Cyber Inspiration Evgeniy Kharam and Security Architecture

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.

In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, our host, Evgeniy Kharam, delves into a captivating conversation with Cassie Crossley, an industry expert and author in the cybersecurity space. Cassie shares her journey of writing a groundbreaking book, "Software Supply Chain Security", that sheds light on the often overlooked realm of software supply chain security.
Here's a glimpse into the key points discussed:
Introduction to Cassie and Her Book: Cassie, who has been immersed in cybersecurity for over 14 years, shares her motivation behind writing her book. Focused on bridging the gap in understanding product security and software supply chain security, Cassie's book delves into critical aspects that many overlook.The Journey of Writing the Book: Cassie narrates her journey from recognizing the need for comprehensive documentation in her interactions with suppliers to the realization that she needed to write a book. Collaborating with a community called the Purple Book, Cassie initially contributed a chapter on software supply chain security, which eventually evolved into a full-fledged book published by O'Reilly Media.Challenges and Triumphs: From grappling with imposter syndrome to overcoming the daunting task of writing, Cassie discusses the highs and lows of the writing process. Despite the challenges, her dedication to filling the gap in cybersecurity literature kept her motivated.Target Audience and Content: Cassie shares insights into her target audience, which includes both developers and C-suite executives. Her book serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone involved in software development or procurement, providing actionable insights and raising awareness about the importance of secure development practices.Writing Process: Cassie reveals her writing process, such as recording sections and transcribing them to overcome writer's block. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, technical reviewers, and developmental editors in refining the content.Future Endeavors: While reflecting on her writing journey, Cassie hints at potential future projects, including a book aimed at board-level executives to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity risks, particularly in the realm of software supply chain security.Expectations for the Book: Cassie discusses the potential for an audio version of her book and the challenges associated with translation into other languages. Despite the hurdles, she remains hopeful that her book will reach a broader audience and make a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity community.
Join us in exploring Cassie's insightful journey and the invaluable lessons she shares in her groundbreaking book on software supply chain security. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on the Cyber Inspiration Podcast.
Note: The book discussed in this episode is available for purchase HERE