The Cyber Security Matters Podcast

The Cyber Security Matters Podcast

A series of interview with key leaders through the Cyber Security industry. All brought to you by the Cyber Security team at neuco a specialist global recruitment and executive search firm.

  1. 1D AGO

    People Over Product: What Really Makes Cybersecurity Startups Succeed - Episode 66, Alison Eastaway, Push Security

    In this episode of the Cyber Security Matters podcast, hosts Harry Baldwin and Matt Rose sit down with Alison Eastaway, VP of People and Culture at Push Security. Alison brings a refreshingly pragmatic perspective to the often-overlooked human infrastructure behind high-growth startups and shares why, in cybersecurity especially, the team really is everything.  Alison's career is anything but conventional. Having started working at 14 in Australia and bypassed a traditional university route, she's built her expertise through hands-on experience across telco, hospitality, advertising tech, HR tech, and now cybersecurity, including a formative stint at screen, which was later acquired by Datadog. Throughout the conversation, she shares hard-won insights on hiring for culture fit in remote-first organisations, navigating today's complicated talent market, and why the best thing a great candidate can do in a first interview is simply avoid scoring an own goal.  Key Topics:  How Alison fell into cybersecurity and what drew her to the industry's pragmatic, low-BS culture Why she views her proudest professional achievement not as the Datadog acquisition, but as the Screen team group chat that still pings years later The "culture as a savings account" philosophy and why you need to invest before you need to draw on it The unique challenges of building and maintaining culture in fully remote or distributed teams The state of the talent market right now: why it's a buyer's market for employers, and what candidates can do to stand out amid AI-generated application noise Practical interview advice including why a first interview is really about not scoring an own goal How to handle having multiple offers on the table (and the smart question Alison always asks candidates first) What candidates switching from big companies to startups need to get right and the language mistakes that give them away Career advice for anyone looking to enter cybersecurity or move into a people and talent function Guest Bio:  Alison Eastaway is a senior people and talent leader with extensive global experience across high-growth startups and scale-ups. She has led recruitment, people operations, and organisational development across Europe, the US and beyond, with leadership roles at companies including Poolside and screen the latter acquired by Datadog in 2021. Alison is currently VP of People and Culture at Push Security, where she leads global people strategy in support of long-term business growth.  About neuco: We are a specialist recruitment and executive search firm, working globally in four sectors; Content & Media, Satellite & NewSpace, Connectivity & Cyber Security. If you are hiring for a new role or want to discuss your growth plans. Please do reach out to hello@neuco-group.com

    44 min

  2. MAR 2

    Proactive Cyber Defense & Offensive Security Leadership - Episode 65, Ray Ruemmele, Evolve Security

    In this episode of Cyber Security Matters, hosts Harry Baldwin and Matt Rose sit down with Ray Ruemmele, Chief Revenue Officer at Evolve Security. Ray shares insights from his 20+ year journey through enterprise technology, from selling typewriter ribbons at IBM to leading offensive security initiatives. The conversation explores the evolution of proactive cybersecurity, building high-performing teams, and why understanding your people is the foundation of great management. About Ray Ruemmele Ray brings over two decades of leadership experience in enterprise technology and cybersecurity. Before joining Evolve Security as CRO, he led major growth initiatives as VP of Sales at Kudelski Security and held leadership positions at IBM, Lenovo, Juniper Networks, and Okta. Ray is known for building high-performing teams that drive sustainable revenue growth and specialises in offensive, proactive cybersecurity solutions. Key Topics Discussed: Career evolution from IBM typewriter ribbons to offensive security leadershipThe strategic value of big company experience versus startup agilityLearning strategic thinking through Harvard training and the Five Forces frameworkManagement philosophy: Understanding what makes your people tickThe 45 sales kickoffs spanning a career in enterprise techHow the COVID pivot changed sales forever and hiring for the new realityThe journey from individual contributor to managementBuilding effective sales teams: What Ray looks for in candidatesOffensive security and Evolve's Academy training missionWhat attracted Ray to Evolve Security and the Chicago connectionFirst year as CRO: Team assessment, tools, and the 1985 Bears analogyThe Zafran partnership and building a partner ecosystemAdvice for entering cybersecurity: Learning, labour, and patienceAbout Evolve Security Evolve Security is a leader in offensive, proactive cybersecurity solutions, specialising in continuous penetration testing and security validation. The company helps organisations move from reactive security postures to proactive threat identification and remediation. Connect with Ray Ruemmele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayruemmele/

