dnsUNFILTERED

DNSFilter

The dnsUNFILTERED podcast series is fun and insightful, hosted by Mikey Pruitt, Partner Evangelist at DNSFilter, where he chats with top cybersecurity experts and tech industry leaders. Each episode is packed with stories and tips that make the complicated world of cybersecurity, tech, plus sales & marketing easier to understand. Whether you're a pro looking to stay sharp or just curious about how to keep your online world sane, dnsUNFILTERED is your go-to podcast for all things tech.

  1. 1D AGO

    51: AI Governance, Kuba Szarmach

    Ready to see how AI’s future could either boost our lives or turn into a silent danger? In episode 51 of dnsUNFILTERED, Mikey Pruitt sits down with AI expert Kuba Szarmach to unpack the hidden risks behind the tech we use every day.We dive into AI governance, compliance, and accountability why these buzzwords matter for businesses and ordinary folks alike. Kuba explains the AI Governance Library, the subtle threats that can shape society, and how to spot biases before they spiral. “AI is a reflection of us,” he says, and the episode shows how human values must guide every algorithm.- AI governance is now a must‑have skill as AI evolves. - The AI Governance Library is your cheat‑sheet for ethics and compliance. - Small AI risks can cause big societal ripples. - Bias detectability and explainability beat prompt injection in importance. - Responsible AI boosts productivity trust the system, question the source. If you care about the future of smart tech, hit subscribe, share your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation alive. Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI and Compliance02:45 The Journey from Law to AI Governance05:26 The AI Governance Library: A Resource Hub08:02 Understanding AI Risks: The Subtle Threats10:50 The Hype vs. Reality of AI13:39 The Importance of Human Values in AI16:22 The Torment Nexus: AI's Reflection of Humanity23:31 Human Interaction in AI Systems26:22 The Challenge of Ethical AI Implementation29:38 Understanding LLM Vulnerabilities32:13 Governance of Autonomous AI Agents37:32 The Blurring Line Between Human and AI39:56 Rapid Fire Insights on AI Risks

    43 min
  2. MAR 30

    50: DrZeroTrust, Dr. Chase Cunningham

    GET READY TO REDEFINE CYBERSECURITY WITH DR. ZERO TRUST In episode 50 of dnsUNFILTERED, host Mikey Pruitt brings on industry legend Dr. Chase Cunningham, aka Dr. Zero Trust, to dive into the future of cyber threats and the Zero Trust philosophy that changes everything. They talk about how shifting from a Navy mechanic to a cyber‑security expert taught them that identity is the real fortress, why automation and AI can either strengthen or blind your defenses, and why red teaming is the only way to see what attackers will try before they do. If you're a small business owner or anyone curious about how market hype can mislead you, this episode offers the honest truth and real strategies. - Your identity is the core of cybersecurity treat it like your most valuable asset. - Zero Trust is a philosophy, not a product focus on survivability, not perfection. - AI and automation are powerful helpers; use them wisely to avoid blind spots. - Red teaming uncovers hidden vulnerabilities before attackers hit you. - Small and mid‑sized firms face the biggest risk proactive measures are a must. Liked what you heard? Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and share this video so more people can unlock real cyber wisdom. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Zero Trust02:48 From Mechanic to Cryptologist: A Unique Journey05:42 The Awakening: Discovering Cybersecurity's Power08:31 The Importance of Transparency in Cybersecurity11:22 Understanding Zero Trust: Philosophy vs. Product14:09 The Three J's Framework: Justify, Just in Time, Just Once16:59 Identity as the Core of Cybersecurity19:41 Human Nature and Cybersecurity: The User Factor22:32 Red Teaming: Preparing for the Unexpected25:10 SASE: A Controversial Term in Cybersecurity28:14 The Sassy Debate: Understanding SASE and Zero Trust30:20 Critique of Cybersecurity Trends and Market Dynamics32:51 The Self-Licking Ice Cream Cone of Misery37:06 AI in Cybersecurity: Tools or Threats?43:44 Ransomware: Targeting the Vulnerable45:38 Leadership Lessons: Dumpster Chickens and Mushroom Farmers47:38 Rapid Fire: Overrated and Underrated Security Technologies

