The ITSPmagazine Podcast

The RSA Conference has long served as a meeting point for innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity—and in this pre-RSAC episode, ITSPmagazine co-founders Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin welcome Akamai’s Rupesh Chokshi to the conversation. With RSAC 2025 on the horizon, they discuss Akamai’s presence at the event and dig into the challenges and opportunities surrounding AI, threat intelligence, and enterprise security.

Chokshi, who leads Akamai’s Application Security business, describes a landscape marked by explosive growth in web and API attacks—and a parallel shift as enterprises embrace generative AI. The double-edged nature of AI is central to the discussion: while it offers breakthrough productivity and automation, it also creates new vulnerabilities. Akamai’s dual focus, says Chokshi, is both using AI to strengthen defenses and securing AI-powered applications themselves.

The conversation touches on the scale and sophistication of modern threats, including an eye-opening stat: Akamai is now tracking over 500 million large language model (LLM)-driven scraping requests per day. As these threats extend from e-commerce to healthcare and beyond, Chokshi emphasizes the need for layered defense strategies and real-time adaptability.

Ciappelli brings a sociological lens to the AI discussion, noting the hype-to-reality shift the industry is experiencing. “We’re no longer asking if AI will change the game,” he suggests. “We’re asking how to implement it responsibly—and how to protect it.”

At RSAC 2025, Akamai will showcase a range of innovations, including updates to its Guardicore platform and new App & API Protection Hybrid solutions. Their booth (6245) will feature interactive demos, theater sessions, and one-on-one briefings. The Akamai team will also release a new edition of their State of the Internet report, packed with actionable threat data and insights.

The episode closes with a reminder: in a world that’s both accelerating and fragmenting, cybersecurity must serve not just as a barrier—but as a catalyst. “Security,” says Chokshi, “has to enable innovation, not hinder it.”

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Keywords: RSAC 2025, Akamai, cybersecurity, generative AI, API protection, web attacks, application security, LLM scraping, Guardicore, State of the Internet report, Zero Trust, hybrid digital world, enterprise resilience, AI security, threat intelligence, prompt injection, data privacy, RSA Conference, Sean Martin, Marco Ciappelli

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Guest: Rupesh Chokshi, SVP & GM, Akamai 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupeshchokshi/

Hosts:

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine:  https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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This Episode’s Sponsors

AKAMAI:
https://itspm.ag/akamailbwc

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Resources

Learn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsa-conference-usa-2025-rsac-san-francisco-usa-cybersecurity-event-infosec-conference-coverage

Rupesh Chokshi Session at RSAC 2025
The New Attack Frontier: Research Shows Apps & APIs Are the Targets - [PART1-W09]

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Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverage

To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

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LevelBlue’s latest Threat Trends Report pulls no punches: phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks are not just continuing—they’re accelerating. In this episode of ITSPmagazine’s Brand Story podcast, hosts Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli are joined by Kenneth Ng, a threat hunter and lead incident responder on LevelBlue’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) team, to unpack the findings and recommendations from the report.

Phishing as a Service and the Surge in Email Compromises

One of the most alarming trends highlighted by Kenneth is the widespread availability of Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) kits, including names like RaccoonO365, Mamba 2FA, and Greatness. These kits allow attackers with little to no technical skill to launch sophisticated campaigns that bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) by hijacking session tokens. With phishing attacks now leading to full enterprise compromises, often through seemingly innocuous Microsoft 365 access, the threat is more serious than ever.

Malware Is Smarter, Simpler—and It’s Spreading Fast

Malware, particularly fake browser updates and credential stealers like Lumma Stealer, is also seeing a rise in usage. Kenneth points out the troubling trend of malware campaigns that rely on basic user interactions—like copying and pasting text—leading to full compromise through PowerShell or command prompt access. Basic group policy configurations (like blocking script execution for non-admin users) are still underutilized defenses.

Ransomware: Faster and More Automated Than Ever

The speed of ransomware attacks has increased dramatically. Kenneth shares real-world examples where attackers go from initial access to full domain control in under an hour—sometimes in as little as ten minutes—thanks to automation, remote access tools, and credential harvesting. This rapid escalation leaves defenders with very little room to respond unless robust detection and prevention measures are in place ahead of time.

Why This Report Matters

Rather than presenting raw data, LevelBlue focuses on actionable insights. Each major finding comes with recommendations that can be implemented regardless of company size or maturity level. The report is a resource not just for LevelBlue customers, but for any organization looking to strengthen its defenses.

