Cyber Security America

Joshua R Nicholson
  • 4.8 (12)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

On the front lines of technology and business there is a battle of survival. Behind the scenes, businesses are on a mission to keep a vigilant watch for threats in an ongoing Cyber War. But it's not just about malware, ransomware, and breaches anymore. The obstacles and barriers companies face today are bigger and badder than ever — and these cyber threats are forcing them to prove they're secure for the future. So when you need answers to win the battle, tune into Cyber Security America with your host Joshua Nicholson. You'll learn what it's like running cyber security operations teams inside some of the world's largest companies. It's a cyber backstage pass and real world advice for cyber defenders, CISOs, and security professionals.

  1. 6D AGO

    The hidden talent pool in Kathmandu, Nepal that is transforming cybersecurity.

    Discover how a Nepali American founder turned a personal frustration with security questionnaires into a rapidly growing AI-driven platform revolutionizing enterprise compliance. Pukar Hamal, CEO of Security Pal, reveals the untold story behind building one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity tools trusted by OpenAI, Figma, and Snapchat — and how Kathmandu's overlooked talent pool is shaping the future of cybersecurity innovation. In this explosive episode, you'll learn how Security Pal slashes the time to respond to complex security questionnaires from months to hours — transforming a tedious regulatory burden into a strategic advantage. Pukar shares his unique journey from a startup co-founder to a Silicon Valley CEO, highlighting the paradox of building trust in enterprise security while fighting misinformation and AI hallucinations.  We break down specific techniques that will empower CISOs and security teams: how to leverage AI for continuous vendor monitoring, how to identify hidden risks through dynamic questionnaires, and how to use data-driven insights to propel security into a growth enabler. You'll discover how Security Pal's AI doesn't just automate answers — it predicts vulnerabilities, surfaces gaps, and helps companies stay ahead of technological and regulatory curves. Why is understanding the evolving security landscape critical right now? Because the traditional questionnaire isn't going away — instead, it's becoming the backbone of risk management that, if mastered, unlocks faster deal cycles, stronger compliance, and market differentiation. Next-generation security leaders can harness these insights to anticipate threats, streamline vendor assessments, and turn compliance from a bottleneck into a business booster. Perfect for security executives, compliance officers, and tech founders ready to harness AI's potential at scale — this episode unveils the future of cybersecurity at the intersection of talent, technology, and global opportunity. Whether you're navigating third-party risks or seeking competitive edge, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to elevate your security game in a fast-changing world. Join Pukar Hamal for a behind-the-scenes look at how AI, overlooked talent pools, and strategic insights are redefining what's possible in enterprise security. Don't miss this chance to learn from an innovator who's transforming the industry, one questionnaire at a time.  www.darkstack7.com

    42 min

  2. MAR 5

    From Startup to Scale-Up: Building Cybersecurity Companies with Ondefend & CyberSurv

    In this episode of the Cyber Security America Podcast, host Joshua R Nicholson sits down with Chris Freedman, CEO of Ondefend, and Ron Frechette, CEO of CyberSurv, for a deep dive into cybersecurity entrepreneurship. Both guests share their journeys building companies in the cybersecurity space—from early startup challenges to scaling services, building strong company cultures, and navigating the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in security. Chris discusses how Ondefend identified an opportunity on the preventative side of cybersecurity, focusing on red teaming, vulnerability discovery, and proactive security testing rather than crowded monitoring and incident response markets. Ron shares his path from executive search into cybersecurity during the early days of HIPAA compliance and how that experience eventually led him to focus on helping small and mid-sized businesses improve cyber hygiene and resilience. Together, they explore what it really takes to move a cybersecurity company from zero to one—and eventually from one to scale. In This Episode Why cybersecurity remains one of the largest and fastest-growing markets The realities of launching a bootstrapped cybersecurity startup How partnerships and subcontracting helped scale early services Why culture, mission, and hiring the right people matter most How AI is transforming cybersecurity services and advisory work The growing demand for fractional CIO and fractional CISO leadership Lessons learned from scaling consulting and cybersecurity service firms Key Takeaways The hardest stage of building a company is going from zero to your first customers. Strong partnerships can accelerate growth when building credibility in cybersecurity. AI is rapidly changing how cybersecurity assessments and advisory services are delivered. Many organizations are shifting toward fractional cybersecurity leadership models to gain specialized expertise without full-time executive hires. Featured Guests Chris Freedman CEO of Ondefend Entrepreneur and cybersecurity innovator focused on proactive defense, red teaming, and security testing technologies. Ron Frechette CEO of CyberSurv Serial entrepreneur helping organizations improve cyber hygiene through AI-driven cybersecurity advisory services. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #CyberThreats #CyberDefense #RedTeam #PenTesting #IncidentResponse #CyberHygiene #DataSecurity #MDR (Managed Detection & Response).  Thanks to our show sponsor Darkstack7 Cyber Defense services www.darkstack7.com.

