Episode 4: Zero Trust – Zero Trust in Practice with Mark Simos

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Mark Simos, Lead Cybersecurity Architect, Microsoft

Duration: ~20 minutes

Zero Trust, Cybersecurity, Identity Management, AI, Security Architecture, Collaboration, Trust Verification, Modern Security Strategies

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, Kenneth Johnson and Mark Simos break down the reality of Zero Trust—moving beyond buzzwords into actionable strategies. They explore why traditional perimeter-based security no longer works, and how identity, verification, and AI are reshaping the way we think about trust in cybersecurity.

Mark shares insights on how organizations can align their teams, embrace a culture of shared responsibility, and make security a business enabler—not a blocker. The conversation also touches on how AI is accelerating complex security tasks, helping teams stay ahead of evolving threats.

• Why Zero Trust is more than a framework—it’s a mindset shift
• The critical role identity plays in modern security
• How AI supports and strengthens Zero Trust strategies
• The cost of implicit trust and the value of explicit verification
• Why collaboration and communication are essential to success

• Zero Trust removes the false assumption of a secure perimeter.
• Verification of identity is essential in modern security.
• Trust is costly; explicit verification is necessary.
• Identity management is crucial for Zero Trust success.
• AI plays a symbiotic role in enhancing security.
• Security must be integrated into business processes.
• Every asset and user must have a defined identity.
• Collaboration across teams is vital for security effectiveness.
• Security professionals should act as enablers for other teams.
• Open communication fosters a successful Zero Trust implementation.

• “AI accelerates complex security tasks.”
• “Identity is the new security perimeter.”
• “Security is part of everyone’s job.”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Rico Mariani, Veteran Software Performance Engineer & Longtime Microsoft Leader

Duration: ~20 minutes

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, Dr. Kenneth Johnson sits down with Rico Mariani, a veteran technologist with decades of experience at Microsoft and a deep background in software performance engineering. Known for his strategic thinking and advocacy for diversity in tech, Rico shares valuable insights on how organizations can better approach security in a hybrid workforce era.

They explore key challenges with BYOD, transitioning to cloud environments, and the critical need to understand your internal inventory before building outward. Rico also dives into why tailored security matters, how to assume compromise as a defense model, and the human side of securing flexible work.

• The security risks introduced by hybrid and remote work
• Why visibility and inventory are the foundation of modern security
• Strategies for managing BYOD in enterprise environments
• How to align infrastructure with user needs and risk
• Why tailored access and device assumptions matter
• The connection between good security and organizational readiness

• Understand your inventory before building your security stack.
• Get your internal systems in order before expanding into hybrid/cloud.
• Assume devices are compromised to strengthen overall defense.
• Tailor security to roles and business needs for smarter access control.
• BYOD success requires flexibility, awareness, and clear boundaries.

“Assume they’re connecting with a compromised device. That mindset changes how you design your defenses.” – Rico Mariani

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Episode 2: Cloud Security: The Microsoft Advantage

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Unique Glover, Technical Sales Director, Microsoft

Duration: ~19 minutes

Episode Overview

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, we sit down with Unique Glover, a veteran cybersecurity leader and cloud expert with over 20 years in the industry. Unique currently serves as Technical Sales Director at Microsoft and holds advanced credentials like CISSP and CCSP. His passion for security, innovation, and community shines as we explore how Microsoft is shaping the future of cloud security.

What You’ll Learn:

•How Microsoft Azure security compares to AWS and GCP

•Why Defender for Cloud is a game-changing tool for enterprise security

•The evolution of data security and the importance of unified security platforms

•How Microsoft balances innovation with openness and integration

•Why collaboration across the security industry is critical to staying ahead of threats

Key Takeaways:

•Microsoft’s native tooling, threat intelligence, and end-to-end integration create a uniquely powerful security platform.

•Defender for Cloud offers visibility, compliance frameworks, automation, and consistent posture management.

•Flexibility and interoperability are must-haves for modern security architecture.

•Collaboration across vendors, partners, and the community is essential to protect customers and stop adversaries.

Memorable Quote:

“If our customers and communities don’t get the protection they need, the only ones who win are the attackers. That’s why integration, collaboration, and transparency matter more than ever.” — Unique Glover

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the podcast with your network.

Join us next time as we continue securing tomorrow, one episode at a time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Episode 1: The State of Cybersecurity – Jim Eckart

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Jim Eckart, General Manager of Security Solution Sales at Microsoft, Former CISO

Duration: 18:50

Episode Overview:

In this premiere episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, we sit down with Jim Eckart—a seasoned security leader with over 25 years in IT and cybersecurity. As a former CISO and current General Manager of Security Solution Sales at Microsoft, Jim shares insights on what it takes to secure organizations at scale in today’s evolving digital landscape.

What We Discuss:

•The biggest shifts in the cybersecurity landscape over the last decade

•Lessons learned from Jim’s time as a CISO

•How Microsoft approaches enterprise security and what makes it stand out

•The role of Zero Trust, identity, and AI in modern security strategies

•Where organizations still fall short—and how they can catch up

Why You Should Listen:

Whether you’re a business leader, security professional, or curious about the future of cybersecurity, this episode offers a front-row seat to how one of the world’s biggest tech companies tackles security challenges from the inside out.

Key Quote:

“Good security is about anticipating problems before they become breaches—and that takes a culture, not just a toolset.” — Jim Eckart

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.