No Password Required

Cyber Florida

5.0 (12)
Technology
Updated Biweekly

The No Password Required Podcast connects with the cybersecurity industry’s most interesting professionals and shares their stories. No Password Required covers a variety of tech topics, from the cyber-related challenges facing law enforcement to the advent of quantum computing, this podcast explores the people and topics at the forefront of the field.

Jul 6 · Bonus

No Password Required Breakout Room with Rob Whetstine

In this episode: Why Rob always asks for the team nobody wants and what the turnaround process actually looks like (00:31 - 02:10) From sleeping in his car at 18 to Fortune 500 executive, and the kindness from strangers he still carries with him today (02:10 - 04:32) What a successful team turnaround actually looks like, including eight leaders in ten years and what changed (04:32 - 07:00) Servant leadership, why career leaders almost always fail, and the power of coming in with a partial idea instead of a completed thought (07:00 - 09:33) The truth about the cybersecurity job shortage and why open jobs almost never mean what you think they mean (09:33 - 11:37) Why communication skills matter more than technical ability and what happens when a technical score of 10 meets a communication score of two (11:37 - 13:22) Cyber is a marathon, not a race, and why passion got Rob a job at Disney over people with far more experience (13:22 - 15:27) Neurodiversity in the workplace, getting diagnosed with autism at 40, and why really smart doesn't get jobs anymore (15:27 - 17:51) The colleague who told Rob everyone thought he was a jerk, the boss who explained why, and the apology tour that followed (17:51 - 21:31) Getting laid off from Disney, becoming a ghost on the internet, and accidentally building the BowtieSecurityGuy brand (21:31 - 25:47) Tying self-worth to career, crying before job interviews, and the four words his wife said that changed everything (25:47 - 27:40) The 3am LinkedIn message from India that made Rob realize he was in this for life (27:40 - 29:40) Zero expectations, zero conditions, and why Rob messaged Rex about a hat with absolutely nothing to gain (29:40 - 31:40) Immersion therapy, D&D every Monday, and why a bad public speaker is more memorable than a good one (34:03 - 37:16) Rejection sensitivity dysphoria, masking, and why setting the tone in a room changes everything (37:16 - 39:23) The 3,000 manual LinkedIn messages, the algorithm daddy slap, and pricing yourself where you want to be (39:23 - 40:43) Zero expectations as a life philosophy and why people don't quit jobs, they quit bosses (40:43 - 42:27) Learning to walk three times, leg braces, and why cutting through grass almost brought Rob to tears (42:27 - 44:40) What Rob tells job seekers who have been at it for two years: you are ten nos away from your dream job (44:40 - 47:09) The cybersecurity salary reality check and why 3,500 to 4,500 people graduate with cyber degrees every single month (47:09 - 48:50) Rob's thank you to the people who know who they are, his battle buddies, and why vulnerability is a strength (48:50 - 51:28) Fail with style, the Walt Disney Haunted Mansion story, and why Rob never took no for an answer at Disney (51:28 - 56:39) Timestamp Highlights: (00:31) Give me the team nobody wants (02:10) Homelessness at 18 and the kindness that stayed with him (07:00) Servant leadership and the power of a partial idea (09:33) The real reason there are so many open cybersecurity jobs that never get filled (11:37) Stop applying. Start connecting. (13:22) How passion got Rob hired at Disney over NSA agents (17:51) Getting diagnosed with autism at 40 (21:31) Getting laid off from Disney and accidentally building a brand (27:40) The 3am message that changed everything (34:03) D&D, immersion therapy, and why bad public speakers are more memorable (42:27) Learning to walk three times and why Rob doesn't take anything for granted (51:28) Walt Disney, the Haunted Mansion, and failing with style Resources & Links: BowtieSecurityGuy — Rob's brand across all platforms ThreatLocker — Presenter of No Password Required Breakout Room Cyber Florida — The Mother Ship
Jun 22

