By Sean Martin

In this fireside chat, Sean Martin discusses the profession of cybersecurity, past, present, and future with Dr. Ron Ross from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The interview covered a myriad of topics, including Dr. Ross’ cybersecurity career with the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and NIST; a retrospective of the key projects and cybersecurity initiatives he had led during his forty-five years of public service; mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals; lessons learned; and key cybersecurity and privacy challenges and opportunities for the future.

By Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin

Have a listen to our chat with Candy Alexander, President of ISSA International, and Jon Oltsik, Principal Analyst and Fellow at ESG, as they review some of the latest findings from their research report, The Life and Times of Cybersecurity Professionals.

By Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...."

I cannot think of a better way to start this intro chronicle to today's Episode. While it will become clear why this is the case as you listen to it, you will probably come to envision a movie made from this story. I sure saw one in my head while I was following along as Alissa was telling us about her many adventures.

The truth might be that I have quite an over sensitive imagination—nothing new there—but I really couldn't resist the impulse of pausing her long enough so I could grab a bucket of popcorn. I know it wasn't just me because Sean was listening quietly for a long time. If you know us, as you should by now, you are likely aware that for he and I, sitting quietly in the background is not an easy thing to do.

By Marco Ciappelli

All right, ladies and gentlemen, it finally happened: Vandana Verma is my distinguished guest on this An InfoSec Life Podcast.

For those of you that haven't had the pleasure to meet her in person—Sean and I had this honor in Las Vegas this year—let me tell you, she is as nice as she sounds. In my opinion, there is nothing more valuable to add to someone's professionalism and skills than a big heart. It helps to make them a role model and an inspiration for any just entering—or that are about to enter—their career in the InfoSec community.

By Marco Ciappelli & Sean Martin

“Water drops hit the wet stone floor. The sound reverberates in the distance.”

“I see there is somebody lurking in the shadow here.”

“Grunt__”

“Sean?__”

“Grunt__” “Grunt__”

“He couldn't sound creepier if he tries to sound creepier__”

“I could try.”

“He could probably be.“

“He probably could. He probably could__ anxious laugh.”

“Evil laugh echoes in the emptiness of the dark corridor__”

This was not scripted. It just happened. The podcast starts like this and there is nothing I can do about it. Actually, to be honest, I am glad it did.

Skills shortage?

Daniel Browne SSCP CEH describes a personal experience of major differences between UK/Irish companies and American companies in creating IT/ Cybersecurity opportunities for those at the High Functioning end of the Autistic Spectrum.