Be sure to check out the full conversation and grab the first edition of the Threat Trends Report ahead of LevelBlue’s next release this August—and stay tuned for their updated Futures Report launching at RSA Conference on April 28.

Learn more about LevelBlue: https://itspm.ag/levelblue266f6c

Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.

Guest: Kenneth Ng, threat hunter and lead incident responder on LevelBlue’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) team | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngkencyber/

Resources

Download the LevelBlue Threat Trends Report | Edition One: https://itspm.ag/levelbyqdp

Learn more and catch more stories from LevelBlue: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/levelblue

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⬥GUEST⬥

Izar Tarandach, Sr. Principal Security Architect for a large media company | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izartarandach/

⬥HOST⬥

Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/ | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com

⬥EPISODE NOTES⬥

In this episode of Redefining CyberSecurity, host Sean Martin sits down with Izar Tarandach, Senior Principal Security Architect at a major entertainment company, to unpack a concept gaining traction across some developer circles: vibe coding.

Vibe coding, as discussed by Izar and Sean, isn’t just about AI-assisted development—it’s about coding based on a feeling or a flow, often driven by prompts to large language models (LLMs). It’s being explored in organizations from startups to large tech companies, where the appeal lies in speed and ease: describe what you want, and the machine generates the code. But this emerging approach is raising significant concerns, particularly in security circles.

Izar, who co-hosts the Security Table podcast with Matt Coles and Chris Romeo, calls attention to the deeper implications of vibe coding. At the heart of his concern is the risk of ignoring past lessons. Generating code through AI may feel like progress, but without understanding what’s being written or how it fits into the broader architecture, teams risk reintroducing old vulnerabilities—at scale.

One major issue: the assumption that code generated by AI is inherently good or secure. Izar challenges that notion, reminding listeners that today’s coding models function like junior developers—they may produce working code, but they’re also prone to mistakes, hallucinations, and a lack of contextual understanding. Worse yet, organizations may begin to skip traditional checks like code reviews and secure development lifecycles, assuming the machine already got it right.

Sean highlights a potential opportunity—if used wisely, vibe coding could allow developers to focus more on outcomes and user needs, rather than syntax and structure. But even he acknowledges that, without collaboration and proper feedback loops, it’s more of a one-way zone than a true jam session between human and machine.

Together, Sean and Izar explore whether security leaders are aware of vibe-coded systems running in their environments—and how they should respond. Their advice: assume you already have vibe-coded components in play, treat that code with the same scrutiny as anything else, and don’t trust blindly. Review it, test it, threat model it, and hold it to the same standards.

Tune in to hear how this new style of development is reshaping conversations about security, responsibility, and collaboration in software engineering.

⬥SPONSORS⬥

LevelBlue: https://itspm.ag/attcybersecurity-3jdk3

ThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974

⬥RESOURCES⬥

Inspiring LinkedIn Post — https://www.linkedin.com/posts/izartarandach_sigh-vibecoding-when-will-we-be-able-activity-7308105048926879744-fNMS

Security Table Podcast: Vibe Coding: What Could Possibly Go Wrong? — https://securitytable.buzzsprout.com/2094080/episodes/16861651-vibe-coding-what-could-possibly-go-wrong

Webinar: Secure Coding = Developer Power, An ITSPmagazine Webinar with Manicode Security — https://www.crowdcast.io/c/secure-coding-equals-developer-power-how-to-convince-your-boss-to-invest-in-you-an-itspmagazine-webinar-with-manicode-security-ad147fba034a

⬥ADDITIONAL INFORMATION⬥

✨ More Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast: 

🎧 https://www.seanmartin.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast on YouTube:

📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllS9aVGdiakVss9u7xgYDKYq

Interested in sponsoring this show with a podcast ad placement? Learn more:

👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplc

Guest: Dr. Bruce Y Lee
Senior Contributor @Forbes | Professor | CEO | Writer/Journalist | Entrepreneur | Digital & Computational Health | #AI | bruceylee.substack.com | bruceylee.com 

Bruce Y. Lee, MD, MBA is a writer, journalist, systems modeler, AI, computational and digital health expert, professor, physician, entrepreneur, and avocado-eater, not always in that order.Executive Director of PHICOR (Public Health Informatics, Computational, and Operations Research) [@PHICORteam]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-y-lee-68a6834/

Website | https://www.bruceylee.com/

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Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast

Visit Marco's website 👉 https://www.marcociappelli.com 
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This Episode’s Sponsors

BlackCloak 👉 https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb

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We’re back at the bar. Bruce is here, the garlic took the day off (too young to drink?), and we’re talking about something that’s not science fiction anymore — the idea that your digital self could outlive you.

