"This Is Fine" with Hunter Strategy

Hunter Strategy
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Technology
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to "This Is Fine" with Hunter Strategy, because who doesn't need another podcast, right? But hold on, this isn't your typical corporate spiel. "This Is Fine" dives deep into Cloud security and agile methods, but with a twist of humor, sarcasm, and a sprinkle of dad jokes. Instead of boring PDFs, we bring lively discussions to life, offering a peek behind the curtain at our quirky team. Join us for a roller coaster ride through tech talk and more. Trust us, it's going to be fine... probably!

  1. 2d ago

    NAICS Abuse

    Most companies exploit the NAICS system to unfairly skew government competition and few realize how deep the abuse runs. In this eye-opening episode, cybersecurity and government contracting experts Kevin Belanga, Chief Growth Officer at Hunter Strategy, and John Czaika, VP, Strategic Initiatives at Hunter Strategy, unpack how misclassifying NAICS codes can block small businesses, inflate costs, and even land shell companies lucrative contracts meant for true small firms. Discover how industry insiders manipulate NAICS classification for competitive advantage, sometimes unintentionally and often intentionally, and learn practical strategies to spot, challenge, and prevent these abuses. We also break down how government agencies, industry players, and watchdogs can work together to ensure fair play, safeguard small business opportunities, and uphold the integrity of federal procurement. Whether you’re a small business aiming to protect its opportunities or a government professional committed to transparency, this episode reveals the behind-the-scenes tactics that shape the federal marketplace and how to fight back.Episode Chapters: 00:00 Understanding NAICS Codes 02:38 Implications of NAICS on Government Contracts 09:24 NAICS Abuse and Its Consequences 15:59 Challenges in NAICS Classification 22:05 Understanding NAICS Codes in Contracting 27:47 The Role of Contracting Officers 33:26 Challenges in Contracting Oversight 39:12 Balancing Competition and Accountability 43:46 Navigating Acquisition Strategies

  2. Jul 16

    Secure Firmware Development for Embedded Systems

    Most of us don’t realize just how deeply embedded systems and firmware influence our daily lives — from medical devices to cars, factories, and even space tech. But as these critical systems become more interconnected and complex, so do the security risks. In this episode, cybersecurity veterans Jake Williams and Mick Douglas unpack the real-world challenges of secure firmware development and why it can’t be an afterthought anymore. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Secure Firmware Development 02:26 Defining Firmware and Embedded Systems 03:52 Challenges in Firmware Security 08:03 Industry-Specific Trade-offs in Firmware Development 13:56 Building Security into Firmware from the Ground Up 22:24 Secure Firmware Updates and Supply Chain Risks 23:11 Understanding Firmware Updates in IoT Devices 31:14 Security Standards for Embedded Devices 40:52 The Future of Liability and Standards in Embedded Systems

  3. Jul 9

    Government Contract Types 101

    On this episode of This is Fine, host Matt Triner sits down with guests John Czaika, VP, Strategic Initiatives of Hunter Strategy, and Kevin Belanga, Chief Growth Officer of Hunter Strategy, to break down the fundamentals of government contract types. John walks through how risk shifts across fixed-price, time-and-materials, and cost-reimbursement contracts, while Kevin brings the industry-side perspective on bidding, compliance, and common misconceptions. Together they trace the policy pendulum from Better Buying Power 1.0 through 3.0 and why the government increasingly favors firm fixed price. They close with practical advice for smaller companies entering the space, most notably to build strategic partnerships early and get comfortable understanding your own costs. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Government Contracting Fundamentals02:26 Types of Government Contracts05:28 Understanding Risk in Contracting08:20 Business Development and Contract Types11:04 Government's Perspective on Risk13:56 Common Misconceptions in Government Contracting24:06 Navigating Government Contracting Challenges25:10 Misconceptions in Government-Industry Communication27:39 The Role of Market Research in Contract Types37:10 Advice for Small Businesses in Government Contracting

    Government Contract Types 101

  4. Jul 2

    Why Purple Team is the Team of the Future

    This episode explores why purple teaming is becoming a smarter security strategy, with host, Matt Triner, speaking alongside guests Jordan Lazo, Gabriel Abdalawad, and Jake Williams from Hunter Strategy. They break down the difference between red, blue, and purple teams, and explain how collaboration helps organizations improve detections and reduce blind spots. The conversation also covers why purple teaming is especially valuable for less mature organizations that need to build stronger security foundations. Overall, the guests argue that sharing tactics, testing detections, and closing gaps creates more practical security than working in silos. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Teams 01:00 Defining Blue, Red, and Purple Teams 03:19 The Philosophy of Purple Teaming 07:57 Real-World Examples of Detection and Exploitation 12:55 Building a Purple Team in Less Mature Organizations 18:39 The Importance of Detection Engineering 23:49 Understanding Decay and AI Solutions 29:53 Cloud Security: Risks and Responsibilities 31:17 Documentation Challenges in Cloud Implementations 37:54 The Case for Purple Teams 44:24 Strategies for Implementing Purple Teams