    49 min

  3. FEB 10

    Why $50 Bribes Are Breaching Enterprises - Ep64 - Michael Waite, Dune Security

    On this episode of Cyber Security Matters, hosts Harry Baldwin and Matt Rose sit down with Michael Waite, Co-founder and CTO of Dune Security. Michael shares his journey from enterprise consulting to building a venture-backed startup tackling one of security's stickiest problems: the human element. Episode Summary Michael discusses how traditional security awareness training fails to change human behaviour and why the threat landscape has shifted dramatically toward off-channel attacks via WhatsApp and encrypted apps. He reveals how attackers are using AI-powered voice cloning and open-source intelligence to launch sophisticated social engineering campaigns, and shares his personal security practices. Michael also explains how Dune Security uses AI defensively to quantify individual risk and drive targeted interventions that achieve a two-order-of-magnitude improvement in employee security posture. Key Topics Covered The transition from hands-on-keyboard building to strategic leadership as a startup scales How Dune's CISO Advisory Council shaped the product from day one Why soft skills and curiosity matter more than technical expertise in hiring The shift from email phishing to off-channel attacks on personal devices Real-world examples including the MGM breach and $50 bribes in lower-cost delivery centres Personal security practices anyone can adopt Using AI defensively for individual-level risk quantification Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:12 – How Michael got into cybersecurity 04:43 – Key influences and leadership lessons from consulting 07:05 – Mindset shift from consultant to co-founder/CTO 09:05 – Building the CISO Advisory Council 10:59 – Talent acquisition strategy and team building 13:51 – The skills shortage debate and what really matters in hiring 16:58 – The state of enterprise security and the human element 19:42 – Off-channel attacks and the WhatsApp threat 23:03 – What motivates attackers: bribes, data, and disruption 25:00 – Why no business is safe from AI-powered attacks 27:00 – Personal security tips 29:24 – AI on the defensive side: how Dune Security uses it 32:47 – Changing the "tick the box" compliance mindset 35:42 – Advice for those entering cybersecurity Guest Bio Michael Waite is the Co-founder and CTO of Dune Security, a company focused on protecting enterprises from modern social engineering threats. His career spans building secure platforms, leading large-scale cloud migrations, and scaling security solutions for Fortune 50 organisations. Under his technical leadership, Dune Security has raised $8 million in pre-seed and seed funding.

    38 min

  4. FEB 2

    Why Patience Beats Shortage in Cyber Security - Episode 63 - Benny Czarny, OPSWAT

    Welcome to Episode 63 of the Cyber Security Matters Podcast, brought to you by neuco.  In this episode, hosts Gia Thomas and Harry Baldwin sit down with Benny Czarny, Founder and CEO of OPSWAT, for a wide-ranging conversation about rethinking cybersecurity from the ground up, the power of patience in building teams, and what inspired him to write his upcoming book Cybersecurity Upside Down.  With over 20 years leading OPSWAT, Benny shares the journey behind building deep CDR (Content Disarm and Reconstruction) technology, why the industry's detection-focused mindset needs to be flipped, and how he's aiming to influence regulators worldwide. We also explore OPSWAT's exciting roadmap for 2026, including AI-powered engines, an optical firewall, a cybersecurity TV series, and ambitions for a public offering.  Key topics covered:  Why Benny wrote Cybersecurity Upside Down and how the book challenges industry norms  The limitations of antivirus technology and why it was never designed to scan files  Deep CDR explained: regenerating files to eliminate threats rather than detecting them  Why cybersecurity training needs to be more holistic and less tactical  The case against "talent shortage" - and why patience and training matter more  Skills the next generation of cyber professionals will need, including fluency across LLM models  OPSWAT's 2026 roadmap: AI prediction engine, optical firewalls, proactive DLP, and a Mythbusters-style TV series  Leadership philosophy: the three honourable ways to leave a company  Advice for newcomers: listen to your gut, innovate, and delight your customers  Chapters:  00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:33 Benny's Journey into Cybersecurity 01:26 The Story Behind Cybersecurity Upside Down 04:37 Book Walkthrough and Key Concepts (slides) 19:21 Upcoming Technology and Announcements 22:23 OPSWAT's Cybersecurity TV Series 25:37 Advice for Writing a Book 27:52 Talent Challenges in Cybersecurity 32:04 Why Patience Beats Shortage 33:06 Skills for the Next Generation 36:55 Leadership Principles and Retention 38:06 Three Honourable Ways to Leave a Company 40:30 OPSWAT's 2026 Roadmap and IPO Ambitions 44:29 Final Advice for Aspiring Professionals  About our guest:  Benny Czarny is the Founder and CEO of OPSWAT, a global leader in critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity solutions trusted by governments, utilities, and enterprises worldwide. With over two decades of experience, Benny has built OPSWAT into a company serving customers across nuclear, banking, manufacturing, and defence sectors. He is also a respected speaker and author, with his upcoming book Cybersecurity Upside Down set to challenge conventional thinking in the industry.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennyczarny/  The Cybersecurity Matters Podcast is brought to you by neuco, a global recruitment agency that specialises in sourcing brilliant people for groundbreaking companies in the cybersecurity space.