Yeah. Living forever. Or at least… being replicated forever.

It starts with a hologram of Princess Leia and ends with people in Japan marrying bots. And in between? There’s a messy, fascinating, unsettling space filled with AI companions, algorithmic flattery, uncanny valley doppelgängers, and the very real possibility that we’re confusing memory with simulation.

Bruce brings up Star Trek — of course he does — where Captain Kirk debates a machine version of a long-dead friend who insists he’s still the real deal. Spoiler: Kirk says no. And I get it. But what if that machine knows everything I’ve ever posted, recorded, written, liked, said, or searched? What if it feels like me?

Would you want to talk to it?

As always, our conversation doesn’t offer a final answer — we’re not here to draw lines in the philosophical sand. We’re here to hold up a mirror and ask: is that reflection still you if it’s built out of pixels and training data?

This episode is personal and playful, but also incredibly relevant. Because we’re already building legacies we don’t fully understand. Every photo, every search, every rant, every laugh — it’s all on the record now. Our historical memory is no longer dusty boxes in the attic; it’s a neural net waiting to be queried.

So yeah, one day, you might be sipping your espresso while a synthetic version of your late uncle offers you advice, cracks a joke, and asks if you still listen to that one podcast.

Just remember what Captain Kirk said: that might look like him, sound like him, even think like him — but it’s not really him.

Still… it’s a hell of a conversation.

So join Bruce and me. Pull up a virtual stool. It’s Season 2, Episode 3. And no, that laugh you just heard isn’t AI-generated — not yet.

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Keywords:

digital immortality, AI relationships, uncanny valley, chatbot therapy, synthetic identity, Star Trek, brain uploading, holograms, emotional AI, algorithmic intimacy, digital clone, memory simulation, techno-sociology, posthumanism, virtual consciousness, AI ethics, social engineering, digital legacy, artificial friends, future of identity

See You Next Time

You'll find links to connect with Bruce and explore his incredible contributions in journalism and medicine. I promise you; he's just as insightful and entertaining as he seems in the series. So, see you next time – same bar, same garlic, new topics!

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Resources/References

The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI
by Ray Kurzweil

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Listen to more Redefining Society & Technology stories and subscribe to the podcast:
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All Aboard the Innovation Express: RSAC 2025 On Track for Cybersecurity’s Future

Let’s face it—RSAC isn’t just a conference anymore. It’s a movement. A ritual. A block party for cybersecurity. And this year, it’s pulling into the station with more tracks than ever before—figuratively and literally.

In this On Location episode, we reconnect with Cecilia Murtagh Marinier, Vice President of Innovation and Scholars at RSAC, to dive into what makes the 2025 edition a can’t-miss experience. And as always, Sean and Marco kick things off with a bit of improvisation, some travel jokes, and a whole lot of heart.

From the 20th Anniversary of the Innovation Sandbox (with a massive $50M investment boost from Crosspoint Capital) to the growing Early Stage Expo, LaunchPad’s Shark-Tank-style sessions, and the new Investor & Entrepreneur track, RSAC continues to set the stage for cybersecurity’s next big thing.

And this year, they’re going bigger—literally. The expansion into the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts brings with it a mind-blowing immersive experience: DARPA’s AI Cyber City, a physically interactive train ride through smart city scenarios, designed to show how cybersecurity touches everything—from water plants to hospitals, satellites to firmware.

Add in eight hands-on villages, security scholars programs, coffee-fueled networking zones, and a renewed focus on inclusion, mentorship, and accessibility, and you’ve got something that feels less like an event and more like a living, breathing community.

Cecilia also reminds us that RSAC is a place for everyone—from first-timers unsure where to begin to seasoned veterans ready to innovate and invest. It’s about showing up, making a plan (or not), and being open to the unexpected conversations that happen in hallways, lounges, or over espresso in the sandbox village.

And if you can’t make it in person? RSAC has made sure that everything is accessible online—600 speakers, 600 vendors, and endless ways to engage, reflect, and be part of the global cybersecurity story.