    56 min

  3. FEB 16

    From FBI to Google Cloud: Cybersecurity Leadership Secrets with MK Palmore.

    Episode 50 — Cybersecurity Leadership Secrets with MK Palmore In this milestone episode of Cyber Security America, Joshua Nicholson sits down with Malcolm "MK" Palmore — former FBI cybersecurity executive, Naval Academy graduate, U.S. Marine, and former Director of Security at Google Cloud — for a powerful conversation on leadership, risk, and the future of cybersecurity. MK shares lessons from leading one of the FBI's largest cyber investigative teams in Silicon Valley, helping shape security strategy at Google Cloud, and advising enterprises through complex cyber risk and digital transformation challenges. This episode goes beyond technology and tools to explore what truly drives successful cybersecurity programs: leadership, decision-making, and strategic clarity. Key topics include: How top CISOs think about cyber risk and executive leadership Lessons from FBI cyber investigations and real-world breach response The evolution of Zero Trust and cloud security strategy AI, emerging threats, and the future of enterprise defense Why fractional and strategic cybersecurity leadership is reshaping the industry Communicating cyber risk effectively to boards and executives This episode is essential listening for CISOs, executives, board members, security leaders, and anyone responsible for protecting modern enterprises in an era of accelerating cyber threats. 🎧 Listen to the Cyber Security America Podcast — a cybersecurity podcast focused on real-world incident response, threat intelligence, ransomware, and security leadership. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBl5Ef4QLoa3szw4NGDVZCY0aa1tixnsa 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cyber-security-america/id1668216285 🎙️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3wmyUbe1TY5hNl96Q8UFFI  🎙️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cybersecurityamericapodcast/  🎙️TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cybersecurityamerica  🎙️X.com: https://x.com/nicholsonj7111 📱 Follow Cyber Security America for short clips and updates: 👤 Host — Joshua R. Nicholson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarnicholson/  🎙️Cyber Security America on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyber-security-america-podcast info@darkstack7.com for show inquires, guest requests, and sponsorship discussions or collaboration ideas or contact us through our website www.darkstack7.com/contact

    47 min

  4. FEB 5

    AI & MDR - The Future of Cyber Security Detection & Response

    In episode 49 of Cyber Security America, we explore how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping cybersecurity, Managed Detection and Response (MDR), and modern security operations. As cyber threats grow more advanced, organizations must evolve from reactive defense to proactive, intelligence-driven protection.   📱 Follow Cyber Security America on Youtube for short clips and updates Featuring Woo An (CEO of Zaun.ai) and Tyler Lackey (AI Security Builder), this episode delivers real-world insight into how AI-native security platforms are improving detection, response, and operational scale across enterprise environments. We discuss: The future of MDR and AI-driven security operations How AI agents and automation are transforming incident response Shadow AI, data leakage, and governance challenges AI security risks, role-based controls, and detection engineering Scaling cybersecurity outcomes without replacing security teams Real-world enterprise lessons from AI-powered security innovation Whether you're a CISO, security leader, MDR provider, or cybersecurity professional, this episode provides practical insight into how AI is redefining cyber defense and how organizations can stay ahead of evolving threats. 🎧 Listen to the Cyber Security America Podcast — a cybersecurity podcast focused on real-world incident response, threat intelligence, ransomware, and security leadership. YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBl5Ef4QLoa3szw4NGDVZCY0aa1tixnsa 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cyber-security-america/id1668216285 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3wmyUbe1TY5hNl96Q8UFFI 🎙️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cybersecurityamericapodcast/ 🎙️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cybersecurityamerica 🎙️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/nicholsonj7111 📱 Follow Cyber Security America for short clips and updates 👤 Host — Joshua R. Nicholson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarnicholson/ 🎙️ Cyber Security America on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyber-security-america-podcast 📩 For show inquiries, guest requests, sponsorship discussions, or collaboration ideas: info@darkstack7.com 🌐 Contact via website: www.darkstack7.com/contact #CyberSecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #AIinCybersecurity #MDR #ManagedDetectionAndResponse #CyberDefense #SecurityOperations #SecOps #CyberRisk #CISO #CyberLeadership #ThreatDetection #IncidentResponse #SecurityAutomation #AIsecurity #CyberThreats #EnterpriseSecurity #CyberResilience #CyberSecurityPodcast #CyberSecurityAmerica