    46 min
  5. Why IAM Is a People Problem - Episode 62 - Dr. Heiko Klarl, Nexis

    JAN 12

    Why IAM Is a People Problem - Episode 62 - Dr. Heiko Klarl, Nexis

    Welcome to Episode 62 of the Cybersecurity Matters Podcast, brought to you by neuco. In this episode, hosts Tom Wilding and Gia Thomas sit down with Dr. Heiko Klarl, CEO of Nexis, for an insightful conversation about identity and access management, cybersecurity leadership, and the evolving challenges facing enterprise security teams. With over 20 years of experience in security and IAM, Heiko shares his journey from academia to consulting to leading one of the industry's most respected authorization governance platforms. We explore why IAM projects fail despite excellent technology and smart teams, the critical role of change management, and how to build security teams that can adapt to rapid technological evolution. Key topics covered: Why identity and access management is fundamentally a people problem, not just a technology purchaseThe underrated importance of change management in global IAM implementationsHiring for curiosity and adaptability in fast-evolving cybersecurity rolesHow AI agents are exploding the complexity of identity governanceThe path toward passwordless authentication and what's holding it backManaging diverse teams and empowering them through trust and supportWhy academic foundations matter for continuous learning in cybersecurityCareer advice: be kind and don't lie - and why these simple principles matter Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:19 Heiko's Journey into Cybersecurity02:31 Joining Nexis: A Perfect Match04:37 CEO Transition and Leadership Insights07:04 Challenges in Identity and Access Management13:12 Hiring and Managing Talent in Cybersecurity23:40 Future of Cybersecurity and AI35:16 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Professionals About our guest: Dr. Heiko Klarl is the CEO of Nexis, bringing over 20 years of expertise in security and identity access management. With a background spanning systems integration and consulting, Heiko combines strategic leadership with a deep philosophical understanding of technology. He specializes in enterprise authorization governance, delivering AI-powered solutions that simplify access governance, enhance security, and ensure compliance. The Cybersecurity Matters Podcast is brought to you by neuco, a global recruitment agency that specializes in sourcing brilliant people for groundbreaking companies in the cybersecurity space.

    39 min
  6. Hypervisor Security & Team Building - Ep 61 - Austin Gadient, Vali Cyber

    12/17/2025

    Hypervisor Security & Team Building - Ep 61 - Austin Gadient, Vali Cyber

    Join us for Episode 61 of the Cybersecurity Matters Podcast as we sit down with Austin Gadient, CTO and Co-Founder of Vali Cyber, a company revolutionising Linux and hypervisor security. Austin shares his journey from the Air Force Academy's competitive hacking team to securing the nation's satellite infrastructure, and ultimately co-founding Vali Cyber after raising $20 million in funding. In this conversation, we explore the critical security gaps Austin discovered while working with satellite systems in the US Air Force, the unique challenges of protecting Linux environments where traditional Windows-focused tools fall short, and how these real-world problems led to the creation of Vali Cyber. Austin discusses the father-son founding team dynamic, managing technical and business responsibilities as a startup CTO, and building a company culture that values diverse thinking and psychological safety. Key Themes From hacking competitions to satellite securityLinux security gaps in satellite systemsBuilding startups with family as co-foundersPrioritisation over balance in startup lifeTechnical culture as competitive advantageLeadership through listening, not commandingHiring for learning ability over experienceHypervisor security as emerging threat category Missionary selling in nascent marketsStrategic investment for execution runwayChapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 Austin's Journey into Cybersecurity 03:52 Founding Valley Cyber 06:23 Balancing Engineering and Business 08:26 Company Culture and Team Dynamics 10:59 Industry Diversity and Talent Acquisition 18:12 Hypervisor Security and Market Education 24:10 Future of Cybersecurity and Final Thoughts About the Guest: Austin Gadient is the CTO and Co-Founder of Vali Cyber, leading the development of high-performance Linux and hypervisor security solutions. He continues to serve as a Distinguished Security Engineer in the US Air Force Reserve, managing advanced space cyber capabilities. With experience securing satellite infrastructure and driving security research, Austin brings deep technical expertise to the emerging field of hypervisor security. Website: www.valicyber.com The Cybersecurity Matters Podcast is brought to you by neuco, a global recruitment agency that specialises in sourcing brilliant people for groundbreaking companies in the cybersecurity space.

