The Phillip Wylie Show episode featuring John Rodriguez from Cyber Dagger:

🔍 Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Phillip Wylie Show, cybersecurity expert John Rodriguez, founder of Cyber Dagger, shares his inspiring journey from the military to launching a cybersecurity company. John dives into the critical challenges faced by educational institutions and nonprofits, the growing threat of ransomware, and why a holistic security strategy is vital. He emphasizes the power of mentorship, community service, and continuous hands-on learning in shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. This conversation is packed with real-world insights, career tips, and practical approaches to improving cyber defenses.

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Giving back through cybersecurity strengthens communities and builds talent pipelines.

• Diverse backgrounds, like military service, offer valuable skills for cyber careers.

• Schools and nonprofits are prime targets for ransomware and must prioritize security.

• Mentorship and guidance are essential to developing future cyber leaders.

• Adversarial thinking is crucial for effective red teaming and threat response.

• Building in-house tools and platforms can greatly improve cyber resilience.

• Don’t rush—take time to master the fundamentals and stay curious.

🎧 Memorable Sound Bites:

• "It's important that we stay together."

• "Don't rush through it."

• "Leave it better than what you found it."

🕒 Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Intro to John Rodriguez & Cyber Dagger
02:22 – From Military to Cybersecurity
04:45 – Mentorship's Role in Cybersecurity
07:05 – Securing K–12 and Nonprofits
09:31 – Ransomware Realities in Education
12:16 – Why Incident Response Matters
15:48 – Pen Testing vs. Incident Response
18:18 – Real-World Testing in Cybersecurity
21:38 – Role of EDR & Security Platforms
24:53 – Military Influence on Cyber Strategy
27:49 – Holistic Security: Why It Matters
31:05 – Building In-House Security Tools
36:09 – Career Advice for Aspiring Pros
41:15 – The Power of Mentorship & Community

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Connect with John Rodriguez: LinkedIn

• Learn more about Cyber Dagger: Website | LinkedIn