The Tea on Cybersecurity

On Season 5 of The Tea on Cybersecurity, one thing became clear: security is not a one-and-done deal. It’s a continuous journey.

In this episode, host Jara Rowe wraps up the season by highlighting the key takeaways and tackling the biggest myths and misconceptions in cybersecurity and compliance. She also discusses how businesses can future-proof their security posture by focusing on Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM).

Tune in to hear actionable advice for 2026 and beyond to keep your business secure as cybersecurity keeps evolving.

Key takeaways:

• The importance of continuous security and compliance

• How to keep up with changing frameworks and avoid compliance pitfalls

• Practical security strategies you can implement today

Need a partner to help you get on the right path with everything we talked about this season? Visit Trava Security to explore how our integrated services can transform security from a cost center into a competitive advantage: https://travasecurity.com/travas-services

Episode highlights:

(00:00) Key lessons of Season 5

(01:22) Debunking common compliance myths

(03:19) How to future-proof your security strategy

(06:51) Cybersecurity tips you can apply today

Connect with the host:

Jara Rowe’s LinkedIn - @jararowe

Connect with Trava:

Website - www.travasecurity.com

Blog - www.travasecurity.com/learn-with-trava/blog

LinkedIn - @travasecurity

YouTube - @travasecurity

For SMEs and startups, things are always changing—new projects, growing teams, and evolving products. Amidst this growth, cybersecurity often takes a backseat. However, protecting your business from cyber threats is more important than ever.

In this episode, Anh Pham, Director of Penetration Testing and Security at Trava, explains how a robust Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) framework can help businesses stay secure. He also discusses how Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) and Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS) offer ongoing protection and risk management without the need for a full-time security team.

Anh shares how partnering with cybersecurity experts can give you peace of mind, letting you focus on your business while staying ahead of potential threats. Tune in for practical advice on implementing CTEM, PTaaS, and VMaaS to ensure your business is safe and secure.

Key takeaways:

• The role of PTaaS and VMaaS in continuous protection

• The benefits of partnering with cybersecurity experts

• Practical steps to implement CTEM, PTaaS, and VMaaS

Want to know exactly what to look for in a PTaaS provider? We’ve outlined everything you need to know in this guide: https://travasecurity.com/understanding-ptaas

Episode highlights:

(00:00) The aspects of a robust CTEM strategy

(01:15) Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS)

(02:29) Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS)

(03:42) Why you need PTaaS and VMaaS in your CTEM framework

(06:32) How to start small with CTEM

(07:48) Making continuous cybersecurity affordable for SMEs and startups

Connect with the host:

Jara Rowe’s LinkedIn - @jararowe

Connect with the guest:

Anh Pham’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anhpham11/

Connect with Trava:

Website - www.travasecurity.com

Blog - www.travasecurity.com/learn-with-trava/blog

LinkedIn - @travasecurity

YouTube - @travasecurity

Your business is constantly evolving. But how do you know where the weak spots are or which ones actually matter? In a fast-moving environment, understanding your vulnerabilities before attackers do is critical.

In this episode, Anh Pham, Director of Penetration Testing and Security at Trava, breaks down why more businesses are moving toward Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM). Anh explains the five key components of CTEM, how to tell if your business is ready to implement it, and what’s pushing organizations to take a more active, ongoing approach to cybersecurity.

Key takeaways:

• Why CTEM outperforms traditional point-in-time testing

• The five components of CTEM and how they work together

• How evolving threats and expanding attack surfaces demand continuous validation

  
  

Ready to dive deeper into the continuous process? Get more info on CTEM and why it's important here: https://travasecurity.com/ctem-explained

Episode highlights:

(00:00) CTEM explained simply

(02:38) How CTEM differs from point-in-time testing

(04:29) The five components of a CTEM approach

(09:25) When to adopt CTEM

Connect with the host:

Jara Rowe’s LinkedIn - @jararowe

Connect with the guest:

Anh Pham’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anhpham11/

Connect with Trava:

Website - www.travasecurity.com

Blog - www.travasecurity.com/learn-with-trava/blog

LinkedIn - @travasecurity

YouTube - @travasecurity

As the new year approaches, now’s the time to refresh your cybersecurity strategy and kick old habits to the curb.

In this special episode, Jara Rowe asks Trava experts one simple question: What should businesses focus on in 2026? Tune in for actionable advice that can immediately strengthen your business's security. From implementing essential tools to adopting best practices, these tips can make a real difference in how you prepare for the year ahead.