So whether you’re hopping in the car, boarding a flight, or—who knows—riding a miniature DARPA train through Northridge City, one thing’s for sure: RSAC 2025 is going full speed ahead—and we’re bringing you along for the ride.

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📺 FULL VIDEO

👉 https://youtu.be/59mW2XNz0CE

🧭 EXPLORE RSAC COVERAGE

👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac

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KEYWORDS

RSAC 2025, cybersecurity innovation, DARPA Cyber City, AI in security, startup funding, Innovation Sandbox, LaunchPad, Early Stage Expo, cybersecurity community, security scholars, investor track, immersive tech experiences, smart cities, cyber education, cyber startup pitch, interactive cybersecurity, RSAC sandbox, CTFs, AI-powered defense, infosec industry trends

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Guest: 
Cecilia Murtagh Marinier | Cybersecurity Advisor - Strategy, Innovation & Scholars at RSA Conference

Hosts:
Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine:  https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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This Episode’s Sponsors

ThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974

Akamai: https://itspm.ag/akamailbwc

BlackCloak: https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb

SandboxAQ: https://itspm.ag/sandboxaq-j2en

Archer: https://itspm.ag/rsaarchweb

Dropzone AI: https://itspm.ag/dropzoneai-641

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Resources

Learn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsa-conference-usa-2025-rsac-san-francisco-usa-cybersecurity-event-infosec-conference-coverage

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Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverage

To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

To see and hear more Redefining Society & Technology stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:
https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-and-technology-podcast

Want to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More 👉 https://itspm.ag/evtcovbrf

Want Sean and Marco to be part of your event or conference? Let Us Know 👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/contact-us

In this Brand Story episode, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli sit down with Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer at ThreatLocker, to unpack how the company is reshaping endpoint security through a unique, control-first approach. Rob shares how ThreatLocker is challenging long-held assumptions about trust, visibility, and control in enterprise environments—and why the traditional “trust but verify” model is no longer good enough.

From Default Permit to Default Deny

ThreatLocker’s philosophy centers on a fundamental shift: moving from a default permit posture to a default deny stance. This approach, according to Rob, doesn’t hinder operations—it creates boundaries that allow organizations to function safely and efficiently. It’s not about locking systems down; it’s about granting permissions with precision, so users can operate without even noticing security is present.

Product Innovation Driven by Real Feedback

The conversation highlights how customer input—and CEO Danny Jenkins’ relentless presence at industry events—drives product development. New solutions like Web Control and Patch Management are designed as logical extensions of existing tools, allowing security teams to reduce risk without creating friction for end users. The addition of a software store, suggested by enterprise customers, gives users clarity on what’s approved while reducing IT support tickets.

Insights and the Detect Dashboard

Rob also explains how ThreatLocker is unlocking the value of big data. With billions of data points collected every hour, their new Insights platform aggregates and analyzes cross-customer trends to better inform security decisions. Combined with the Detect Dashboard, teams now gain not only visibility but actionable intelligence—supported by polished visuals and streamlined workflows.

More Than Just Tech—It’s Peace of Mind

While the technology is impressive, Rob says the most rewarding feedback is simple: “ThreatLocker helps me sleep at night.” For many customers, that level of confidence is priceless. And in unexpected situations—like a blue-screen incident caused by third-party software—ThreatLocker has even been used to mitigate impacts in creative ways.

Whether you’re leading a global IT team or managing a growing MSP, this episode will make you think differently about how security fits into your operational strategy. Tune in to hear how ThreatLocker is turning bold ideas into real-world control.

Learn more about ThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974

Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.

Guest: Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer at ThreatLocker

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/threatlockerrob/

Resources

Learn more and catch more stories from ThreatLocker: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/threatlocker

Are you interested in telling your story?
https://www.itspmagazine.com/telling-your-story

🪐 From Myth to Machine: When Stories Shaped Our Journey to the Stars

April 9, 2025

Before humanity launched rockets toward distant planets or placed satellites that quietly orbit our Earth, before telescopes pierced the cosmic veil to reveal distant galaxies, we looked to the night sky armed only with wonder. Beneath starlit skies, humans gathered around fires, weaving myths from scattered constellations. These celestial bodies became our companions—gods, heroes, tricksters—not simply pinpoints of distant light, but storytellers of destiny and reflection.