No Password Required Podcast Episode 74 - Shane Tews

Shane Tews — Non-Resident Senior Fellow at AEI and the person who explained the internet to Capitol Hill No Password Required Season 7: Episode 7 – Shane Tews Shane Tews is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where she focuses on cybersecurity, privacy, artificial intelligence, and internet governance. She is also President of Logan Circle Strategies, a strategic advisory firm working at the intersection of technology and policy. Before her think tank work, Shane helped introduce modems to the George H.W. Bush White House, walked the halls of Capitol Hill explaining the internet to blank-staring legislators, and spent years at VeriSign helping shape the foundational frameworks of how the internet would be governed. In this episode, Shane traces her unlikely path from the Bush administration to becoming one of Washington's most trusted voices on tech policy. She breaks down why regulating outcomes rather than inputs is the only sensible approach to technology governance, why the US and EU are operating from fundamentally different innovation philosophies, and why a national privacy bill is long overdue. She also explains why most organizations and individuals are far less protected than they think and why nobody knows who to call when something goes wrong. Jack Clabby and co-host Kayley Melton talk with Shane about legacy system vulnerabilities, the cybersecurity implications of agentic AI, and what policymakers absolutely must get right over the next decade. She also reflects on what the CISA reauthorization limbo means for companies that don't even know they've lost liability protection. In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Shane reveals she has 20,000 emails across eight accounts, admits she fakes laughs at bad jokes out of Midwestern politeness, shares her obsession with The Bear and Peaky Blinders, and tells us about her children's book project using Google Omni called "Shane on a Train." Follow Shane on LinkedIn and on X at @ShaneTews. Find her work at AEI.org and TechPolicyDaily.com. No Password Required is presented by ThreatLocker In this episode: Shane's path from the George H.W. Bush White House to becoming Capitol Hill's go-to internet explainer (00:34 - 02:22) Why the Clinton-era multi-stakeholder model got internet governance right and what that means for policy today (04:40 - 06:13) The case for a national privacy bill and why 50 state standards aren't working (07:24 - 09:27) What AEI covers and how Shane thinks about riding the top of the wave across the entire tech policy stack (09:35 - 11:23) Legacy systems, vendor debt, and why outdated software is the easiest entry point for bad actors (11:30 - 13:34) The gap between how protected people think they are and how exposed they actually are, including a generational perspective on MFA (14:07 - 16:25) The biggest disconnect between everyday cyber reality and the policy world (16:59 - 20:35) Government readiness for a major cyber attack and why most people don't have a plan (20:54 - 22:32) How the US and EU innovation philosophies differ and why Europe's banking system is the real tech problem (22:41 - 25:38) The DeepSeek false narrative and where the US is leading vs. reacting on AI (25:45 - 29:21) The shift from AI features to AI coordination and what agentic AI means for cybersecurity permissions (29:28 - 32:16) What policymakers must get right on AI over the next 10 years (32:25 - 34:11) The Lifestyle Polygraph: inbox chaos, fake laughs, The Bear, and Shane on a Train (00:04 - 12:48) Timestamp Highlights: (00:34) Shane's origin story: modems at the White House and blank stares on the Hill (04:40) Why the internet got policy right early on and what we can learn from it (07:24) The case for harmonizing breach standards with a national framework (11:30) Legacy systems and vendor debt as the easiest attack vectors (14:07) The real gap between how protected people think they are and how exposed they actually are (20:54) Government cyber readiness: do you know who to call when something goes wrong? (22:41) US vs. EU innovation: why Europe's banking system is the real tech problem (29:28) Agentic AI and the cybersecurity risks of permissions you forgot you gave (32:25) What policymakers must get right on AI over the next decade (06:44) Shane on a Train: using Google Omni to write a children's book series Resources & Links: AEI.org — Shane's think tank home base TechPolicyDaily.com — Daily tech policy coverage ThreatLocker — Supporter of this podcast Cyber Florida — The Mother Ship
Jun 9