Key takeaways:

• Why documenting changes and issues sets you up for smoother audits 

• How smaller companies can reduce risk through MFA, pen testing, and AI policies

• Why treating security and compliance as one connected system prepares your business for the future 

Your business faces new challenges each day, and we want to set you up for success in 2026. Visit Trava Security to explore how our integrated services can transform security from a cost center into a competitive advantage: https://travasecurity.com/travas-services

Episode highlights:

(00:00) Insights from cybersecurity experts

(00:58) Why documentation saves you time during audits

(01:28) How to stop attackers from impersonating your domain

(01:51) The importance of regular testing

(02:37) Centralizing controls, risks, and evidence

(03:50) The easiest way to prevent data breaches

(05:35) The mindset shift needed around security & compliance

(06:41) Data visibility and protection

Connect with the host:

Jara Rowe’s LinkedIn - @jararowe

Connect with the guests:

Marie Joseph’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-joseph-a81394143/ 

Michael Magyar’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-magyar-cyqual/ 

Anh Pham’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anhpham11/ 

Dylan Goldberg’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanjgoldberg/ 

Jim Goldman’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jigoldman/ 

Dan Katt’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkatt/ 

Kaitlin Zanoni’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-zanoni/

Connect with Trava:

Website - www.travasecurity.com

Blog - www.travasecurity.com/learn-with-trava/blog

LinkedIn - @travasecurity

YouTube - @travasecurity

Many small and mid-size businesses breathe a sigh of relief once they earn a compliance certification, but the work doesn’t stop there. Certifications like SOC 2, ISO, or CMMC aren’t one-time milestones. They’re ongoing commitments that require fresh evidence, updated controls, and regular monitoring.

In this episode, Marie Joseph, Manager of Compliance Advisory at Trava, breaks down the reality of maintaining compliance over time. She discusses why frameworks evolve and how managed compliance services can take the stress off your team’s plate. Plus, she shares common mistakes businesses make during recertification and how to stay audit ready all year long.

Key takeaways:

• How compliance frameworks evolve and why it matters

• Common mistakes companies make before audits and how to avoid them

• How managed compliance services free up your team’s time 

One of the top tips Marie shared in this episode for staying proactive and organized with compliance is using a Compliance Calendar. You can download a free copy today—based on the same calendar Marie uses every day to manage SOC 2, ISO 27001, CMMC, NIST, and other frameworks: https://travasecurity.com/pod-compliance-calendar

Episode highlights:

(00:00) Compliance:  What happens after you get certified?

(02:32) Framework changes and renewals

(05:17) Why compliance is never “done”

(09:14) The audit mistake SMBs make most often

Connect with the host:

Jara Rowe’s LinkedIn - @jararowe

Connect with the guest:

Marie Joseph’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-joseph-a81394143/
Connect with Trava:

Website - www.travasecurity.com

Blog - www.travasecurity.com/learn-with-trava/blog

LinkedIn - @travasecurity

YouTube - @travasecurity

Your compliance tools and automation say you're in the clear. Everything’s marked complete, deadlines are met, and the compliance dashboard is all green.

But when it’s time for the audit, you’re still unprepared.

In this episode, Kaitlin Zanoni, Security Advisor at Trava Security, breaks down the reality of compliance automation. She explains where these tools add real value, where they fall short, and why pairing automation with expert guidance is the only way to build an audit-ready compliance program.

Key takeaways:

• Why compliance automation tools help with evidence collection but can’t replace expert guidance

• How overreliance on automation creates a false sense of security during audits

• The role of people, processes, and technology in building a sustainable compliance program

Want to dive deeper into choosing the right compliance tool and how it fits into your audit journey? Check out our blog, Why the Right GRC Tool Is Critical for Compliance Certification, for actionable tips and expert insights: https://travasecurity.com/right-grc-tool

Episode highlights:

(00:00) Tools and automation: Is this enough for compliance?

(04:38) Common compliance automation tools

(05:51) Limitations of automation tools

(07:33) The importance of human experts

(10:22) Choosing the Right GRC Tool

Connect with the host:

Jara Rowe’s LinkedIn - @jararowe

Connect with the guest:

Kaitlin’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-zanoni/

Connect with Trava:

Website - www.travasecurity.com

Blog - www.travasecurity.com/learn-with-trava/blog

LinkedIn - @travasecurity

YouTube - @travasecurity

If your business handles customer data, SOC 2 is not optional.

It may not be on your radar today, but it will be soon. And when that time comes, how early you started will make all the difference.

In this episode, Marie Joseph, Manager of Compliance Advisory at Trava, explains what it takes to prepare for SOC 2 certification. She shares what early prep should look like, how to make the audit less stressful, and why every company’s compliance checklist is unique.

Whether you're just starting or already deep in the process, this conversation will help you avoid the most common mistakes and take SOC 2 seriously before you’re forced to.

