate from traditional penetration testing. 

Things Mentioned:

• John’s 2024 talk: https://youtu.be/_dYQ2aFOxGA?si=s8fK04WhUJDCutV6
• John’s 2025 talk: https://youtu.be/WF9nle1BppE?si=bUbRtpXeQbU6mxWW

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• Taylor Austin Broussard Memorial Scholarship

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In this episode:

• Host: Michael Farnum
• Host: Sam Van Ryder
• Guest: John Dickson
• Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
• Music by: August Honey

In this episode, Michael and Sam sit down with Dr. Dustin Sachs (DCS), CEO and founder of Psybercog Labs, to explore why humans - not technology - are often the limiting factor in cybersecurity. They dive into cognitive overload, bias, and decision fatigue, and how these hidden forces shape security outcomes. Dustin also shares his unconventional path into cyber and explains how Psybercog Labs uses behavioral science to uncover decision-making blind spots and help organizations execute smarter, more effective security strategies.

Things Mentioned:

• AI-Assisted Cybersecurity Team Discovers 12 OpenSSL Vulnerabilities, Claims Humans are the Limiting Factor – Some Vulnerabilities have been Around for Decades - https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/ai-assisted-cybersecurity-team-discovers-12-openssl-vulnerabilities-claims-humans-are-the-limiting-factor-some-vulnerabilities-have-been-around-for-decades
• Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgement by Daniel Kahneman - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise:_A_Flaw_in_Human_Judgment
• Psybercog Labs - https://www.psybercog.com 

Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at [email protected] 

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• CYBR.SEC.Careers

Apply to the CYBR.SEC.Careers Scholarship

• Taylor Austin Broussard Memorial Scholarship

Listen to our other show:

• CYBR.HAK.CAST

In this episode:

• Host: Michael Farnum
• Host: Sam Van Ryder
• Guest: Dr. Dustin Sachs
• Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
• Music by: August Honey

This week, Michael and Sam chat with educator, founder, and OT.SEC.CON. opening keynote speaker Mike Holcomb! They discuss his free, in-person training coming up on March 31 in Houston, how - like many others - the movie War Games played a role in his journey into the cybersecurity industry, and how his focus has shifted toward OT/ICS security education.

Things Mentioned:

• Mike’s site - https://www.mikeholcomb.com/
• Mike’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@utilsec
• BSides ICS - https://www.bsidesics.org/
• Sign up for Mike’s free class on March 31, 2026 when you sign up for OT.SEC.CON. - https://www.xcdsystem.com/cybrseccommunity/attendee/index.cfm?ID=DwWuEm5
• Register for Jeremiah Grossman's Webinar - https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/webinar/

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Support or apply to our Scholarship Program:

• TAB Cyber Foundation

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 In this episode:

• Host: Michael Farnum
• Host: Sam Van Ryder
• Guest: Mike Holcomb
• Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
• Music by: August Honey

Michael and Sam are talking to the new VP and Editor-in-Chief of CYBR.SEC.Media, Bill Brenner! They discuss his extensive 20+ year career journey from traditional journalism to cybersecurity media, the importance of supporting the mental health of cyber defenders, and his vision for CYBR.SEC.Media. 

Things Mentioned:

• Bill’s Letter from the Editor - https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/letter-from-the-new-editor-in-chief-of-cybr-sec-media/

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In this episode:

• Host: Michael Farnum
• Host: Sam Van Ryder
• Guest: Bill Brenner
• Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
• Music by: August Honey

We’re wrapping up 2025 with a special episode! Michael and Sam are talking to Jessvin Thomas, CEO of Auguria and winner of CYBR.SEC.CON.’s first pitch competition for cybersecurity startups! They discuss the evolving challenges in cybersecurity, the importance of root cause analysis, and how AI and context are shaping the future of SOC operations. Discover insights on burnout, data-driven defense, and building resilient security teams.

Things Mentioned:

• Root Causes of Security Breaches Remain Elusive, Jeopardizing Resilience - https://www.csoonline.com/article/4093403/root-causes-of-security-breaches-remain-elusive-jeopardizing-resilience.html
• When Good People Struggle: The Human Side of Security Misalignment - https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/when-good-people-struggle-the-human-side-of-security-misalignment/
• Learn more about Auguria - https://auguria.io/

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In this episode:

• Host: Michael Farnum
• Host: Sam Van Ryder
• Guest: Jessvin Thomas
• Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
• Music by: August Honey

In this episode, SJRA SCADA Superintendent and HOU.SEC.CON./OT.SEC.CON. speaker Randy Petersen joins Michal and Sam on the podcast to share his expertise on SCADA systems and the unique security challenges facing water facilities. They highlight real-world incidents and vulnerabilities in OT environments, offer practical advice for improving OT security and protecting essential services from cyber threats, and the importance of proactive defense strategies. 

