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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 10/16/2025

    Surviving Ransomware: Strategies and Stories with Cybersecurity Expert Matthew Waddell

    In episode 44 of Cyber Security America, host Joshua Nicholson sits down with Matthew Waddell, a battle-tested cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of experience in digital forensics, incident response, and ransomware defense. From conducting "just-in-time forensics" under combat conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan to leading global ransomware investigations for Fortune 100 companies, Waddell shares unmatched real-world insight into how cyber threats have evolved—and what it takes to defend against them. Topics Covered: The evolution of ransomware and why it remains a billion-dollar business Real-world stories from digital forensics on the battlefield Practical strategies for preventing lateral movement and improving network segmentation How AI and large language models (LLMs) are changing cybersecurity and cybercrime Why advanced tools like EDR and XDR can fail if humans disable alerts or skip training The promise and peril of AI in security operations, hiring, and incident response Matthew also discusses his upcoming book, Survive Ransomware, a practical playbook for small and medium-sized businesses navigating today's threat landscape. If you're serious about defending your organization—or just curious about how cybersecurity, AI, and human error collide—this episode is packed with lessons, stories, and expert insights.  If you are in need of cybersecurity services please visit our sponsor Darkstack7 Cyber Defense at www.darkstack7.com 🎧 Listen, learn, Subscribe, like, and stay secure: http://www.darkstack7.com/media Video podcast on Youtube: Cyber Security America Video Host Info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarnicholson/ Guest Info: Website: www.tacticallysecure.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewwaddell Book: surviveransomware.com Hashtags: #cybersecurity #ransomware #ai #incidentresponse #digitalforensics #securityoperationscenter #cyberthreats #cyberdefense #infosec #networksecurity #MatthewWaddell #cybersecurityamerica #JoshuaNicholson #dataprotection #techpodcast #cyberawareness #aiinsecurity #SurviveRansomware #edraid #xdr #PowerShellSecurity #TacticallySecure #cyberpodcast #podcast

    42 min

  7. 09/22/2025

    Penetration Testing and Social Engineering: Insights from Steve Stasiukoni

    🎙 Inside the World of Cybersecurity with Steve Stasiukonis Tune in to the latest episode of Cyber Security America as we explore real-world solutions for defending against today's ever-evolving cyber threats. Our guest, Steve Stasiukonis, President of Secure Network Technologies, brings over 29 years of experience in penetration testing, information security, and incident response. In this episode, Steve dives deep into the rise of social engineering, AI-driven attacks, and the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals. He shares firsthand stories from the field, discusses the importance of continuous learning, and highlights why programmatic penetration testing is crucial for safeguarding your organization. 🔑 Key Topics: The Evolution of Cyber Threats Social Engineering Tactics AI's Role in Cybersecurity Penetration Testing Insights & Challenges Insider Threats & Corporate Espionage Incident Response & Real-World Stories Don't miss out on Steve's invaluable insights and the lessons every cybersecurity professional (and enthusiast) can learn from the frontlines of the digital battlefield. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify! #CyberSecurity #PenetrationTesting #SocialEngineering #AIinCyberSecurity #CyberDefense #CyberSecurityAmerica 🔗 darkstack7.com

    57 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    Defense Contractors: CMMC Is Here — And the Clock Is Ticking

    In our latest Cybersecurity America episode (42), I had the privilege of speaking with Jim Goepel, a true leader in cybersecurity and compliance — and someone who has helped shape the very ecosystem he now advises. Jim is the CEO of Fathom Cyber, a consulting firm in North Wales, PA specializing in: 🔹 CMMC assessment preparation 🔹 CUI education and compliance strategy 🔹 Expert witness services His unique background — lawyer, engineer, author, educator, and one of the architects behind the CMMC ecosystem — means he's seen this challenge from every angle: technical, legal, business, and regulatory. Jim has not only helped companies prepare for and achieve some of the first-ever CMMC certifications, he literally helped create the framework, launch The Cyber AB, and build the financial and training models that sustain the program today. 💡 In our conversation, Jim and I covered: Why CMMC is less about stopping attacks — and more about building resilience The cultural and leadership challenges that make compliance harder than the tech How other governments are now looking to adopt CMMC-like frameworks What small and mid-size businesses must do now to turn compliance into a competitive advantage Whether you're in manufacturing, defense, or any sector touching sensitive government data, this episode is a must-listen if you want to understand not just what's coming, but how to strategically position your organization before the surge. 🎧 Listen here: [https://youtu.be/E0M61k5Z3KI] #CyberSecurity #CMMC #Compliance #RiskManagement #DefenseIndustry #DoD #CyberResilience Sponsored by, www.darkstack7.com - Cyber Defense https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyber-security-america-podcast/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true

    30 min
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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
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Cyber Security America