Want to make your SOC 2 prep more efficient without slowing down your team? Check out our blog, How To Get SOC 2 Certified Without Slowing Down Your Engineering Team, for practical tips on preparing smart, staying organized, and keeping your business moving while you get audit-ready: https://travasecurity.com/soc-2-without-slowing-down

Key takeaways:

• What most startups get wrong about SOC 2 prep
• Why starting early sets you up for a smoother SOC 2 journey
• How GRC tools and consultants help you prepare for audits

Episode highlights:

(00:00) SOC 2 preparation: More than just a checklist

(02:37) How GRC tools help in SOC 2 prep

(03:35) When to bring in consultants or advisors

(04:37) The role of an internal champion for SOC 2

(06:51) Preparation for Type 1 vs. Type 2

(07:46) The biggest mistakes startups make

Connect with the host:

Jara Rowe’s LinkedIn - @jararowe

Connect with the guest:

Marie Joseph’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-joseph-a81394143/

Connect with Trava:

Website - www.travasecurity.com

Blog - www.travasecurity.com/learn-with-trava/blog

LinkedIn - @travasecurity

YouTube - @travasecurity

Some companies boast about earning their SOC 2 certification in just two months. While technically possible, that speed usually comes with stress, shortcuts, and costly tradeoffs.

In this episode, Marie Joseph, Manager of Compliance Advisory at Trava, explains why true SOC 2 compliance takes more than 60 days. She breaks down the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 reports, outlines what a realistic timeline looks like, and highlights the team effort required to build a sustainable program.

Whether you're starting from zero or in the process of certification, this is your SOC 2 reality check.

Want to know what it really takes to get SOC 2 certified? Check out our blog, How To Prove SOC 2 Compliance, to see what goes into building a strong program and preparing for a successful audit: https://travasecurity.com/proving-SOC2

Key takeaways:

• The difference between SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 
• What a realistic SOC 2 timeline looks like
• How team bandwidth, funding, and tools affect SOC 2 certification

Episode highlights:

(00:00) SOC 2 in two months: Myth or reality?

(03:26) The SOC 2 certification process

(06:29) Understanding SOC 2 Type 1 vs. Type 2

(10:37) Factors affecting SOC 2 certification speed

(11:58) Do you need SOC 2 for VC funding?

Connect with the host:

Jara Rowe’s LinkedIn - @jararowe

Connect with the guest:

Marie Joseph’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-joseph-a81394143/

Connect with Trava:

Website - www.travasecurity.com

Blog - www.travasecurity.com/learn-with-trava/blog

LinkedIn - @travasecurity

YouTube - @travasecurity

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming with its many acronyms, shifting rules, and conflicting advice.

That’s why Season 5 of The Tea on Cybersecurity is all about separating fact from fiction. Host Jara Rowe kicks things off by identifying the common questions business leaders have about SOC 2 certification, automation tools, and AI policies. This season keeps episodes short and to the point, so you can get the info you need without wasting time.

Subscribe, share, and send in your questions. Season 5 is just getting started.

Curious about what compliance really takes and what’s myth versus reality? Start with our blog, How To Prove SOC 2 Compliance, to get a clear picture of what it takes to get audit-ready: https://travasecurity.com/proving-SOC2

Episode highlights:

(00:00) Welcome to Season 5 of The Tea on Cybersecurity

(01:50) Common questions on SOC 2, automation, and AI

(02:57) What’s new this season

Connect with the host:

Jara Rowe’s LinkedIn - @jararowe

Connect with Trava:

Website - www.travasecurity.com

Blog - www.travasecurity.com/learn-with-trava/blog

LinkedIn - @travasecurity

YouTube - @travasecurity

If there’s one key takeaway from Season 4 of The Tea on Cybersecurity, it’s that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. 

With this in mind, host Jara Rowe wraps up the season by sharing valuable insights that everyone can use. She reflects on the most impactful lessons about compliance, AI, and penetration testing. 

Key takeaways:

• The importance of vCISOs and cyber engineers
• How to approach penetration testing and PTaaS
• Why transparency and training are essential for AI safety

Your business faces new challenges, from sophisticated AI threats to strict CMMC requirements. Don't let compliance slow your growth. Visit Trava Security to explore how our integrated services—including vCISO leadership, compliance management, and proactive risk assessments—can transform security from a cost center into a competitive advantage: https://travasecurity.com/travas-services Episode highlights:

(00:00) Today’s topic: Key insights from this season 

(01:16) The role of vCISOs and cyber engineers

(02:47) Responsible AI use

(03:51) Penetration testing and PTaaS for small teams

Connect with the host:

Jara Rowe’s LinkedIn - @jararowe

Connect with Trava:

Website - www.travasecurity.com

Blog - www.travasecurity.com/learn-with-trava/blog

LinkedIn - @travasecurity

YouTube - @travasecurity