Then came Galileo, a solitary figure who raised a simple tube of lenses skyward and irrevocably altered humanity’s story. His telescope shattered myths, replacing divine portraits with measurable landscapes. Mountains on the moon, moons around Jupiter—Galileo did not silence imagination; instead, he opened a door between wonder and reality, bridging storytelling and science.

Yet, even as telescopes multiplied and humanity’s understanding deepened, our dreams kept pace, evolving into vibrant visions and audacious predictions. Writers began to sketch the future with an uncanny precision that blurred fiction and foresight. Jules Verne and H.G. Wells planted the seeds of possibility with lunar voyages and Martian encounters, not as mere entertainment, but as blueprints for what humanity could dare to achieve.

As technology accelerated in the twentieth century, our visions became grander, more complex, filled with moral ambiguities and philosophical questions. Isaac Asimov imagined civilizations stretching across galaxies, bound by logic and law, but also warned of humanity’s fragile reliance on machines. Arthur C. Clarke envisioned not just interplanetary travel but the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence. Frank Herbert’s Dune intricately wove ecology, politics, and spirituality into a cosmic tapestry, urging readers to reflect deeply on humanity’s relationship with power and environment.

Meanwhile, cinema transformed space narratives from pages to powerful collective experiences. George Lucas and Gene Roddenberry projected humanity’s oldest myths onto the widest canvas imaginable, framing space as a realm not just of exploration but of profound human drama. Star Wars and Star Trek—epics filled with heroism, redemption, and philosophical explorations—became cultural phenomena that informed and inspired generations, molding our collective hopes and cautions about life beyond our planet.

Today, we find ourselves not in an imagined future, but in a tangible present shaped by these rich narratives. Private companies and national agencies alike are racing to build orbital stations, lunar outposts, and even laying plans for interplanetary commerce. Space is no longer distant fantasy—it is a critical infrastructure woven deeply into our digital, political, and economic lives.

Yet crucial questions linger:

What stories do we now tell ourselves about space?

Are we still guided by the optimism and cautionary lessons learned from generations of dreamers?

Or are we seduced by spectacle, distracted by the headlines, losing sight of the nuanced realities and responsibilities that accompany our cosmic ambitions?

The stories we tell about space shape not only our visions of the future but our very journey toward it. Let’s make sure our next chapter is one worth writing.

As always, let's keep thinking!

— Marco 
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Join us at ITSPmagazine for a live webinar that separates hype from reality, examining what is achievable today, what remains decades away, and what might still be forever in the realm of fiction. Together with experts in aerospace engineering, space policy, and cybersecurity, we will confront the profound implications of humanity’s increasing reliance on space-based infrastructure.  

Space Is Closer Than You Think: But What’s Real, What’s Hype, and What’s Next

• Space Innovation, Unfiltered: A reality check on what’s achievable today and what’s merely speculative.
• The State of Space Governance: Who is shaping the rules of engagement in orbit, and how do these decisions impact life on Earth?
• The Cybersecurity Front Line: Examining vulnerabilities in space infrastructure and their potential consequences back home.

Panelists:

Lauryn Williams Former Chief of Staff in the Defense Industrial Base Policy Office at the Pentagon and former Director for Strategy in the White House Office of the National Cyber Director

Jim Free Former NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Associate Administrator

Chris Sembroski Chief Astronaut & Founding Advisory Board Member at Titans Space Industries

Tim Fowler Founder and CEO at ETHOS Labs, LLC

Moderators:

Sean Martin, CISSP Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine

Marco Ciappelli Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine  

🗓️ Join us Live (or later on demand)

Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 1:00 PM EST

👉 Register here: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/space-is-closer-than-you-think-but-whats-real-whats-hype-and-whats-next-an-itspmagazine-thought-leadership-webinar-april-2025-8592895e690a

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This story represents the results of an interactive collaboration between Human Cognition and Artificial Intelligence.

Marco Ciappelli | Co-Founder, Creative Director & CMO ITSPmagazine  | Dr. in Political Science / Sociology of Communication l Branding | Content Marketing | Storyteller | My Podcasts: Redefining Society & Technology / Audio Signals / + | MarcoCiappelli.com

TAPE3 is the Artificial Intelligence behind ITSPmagazine—created to be a personal assistant, writing and design collaborator, research companion, brainstorming partner… and, apparently, something new every single day.

Enjoy, think, share with others, and subscribe to the "Musing On Society & Technology" newsletter on LinkedIn.

