Simply Defensive

By Simply Cyber Media GroupBusiness Technology Careers

Simply Defensive episodes

June 02, 2025 S3 E8: Innovations in Cybersecurity: A Conversation with Threat Locker's John Liliston
In the final episode of Season 3 on Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells welcome John Liliston, the Product Director at ThreatLocker.
John shares his journey into cybersecurity, his role at ThreatLocker, and his thoughts on the evolution of security solutions. He discusses ThreatLocker's approach to zero trust, the impact of AI on cybersecurity, and the unique integration of application control and threat detection in their offerings.

The episode also covers John's experiences and insights from recent conferences like RSA and potential future advancements in the industry. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on defensive cybersecurity and innovative product design.

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lilliston-4725217b/

00:00 Introduction to Simply Defensive
00:31 Meet John Liliston: Threat Locker's Product Director
02:35 John's Journey into Cybersecurity
03:45 Transitioning to Product Design
04:52 Balancing Roles at Threat Locker
06:10 Emerging Threats and Product Development
17:47 The Future of Security Solutions
24:56 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Events

=========================
Connect with your hosts:
Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason
Wade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs
=========================
Sponsored by ThreatLocker @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://simplycyber.io/threatlocker
=========================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
=========================
All the ways to connect with Simply Cyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================
This podcast is presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
28 min
May 19, 2025 S3 E7: Cybersecurity Chat with Chuck Sapp | From Military Service to Cyber Awareness
Join hosts Josh and Wade as they sit down with Charles (Chuck) Sapp, a seasoned cybersecurity expert and security awareness specialist. In this episode, Chuck shares his unique journey from serving in the Marine Corps to becoming an influencer in the cybersecurity community.
Gain insights into his military background, his passion for educating others about cybersecurity, and engaging stories from his experiences. Chuck also previews his upcoming talk for BSides Tampa 2025, offering valuable advice on tailoring security training for diverse audiences.
Don't miss this opportunity to tap into his innovative approach to cybersecurity awareness!
Connect with Chuck on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chucksapp/
Check out the article discussed: https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/ai-fools-stay-sharp

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:18 Chuck's Background and Military Experience
03:54 Transition to Cybersecurity
06:29 Hackspace Con Story
10:35 Upcoming Talk and Security Awareness
15:15 Challenges in Security Awareness
20:38 Storytelling in Cybersecurity
21:56 Real-Life Examples of Scams
23:30 Phishing Tests and Awareness
31:03 Creative Security Solutions
32:03 Leveraging Security Behavior Databases
35:23 Meeting Industry Leaders
37:53 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

=========================
Connect with your hosts:
Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason
Wade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs
=========================
Sponsored by ThreatLocker @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://simplycyber.io/threatlocker
=========================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
=========================
All the ways to connect with Simply Cyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================
This podcast is presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
39 min
May 12, 2025 S3 E6: From Submarines to Cybersecurity - Navigating Small Business Security
Welcome to another episode of Simply Defensive! In this installment, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells are joined by cybersecurity expert James Bierly.
James shares his unique journey from a submarine sonar technician in the Navy to founding his own security firm, Secure Point Solutions, which specializes in helping small businesses tackle cybersecurity threats. They discuss the vital steps and strategies for implementing robust security measures in small companies, the importance of patch management, and how to protect sensitive information.
Additionally, James delves into his experiences as a foster parent, offering insights into the foster care system and the impactful ways you can contribute. Stay tuned for valuable tips on safeguarding your business and heartwarming stories from the world of foster care.
Episode Links:
Connect with James on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbierly/
Secure Point Solutions: https://www.secureps.net/
NFPA: https://nfpaonline.org/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:22 James Bierly's Journey from Submarines to Cybersecurity
02:54 Transition to IT and Cybersecurity
07:28 Challenges and Rewards of Small Business Cybersecurity
12:29 Starting a Cybersecurity Business
20:11 Key Security Practices for Small Businesses
22:42 Challenges in School Cybersecurity
25:29 Starting a Cybersecurity Consulting Business
26:14 Engaging with Local Businesses
28:42 Building a Network Through Referrals
32:54 Becoming a Foster Parent
43:48 Advice for Blue Teamers
=========================
Connect with your hosts:
Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason
Wade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs
=========================
Sponsored by ThreatLocker @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://simplycyber.io/threatlocker
=========================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
=========================
All the ways to connect with Simply Cyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================
This podcast is presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
45 min
May 05, 2025 S3 E5: The Ultimate Guide to Detection as Code and Blue Team Tactics with David French
Join hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells as they sit down with David French for an insightful episode of Simply Defensive.
Discover David's journey from coding CCTV systems to becoming a staff security engineer at Google Cloud. Explore their discussion on detection as code, automation, detection testing, and relevant tools like Dorothy and Atomic Red Team.
Learn why coding skills are crucial for modern cybersecurity professionals, and get tips on leveraging AI in the field.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced blue teamer, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfrench001/
Google Cloud Security community - https://www.googlecloudcommunity.com/gc/Google-Cloud-Security/ct-p/googlecloud-security
Medium - https://medium.com/@threatpunter
GitHub - https://github.com/threat-punter

