It’s been a wild ride in cybersecurity this year, and we’re breaking it all down in Episode 16 of InfoSec to Insanity! From headline-grabbing breaches to groundbreaking advancements, shifting regulations, and industry shakeups, 2024 gave us plenty to talk about.

Join us as we take a no-BS look back at the year that was. What worked? What didn’t? And what lessons can we take into 2025 to finally start fixing this broken industry?

Whether you’re an insider or just curious about the state of cybersecurity, this episode has something for you. Expect insights, a few rants, and the raw, unfiltered truth you’ve come to love.

#Cybersecurity #2024InReview #InfoSecToInsanity #I2I

The holidays are over, the gifts are unwrapped, and the shiny new gadgets are in our hands—but are they secure? From smart home devices to the latest tech toys, the season of giving can quickly turn into the season of hacking if we’re not careful.

Host Evan Francen is joined by special guest Jordon Darling, a cybersecurity expert and tech enthusiast, to unpack the risks that come with post-holiday tech. Together, they’ll share practical tips and candid insights to help you secure your new devices and avoid becoming an easy target for cybercriminals.

Topics covered:

• The top holiday tech gifts that could pose security risks.
• Simple steps to secure your shiny new gadgets.
• Why hackers love the post-holiday season—and how to outsmart them.

Don’t let the gift of tech turn into a New Year’s nightmare. Tune in for a laid-back yet informative chat with Evan and Jordon and get your security game on point for 2024!

The cybersecurity industry loves to sell fear: fear of breaches, fear of hackers, fear of being the next headline. But is the "Fear Factory" doing more harm than good?

In this unapologetic episode, host Evan Francen is joined by Matt Goodacre, a seasoned cybersecurity leader who isn’t afraid to call BS on fear-based marketing. Together, they take a sledgehammer to the industry’s obsession with fear and explore how this narrative is holding us back from real progress.

What to expect:

• Why fear sells—and why it shouldn’t.
• The real impact of fear-mongering on businesses, professionals, and the industry at large.
• How we can replace fear with empowerment, education, and actionable solutions.

This isn’t your typical cybersecurity talk. It’s raw, real, and refreshingly honest—just like the industry needs.

In this heartfelt episode of InfoSec to Insanity, host Evan Francen and special guest Brad Nigh open up about their journeys to sobriety—Evan with 23 years of hard-earned sobriety and Brad celebrating 90 days. Together, they explore the parallels between breaking personal chains and tackling challenges in the cybersecurity industry.

With candid stories, honest reflections, and a touch of humor, they shine a light on the strength it takes to secure both your life and your career. This is a raw and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of InfoSec to Insanity, we dive deep into one of cybersecurity's most critical and complex frontiers: the convergence of IT and OT (Operational Technology). Our guest, the brilliant and experienced Paul Veeneman, joins us to unpack the unique challenges of securing critical infrastructure—where downtime isn't just a cost; it’s a potential disaster. Paul brings his decades of expertise to the mic, sharing candid insights about:

• The messy marriage of IT and OT systems and why they often clash.
• Real-world stories of attacks on critical infrastructure and the lessons learned.
• How to approach risk management and incident response in environments that can't afford failure.
• The cultural and technical divide between IT and OT teams—and how to build bridges that actually work.

With Paul's down-to-earth style and your no-BS approach, this episode is a must-listen for anyone tackling cybersecurity in high-stakes environments—or just curious about the chaos behind keeping the lights on and the pipelines flowing.

Thanksgiving is here, and so is Episode 11 of InfoSec to Insanity! Join Evan and Ryan Cloutier for a holiday special packed with gratitude, critical insights, and actionable tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this season.

We’re dishing out:

• What we’re thankful for in InfoSec: Progress, people, and lessons learned.
• Elderly scams uncovered: The latest threats targeting seniors and how to protect the greatest generation.
• Holiday safety tips: From online shopping to digital hygiene, learn how to keep cyber Grinches at bay. 

It’s a laid-back yet impactful conversation designed to leave you feeling informed, prepared, and maybe even a little festive. So grab a plate, sit back, and let’s dive into a feast of InfoSec insights.

Wishing you a safe, secure, and happy Thanksgiving!

In Episode #10, we've brought the band back together for a "One Night Only: The Security Shit Show Reunion." It’s been a couple of years since Evan, Chris Roberts, and Ryan Cloutier last shook up the infosec world with their unfiltered takes and straight-shooting style. For one night only, we’re reuniting to dig back into the wild world of security, reflect on what’s changed (or hasn’t), and share what the industry still isn’t getting right. Grab your drink, brace yourself for some laughs, and don’t miss this reunion of raw honesty and relentless passion for fixing the broken industry!

In this episode, I’m diving into a question that’s haunted me since I started in InfoSec back in ’92: Are we actually more secure now, or have we just been spinning our wheels? With three decades of so-called "advancements," it's time to get brutally honest about what’s worked, what hasn’t, and whether all the tools, policies, and frameworks have moved the needle on security—or just made it look that way. Tune in as I unpack the highs, lows, and straight-up insanity of our progress (or lack thereof).

In this candid episode, I’m joined by my wife as we tackle a topic that's on everyone’s mind: Are we relying on technology too much? My wife shares her unfiltered thoughts on how tech is creeping into every corner of our lives, sometimes causing more problems than it solves. From smart homes to smartphones, we discuss the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating ways tech is taking over.

You know how risky this is, right?!

In this eye-opening episode of InfoSec to Insanity, we're joined by cybersecurity expert Lyle Melnychuk to tackle one of the biggest traps in the industry—over-relying on products to solve security problems. Lyle brings his no-nonsense perspective on why simply chasing the latest tools and tech won’t keep you safe from the real threats lurking out there. We dive into the true art of building a strong security foundation, share some wild stories of breaches that could have been prevented, and explore how to avoid the common pitfalls that many companies fall into when building their defenses.

Expect a raw, unfiltered discussion that’s sure to make you rethink your approach to security.