No Password Required Podcast Episode 73 - Mudita Khurana

Show Summary: Mudita Khurana — Tech Lead at Airbnb and the person who always says, “I got this” No Password Required Season 7: Episode 6 - Mudita Khurana Mudita Khurana is a Tech Lead for Automated Tooling and Vulnerability Management at Airbnb, where she focuses on building modular, scalable security systems in an era of rapidly evolving AI threats. Before Airbnb, she spent nearly a decade in security roles across Accenture, Meta, and PwC, making bold career pivots along the way, including turning down a PwC return offer to join Facebook's product security team. In this episode, Mudita shares her journey from a family of doctors in India to Carnegie Mellon and into the heart of Big Tech security. She discusses what it means to thrive as a non-traditional engineer in a deeply technical field, why she stepped back from management to get closer to the work, and how she thinks about building security tooling that won't be obsolete in three months. Jack Clabby and co-host Kayley Melton, recording live from Tampa B-Sides at the University of South Florida, talk with Mudita about imposter syndrome, AI's curveballs for security teams, leadership without a leadership title, and the importance of community in staying on top of a field that never stops moving. She also reflects on what great mentorship looks like early in a career and why clarity, ownership, and consistency are the leadership qualities she keeps coming back to. In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Mudita firmly plants her flag in the Harry Potter universe as Hermione, explains why Deadpool doesn't qualify as a superhero, debates gym vs. nature as a reset strategy, and reveals her dream remote work base: a high-altitude Buddhist mountain town in the Himalayas. Follow Mudita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muditakhurana/ In this episode: Mudita shares her unconventional path into cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of mentorship and curiosity (0:25 - 1:37) The significance of mentorship, especially Vandana Verma, in her career development (2:26 - 4:00) Transition from management to technical IC roles and why staying close to technical work matters (9:29 - 10:23) The influence of her education at Carnegie Mellon and how it broadened her problem-solving skills (6:23 - 7:41) Navigating imposter syndrome and embracing challenges as growth opportunities (3:26 - 5:29) How AI is changing cybersecurity strategies—building modular, layered systems for agility (15:31 - 16:26) The importance of community, trust, and consensus in cybersecurity decision-making (17:06 - 17:47) Mudita’s favorite places for remote work and balancing planning with spontaneity in travel (23:01 - 24:13) Her personal approach to wellness, exercise, and resets during busy days (21:32 - 22:36) Her unique perspective on superhero characters, favorite places, and cultural roots (18:54 - 19:36, 25:19 - 26:21) Timestamp Highlights: (00:25) Mudita's 10-year journey into cybersecurity starting from India (02:26) Mentorship’s critical role in her growth and her admiration for Vandana Verma (09:29) Transition from management back to technical roles and why staying close to the work matters (15:31) How AI fosters layered, modular security systems for faster adaptation (17:06) The importance of community and trusted information sources in security (21:32) Reset routines—gym versus nature hikes—and staying grounded during busy days (25:19) Leh, Ladakh: Mudita’s ideal remote work location nestled in Himalayan beauty Resources & Links: Vandana Verma - Influential mentor in cybersecurity ThreatLocker - Supporter of this podcast Cyber Florida – The Mother Ship
May 25