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:21 Guest Introduction: David French
01:11 David's Background and Career Journey
02:40 Detection Engineering and Origin Stories
04:18 Current Role and Responsibilities
05:05 Getting into Cybersecurity
08:30 Detection as Code: Concepts and Practices
12:34 Testing Detections: Challenges and Strategies
16:51 Tools and Techniques for Detection Testing
19:25 Open Source Tools and Community Contributions
23:23 AI in Detection Engineering
26:32 Exploring AI Tools for Coding and Presentations
27:50 Deep Research and Its Impact
28:52 Journey into Public Speaking
40:00 Community Engagement and Networking
40:29 Upcoming Conference and Final Thoughts
43:45 The Importance of Coding for Security Professionals

=========================
Connect with your hosts:
Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason
Wade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs
=========================
Sponsored by ThreatLocker @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://simplycyber.io/threatlocker
=========================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
=========================
All the ways to connect with Simply Cyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================
This podcast is presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
49 min
April 28, 2025 S3 E4: Breaking Barriers in Cybersecurity with Eddie Miro
Josh Mason and Wade Wells bring us an exciting episode of Simply Defensive, featuring special guest Eddie Miro. Eddie shares his journey in cybersecurity, offering insights into his experiences at DEFCON, the creation of Octopus Game, and his mission to make cybersecurity more inclusive.
Join us as we delve into the benefits of Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions and how they can help new entrants feel comfortable and connected in the cybersecurity community. Learn about the importance of diversity in cybersecurity, tips for getting started with CTFs, different types of CTFs, and how networking can make a significant impact on your career.
Don't miss out on this engaging conversation packed with practical advice and inspiration for both beginners and seasoned cybersecurity professionals.
Episode Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theedmiroshow/
https://nationalcyberleague.org/
https://cyberskyline.com/
https://linktr.ee/octopusgame
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:32 Reconnecting with Old Friends
01:27 Octopus Game at DEFCON
02:58 The Importance of Diversity in Cybersecurity
06:48 Challenges of Blue Team CTFs
10:10 National Cyber League and CTF Benefits
15:16 Networking and Job Hunting in Cybersecurity
18:05 Reflecting on Career Transitions
18:29 Jimmy's Journey and Networking
20:03 The Value of CTFs
21:29 Getting Started with CTFs
25:28 Different Styles of CTFs
28:21 The Role of Programming in Cybersecurity
30:49 Using AI in Cybersecurity
32:55 Final Thoughts and Advice
=========================
Connect with your hosts:
Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason
Wade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs
=========================
Sponsored by ThreatLocker @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://simplycyber.io/threatlocker
=========================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
=========================
All the ways to connect with Simply Cyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================
This podcast is presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
38 min
April 21, 2025 S3 E3: Unlocking the Secrets of OPSEC - A Deep Dive with Mitch Cohen
In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells welcome Mitch Cohen, privacy and OPSEC expert from flare.io.
Mitch shares his journey to becoming a 'digital ghost' and offers valuable insights into operational security (OPSEC) and privacy practices. He discusses the importance of securing personal information, the risks associated with poor OPSEC, and provides actionable steps for improving digital privacy.
Josh, Wade, and Mitch explore real-world examples, the ethical implications of privacy, and how to strike a balance between convenience and security.
An excellent resource for cybersecurity professionals and anyone interested in protecting their digital footprint.
Learn more in the flare.io Discord