    56 min

  5. 12/30/2025

    Dune Security's Revolutionary Approach: AI and Cybersecurity

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:0cf8a03d-e57a-43f6-9f7c-26bb6994647d-20" data-testid= "conversation-turn-42" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> 🎙 Episode 48: AI and Cybersecurity — How Dune Security Is Reinventing User Risk Management In this episode of Cyber Security America, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming cybersecurity—and why traditional security awareness training is no longer enough. I'm joined by David DellaPelle, cybersecurity leader and founder of Dune Security, to break down how AI-driven attacks like phishing, vishing, deepfakes, and social engineering are evolving faster than most security programs can handle. We discuss why 90% of breaches still start with human behavior and how Dune Security is redefining the user layer of cybersecurity with AI-powered risk quantification and remediation.   🔍 Topics covered in this episode: Why legacy security awareness training fails in an AI-driven threat landscape How attackers use GenAI, voice cloning, and deepfakes to bypass MFA The rise of multi-channel social engineering (email, SMS, voice, collaboration tools) How AI can identify high-risk users and reduce enterprise attack surface What CISOs should be doing now to prepare for AI-enabled threats The future of securing both human and AI workforces This conversation is essential listening for CISOs, security leaders, GRC teams, cloud and identity professionals, and anyone responsible for protecting modern organizations against advanced cyber threats. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to learn how AI is reshaping cybersecurity—for defenders and attackers alike.  www.darkstack7.com/podcast #CyberSecurityAmerica #CybersecurityPodcast #AIandCybersecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #SocialEngineering #Phishing #Deepfake #CISO #SecurityAwareness #UserRisk #CloudSecurity #PodcastSEO

    34 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    Spreadsheets to AI Agents The Next Era of Enterprise GRC with Richa Kaul

    In episode 47 of Cybersecurity America, host Joshua Nicholson is joined by Richa Kaul, CEO and Founder of Complyance, to explore how agentic AI and intelligent automation are reshaping enterprise Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Richa breaks down why traditional, spreadsheet-driven GRC programs are failing at scale—and how organizations are moving toward real-time risk monitoring, automated evidence collection, and continuous audit readiness. Drawing from her experience as a GRC executive and privacy advocate, she shares how modern GRC teams can reduce manual effort, improve visibility, and position compliance as a true business enabler. In this conversation, we cover: Why legacy GRC models can't keep up with today's threat landscape How AI agents streamline audits and compliance operations Continuous controls monitoring and real-time risk visibility Privacy-first approaches to enterprise AI adoption Third-party risk, regulatory change, and AI governance What CISOs and GRC leaders should expect heading into 2026 Whether you're a CISO, GRC leader, risk professional, or security executive, this episode offers practical insight into the future of enterprise GRC and AI-driven risk management. About the Show Sponsor: Darkstack7 Darkstack7 is a cybersecurity and IT management firm based in Charlotte, NC, founded by Joshua R. Nicholson, a Marine Corps veteran and seasoned cybersecurity leader with experience at Northrop Grumman, EY, Wells Fargo, and Booz Allen Hamilton. The company delivers Fortune 500–level expertise to mid-sized and growing organizations—specializing in Security Engineering, Incident Response, vCISO advisory, Insider Threat programs, and IT Management consulting.  Darkstack7 also provides proactive services such as tabletop exercises, cyber readiness assessments, and strategic security architecture, helping organizations build resilient defenses and align technology investments with business objectives.  www.darkstack7.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarnicholson/   #Cybersecurity #GRC #RiskManagement #Compliance #AI #AIinSecurity #EnterpriseSecurity #CISO #CyberRisk #Governance #Privacy #DataProtection #InfoSec#ThirdPartyRisk #DigitalRisk #CyberLeadership #Podcast