Things Mentioned:

• OT.SEC.CON. Call for Papers - https://www.xcdsystem.com/cybrseccommunity/abstract/abstract.cfm
• Cyber Centre warns hack tampered with pressure at Canadian water treatment plant -https://esemag.com/infrastructure/cyber-centre-warns-hack-canadian-water-treatment-plant/
• Randy's OT.SEC.CON. 2025 Presentation - "Network Asset Visibility Fundamental for OT Cybersecurity" - https://youtu.be/3tMGwnOFwhA?si=97bdtE6VROT8mZBr
• Randy’s HOU.SEC.CON. 2025 Presentation – “Change the Mindset - Availability is the Driving Factor” - https://youtu.be/tEUY3eeMGr8?si=K6bYUTp7rpPnvMat

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In this episode:

• Host: Michael Farnum
• Host: Sam Van Ryder
• Guest: Randy Petersen
• Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
• Music by: August Honey

In today's episode Michael and Sam are talking to Friedkin Group CISO and HOU.SEC.CON. speaker, Keith Turpen! They dive into the recent CloudFlare outage and what it means for cybersecurity professionals, explore Keith's fascinating career journey from mechanical engineering to becoming a CISO, and unpack valuable leadership lessons he shared at this year’s conference. 

Things Mentioned:

• Cloudflare Outage on November 18, 2025 - https://blog.cloudflare.com/18-november-2025-outage/
• Saying No is an Act of Integrity Post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mfarnum_weve-all-heard-the-good-advice-that-we-should-activity-7321872752154443776-K60I?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABItDFUBkOvd135bwOgGWtX0r5DL_-_1V7g
• Keith’s talk at HOU.SEC.CON. - “Finding Your Way Up: A Candid Look At Leadership” -https://youtu.be/gB1DxR8xWhY?si=EMD0Nf6F_oW8rCsA

Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at [email protected] 

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In this episode:

·      Host: Michael Farnum

·      Host: Sam Van Ryder

·      Guest: Keith Turpin

·      Production and editing: Lauren Andrus

·      Music by: August Honey

Michael and Sam are catching up with Attorney and friend of the conference, Haylie Treas! In this episode Hailey shares her journey from litigation to cybersecurity and privacy law, and offers expert insights on third-party risk management, regulatory guidance, and the evolving landscape of privacy in the U.S.

Things Mentioned:

• Guidance on Managing Risks Related to Third-Party Service Providers - https://www.dfs.ny.gov/industry-guidance/industry-letters/il20251021-guidance-managing-risks-third-party
• Watch Haylie’s HOU.SEC.CON. 2025 Talk - https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/what-could-possibly-go-wrong-from-the-lawyer-and-technologist-perspectives/

Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at [email protected] 

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Support or apply to our Scholarship Program:

• TAB Cyber Foundation

In this episode:

• Host: Michael Farnum
• Host: Sam Van Ryder
• Guest: Haylie Treas
• Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
• Music by: August Honey

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of CYBR.HAK.CAST, a new spinoff from our popular CYBR.SEC.CAST feed! Hosted by Michael Farnum and co-hosted by renowned penetration tester and ethical hacker Phillip Wylie, CYBR.HAK.CAST dives deep into the world of hacking. From real-world exploits and red team tactics to the human stories behind the hackers themselves. Every guest on this show is a part of the community, bringing raw insight, experience, and a passion for breaking (and securing) things. 

In this first episode Michal and Phil are joined by hacker/author/speaker/transhuman Len Noe to discuss CYBR.HAK.CON., Len’s current and upcoming projects, and the future of cybersecurity in the age of AI. 

Look out for CYBR.HAK.CAST – coming soon to your favorite podcast platform!

Things Mentioned:

• “TruffleNet” Attack Wields Stolen Credentials Against AWS - https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/trufflenet-attack-stolen-credentials-aws

CYBR.HAK.CON.

• Website - https://www.cybrhakcon.com
• Tickets - https://www.xcdsystem.com/cybrseccommunity/attendee/index.cfm?ID=3ZiIV4j
• Sponsor - https://www.cybrhakcon.com/exhibitors

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Support or apply to our Scholarship Program:

·      TAB Cyber Foundation

In this episode:

·      Host: Michael Farnum

·      Host: Phillip Wylie

·      Guest: Len Noe

·      Production and editing: Lauren Andrus

·      Music by: August Honey

In this episode hosts Michael and Sam welcome Page Glave, Security Engineer at Stellar Health, to discuss the evolving landscape of detection engineering, the impact of AI on cybersecurity roles, and practical advice for professionals entering the field. The conversation covers Page’s HOU.SEC.CON. 2025 talk, her unique career journey, and actionable insights on building and testing effective security detections.

Things Mentioned:

• The Experience of the Analyst in an AI-Powered Present - https://jvehent.org/2025/08/30/The-experience-of-the-analyst-in-an-AI-powered-present.html
• Sponsor our 2026 events:
  • CYBR.SEC.CON. Prospectus
  • OT.SEC.CON. Prospectus
  • CYBR.HAK.CON. Prospectus
  • CSC User Group Prospectus
• Download the free eBook “Launching (And Sustaining) a Cybersecurity Career in 2025” from CYBR.SEC.Media - https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/download-the-ebook-launching-and-sustaining-a-cybersecurity-career-in-2025/
• Watch Page’s HOU.SEC.CON. 2025 Talk - https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/from-dumpster-fire-to-detection/

Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at [email protected] 

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• EXEC.SEC.CON.
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Support or apply to our Scholarship Program:

• TAB Cyber Foundation

Subscribe to the podcast: 

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In this episode:

• Host: Michael Farnum
• Host: Sam Van Ryder
• Guest: Page Glave
• Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
• Music by: August Honey