    55 min
  3. MAR 16

    48: LLM Friendly, Vincent Roberts

    Think you've cracked sales? Think again marketing's just getting started. Mikey Pruitt hosts Vincent Roberts, a seasoned sales guru, as they unpack the blurred lines between sales and marketing. They reveal how personal branding and authentic messaging can turn leads into loyal customers. AI is highlighted as a powerful ally but human creativity still rules the game. Vincent stresses that pricing transparency and a strong online presence build trust and boost conversion. The duo outlines why finding a niche and mastering soft skills are non‑negotiable for modern business success. - Sales and marketing blend, so brand your story before you pitch. - Clear, customer‑focused messaging is the fastest path from lead to sale. - Open pricing and transparent services win more trust than surprise costs. - A third‑party audit spotlights wasted ad spend and sharpens strategy. - Pinpoint your niche, grow on LinkedIn, and keep human warmth in AI tools. If you found these insights useful, hit subscribe, drop a comment, and share with your network to keep the conversation alive! Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sales and Marketing Dynamics 02:46 The Transition from Sales to Marketing 05:24 The Merging of Sales and Marketing 08:12 The Importance of Authentic Messaging 11:10 The Role of AI in Marketing and Sales 13:51 The Evolution of Digital Marketing Agencies 16:31 Building a Strong Online Presence 19:29 Transparency in Sales and Marketing 22:08 Common Mistakes in Marketing and Sales 25:17 Navigating ADA Compliance in Business 26:44 Crafting Effective Homepage Messaging 28:40 The StoryBrand Framework for Messaging 30:52 Finding Your Niche for Business Success 36:43 The Importance of Personal Branding 37:08 Developing Soft Skills for Sales 43:02 Leveraging LinkedIn for Personal Branding 47:23 Content Pillars for Effective Posting

    54 min
  4. MAR 2

    48: Dark Arts of BGP, Brian Wilson

    BGP is the invisible muscle that tells your data where to go, but it’s also a tempting target for attackers. Brian walks us through his climb from answering calls to solving global routing puzzles, and explains why misconceptions about BGP can open doors to cyber threats. He dives into the real‑world impact of RPKI and ROA, the security frameworks that need more champions, and how AI is already giving network engineers a data‑driven edge. At the same time, he shows how a strong personal brand and an engaged community can turn niche expertise into a thriving consulting career. - BGP is the backbone of internet routing and a key security hinge. - Misunderstandings about BGP can expose networks to hijacks. - Security tools like RPKI and ROA protect routes but struggle to spread. - AI powers faster diagnosis and smarter network designs. - Building a niche brand and community fuels consulting success. If you found this episode enlightening, hit subscribe, drop a comment, and share it with your network engineering friends! Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Brian Wilson and the focus on BGP02:29 - How Brian got into network engineering and BGP04:06 - The internet outage caused by BGP and DNS issues05:46 - Decentralization of the internet via BGP and industry control concerns07:09 - Differences between ISP BGP management and enterprise approaches08:08 - Explanation of MPLS VPNs and their role in enterprise networks09:38 - How Brian simplifies complex concepts for broader understanding10:07 - Use of AI to craft technical content and teaching materials11:39 - Building and managing the BGP community on Discord13:31 - The importance of personal branding for consultants and niche experts16:03 - Memes, humor, and community culture in networking17:08 - Future outlook: AI and job security in network engineering20:23 - Essential skills and tools for aspiring network engineers22:49 - Best practices for resilient BGP network design30:45 - Security vulnerabilities in BGP and mitigation strategies33:23 - Notable incidents caused by BGP misconfigurations or hijacks36:00 - How BGP route selection works and its criteria39:19 - Brian’s future plans: consulting and community growth40:26 - Creating courses and resources for detailed BGP learning42:33 - The power of niching down and focusing on BGP44:27 - Words of wisdom for new network engineers and career advice