00:00 Introduction to Simply Defensive
00:27 Meet Mitch Cohen: Privacy and OPSEC Expert
01:29 The Importance of OPSEC
04:13 Defining OPSEC and Its Relevance
07:07 Real-World OPSEC Challenges
08:23 Balancing Public Presence and Privacy
12:44 Threat Models and OPSEC Strategies
18:07 Practical OPSEC Tips and Personal Stories
20:53 Rolling Back Your Public Profile
21:48 Digital Spring Cleaning: Deleting Old Posts
23:03 The Art of Misinformation: Poisoning the Well
24:51 Changing Your Appearance for OPSEC
27:38 Resources for Learning OPSEC
31:23 The Importance of Privacy as a Human Right
36:41 Convenience vs. Security: The Trade-offs
40:01 Final Thoughts and Advice for Blue Teamers
=========================
Connect with your hosts:
Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason
Wade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs
=========================
Sponsored by ThreatLocker @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://simplycyber.io/threatlocker
=========================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
=========================
All the ways to connect with Simply Cyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================
This podcast is presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
43 min
April 14, 2025 S3 E2: Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape with Edna Johnson - From Developer to Threat Hunter
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape with Edna Johnson: From Developer to Threat Hunter

Join hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells as they welcome Edna Johnson, a vibrant and passionate cybersecurity engineer, to Simply Defensive. Edna shares her journey from initially wanting to be a developer to diving deep into the world of cybersecurity, attending and volunteering at major conferences such as Defcon and BSides.
She discusses her role in various cybersecurity groups, her imposter syndrome battles, and the importance of volunteering and community engagement in this field. Listen in for valuable insights on threat hunting, content creation, and the significance of understanding basic processes in blue teaming. Don't miss this fantastic episode filled with real-world advice and behind-the-scenes stories from Edna's inspiring career!
Connect with Edna:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ednajonsson/
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1749189
https://deathcon.io/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:36 Edna Johnson's Background and Achievements
01:53 Challenges and Successes in CTFs
03:41 Journey into Cybersecurity
05:12 Teaching Cybersecurity and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
08:52 Involvement with BSides and Networking During the Pandemic
10:39 Current Projects and Content Development
11:49 Exploring AI-Generated Honeypots
14:06 Passion for Threat Hunting and Script Writing
14:58 Involvement with Death Con
17:01 Exploring the Unique Aspects of Death Con
17:35 The Value of Networking and Friendships
18:17 Extended Access to Labs and Workshops
19:21 Organizing Death Con San Diego
20:59 The Benefits of Volunteering in Cybersecurity
24:40 Joining and Growing DEF CON Groups
30:34 Final Thoughts and Advice for Blue Teamers

