Cyber Inspiration Evgeniy Kharam and Security Architecture

A Conversation with Rick Howard: From Cybersecurity Leader to Author
In this episode, we have the honor of speaking with Rick Howard, Chief Security Officer at N2K, about his journey in cybersecurity, his career in the U.S. Army, and his transition to becoming an author and podcaster. Rick shares his thoughts on cybersecurity first principles, his writing process, and the motivation behind his book. He also discusses the challenges of the publication process, the importance of historical perspective in research, and offers advice to prospective authors. Additionally, Rick talks about the Canon Security project, a resource for evaluating influential cybersecurity literature.
Link to the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Cybersecurity-First-Principles-Strategy-Tactics/dp/1394173083
00:00 Introduction to Rick Howard and His Work
00:56 Rick Howard's Career Journey
01:46 Transition to Cybersecurity and Commercial Sector
03:46 Inspiration Behind Writing the Book
05:29 Writing and Publishing Process
10:07 The Role of Research in Writing
12:20 The Canon Project and Its Impact
15:00 Hall of Fame Nomination Process
15:47 Dealing with Creative Blocks
17:26 First Principles in Writing
19:33 The Importance of Communication in Cybersecurity
21:16 Storytelling in Cybersecurity
23:35 Final Reflections and Advice
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From Cybersecurity Nerd to CEO: Vivek's Journey with SquareX
In this episode, we sit down with Vivek, the founder and CEO of SquareX, to discuss his inspirational journey from a deep tech cybersecurity expert to a successful entrepreneur. Vivek shares how his previous ventures, including research at Cisco and founding Pentester Academy, culminated in the creation of SquareX, a company dedicated to helping organizations detect, mitigate, and hunt web threats in real-time. He emphasizes the importance of tenacity and customer feedback in validating ideas and discusses the critical phases of building a startup, from hiring talent to managing cross-time zone teams.
Vivek also delves into the balance of technical skills and salesmanship necessary for leading a tech startup, the challenges with funding, and his unique approach to team morale and company culture. This insightful conversation offers a blend of technical depth and practical business wisdom, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and cybersecurity professionals alike.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:54 Overview of SquareX
01:15 Vivek's Background and Previous Ventures
02:04 Inspiration Behind SquareX
03:07 From Idea to Product
04:33 Navigating Competition and Market
06:13 Building the Team and Company Culture
09:25 Challenges of Global Operations
12:42 Transitioning from Technical to Sales
15:52 Hiring Early Stage Salespeople
16:13 Onboarding Process
17:32 Sales and Security Dynamics
17:56 Task Management Strategies
18:22 Focus on Product and Market Fit
19:29 Adopting Task-Based Approaches
20:28 Understanding OKRs
21:51 Budget Allocation for GTM
23:49 Work-Life Balance Realities
25:38 Handling Disappointments
27:26 Challenges with Investors and Hires
29:32 Concluding Thoughts

In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, we sit down with Carlson Choi, CEO of Cork, to explore their groundbreaking smart cyber warranty product tailored for managed service providers. Carlson candidly shares Cork's journey, shedding light on the driving forces behind the product's inception, the hurdles they encountered, and the dynamic team behind its development. From navigating sales strategies to refining product iterations, Carlson articulates the essence of agility and customer-centricity in the startup landscape. He underscores the significance of attuning to customer demands, staying nimble in the face of challenges, and adhering to a rigorous schedule for sustained success. Tune in for an insightful conversation on innovation, resilience, and strategic growth in the realm of cybersecurity startups.

In this episode of Cyber Inspiration Podcast, we're joined by Richard Stiennon, a prominent figure in the cybersecurity realm. Richard shares his journey, from his beginnings as an industry analyst to becoming a prolific author. He reflects on his experiences at major events like RSA, offering insights gleaned from interacting with cybersecurity thought leaders.
Delving into the writing process, Richard discusses how he collects data on cybersecurity vendors and transforms it into comprehensive narratives in his books. He also touches on the challenges and rewards of self-publishing versus traditional publishing in the cybersecurity domain.
Richard emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding the evolution and challenges of cybersecurity. He shares personal anecdotes and stories of cybersecurity pioneers, enriching the narrative of his work.
Providing insights into his writing process, Richard gives a glimpse into his research methods and strategies for overcoming procrastination. He underscores the dedication and meticulousness required to craft impactful narratives in the cybersecurity genre.
Looking ahead, Richard teases upcoming book releases that promise to shed light on critical aspects of cybersecurity. He reflects on the profound impact of his work on readers from diverse backgrounds and the importance of raising awareness about cybersecurity issues.
Join us as we explore the captivating world of cybersecurity through Richard Stiennon's expertise and experiences. Tune in to Cyber Inspiration Podcast for this enlightening conversation!
Learn more about Security Yearbook here

In this episode, Ross Haleliuk joins us to discuss his book 'Cyber for Builders'. Ross shares his background in technology and product management, leading into his journey in cybersecurity. His book is tailored for cybersecurity builders, offering a business perspective on the industry.
Ross delves into industry trends, fundraising, and building a cybersecurity company. He also shares insights into his writing process, challenges faced during the book's creation, and the decision to self-publish.
The episode concludes with Ross offering advice for aspiring writers and directing listeners to find 'Cyber for Builders' on Amazon.
Buy the book here!

In this episode, join us as we delve into the world of cybersecurity with David DellaPelle, Co-Founder & CEO of Dune Security. Despite its name, Dune Security isn't about sandworms or spice; it's a company dedicated to reducing corporate attack surfaces and thwarting AI-powered social engineering. Founded just ten months ago, David shares the genesis and mission of Dune Security, emphasizing the critical role of addressing employee error in preventing breaches.
Discover how Dune Security is carving its niche in the cybersecurity landscape by fostering a culture of excellence, respect, and execution. David provides insights into the company's strategic approach to hiring and engaging industry-leading enterprise CISOs as part of their advisory council, ensuring a mission-driven focus in every aspect of their operations.
Embark on David's journey from venture capital to entrepreneurship, driven by the imperative need for robust employee risk management solutions. Learn about his personal management style, the pivotal role of company culture, and the delicate balance between ambition and ethics within a team.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned industry professional, this episode offers invaluable advice on navigating the entrepreneurial journey, from ideation to execution. Tune in to explore the importance of rigor, strategic hiring, and fostering a high-performance company culture in the fight against cyber threats.