Shows
Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXFrom 12th Grade Dropout to Cyber Entrepreneur | Ajay Unni, Founder and CEO, StickmanCyberIn this episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, StickmanCyber’s Founder Ajay Unni sits down with SquareX Field CISO John Carse to discuss the personal side of building a global cybersecurity brand. Ajay reveals how a failure in his 12th-grade exams in India became the catalyst for his first software company. He explains his leadership philosophy, which integrates meditation and ethical business growth, proving that you don't have to be greedy to succeed in the high-stakes world of tech. They also touch upon why the web browser has become the primary attack surface for modern hackers and despite heavy in...
2026-01-1154 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXCybersecurity Needs Hackers, Not Test Takers | Gautam Sharma, Executive Director, AccessCyberIn this episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, Gautam "Gotham" Sharma, Executive Director, Cybersecurity Education and Training at AccessCyber, sits down with SquareX Field CISO John Carse to discuss why cybersecurity education and hiring are broken. The conversation explores nontraditional cyber career paths, why certifications alone don’t get candidates hired, and how hands-on projects prepare people for real-world security roles. Gautam breaks down browser security, SaaS sprawl, zero trust, and why defending the browser is essential for modern enterprises. He debunks viral AI ransomware statistics and explains why the industry needs better skepticism and even satire. 00:00 Fou...
2026-01-081h 00Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXCybersecurity Is About People, Not Tools | Larry Whiteside Jr., Co-Founder & President, ConfideIn this episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, Larry Whiteside Jr, Co-Founder and President of Confide, sits down with SquareX Field CISO John Carse to discuss the real risks facing today’s CISOs. Drawing from three decades of experience across the U.S. military, the Pentagon, and Fortune 500 leadership roles, Larry explains why the CISO role is the most exposed and misunderstood position in the C-suite. They dive into cybersecurity governance, power dynamics with executives, vendor hype, regulatory pressure, AI disruption, and why security leaders are often blamed despite lacking authority.00:00 How a Pentagon analyst role turned ou...
2026-01-051h 00Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXWhy Cyber Needs Better Storytelling | Jeremy Ladner, Founder and CEO, The CISO Signal PodcastField CISO John Carse of SquareX sits down with Jeremy Ladner of The CISO Signal to discuss the critical art of storytelling in cybersecurity leadership. In this episode of Be Fearless podcasts, Jeremy reveals why facts alone fail in the boardroom and how AI is rewriting the rules of social engineering and fraud. The conversation covers why hackers operate like aggressive marketing teams and the dangers of "almost secure" infrastructure. 00:00 Why the cybersecurity industry is actually a "True Crime" universe5:17 Spy vs Spy13:50 The Hero's Journey and how to tell a story24:42 Most cyber b...
2025-12-181h 02Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXDecoding Your Digital Footprint | James W., Valens Global AnalystHost John Carse, Field CISO of SquareX sits down with James W., Valens Global Analyst and creator of the Smoke Signal Newsletter and Burn Signal Podcast. In this episode of The Be Fearless podcast, they discuss the concept of "digital exhaust" and how invisible data trails are weaponized into "weapons of mass disruption". James shares insights from his FBI career, discussing the intersection of human psychology and cybersecurity. They explore the unique challenges CISOs face with employees' consumer behavior impacting corporate security , the future of AI processing on devices , and actionable advice for translating technical complexity into control.
2025-12-1555 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXWhy You Need to Fail to Succeed in Cyber | Andrew Crotty, Cybersecurity Content CreatorHost John Carse, Field CISO at SquareX, sits down with Andrew Crotty aka GingerHacker. In this episode of the Be Fearless podcast, Andrew provides insights into his role advising Army commanders, the evolving security landscape regarding AI agents and hallucinations, and the specific vulnerabilities found in web browsers. Andrew details the mission behind the Ginger Hacker Initiative, a non-profit helping newcomers get certified for free, and his involvement with DEF CON. He also dives into the failures he had to endure before landing his first gig in Cyber. 00:00 Multiple paths of getting into cybersecurity8:11 The importance o...
2025-12-1257 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXYou Won’t Make $100k Starting Out in Cybersecurity | Patrick Gorman, Founder, InfosecPatHost John Carse, Field CISO at SquareX, sits down with Patrick Gorman, Founder of InfosecPat. In this episode of The Be Fearless podcast, they discuss Patrick's incredible journey from a rough upbringing in Queens and working in construction to becoming a renowned cybersecurity educator with over 100,000 YouTube subscribers. Patrick gets real about the misconceptions of the industry, specifically regarding entry-level salaries and the "get rich quick" mentality. He also shares deep insights on the importance of mastering IT fundamentals before attempting to hack, and why building a personal brand is crucial for career longevity.00:00 Pivoting to cybersecurity...
2025-12-091h 27Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXBrowser Security Is Now Essential | Swetha Krishnamoorthi, Industry Principal, Frost & SullivanFrost & Sullivan’s Swetha Krishnamoorthi joins Audrey Adeline from SquareX Founder's Office to unpack emerging browser-based threats, including AI-driven phishing, encrypted last-mile exploits, malicious digital assets, and the rise of autonomous AI agents. She explains how Zero Trust browsers evolve beyond isolation, what organizations overlook today, and the security capabilities that will soon be table-stakes. She also shares how she moved to cybersecurity after multiple pivots, including her beginning as a Biotechnology engineer. 00:00 The industry's different approaches to browser security7:19 The "legacy infrastructure gap" and budget constraints12:19 The evolution of endpoint security16:34 The most com...