=========================
Connect with your hosts:
Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason
Wade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs
=========================
Sponsored by ThreatLocker @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://simplycyber.io/threatlocker
=========================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
=========================
All the ways to connect with Simply Cyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================
This podcast is presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
32 min
April 07, 2025 S3 E1: Building Effective Cyber Defense Teams with Fletus Poston III
In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells are joined by special guest Fletus Poston III, a seasoned cyber defense expert with nearly 18 years of experience.
Learn about the complexities of cyber defense in various industries, discussing the pros and cons of regulatory red tape, the impact of audits on cybersecurity, and the dynamics between internal and external red teams.
Fletus shares valuable insights on mentorship, career advice for aspiring SOC analysts, and the importance of understanding different perspectives within the industry.
Whether you're new to cybersecurity or a seasoned professional, this episode offers a deep dive into the real-world challenges and strategies in the field.
Connect with Fletus on YouTube at ⁨@fletusposton⁩ and on LinkedIn.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:55 Discussing Industry Regulations
01:34 Challenges with Auditing
04:46 Red Team vs Blue Team Dynamics
08:34 Career Journey in Cybersecurity
11:16 Building and Managing SOCs
13:34 Internal vs External SOC Management
17:05 Maintaining SOC Analyst Morale
18:22 Testing and Tabletops
18:36 Disaster Recovery Scenarios
19:16 Level One Analysts and Guardrails
19:38 Tierless SOCs and Escalation
20:13 Choosing the Right SOC Environment
21:26 Understanding Documentation and SOPs
22:25 Advice for Aspiring SOC Analysts
24:21 Work-Life Balance in SOC Roles
29:32 Reverse Mentorship and Cross-Training
31:01 Finding the Right Company Culture
34:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
=========================
Connect with your hosts:
Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason
Wade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs
=========================
Sponsored by ThreatLocker @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://simplycyber.io/threatlocker
=========================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
=========================
All the ways to connect with Simply Cyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================
This podcast is presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
36 min
March 03, 2025 S2 E8: SOC Challenges, Trends, and Community Wisdom with Reanna Schultz
In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells are joined by Reanna Schultz, a renowned cyber influencer and SOC manager. Reanna shares her journey from aspiring state highway patrolwoman to cybersecurity expert, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and continuous learning.
Join us as we cover the challenges and rewards of working in a SOC, the nuances of public speaking, and offers valuable advice for newcomers to the field. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, humor, and practical tips for anyone interested in cybersecurity.

Connect with Reanna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reanna-schultz/
Follow Reanna on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC52GRGtruHriE2yGJzv5nuA

=========================
Connect with your hosts:
Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason
Wade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs
=========================
Sponsored by ThreatLocker @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://simplycyber.io/threatlocker
=========================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
=========================
All the ways to connect with Simply Cyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================
This podcast is presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
42 min
February 24, 2025 S2 E7: Understanding Mac Security - Challenges and Insights with Slava Konstantinov
Understanding Mac Security: Challenges and Insights with Slava Konstantinov

In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells are joined by Slava Konstantinov, the Head of Mac Development at ThreatLocker. Slava dives deep into the world of Mac security, explaining the challenges and intricacies of developing security agents for macOS. Learn about the differences discussed between Mac, Windows, and Linux security, the hurdles in defending Macs due to Apple's privacy measures, and the importance of zero trust security models. Slava also shares stories from his journey in cybersecurity, tips for defenders, and insights into current developments and future plans at ThreatLocker.
Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on modern Mac security!

Connect with Slava on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franticmm
Connect with @ThreatLocker

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:57 Challenges of Mac Security
01:38 Mac vs. Windows Security
02:32 Kernel Level Security
05:34 Mac Malware and Attack Vectors
10:10 Hackintosh and Early Mac Experiences
15:00 Zero Trust and ThreatLocker Mac Agent
16:31 Inbound Connection Issues
17:04 Ring Fencing and Application Control
17:38 Unified Audit and ThreatLocker Detect
18:24 Cross-Platform Detection Challenges
20:16 MacOS Debugging and Firewall Issues
24:34 Zero Trust and Elevation
26:13 Conference Experiences and Advice
28:28 Final Thoughts and Security Tips

=========================
Connect with your hosts:
Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason
Wade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs
=========================
Sponsored by ThreatLocker @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://simplycyber.io/threatlocker
=========================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
=========================
All the ways to connect with Simply Cyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================
This podcast is presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
36 min

About Simply Defensive

From the publisher's feed

Join us for Simply Defensive, a podcast dedicated to exploring the world of defensive cybersecurity through the lens of real-world experts. In each episode, we'll interview leading professionals from the cybersecurity industry, delving into their experiences, challenges, and innovative solutions.