No Password Required Podcast Episode 72 - Madeline Sedgwick

Madeline Sedgwick — Cyber Threat Analyst at Palo Alto Networks and a DUUUUVALLL lifer No Password Required Season 7: Episode 5 – Madeline Sedgwick Madeline Sedgwick is a Cyber threat Researcher and Threat Analyst at Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, specializing in nation-state cyber activity, covert infrastructure, and cyber intelligence analysis. Before entering the private sector, she spent six years in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence specialist, helping support some of the earliest cyber operations under United States Cyber Command. In this episode, Madeline shares her journey from joining the Navy to becoming one of the first certified cyber targeteers supporting offensive cyber operations. She discusses the realities of tracking covert threat actor infrastructure, why defenders must understand adversary behavior beyond alerts and signatures, and how intelligence analysis helps uncover the bigger picture behind cyber campaigns.  Jack Clabby and co-host Sarina Gandy talk with Madeline about fusion analysis, cyber warfare, leadership, and the challenges of translating highly technical investigations into actionable insights for government and industry leaders. She also reflects on the importance of humility in leadership, mentoring, and learning to navigate high-pressure situations with confidence and curiosity.  In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Madeline debates cybersecurity in the Star Wars universe, explains her Weird Al Yankovic Dragon Con costume, reflects on her time playing bass in a metal band, and proudly shares why Jacksonville, Florida, will always be home. Follow Madeline on Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mesedgwick/ Chapters: 02:10 Intro-Madeline Sedgwick 09:00 The Role of Cybersecurity in National Security 12:08 Understanding Covert Networks and Threat Intelligence 14:52 Fusion Analysis in Cybersecurity 18:04 The Importance of Distinguishing Threats 20:52 Challenges in Cybersecurity Response 23:58 Briefing Decision Makers on Cyber Threats 27:52 Understanding Adversary Intent and Risk Communication 30:12 Leadership Lessons from the Navy 34:33 The Importance of Mentorship in Career Development 37:30 The Lifestyle Polygraph: A Fun Twist on Cybersecurity 41:04 Embracing Creativity and Personal Expression 45:50 Pride in Roots: The Jacksonville Connection
May 11 · Bonus

No Password Required: Next Gen - Ep. 2 - Tim Kircher

No Password Required: No Password Required: Next Gen - Ep. 2 - Tim Kircher From Freshman Stress to Cyber Success: Formula 1, Pickleball, and hacking in Real life In this episode of No Password Required: Next Gen, Yazzel Corona interviews Tim Kircher, a cybersecurity student at USF and member of the Security Operations Center Apprenticeship Program at Cyber Florida. Tim shares how his fascination with technology first sparked his interest in cybersecurity. From networking advice and navigating the chaos of a cybersecurity education, Tim keeps it real, giving us all the tips about what it takes to get started successfully in the field. He talks about why communication skills matter just as much as technical ability in the age of AI and automation, and how taking things “one day at a time” helped shape his journey. Outside of cyber mode, Tim is a huge pickleball and Formula 1 fan, leading to fun conversations about cyber pit crews, movie hacking scenes, and why Mercedes would absolutely be his dream team. From defensive cyber operations to teamwork and leadership, Tim’s story is all about staying curious, building connections, and finding your path in cybersecurity. Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-kircher/ Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction 00:30 — Discovering Cybersecurity 00:54 — Advice for Freshman Cybersecurity Students 01:47 — Formula 1 & Cybersecurity 02:10 — Which F1 Team Would Be Vulnerable? 02:28 — Building the Ultimate Cybersecurity Pit Crew 03:01 — Hollywood Hacking vs. Real-Life Hacking 03:22 — Final Advice for Future Cybersecurity Professionals 04:01 — Toasting to the Future Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-kircher/ Presented by ThreatLocker
Apr 21 · Bonus

No Password Required Breakout Room with Fagan Afandiyev

Fagan Afandiyev — Elite Cybersecurity Competitor and Legendary Whitehatter No Password Required: Breakout Room: Episode 1 — Fagan Afandiyev Fagan Afandiyev is a cybersecurity student at the University of South Florida and a member of the CyberHerd competition team, known for his strategic mindset and passion for solving complex challenges. From competing in international robotics competitions to discovering cybersecurity through hands-on platforms, Fagan has built his skills through curiosity, persistence, and a love for problem solving. Fagan shares how competitions, community, and continuous learning shaped his journey into cybersecurity. He walks through his growth within USF’s cyber community, and how that led to a penetration testing internship at Microsoft. He also offers insight into the mindset needed to succeed in cybersecurity, encouraging others to embrace challenges, learn through failure, and find enjoyment in the process. Follow Fagan on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fagan-afandi/ Presented by ThreatLocker Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Passion 3:02 Journey to Cyber Herd and University Life 06:12 Internship at Microsoft and Career Aspirations 08:59 Hackathon Experience and Community Engagement 12:39 Behind the Scenes of Cyber Competitions 14:30 Overcoming Challenges in Cyber Competitions 18:00 Gratitude and Mentorship in Cybersecurity
Apr 6