    46 min
  5. FEB 16

    47: Accidental Cyber Expert, Katie Paxton-Fear

    Dive into the world where hacking meets AI, led by an accidental cybersecurity expert! In episode 47 of dnsUNFILTERED, host Mikey Pruitt sits down with Katie Paxton‑Fear, a former techie who stumbled into cybersecurity. They unpack the overlap of cybersecurity, AI, and education, exploring how API security often goes unseen and why MCP servers are just rebranded APIs with the same hidden vulnerabilities. Katie shares her first hands‑on hacking moment, the rise of open source projects, and what it takes to keep students engaged in a rapidly changing field. Listens walk away with fresh insights on teaching strategies, transparency, and the future of learning in cybersecurity. Takeaways - A chance encounter can spark a career in hacking and security. - APIs are everyday apps that deserve tighter security focus. - MCP servers mask risks; treat them the same as traditional APIs. - Open source deserves more backing; its security fuels our whole ecosystem. - AI is a valuable tool in class but human mentorship keeps learning real. Want to stay ahead in cybersecurity? Subscribe, share, or drop a comment below!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and AI Research02:41 Accidental Journey into Cybersecurity05:34 Discovering Hacking and Vulnerabilities08:29 Understanding API Security11:08 The Rise of MCP Servers14:17 Risks Associated with MCP Servers17:03 Security Measures for MCP Servers19:36 The Role of Open Source in Security25:31 Funding Open Source Security28:15 The Open Source Community's Response to Security Breaches31:07 The Role of Regulations in Security Transparency31:45 Innovative Teaching Methods in Cybersecurity Education41:20 The Future of Education: Mentorship and Engagement

    51 min
  6. FEB 2

    46: Cyber Culture in Schools, Stephen Epting

    STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ARE VULNERABLE TIME TO SHIELD THEM! Learn how to build a cyber‑safe school before the next attack hits.Mikey Pruitt sits down with Stephen Epting, a former law‑enforcement officer turned education cybersecurity champion. Together they unpack the rising threat of phishing, the budget crunch that hampers school defenses, and how AI can both help and hurt digital learning. Stephen shares real‑world tactics for teaching kids and staff the fundamentals of online safety, and offers a roadmap for a culture where every student and teacher feels empowered to spot danger. The conversation covers budgeting, remote‑learning challenges, and the future of cyber protection in schools all through the lens of practical, hands‑on experience.- Law‑enforcement skills give a solid foundation for cyber‑security work.- Documentation from investigations is key to tracking and responding to threats.- Schools must meet the tech savvy of students with equally clever defenses.- Student‑led digital safety teams help sustain awareness at all levels.- AI tools offer powerful training and phishing‑detection but require careful oversight.Subscribe, drop a comment, and share this episode so every classroom can stay safe. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Law Enforcement Background02:47 Transitioning from Law Enforcement to Education05:27 Cybersecurity in Schools: Protecting Students and Staff08:09 Budgeting for Cybersecurity in Education10:41 Teaching Digital Safety to Students13:19 The Role of Students in Cybersecurity16:06 Phishing Campaigns Targeting Students18:43 Challenges of Remote Learning in Cybersecurity20:46 Conclusion and Future of Cybersecurity in Education21:35 Navigating Proxy Sites and Network Security24:19 Balancing Security and Convenience in Education26:52 The Role of AI in Education28:45 Cybersecurity Awareness and Training for Educators30:36 Incident Response in Educational Settings32:04 Trends in Cybersecurity Threats in Education34:45 The Impact of AI on Critical Thinking37:38 Staying Informed in Cybersecurity