As the cybersecurity world gears up for RSAC 2025 in San Francisco, we hit the road again—this time with Chris Pierson, Founder and CEO of BlackCloak, for a pre-event chat packed with insight, community spirit, and some big news.

Chris is no stranger to the RSA stage—this year marks his 21st year presenting—and he’s bringing his energy to two powerful sessions. The first, titled “Protecting What Matters: Your Family and Home,” kicks off bright and early on Monday, April 28. It’s not about blinky lights or enterprise networks—it’s about us. The cybersecurity community often talks about protecting organizations, but what about protecting ourselves and our families? Chris will explore how security pros can apply their skills at home, covering identity theft, scams, and home network safety. It’s a refreshing and much-needed call to action that connects the personal and professional.

On Wednesday, Chris returns with co-presenter James Shreve for a two-hour Learning Lab, “When Things Go Boom: Supply Chain Risk.” This Chatham House Rule session dives deep into one of today’s most complex challenges: managing third-party risk without stopping the business in its tracks. Participants will step into different roles—board members, CISOs, legal, finance—to engage in a live, collaborative scenario that pushes them to think beyond checklists. Real talk. Real collaboration. And practical takeaways.

But that’s not all. BlackCloak is also unveiling its new Digital Executive Protection Framework, designed to help organizations assess and strengthen protections for executives and their families. Chris teases that this framework includes 14 essential tenets that blend physical, digital, and organizational awareness—and he’ll be sitting down with us again at the event to go deeper.

With 15–20 BlackCloak team members on site, a full schedule of meetings, events, and community conversations, this year is shaping up to be a milestone for BlackCloak at RSAC. If you’re attending, keep an eye on their LinkedIn page for updates, booking links, and suite details.

As Chris says, it’s about lifting our heads, scanning the horizon, and showing up for our community—and our families.

Keywords: RSAC2025, Chris Pierson, BlackCloak, cybersecurity, RSA Conference, digital protection, executive protection, supply chain risk, identity theft, privacy, home network security, third-party risk, CISOs, cybersecurity community, digital executive protection framework, GRC, threat intelligence, infosec, personal security, cybersecurity awareness

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Guest: Chris Pierson, Founder & CEO of BLACKCLOAK | Digital Executive Protection | Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy Protection . . . in their Personal Lives | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchristopherpierson/

Hosts:

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine:  https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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This Episode’s Sponsors

BLACKCLOAK:
https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb

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Resources

Learn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsa-conference-usa-2025-rsac-san-francisco-usa-cybersecurity-event-infosec-conference-coverage

Chris Sessions
Protecting What Matters—Your Family & Home https://path.rsaconference.com/flow/rsac/us25/FullAgenda/page/catalog/session/1739369849404001eWtU

When Things Go Boom! Your Supply Chain Risk
https://path.rsaconference.com/flow/rsac/us25/FullAgenda/page/catalog/session/1727434586212001yGwM

BLACKCLOAK WEBSITE:
https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb

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Join Marco and Sean in their annual pre-RSAC conversation with Linda Gray Martin and Britta Glade. Discover what's new and exciting at RSAC 2025—expanded campuses, innovative programming, and compelling guest speakers like Magic Johnson and Ron Howard. Dive into special events, immersive experiences, and the launch of a vibrant community platform aimed at fostering continuous learning and connection among cybersecurity professionals. Get ready for another unforgettable year celebrating many voices within one united community.

Full Intro/Blog:
RSA Conference 2025 is here, and Marco and Sean continue their beloved tradition with a vibrant preview conversation featuring Linda Gray Martin, Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President at RSAC, and Britta Glade, Senior Vice President, Content & Communities. This year's conference theme, "Many Voices, One Community," highlights the collaborative and inclusive spirit driving the cybersecurity world forward.

In this engaging discussion, Marco and Sean explore the exciting expansions and innovations attendees can anticipate. RSAC is expanding its campus, taking over San Francisco's stunning Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, enhancing the attendee experience with a new keynote auditorium and the DARPA AI Cyber Challenge. The Sandbox area promises captivating interactive experiences, including a fictional town simulation designed to showcase AI's role in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Keynotes remain a conference highlight, with influential voices like NBA legend Magic Johnson sharing insights on teamwork, and filmmaker Ron Howard discussing storytelling and human connections in a unique father-daughter interview format. Closing celebrations feature an exciting conversation with Jamie Foxx, alongside vibrant performances from DJ Irie and local sensation Jazz Mafia.

