🚨 Replay: LIVE Cybersecurity Podcast!Curious about breaking into cybersecurity or becoming a CISO? Tune in for an insightful Q&A with a cybersecurity expert, educator, and advisor who shares his career journey from tech engineer to CISO, professor, and ISACA chapter president.💬 What You'll Learn:• How to start a cybersecurity career with no degree or certifications• The key differences between technical and non-technical CISO roles• Why volunteering, networking, and mentorship are game-changers• The top certifications to pursue (ISACA, ISC2, PMI, etc.)• How AI is reshaping cybersecurity (Red Team, Blue Team, SOC)• The state of the job market: Entry-level cybersecurity jobs in 2025• Leveraging LinkedIn and industry groups like ISACA to boost your career🎓 Guest Highlights:• 30+ years of experience across IT, healthcare, education, and government• Founded a business-focused cybersecurity graduate program• Holds over 50 certifications in risk, privacy, audit, and security• President of ISACA Sacramento and FBI Citizens Academy Alum🎯 Who Should Watch:Aspiring cybersecurity pros, IT professionals looking to switch gears, students, and anyone interested in how AI and cybersecurity are shaping the future.🔔 Don't miss future live sessions, career advice, and cybersecurity insights—subscribe now!Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/28GZnRBrIV2efHOhZdiftt

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-x-securing-tomorrow-empowering-today-with/id1792821643YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLODZHZk6rF5j9esSSLcFbvDGJSqlhs2ZMLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wake-up-x-solutions

🚨 LIVE Cybersecurity Podcast Replay!Ever wondered how to break into cybersecurity or become a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer)? Watch this in-depth Q&A session with a cybersecurity expert, educator, and advisor who shares his journey from tech engineer to CISO, professor, and ISACA chapter president.💬 Topics Covered: • How to start your cybersecurity career with no degree or certifications • Differences between technical and non-technical CISO roles • The power of volunteering, networking, and mentorship • Top certifications to pursue (ISACA, ISC2, PMI, etc.) • How AI is transforming cybersecurity (Red Team, Blue Team, SOC) • Job market reality: Entry-level cybersecurity jobs in 2025 • Using LinkedIn and industry groups like ISACA to stand out🎓 Guest Highlights: • 30+ years of experience in IT, healthcare, education, and government • Launched a business-focused cybersecurity graduate program • Holds 50+ certifications across risk, privacy, audit, and security • President of ISACA Sacramento and FBI Citizens Academy Alum🎯 Who Should Watch:Aspiring cybersecurity professionals, IT professionals looking to pivot, students, and leaders exploring how AI and cyber intersect.🔔 Subscribe for more live sessions, tech career advice, and cybersecurity insights.Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/28GZnRBrIV2efHOhZdifttApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-x-securing-tomorrow-empowering-today-with/id1792821643Youtube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLODZHZk6rF5j9esSSLcFbvDGJSqlhs2ZM👇 Drop your questions in the comments and connect with us on LinkedIn!#CybersecurityCareers #CISOJourney #Infosec #ISACA #AIandCyber #BlueTeam #RedTeam #SecurityJobs #LivePodcast