    46 min

  7. 12/05/2025

    Building the Future with Agentic-AI: Deep Dive with Ben Wilcox

    Episode 46: Building the Future with Agentic AI — Deep Dive with Ben Wilcox In this episode of Cybersecurity America, technologist and Proarch leader Ben Wilcox breaks down the biggest insights from Microsoft Ignite, including breakthroughs in agentic AI, emerging security trends, and what organizations must prepare for as AI-driven systems rapidly evolve. Ben reveals: • What's really happening with Microsoft's newest AI technology • How agentic systems are advancing faster than expected • Why data readiness is the foundation of future productivity • How companies should approach security, governance, and infrastructure in the AI era • His early entrepreneurial journey launching a hosting company at age 15 • The unexpected link between technology leadership and high-performance racing We also explore: • Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) • Identity-based attacks and real-world fraud cases • AI's impact on compliance, audits, and supply-chain risk • The rise of agentic workflows, MCP, and automation • Why traditional SaaS may give way to agent-driven platforms This episode is packed with insights for CISOs, IT leaders, engineers, and anyone preparing for the future of enterprise AI. Connect with Ben Wilcox & Proarch: www.proarch.com LinkedIn: Ben Wilcox Sponsored by DarkStack7 – Cybersecurity leadership, vCISO services, incident response, and engineering.  www.darkstack7.com Joshua R Nicholson - DarkStack7 Cyber Defense | LinkedIn https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp94j2q_-F4SwvxgQYI_8Cg Agentic AI, Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft AI, Enterprise cybersecurity, Data security, AI agents, AI automation, CISO insights, Cloud security, AI in business, AIPosture management, Identity-based attacks, Fraud prevention, MCP (Model Context Protocol), AI workflows

    47 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    Identity-based Cyber: Jasson Casey on Beyond Identity and the Future of Cybersecurity

    In episode 45, we sit down with Jasson Casey, CEO and Co-Founder of Beyond Identity, to explore how identity has become the new perimeter in cybersecurity. With over two decades of experience across security, networking, and software-defined infrastructure, Jasson unpacks why traditional defenses are failing and how the next generation of identity security is reshaping cyber resilience. We dive deep into today's identity-based attack landscape — from Russian threat campaigns and TLS fragility to how endpoint trust, hardware-backed credentials, and zero trust authentication are converging. Jasson also shares fascinating insights on securing AI agents, drones, and machine identities, and what it really means to make credential-based attacks "impossible." Whether you're a security leader, technologist, or curious about the intersection of identity, AI, and the future of cyber defense, this episode is packed with forward-thinking insights you won't want to miss. 🔐 Key Topics: - The evolution of identity as the new cybersecurity perimeter - How attackers are exploiting TLS and credential sprawl - Why AI agents and drones demand new identity frameworks - TPMs, device-bound credentials, and the end of password-based trust The future of identity defense and zero trust authentication 🎧 Guest: Jasson Casey, CEO & Co-Founder, Beyond Identity  🔗 Learn more: www.beyondidentity.com 🎙 About the Show Sponsor: Darkstack7 Darkstack7 is a cybersecurity and IT management firm based in Charlotte, NC, founded by Joshua R. Nicholson, a Marine Corps veteran and seasoned cybersecurity leader with experience at Northrop Grumman, EY, Wells Fargo, and Booz Allen Hamilton. The company delivers Fortune 500–level expertise to mid-sized and growing organizations—specializing in Security Engineering, Incident Response, vCISO advisory, Insider Threat programs, and IT Management consulting. Darkstack7 also provides proactive services such as tabletop exercises, cyber readiness assessments, and strategic security architecture, helping organizations build resilient defenses and align technology investments with business objectives.

    42 min
See All (52)

4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

On the front lines of technology and business there is a battle of survival. Behind the scenes, businesses are on a mission to keep a vigilant watch for threats in an ongoing Cyber War. But it's not just about malware, ransomware, and breaches anymore. The obstacles and barriers companies face today are bigger and badder than ever — and these cyber threats are forcing them to prove they're secure for the future. So when you need answers to win the battle, tune into Cyber Security America with your host Joshua Nicholson. You'll learn what it's like running cyber security operations teams inside some of the world's largest companies. It's a cyber backstage pass and real world advice for cyber defenders, CISOs, and security professionals.

Information

  • Creator
    Joshua R Nicholson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Cyber Security America

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