    31 min
  7. Social Engineering Psychology - Ep 60 - Boris Goncharov, AMATAS & Plainsea

    12/08/2025

    Social Engineering Psychology - Ep 60 - Boris Goncharov, AMATAS & Plainsea

    In Episode 60 of the Cybersecurity Matters Podcast, we sit down with Boris Goncharov, Chief Strategy Officer at Plainsea and Co-Founder of AMATAS. With over 20 years of experience in information security, Boris brings a refreshingly unconventional perspective to cybersecurity, shaped by his background in fine art and philosophy. Boris shares his fascinating journey from aspiring painter to cybersecurity leader, revealing how his early experiences with gaming sparked an interest in understanding how systems work and can be manipulated. He discusses how creative thinking and artistic perspectives enhance security problem-solving, offering unique insights that challenge traditional approaches to the field. Key Topics Covered: From fine art and philosophy to cybersecurity leadershipHow gaming influenced security mindset and hacking curiosityThe psychology behind social engineering attacksAI deepfakes transforming the cyber threat landscapeBalancing security paranoia with business enablementWhy the human factor remains the biggest vulnerabilityFoundational security practices that still work todayThe exhausting reality of constant learning in cybersecurityCareer advice: stubbornness, discipline, and sacrifice required Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:16 Boris' Unconventional Path to Cybersecurity07:11 The Role of Creativity in Cybersecurity12:59 Challenges and Insights in Building Cybersecurity Teams25:29 Leadership Realizations and Communication30:13 The Evolution of Cybersecurity32:51 Complexity and Security Challenges38:43 Practical Cybersecurity Advice About Boris Goncharov: Boris Goncharov is Chief Strategy Officer at Plainsea and Co-Founder of AMATAS, with over 20 years of experience in information security. His expertise spans information security strategy and management, cloud security, social engineering, penetration testing, and physical security. Boris has led enterprise-wide security programs across diverse industries and is an experienced instructor, having taught official CEH, ECIH, and CISSP courses since 2010. He is a frequent speaker at international security conferences. About Plainsea: Plainsea provides strategic cybersecurity solutions helping organisations navigate complex security challenges and build resilient defences against evolving threats. About AMATAS: AMATAS is redefining how businesses protect themselves against emerging threats through innovative security approaches and strategic consulting. The Cybersecurity Matters Podcast is brought to you by neuco, a global recruitment agency that specialises in sourcing brilliant people for groundbreaking companies.

    48 min
  8. Partner Ecosystems & AI Security - Episode 59 - Norman Currie, Bricklayer AI

    12/02/2025

    Partner Ecosystems & AI Security - Episode 59 - Norman Currie, Bricklayer AI

    In Episode 59 of the Cybersecurity Matters Podcast, we sit down with Norman Currie, Head of Customer & Partner Experience at Bricklayer AI. With two decades of cybersecurity leadership across market-leading companies including McAfee, Hunters, Expel, and Optiv, Norman brings invaluable insights into building successful security organisations. Norman discusses how Bricklayer is taking a unique approach to AI-driven security operations by providing platform flexibility rather than selling fixed agents. Unlike many AI security vendors, Bricklayer allows customers to define their own procedures and build custom agents with specialised skill sets, giving security leaders control over AI outcomes. Key Topics Covered: Bricklayer's differentiated approach to agentic AI platformsWhy soft skills matter more than technical knowledge in cybersecurity careersHow to separate AI hype from substance in security productsWhether legacy vendors can compete with AI-native startupsThe future of customer success and channel roles in an AI-enabled worldCareer advice for cybersecurity professionals and industry newcomer Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Bricklayer AI Platform 03:09 Traditional AI Security Approaches 03:40 Bricklayer's Unique Approach 04:00 Customizable Security Actions 04:24 Utilizing Specialized Skill Sets 04:57 Flexibility in Defining Procedures 05:15 Building Your Own Agents 05:38 Conclusion and Market Position About Norman Currie: Norman Currie is Head of Customer & Partner Experience at Bricklayer AI, where he applies his extensive experience in partner ecosystems, go-to-market strategy, and technical alliances. With leadership roles at McAfee, Hunters, Expel, Xox (now Optiv), and other market leaders, Norman specialises in building high-performance teams and scaling organisations through strategic partnerships. About Bricklayer AI: Bricklayer AI is an agentic AI platform focused on cybersecurity that provides customers with flexibility to define security procedures and build custom agents with specialised skill sets. Recently announcing the closure of their seed funding round, Bricklayer is experiencing significant demand from both direct customers and channel partners. Bricklayer AIs - https://www.bricklayer.ai/ The Cybersecurity Matters Podcast is brought to you by neuco, a global recruitment agency that specialises in sourcing brilliant people for groundbreaking companies.

    39 min
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About

A series of interview with key leaders through the Cyber Security industry. All brought to you by the Cyber Security team at neuco a specialist global recruitment and executive search firm.

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  • Creator
    The Cyber Security Matters Podcast
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Cyber Security Matters Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Cyber Security Matters Podcast