    45 min
  7. JAN 19

    45: Obsession to Learn, David Huynh

    Ever wondered how a broke kid turned into a cybersecurity rockstar? One guy’s relentless obsession and killer project showcase changed everything. David Huynh shares the true story behind his rise in cybersecurity starting at 26 and fueled by financial stability, passion, and a drive for personal development. In this episode we cover the full career path: from earning certifications to mastering day‑to‑day SOC analyst duties, and how to communicate the value of cyber defenses to managers. We also dive into today’s biggest threats, including AI‑driven attacks, and why continuous upskilling is essential in a world of skills inflation. - Overcome financial doubts with a clear career strategy that balances money and passion. - Use certifications as stepping stones, but let hands‑on projects do the heavy lifting for your resume. - Master alert triage, incident response, and SOC communication skills that set you apart in every interview. - Stay ahead of social engineering and AI threats by continuously learning and adapting. - Build a personal brand through project showcase and measurable metrics that prove ROI to leadership. Loved the episode? Hit subscribe, drop a comment with your own cybersecurity journey, and share with anyone ready to level up! Chapters00:00 Introduction to David Huynh and Cybersecurity Journey02:46 Motivation and Passion in Cybersecurity04:36 The Balance of Financial Stability and Passion06:55 Discipline and Obsession in Learning09:21 Key Lessons for Breaking into Cybersecurity10:33 The Role of Certifications in Cybersecurity13:20 Showcasing Skills Through Projects16:17 Day-to-Day Life as a SOC Analyst22:58 Differences Between SOC Analysts and Security Engineers24:53 Communicating Cybersecurity Needs to Management27:37 The Importance of Metrics and Dashboards29:12 Current Threat Landscape and AI Risks30:53 The Evolution of Cybersecurity Skills36:44 Navigating Career Growth in Cybersecurity42:35 The Necessity of Continuous Learning and Upskilling47:42 Motivation and Personal Development in Cybersecurity

    55 min
  8. JAN 5

    44: Not All Revenue is Good Revenue, Jason Slagle

    Unlock the secrets of turning cybersecurity chaos into profit Mikey Pruitt sits down with Jason Slagle to show you how MSPs can thrive in a fast‑moving digital world.In episode 44 of dnsUNFILTERED, Jason shares his journey from DIY AI hacks to building robust DNS filtering solutions. Together they tackle why giving back matters, how knowledge gaps cripple MSPs, and what it really takes to stay ahead of cyber threats. Learn real‑world tactics, vendor‑relationship wins, and the future of AI‑powered workflows all delivered with a fresh, honest tone.Key Takeaways - Giving back builds lasting MSP legacies. - Cybersecurity gaps cost more than you think. - Breadth of knowledge beats deep expertise in a rapidly shifting tech landscape. - AI can automate boring paperwork and spot security blind spots. - Authentic online presence boosts credibility and influence.👉 Subscribe for more MSP wisdom, drop a comment with your biggest challenge, and share this episode with your network! Chapters00:00 The Importance of Giving Back in the MSP Community02:25 Identifying Gaps in MSP Knowledge06:39 The Evolution of MSPs and Their Challenges11:05 The Balance of Breadth vs. Depth in Skills13:13 Cybersecurity: The Third Wheel of MSPs17:43 Strategies for Effective Cybersecurity19:48 The Journey of DNS Filtering and Vendor Relationships22:41 AI and Its Impact on MSPs23:51 Exploring Vibcoding and Its Challenges29:06 The Evolution of AI in Development37:04 AI's Role in Enhancing Human Workflows39:07 Authenticity and Influence in Online Presence42:38 Future Directions for MSPs and Personal Growth

    48 min

Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The dnsUNFILTERED podcast series is fun and insightful, hosted by Mikey Pruitt, Partner Evangelist at DNSFilter, where he chats with top cybersecurity experts and tech industry leaders. Each episode is packed with stories and tips that make the complicated world of cybersecurity, tech, plus sales & marketing easier to understand. Whether you're a pro looking to stay sharp or just curious about how to keep your online world sane, dnsUNFILTERED is your go-to podcast for all things tech.