No Password Required Podcast Episode 71 - Cynthia Wrye

Cynthia Wyre —Project Manager at Rapid7 and the Queen of Cyber Media No Password Required Season 7: Episode 4 - Cynthia Wyre Cynthia Wyre is a Senior Strategic Engagement Project Manager at Rapid7, where she helps connect academic research and industry. Her path into cybersecurity innovation was untraditional, moving from healthcare and construction project management into vulnerability research and academic partnerships. Cynthia reflects on how she applied for a role she did not think she was qualified for, why professionals of all backgrounds belong in cyber, and how project management skills can open unexpected doors. Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and K. Melton of the Cognitive Security Institute welcome Cynthia live from CyberBay 2026 in Tampa for a conversation about research, resilience, and relationship-building in cybersecurity. Cynthia explains Rapid7’s partnership with USF and Cyber Florida, including her efforts to support research around SOC analyst training and burnout, and the future of cyber education. Throughout the conversation, Cynthia highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and helping people see that cybersecurity is not limited to one path or one type of person. The episode wraps with the Lifestyle Polygraph, where Cynthia reveals how she would work a room full of strangers and how she won a costume contest moments before meeting rapper Young Gravy. She also earns a crown of her own, officially joining the No Password Required fantasy cybersecurity squad as Queen of the Podcast. Follow Cynthia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiawyre/ Presented by ThreatLocker Follow ThreatLocker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/threatlockerinc/posts/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:15 From Aspiring Physical Therapist to Project Manager 03:50 Transitioning from Construction to Cybersecurity 05:12 Applying for the Rapid7 Role and Overcoming Self-Doubt 10:25 Academic Partnerships with USF and Cyber Florida 12:56 Leaning into Discomfort and Personal Growth 20:15 The Role of Marching Band and Education in Cynthia’s Life 24:25 A Memorable Encounter with a Music Industry Entertainer Yung Gravy 28:00 Lifestyle Polygraph and Fun Personal Questions 37:40 Crowning Cynthia as Queen of the Podcast
Mar 17

No Password Required Podcast Episode 70 - Madhav Nakar

Madhav Nakar — AI Security Researcher and Documentarian of Spirituality and Play No Password Required Season 7: Episode 3 - Madhav Nakar Madhav Nakar is a Security Researcher at BeyondTrust specializing in identity threats, endpoint security, and cloud attack paths. With a background in theoretical mathematics, his current research focuses on analyzing attacker behavior to build practical systems of detection. In this episode, Madhav shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his first experience witnessing a nation-state attack unfold in real time from his seat in a SOC. He explains how mathematical thinking sharpens security strategy and why strong research is rooted in exploration, not predetermined outcomes. Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, joined by co-host Kayley Melton of the Cognitive Security Institute, welcomes Madhav for a conversation on modern cyber defense. From AI-driven attacks and agentic systems to privilege escalation risks in role-based access environments, Madhav breaks down what teams are getting wrong about AI and why defending against AI increasingly requires AI-powered tools. The conversation turns to Madhav’s philosophy of “serious play,” where curiosity, experimentation, and failure fuel better research and resilience. He also shares insights from his spiritual and philosophy project, The Fire of Knowing, exploring consciousness and belief through a neutral lens. In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Madhav pitches a cybersecurity documentary, debates growth versus comfort, and reflects public dancing experiments. Follow Madhav Nakar here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhav-nakar/ Follow "The Fire of Knowing" on Instagram and Youtube! CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction with Kayley and Jack 08:08 Transition from Theoretical Math to Cybersecurity 16:13 Exploring Spiritual Traditions and Madhav’s Documentary 19:48 The Intersection of Art and Science in Content Creation 25:20 The Lifestyle Polygraph: Challenging Perspectives on Security

5

out of 5

12 Ratings

The No Password Required Podcast connects with the cybersecurity industry’s most interesting professionals and shares their stories. No Password Required covers a variety of tech topics, from the cyber-related challenges facing law enforcement to the advent of quantum computing, this podcast explores the people and topics at the forefront of the field.

Creator

Cyber Florida
Years Active

2019 - 2026
Episodes

80
Rating

Clean
Copyright

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