🎙️ Wake Up X: Cybersecurity, Innovation & Real Talk 🚨Host: Efren L. Salazar | Cybersecurity Enthusiast | Entrepreneur | IT ProWelcome to Wake Up X, the podcast where cybersecurity, AI, automation, and entrepreneurship collide. We keep it real while helping you navigate the fast-changing world of tech—from breaking into cybersecurity to scaling in your career or business.Each week, Efren L. Salazar sits down with industry pros—CISOs, ethical hackers, SOC analysts, and entrepreneurs—to unpack the strategies, tools, and mindset shifts needed to stay ahead in today’s digital battlefield.Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, a tech founder, or someone exploring a career in IT or InfoSec, this podcast is your go-to for real-world knowledge, career clarity, and inspiration from those who live and breathe this space.🔥 Recent Episode Spotlight:"Automating SOC Security: Fighting Alert Fatigue with AI"In this episode, Efren chats with Gustavo Mastroianni, CISO, about how AI-driven automation is transforming the SOC environment. With SOC analysts drowning in thousands of alerts daily, many of them false positives, it’s time to reimagine how we respond to cyber threats.⚠️ Why Alert Fatigue Is a Cybersecurity Crisis:✅ SOC teams are overwhelmed by alert volume✅ Real threats are buried under noise✅ Hackers take advantage of burnout✅ Manual response wastes time and risks breaches✅ Burnout leads to errors and missed signals🤖 How AI & Automation Are Changing the Game:🔹 AI-powered SIEM & SOAR platforms cut through the noise🔹 Behavioral analytics flag true anomalies🔹 Automated incident response executes in real-time🔹 Machine learning improves detection over time🔹 Analysts reclaim time to focus on threat hunting & strategy“AI won’t replace SOC analysts, but it will make them smarter, faster, and more effective.” – Gustavo Mastroianni💡 What You’ll Learn on Wake Up X:How to start and grow your cybersecurity careerHow to avoid burnout in high-pressure tech rolesThe future of AI in InfoSec and SOC operationsTools that top pros use (SIEM, SOAR, endpoint security, and more)The mindset of top cybersecurity leaders & entrepreneursReal talk about tech, hustle, and staying resilient in the digital ageBook breakdowns and lessons from So Good They Can’t Ignore You and other impactful reads🎧 Listen + Subscribe:📺 YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gugPZpFK🎙 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gNNknZKj🍏 Apple Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gv7reiuv

✨Exciting Announcement! ✨

Follow: ⁠Gustavo Mastroianni⁠ - CISO⁠

Follow: ⁠Efren L. Salazar - Wake UP X - Podcast⁠

I’m thrilled to introduce ⁠Gustavo Mastroianni ⁠as the first guest on my virtual podcast! Gustavo Mastroianni is a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) responsible for overseeing technical and cybersecurity operations in his organization. With his vast expertise and leadership in the field, this conversation promises to be insightful and inspiring. A huge thank you to Gustavo Mastroianni for being my first guest! I’m excited to announce that this podcast will be launching on all platforms, including YouTube and LinkedIn, so be sure to keep an eye out for it! Here’s a sneak peek at the topics we’ll cover:

1. Let’s Chat About Your JourneyWe’ll start by exploring Gustavo's personal journey into cybersecurity:How did he get started in the field?What challenges did he face, and what pivotal moments shaped his career?

2. Recommended Frameworks and WhyGustavo will share his thoughts on the best cybersecurity frameworks, including:NIST, CIS, and others.Why these frameworks are effective and how they’ve influenced his approach to security.

3. GRC vs. Cybersecurity: Which Path Is Better?We’ll dive into the differences between Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) roles and traditional cybersecurity roles:Which path offers more career growth?How do personal interests and goals shape this decision?

4. Cybersecurity Across IndustriesWhich industries are poised for the most growth in cybersecurity?Healthcare, schools, or government?Gustavo’s perspective on where the demand will rise and why.

5. Skills and Mindset for SuccessWhat does it take to excel in cybersecurity?The balance between technical expertise and leadership skills.Why leadership may or may not be necessary in this field.

6. Certifications vs. ExperienceAre certifications or hands-on experience more valuable in cybersecurity?Gustavo’s advice on achieving credibility and growth in the industry.Whether professionals should aim for both.

7. Starting Salaries and ExpectationsWhat’s a reasonable pay range for new grads with little to no experience?Insights on entering the field, growth potential, and setting realistic expectations.8. Future Trends in CybersecurityLooking ahead:What trends will shape the future of cybersecurity?Is this field worth pursuing long-term, and what are the upsides and challenges?

9. Resources for BeginnersGustavo’s recommendations for entry-level professionals:Tools, software, hardware, books, courses, and videos to get started.

10. Open Discussion and Final ThoughtsGustavo Mastroianni will share more about his journey, key lessons, and emerging trends he’s excited about.

Any additional advice for those breaking into cybersecurity.

This is going to be an incredible conversation filled with insights and inspiration. Don’t forget to follow me for updates and stay tuned for the official launch!