    Why Purple Team is the Team of the Future

  5. Jun 25

    The Future of Cyber Warfare: Trends and Predictions

    Cyber warfare is often misunderstood and this episode explains why it’s usually a supporting act rather than the main event in modern conflict. Jake Williams and Bryson Bort break down how cyber operations differ from kinetic warfare, why attribution and battle damage assessment are so difficult, and why political and strategic limits often matter more than the technology itself. You’ll also hear how adversaries use low-cost, scalable cyber campaigns to create disruption without triggering direct escalation. Overall, it’s a sharp look at how cyber tactics are reshaping future warfare and global security. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Cyber Warfare 05:16 The Role of Cyber in Modern Warfare 07:51 Stuxnet: A Case Study in Cyber Warfare 10:52 Legal Definitions and Warfare 16:17 The Complexity of Cyber Operations 17:50 Investment in Cyber Capabilities 22:10 The Future of Cyber Warfare 27:06 Ethics and Cyber Warfare 33:51 Predictions for Future Conflicts 41:30 Educating on Cyber Warfare

    The Future of Cyber Warfare: Trends and Predictions

  6. Jun 18

    Cybersecurity Challenges in Internet of Things (IoT) Devices

    Cybersecurity Challenges in Internet of Things (IoT) Devices IoT isn't just smart bulbs and garage door openers, it's the badge scanner at your office door, the sensors on a wind turbine, the x-ray machine at your hospital, and the PLC system running a manufacturing floor. The attack surface is enormous, and most of it was never built with security in mind. In this episode, host Matt Triner sits down with Adeel Chohan, Head of Data & AI at Provectus, to unpack why IoT security is so hard to get right and why it keeps getting harder. They dig into device procurement gaps, firmware vulnerabilities, the challenges of securing brownfield infrastructure, and why security is almost always the last conversation in an IoT deployment, not the first. From power grids to hospital networks to factory floors, Adeel and Matt explore what it actually takes to secure environments where connected devices outnumber the people managing them - and why legacy perimeter defenses aren't built for this reality. You can't protect what you can't see. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to IoT Device Security 02:47 The Broad Scope of IoT Devices 05:35 Unique Considerations for Securing IoT Devices 09:56 Challenges in Implementing Security Measures for IoT Devices 23:27 The Role of Cloud Providers in Enabling and Securing IoT Devices 26:49 The Challenge of IoT Cybersecurity and the Need for Standardization 27:42 From Point-to-Point Solutions to Standardized Device Management 31:05 The Trade-Offs Between Proprietary and Standardized Protocols 42:01 The Role of Regulation in Ensuring IoT Security 44:27 The Impact of Decreasing Sensor Costs on IoT Security 46:33 The Mindset Shift Towards Prioritizing IoT Security 49:06 The Future of IoT Security: Regulations, Collaboration, and AI

  7. Jun 11

    Continuous Monitoring and Risk Assessment

    Unlock the future of cybersecurity in the Department of Defense with insights on the latest tools, frameworks, and strategies transforming network monitoring. Most agencies are still relying on outdated processes—are you prepared for the shift toward automated, real-time risk assessments? In this episode, Dan Beller, Director of Cloud Solutions at Hunter Strategy, and Chris Sowards, GRC expert, reveal how cutting-edge innovations like OSCAL, cloud-native integrations, and advanced vulnerability scanning are revolutionizing continuous monitoring for defense networks. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Continuous Monitoring and Risk Assessment 02:05 Continuous Monitoring and the ATO Process 03:23 Continuous Monitoring and System Modifications 06:15 Evolution of Continuous Monitoring 08:45 Assessment and Compliance in Continuous Monitoring 12:44 Tooling and Automation in Continuous Monitoring 16:04 Future Trends in Continuous Monitoring 19:04 Building Trust and Relationships 19:43 Challenges in Generating Artifacts 20:29 Automating ATO Process 22:48 GRC as a Gateway into Cybersecurity 24:00 The Value of GRC Professionals 24:29 The Importance of GRC in Software Development 25:51 The Need for Improved Tooling 27:08 The Role of OSCAL in Trusting Tooling 28:31 Tools for Managing Disparate Scanning Results 29:52 The Challenge of Limited Authorizations 30:51 Collaboration and Human Readability in OSCAL 34:07 The Need for Connected Governance 36:27 Measuring the Success of Continuous Monitoring

    Continuous Monitoring and Risk Assessment

  8. Jun 4

    Building A Secure Culture

    Most organizations overlook the secret ingredient to cybersecurity success: culture. In this eye-opening episode, cybersecurity veterans Russell Eubanks and AJ King reveal how building a strong security culture isn’t just good practice, it's essential. They share powerful stories demonstrating what a thriving security culture looks like and how it can prevent costly breaches. Discover why aligning mindsets and fostering collaboration across teams can transform security from a challenge into a strategic advantage. Perfect for leaders eager to embed security into their organization's DNA, this conversation offers proven strategies to transform your mindset—and your defenses. 00:00 Introduction to Security Culture 02:27 The Importance of Culture in Cybersecurity 05:19 Examples of Good and Bad Security Culture 11:01 Comparing Security Cultures Across Organizations 18:35 Common Pitfalls in Enhancing Security Culture 21:58 Integrating Security into Organizational Culture 23:45 The Role of Non-Security Management 26:35 Empowering All Employees in Security 29:28 Phishing Exercises: A Double-Edged Sword 38:25 Key Takeaways for Executives and Non-Executives

    Building A Secure Culture
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to "This Is Fine" with Hunter Strategy, because who doesn't need another podcast, right? But hold on, this isn't your typical corporate spiel. "This Is Fine" dives deep into Cloud security and agile methods, but with a twist of humor, sarcasm, and a sprinkle of dad jokes. Instead of boring PDFs, we bring lively discussions to life, offering a peek behind the curtain at our quirky team. Join us for a roller coaster ride through tech talk and more. Trust us, it's going to be fine... probably!

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