This month on the Sunsets & Snowdrifts podcast, Michael and Evan explore how to stay emotionally connected and secure during the colder months with actionable advice on combatting winter blues, online privacy check-ups, and creative ways for staying cozy in a digital world.

Let’s make this winter a season of well-being both on and offline!


Subscribe to Sunsets & Snowdrifts so you never miss a beat

This podcast is brought to you by SecurityStudio and Ostra Cybersecurity.

To learn more about how to partner with Ostra, https://www.ostra.net/contact/ or follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/ostra-inc/.

To learn more about SecurityStudio, https://securitystudio.com/contact/ or follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/11486715/. 

Start the new year with new perspectives on cyber safety. Mike and Evan are here to share their goal-setting strategies, daily journaling tips, and easy cybersecurity habits to keep your digital life safe in 2025!

Subscribe to Sunsets & Snowdrifts so you never miss a beat

This podcast is brought to you by SecurityStudio and Ostra Cybersecurity.

To learn more about how to partner with Ostra, https://www.ostra.net/contact/ or follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/ostra-inc/.

To learn more about SecurityStudio, https://securitystudio.com/contact/ or follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/11486715/.

This month, we're diving into how to talk about cybersecurity with your loved ones—without the geeky tech talk or panic. Let’s make online safety part of your holiday traditions in a way that feels natural, supportive, and empowering for everyone.

This podcast is brought to you by SecurityStudio and Ostra Cybersecurity.

To learn more about how to partner with Ostra,https://www.ostra.net/contact/ or follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/ostra-inc/.

To learn more about SecurityStudio, https://securitystudio.com/contact/ or follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/company/11486715/.

In this episode of Sunsets and Snowdrifts, Evan and Michael delve into the complexities of cybersecurity, focusing on the human element and emotional intelligence. They discuss the importance of understanding why people fall for phishing attacks, the role of emotions in decision-making, and the need for a supportive culture in cybersecurity. The conversation emphasizes the significance of situational awareness, learning from mistakes, and the power of authenticity in fostering a secure environment. The hosts advocate for open discussions about failures and the importance of balancing security measures with business needs.

This podcast is brought to you by SecurityStudio and Ostra Cybersecurity.

To learn more about how to partner with Ostra, start a conversation with our team or follow us on LinkedIn.

To learn more about SecurityStudio, contact us or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Evan and Michael welcome Paul Dobbin, Chief Growth Officer of Ostra Cybersecurity. Paul opened with a question about what we're concerned about as we come up on the 4th quarter of 2024 and start planning for 2025. Michael started with AI and its impact on traditionally successful social engineering attacks, and Evan started with the importance of situational awareness and better communications. The intriguing conversation that followed is sure to keep you engaged and entertained!

Towards the end of the show, Paul mentioned the upcoming launch of Evan's new podcast, "InfoSec to Insanity" on September 19. Learn more here.

This podcast is brought to you by SecurityStudio and Ostra Cybersecurity.

To learn more about how to partner with Ostra, start a conversation with our team or follow us on LinkedIn.

To learn more about SecurityStudio, contact us or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, our hosts discuss the CrowdStrike outage and the industry's collective response to high-profile breaches, highlighting misleading practices and predatory sales tactics. They emphasize the need for greater transparency and truth in cybersecurity, exploring systemic issues that contribute to these problems. The episode introduces the Truth In Cyber initiative, led by Kennedy, which aims to transform the industry by promoting honesty and better practices. Tune in to learn more about fixing a broken industry and how you can be part of the change. Visit https://truthincyber.org/ to take the pledge and join the movement.

This podcast is brought to you by SecurityStudio and Ostra Cybersecurity.

To learn more about how to partner with Ostra, start a conversation with our team or follow us on LinkedIn.

To learn more about SecurityStudio, contact us or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Sunsets & Snowdrifts, we delve into the essential topic of cybersecurity compliance and how to avoid the “checkbox mindset.” Join us as we clarify what true compliance entails, differentiate between cybersecurity standardization and compliance, and emphasize the importance of a security-first approach. Our experts provide valuable insights on how to integrate security into your company culture, distinguish between information security and cybersecurity, and the mindset security consultants should adopt for effective client communication. Tune in for actionable strategies to enhance your cybersecurity practices beyond mere compliance!

This podcast is brought to you by SecurityStudio and Ostra Cybersecurity.

To learn more about how to partner with Ostra, start a conversation with our team or follow us on LinkedIn.

To learn more about SecurityStudio, contact us or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, our hosts will be diving into the transformative role of AI in cybersecurity. From past discussions on AI biases and its real vs. buzzword status, they'll now focus on its direct impact on cybersecurity, touching on how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, the societal and workforce implications, and the reality behind the marketing buzzword.

This podcast is brought to you by SecurityStudio and Ostra Cybersecurity.

To learn more about how to partner with Ostra, start a conversation with our team or follow us on LinkedIn.

To learn more about SecurityStudio, contact us or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, our hosts dive into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the cyber industry: mental health. Evan Francen and Michael Kennedy have a candid conversation about the significance of prioritizing mental well-being and share their insights on the importance of leaning on others and fostering a culture of openness within the industry. They emphasize the critical role of leaders in creating a supportive environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their struggles and seeking help when needed. They also explore the concept of truth-telling and transparency in the cyber industry, highlighting how these values not only enhance security practices but also contribute to a healthier work environment. 

**Content Warning** This episode contains some discussions about sensitive mental health topics. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please seek appropriate support resources.

This podcast is brought to you by SecurityStudio and Ostra Cybersecurity.

To learn more about how to partner with Ostra, start a conversation with our team or follow us on LinkedIn.

To learn more about SecurityStudio, contact us or follow us on LinkedIn.

"Sunsets and Snowdrifts: Life on the Cyber Horizon" kicks off its first episode with a warm introduction from host Frank Gurnee in California, joined by cybersecurity experts Evan Francen and Michael Kennedy, bringing their insights from the contrasting climates of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Minnesota, respectively. The podcast aims to unravel the complexities of cybersecurity for a diverse audience, including MSPs, vCISOs, and enthusiasts. After a light-hearted start and Evan and Kennedy's background stories, the discussion shifts to serious recent cybersecurity events, including major data breaches and legal challenges faced by MSPs, sparking a conversation on responsibility and preventive strategies in the cybersecurity realm.

This podcast is brought to you by SecurityStudio and Ostra Cybersecurity.

To learn more about how to partner with Ostra, start a conversation with our team or follow us on LinkedIn.

To learn more about SecurityStudio, contact us or follow us on LinkedIn.