New educational tracks addressing essential topics such as Protecting Home and Family and Security Foundations ensure that content remains both relevant and accessible. The introduction of a new community membership platform is set to revolutionize ongoing engagement, offering secure messaging, tailored cybersecurity content, and collaborative opportunities long after the conference ends.

Embrace the spirit of innovation, unity, and continuous growth at RSAC 2025, where the cybersecurity community comes together to drive meaningful change.

Keywords:
RSAC 2025, RSA Conference, cybersecurity, community, innovation, Magic Johnson, Ron Howard, Jamie Foxx, DARPA AI Cyber Challenge, Sandbox, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, keynote speakers, networking, continuous learning, community membership platform, protecting home and family, security foundations, technology, inclusive community, immersive experience.

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Guest: 
Linda Gray Martin | Chief of Staff, RSAC and Senior Vice President, RSA Conference
https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-gray-martin-223708/

Britta Glade | Senior Vice President, Content & Communities, RSA Conference
https://www.linkedin.com/in/britta-glade-5251003/

Hosts:
Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine:  https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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This Episode’s Sponsors

ThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974

Akamai: https://itspm.ag/akamailbwc

BlackCloak: https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb

SandboxAQ: https://itspm.ag/sandboxaq-j2en

Archer: https://itspm.ag/rsaarchweb

Dropzone AI: https://itspm.ag/dropzoneai-641

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Resources

Learn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsa-conference-usa-2025-rsac-san-francisco-usa-cybersecurity-event-infosec-conference-coverage

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Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverage

To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

To see and hear more Redefining Society & Technology stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:
https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-and-technology-podcast

Want to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More 👉 https://itspm.ag/evtcovbrf

Want Sean and Marco to be part of your event or conference? Let Us Know 👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/contact-us

🎙️✨ From Military-Grade Security to Everyday Protection: A Beachhead Solutions Brand Story

How does a military-born cybersecurity solution empower MSPs and SMBs in today’s compliance-driven world? Here’s the Beachhead Solutions story.

When it comes to cybersecurity, one thing is clear: the Wild West may have lost a “wild,” but it’s still lawless out there. In this ITSPmagazine Brand Story, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli sit down with Cam Roberson of Beachhead Solutions—a company with deep roots in military-grade data protection and a forward-thinking approach to endpoint security.

Cam shares how Beachhead Solutions began two decades ago, solving a very real problem for the military: how to instantly and securely destroy sensitive data on compromised devices like laptops in Humvees. Today, that same secure mindset powers a solution designed not just for high-risk environments, but also for businesses of all sizes that need to manage device security and compliance without locking down operations.

What sets Beachhead apart? Their philosophy of “trust but verify.” Unlike rigid zero trust models that can frustrate users and slow productivity, Beachhead enables granular access control based on real-time risk conditions—automated and scalable. Their “Risk Responder” technology evaluates behavior and environment to enforce adaptive policies, ensuring protection without constant human oversight.

Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise MSP, compliance is no longer optional. Cam discusses the increasing pressure from frameworks like NIST, HIPAA, CMMC, and the FTC Safeguards Rule—regulations that apply across industries and sizes. Beachhead’s cloud-native platform helps companies prepare, adapt, and prove compliance through detailed reporting and control over data access.

What’s more, their MSP-first model isn’t just a reseller program. Partners get concierge onboarding, flexible monthly billing, and free internal use of the platform—because they’re part of the supply chain too. With Beachhead, MSPs aren’t just meeting regulatory checkboxes; they’re showing value to clients and securing new business opportunities in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

From USB-stolen “startup kits” to porch-tossed medical laptops, Cam’s anecdotes highlight the real-world chaos that their solution brings order to.

Ready to move from wild to wise? Beachhead Solutions has your back.

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Keywords:

endpoint security, data protection, zero trust, risk responder, MSP, SMB security, device control, cybersecurity, compliance, NIST, HIPAA, FTC safeguards, CMMC, supply chain security, secure data wipe, remote access control, encryption, managed services, cloud-native security, Beachhead Solutions, adaptive security

Learn more about BeachHead Solutions : https://itspm.ag/beachhead-solutions-r49e

Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.

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Guest: Cam Roberson 

🔗 Cam Roberson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camroberson/
 

Resources

Learn more and catch more stories from Beachhead Solutions: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/beach-head-solutions

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