In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I sit down with penetration tester Tadi Kandango to unpack why attention is the real currency in cybersecurity. We talk about how he broke into pentesting without a degree, the role certifications actually play, and why sharing your work publicly can open more doors than quietly grinding in the background. Whether you’re trying to land your first role or level up your career, this conversation will challenge how you think about breaking into the field. 

Subscribe to Tadi on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tadii

Follow Tadi on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tadi-kadango/

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https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, Kyser Clark sits down with Dino Dunn, an AI security professional and cybersecurity instructor, to uncover the hidden risks most organizations overlook when adopting large language models and AI tools. From overlooked governance issues to the dangers of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and even how compromised AI preferences could enable stealthy breaches, Dino breaks down real-world attack scenarios and shares practical advice for staying ahead of emerging threats. Whether you’re a security professional, developer, or just curious about the future of AI, this conversation reveals the AI blindspot you can’t afford to ignore. 

Connect with Dino Dunn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dino-dunn-cyber/

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https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, senior penetration tester and red teamer Nick Aures shares the skills and habits that matter most in pentesting beyond certifications. We discuss real-world experiences from breaking into the field to finding critical vulnerabilities in companies like Tesla, USAA, and Asana. Nick reveals why strong communication, report writing, and client relationships are just as essential as technical skills, along with insights into bug bounty hunting, red teaming, and common security blind spots. Whether you’re aspiring to become a pentester or looking to sharpen your skills, this conversation delivers practical advice and insider knowledge to help you stand out in the cybersecurity industry.

Connect with Nick Aures on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-aures-5a1a10bb/

Connect
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https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

Are cybersecurity certifications still worth it in 2025? Or are they just expensive pieces of paper with no real impact on your job prospects? In this solo episode, Kyser Clark cuts through the noise and tackles the growing wave of anti-certification advice circulating online. He shares what he's actually seeing in the job market, why certifications still matter, and how to think critically about which ones to pursue. If you're confused about certs or second-guessing your next move, this episode will give you the clarity (and reality check) you need.

Connect
---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, returning guest Josh Ragland shares how offensive security skills give blue teamers a serious edge. From building a hash-cracking rig to diving deep into C programming and assembly, Josh explains how understanding the attacker’s mindset can drastically cut triage time and help defenders spot threats others miss. We also get into the flaws of relying too heavily on AI in cybersecurity, discuss realistic detection testing without a red team, and reflect on the golden days of OSCP labs. Whether you're red, blue, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge how you think about defense. 

Connect with Josh Ragland on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/7h3-gh05t/

Josh Appears in Ep 1 as well: https://podcast.kyserclark.com/2380786/episodes/15331263-1-do-something-great-in-the-world-ft-joshua-ragland

Connect
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https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, Kyser Clark interviews legendary social engineer Alethe Denis to explore the ethical limits of influence in red team engagements. From her DEF CON Black Badge victory to her groundbreaking work at Bishop Fox, Alethe shares hard-earned insights on emotional manipulation, deepfakes, social engineering strategy, and why some tactics cross the line, even when they work. Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, aspiring red teamer, or just fascinated by the human side of hacking, this episode dives deep into the psychology, ethics, and real-world impact of social engineering. 

Connect
---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

This episode marks one year of The Hacker’s Cache.
To celebrate, I’ve compiled the most powerful, insightful, and thought-provoking moments from every single episode of Season 1, all 52 of them, in one back-to-back highlight reel.

This isn’t just a recap. It’s a front-row seat to the best hot takes, bold opinions, unique insights, and raw truths from some of the most driven minds in cybersecurity. Whether you're a red teamer, aspiring hacker, or cybersecurity professional looking for real-world advice, this episode is packed with the type of wisdom you don’t usually get in one place.

You'll hear perspectives on:

• Breaking into cybersecurity without a degree
• Penetration testing vs. vulnerability assessments
• Active Directory labs and red teaming tips
• AI in cybersecurity (real hype or real threat?)
• The OSCP, burnout, bootcamps, and job hunting
• Soft skills, report writing, and real hacker mindsets
• And why the Nigerian prince still works in 2024

If you’re new to the show, this is the perfect place to start.
If you’ve been here since the beginning, this is the ultimate rewind.

Welcome to Season 2. Let's get to work.

Connect
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https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

In this Q&A episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I answer your top questions about breaking into cybersecurity from a software engineering background, whether an associate's degree is worth pursuing, and how I prepare for CompTIA certifications using third-party resources. I also open up about why YouTube took down one of my most popular Wi-Fi hacking videos, how it led to a permanent warning on my channel, and what that means for future technical content. If you're navigating the transition into cyber or want to hear the behind-the-scenes reality of cybersecurity content creation, this episode’s for you. 

Connect
---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

In this episode, Richie Vinson (4NU81X7H3H4CK3r) shares how he broke into red teaming without a college degree or the OSCP certification. He explains why he skipped traditional credentials, how volunteering at cybersecurity conferences helped him bypass the HR firewall, and what newcomers can do to stand out. From earning a Black Badge at HackSpace to working in OT security, Richie offers real-world insights into breaking into cybersecurity through networking, hands-on skills, and personal strategy. If you're looking for an OSCP alternative or wondering how to get hired without a degree, this episode is a must-listen. 

Connect with Richie Vinson (4NU81X7H3H4CK3r) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r2600/

Connect
---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, Kyser Clark interviews John Kounelis, a Senior Product Security Engineer with a background in software development and AppSec. John shares how discovering vulnerabilities in his own code led him to a full-time role in application security, and explains the key differences in AppSec across defense, biotech, and SaaS industries. They discuss the realities of bug bounty hunting, the limitations of CTFs, how developers unintentionally introduce vulnerabilities, and why understanding vulnerability chaining is critical for advanced web app testing. Whether you're transitioning from development to security or looking to sharpen your real-world pentesting skills, this episode delivers practical insight into what it truly takes to thrive in AppSec. 

Connect with John Kounelis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-765b42148/

Connect
---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.