The Audit IT Audit Labs

In this episode of The Audit, Leah McLean shares her insights from over 10 years in cybersecurity and IT with companies like Cisco, and now Mastercard.  
We’ll cover: 
How to get a job in cybersecurity Navigating the ethical challenges of AI in Cybersecurity Work-life balance in cybersecurity jobs Perspectives on success for cybersecurity leadership Emerging infosec technologies Mental health for infosec professionals  We navigate the shifting terrain of cybersecurity talent acquisition, stressing the need for aptitude and ongoing education. Leah delves into AI's role and ethical dilemmas in cybersecurity, provides tips for balancing work and life in remote contexts, and examines upcoming cybersecurity technologies. The discussion also highlights veterans' vital roles in cybersecurity, underscores the importance of mental health in stressful settings, and gives a sneak peek into future 'Elevate Exchange' podcast episodes on topics like AI and quantum computing. 

The Audit - Episode 30 - Join us as we speak with cybersecurity expert and hacking hardware enthusiast Cameron Birkland, who introduces us to the world of the Flipper Zero. 
The brainchild of a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2020, the Flipper Zero might look cute with its dolphin avatar, but it's a potent tool capable of manipulating control systems like RFID and NFC tags, radio remotes, and digital access keys. 
What would you do if your garage door opener could be hacked? Cameron walks us through how this is possible with his own garage door opener. 
Don’t forget, if you prefer video, check out every episode of The Audit on our YouTube channel. 

The Audit - Episode 29 - Ready to uncover the world of crypto? Join us in our latest episode as we dive into the realm of cryptocurrency with Matt Starland. Let's embark on a journey from the origins of Bitcoin to the frenzy of meme stocks making headlines. Tune in to understand how cryptocurrency is shaking the foundation of economies with unstable governments, and how secure, hardware-based crypto wallets can be your ultimate safe vault.

We didn't stop at Bitcoin. Matt Starland, our resident crypto expert, took us on a ride through the volatile landscape of cryptocurrency trading, tackling the challenges of its mainstream adoption and the potential risks. Discover how to set up a hardware wallet and get an inside scoop on the cryptographic algorithms that are its backbone and the all-important recovery seed. By the end of this, you'll be well-versed in the nitty-gritty details of crypto trading and equipped to safeguard your digital assets.

In the final leg of our crypto exploration, we help you navigate the process of setting up a new cryptocurrency wallet, emphasizing the significance of secure offline backup and tightening the security measures. We shed light on the workings of a Bitcoin wallet, the associated fees, and how to maximize its security. Then, we take you through the features of hardware wallets, the processes of buying and selling from a wallet, and the risks of leaving money on an exchange. So sit back, tune in and prepare for a deep dive into the thrilling world of cryptocurrency!

The Audit - Episode 28 - We are pleased to introduce you to Andre Champagne, an expert in the intriguing world of cyber and digital forensics. Andre’s journey, from the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, through the Illinois Attorney General's Office, to the state of Minnesota, provides fascinating insights into a career in stopping cyber-crime.  
Andre also recounts his time managing a digital forensics laboratory, shedding light on the intricate balance between risk and technology in the digital landscape. He shares stories about investigating arson cases, using phone evidence to reveal the diversity of online predators. His anecdotes provide a sobering perspective on the challenges and rewards of a career in cyber forensics.  
 
Finally, Andre breaks down the reality of the cyber security field beyond what you see in TV and film. His experiences range from putting together reports for the courtroom, dealing with data breaches and ransomware, to handling HR investigations. The conversation takes a darker tone as we address the chilling reality of online predators while Andre provides valuable advice on ways to keep children safe online.

The Audit - Episode 27 - Imagine managing over a million orders per minute during a high-stakes sales event like Black Friday! That's the reality Jeff White from Cockroach faced during his time at Best Buy. We sit down with him in a lively discussion, unpacking the intricacies of running a successful online store, the immense pressure involved, and strategies to guard against malicious acts and bots. Jeff enlightens us about the challenges of scaling an Oracle database to handle a mass influx of orders, sharing insightful anecdotes from his own experience.

Ever wondered how to improve your security posture and reduce organizational risk? Jeff is here to share some answers from a tech perspective. He delves into the unique features of Cockroach DB, a system he played a vital role in developing. Learn how it’s designed to run on various operating systems and its resilience to node failure. Jeff also sheds light on distributed data replication, an intriguing aspect of Cockroach DB. If you're a tech enthusiast or involved in e-commerce, this episode is packed with valuable nuggets of information to take your knowledge several notches higher.

As we wrap up our conversation, we navigate towards Jeff's interest in renewable energy. We delve into his journey with solar power and electric vehicles, outlining the financial benefits of such investments. He shares his solar installation experience and future plans. We also touch on the critical role of a robust team in conducting successful security assessments. Lastly, we consider a new venue for our game night, since our usual spot isn't available. Tune in for this enlightening episode full of expert insights and real-world experiences.

The Audit - Episode 26 - Ready to decode the future of data storage technology? We guarantee that you'll be fascinated by our in-depth exploration into this rapidly evolving landscape. Together with our esteemed guest, Bill Harris, we probe into the intricacies of current storage mediums, such as hard disk drives, flash drives, and magnetic tapes, while also introducing you to emerging technologies like 5D, DNA, and molecular memory. 

How are companies managing their data storage amidst ever-shrinking IT budgets? How are advancements like heat-assisted magnetic recording and microwave magnetic recording redefining hard drive technology? Brace yourself, as we take you on a journey to decipher these challenges and discoveries, along with Harris, a pioneer in the field. The conversation gets even more exciting as we delve into futuristic concepts like holographic and DNA storage, both promising yet fraught with challenges worth discussing. 

But we don't stop there. As we dig deeper into the impact of increasing storage capacities, it's evident that a revolution in the way we use and perceive data is imminent. From holographic and 5D crystal storage to DNA storage, we ponder the implications and potential of these advancements on the future of technology. Tune in, let's explore this fascinating world of storage technology together!