2025-12-051h 01Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXBuilding Cyber Resilience That Lasts | Jim Rutt, CIO/CISO, Dana FoundationIn this episode of Be Fearless, Aleksandra Melnikova from the SquareX founder’s office speaks with Jim Rutt, CIO and CISO of the Dana Foundation. Jim traces his 25-year journey from marketing to data analytics to leading technology strategy in a major nonprofit, sharing how cybersecurity has shifted from HIPAA compliance to tackling AI-driven threats, why the decision to go all-in on cloud migration became a turning point for resilience, and what leaders should consider when balancing outsourcing with in-house security. He also breaks down essential insights on data protection, risk management, and AI ethics, concluding with his predictions fo...
2025-12-0440 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXSecuring Billions in Aircraft Assets | John Rojas, Vice President, IT, Air LeaseHost Aleksandra Melnikova of Founder's Office at SquareX sits down with John Rojas, Vice President, IT, of Air Lease. In this episode of The Fearless Podcast, they discuss John's fascinating transition from Marine Corps communications to managing cybersecurity for one of the world's largest aircraft leasing companies. John shares insights on protecting billions in assets, the unique challenges of securing global business travelers, and his pragmatic approach to managing AI risks within the enterprise. He also emphasizes on the need to build a culture of security by putting people first and the necessity of training employees to be the...
2025-12-0443 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXLeveling Up in Cybersecurity Today | Girard Kavelines, Technical Writer, TechHouse570In this episode of the Be Fearless podcast, SquareX Field CISO John Carse sits down with Girard Kavelines and discusses how starting out on the help desk gave him fresh perspectives and practical insights that later shaped his work as a Network/Security Engineer. Girard also elaborates on other topics, schaas how blogging and content creation at TechHouse570 helped him build an engaged audience, how excited he is about the potential of SquareX and its ability to fill critical gaps left by traditional EDR/XDR, address browser security blind spots, and tackle rising Shadow SaaS risks. In the end, h...
2025-12-0236 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXSecuring Health Data Through Governance, Not Firefighting | Michael Ruppe, Group CISO, Adcubum AGIn this episode of Be Fearless podcast, Adcubum AG Group CISO Michael Ruppe sits down with Aleksandra Melnikova from SquareX Founder's Office and shares how he moved from law and business into cybersecurity and became a CISO in his twenties. He breaks down how industry certifications (of which he has 30) helped him bridge theory and practice, stand out to recruiters, and accelerate into leadership roles. Michael explains what it means to secure a core health insurance software platform, manage supply chain risk, and structure an effective security team. He also dives into browser and AI security, data loss prevention...
2025-11-2649 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXDeepfakes, Disinformation & AI Agent Security | Alfredo Ramirez IV, Senior Director Analyst, GartnerAlfredo Ramirez IV, Senior Director Analyst, Emerging Technologies & Trends at Gartner, sits with Audrey Adeline from the SquareX Founder’s Office to discuss the latest market trends from his vantage point: “agent washing” where vendors rebrand simple automation as AI agents, why machine identities are becoming the fastest-growing attack surface, and how both deepfakes and deepfake detection are rapidly evolving.0:00 Lessons from the metaverse bust13:41 When AI agents become insider threats21:22 How AI has transformed disinformation security25:45 Deepfakes don't just cover humans31:46 Alfredo's outlook for the next year37:50 Emerging threats shaping the future...
2025-11-1143 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareX“Procurement is the Gateway into Your Enterprise” | Marian Newsome, Founder, Ethical Tech MattersMarian Newsome, Founder of Ethical Tech Matters and an IEEE CertifAIEd Lead Assessor (Top 100 Globally), sits down with SquareX Field CISO John Carse to unpack why most organizations are dangerously unprepared for AI governance. They dive into real-world failures, discuss the three fundamental principles for AI governance, and why browser security should be on your threat model right now. 0:00 AI innovation should not outpace governance12:25 Three principles for AI governance21:55 Compliance should not be complex30:22 Procurement can be a gateway into enterprise data leakage44:39 Closing and Marian's podcasting experience🎙️ Listen On:Ap...
2025-11-0750 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareX"Your Foundation Needs to be Strong" | Yaamini Mohan, Security Engineer, Dell EMCDrawing from her experience at Dell and Infosys, Security Engineer Yaamini Mohan breaks down why getting your security basics right — boring stuff like passwords, patching, and MFA— will move the needle much more than any expensive AI-powered solution. In this conversation with SquareX Field CISO John Carse, she also discusses how the shift to cloud and SaaS has expanded our attack surface, why most security work should be boring, and the myth of gender imbalance in the industry.0:00 Security is not a 9 to 5 job18:04 The importance of building a good cybersecurity foundation27:46 How not getting the...
2025-09-2237 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXHow Diverse Leadership Shapes AI's Future in Security | Felicita Sandoval, CEO & Founder, SENP-XFelicita Sandoval, CEO/Founder of Sentient Perspectives (SENP-X) and security professional at LiveRamp, breaks down how to navigate the rapidly changing world of AI and cybersecurity. In this episode, Felicita shares practical insights on building security-first AI adoption in enterprises. She discusses the challenges of browser AI agents accessing corporate data, why diverse perspectives are crucial for innovation, and how companies can implement governance processes for the flood of AI tools hitting the market — all while juggling entrepreneurship, a corporate role, and co-founding Latinas in Cyber.0:00 Sentient Perspectives and protecting yourself in the age of emerging tech
2025-09-1752 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXNever Stop Learning, Ask the Right Questions | Tom Hollingsworth, Practice Lead, Tech Field DayTom Hollingsworth, the "Networking Nerd" and Tech Field Day's Event Lead, sits down with SquareX Field CISO John Carse to share his 20+ year journey in enterprise networking and how he helped build one of tech's most influential community events. From troubleshooting school networks to orchestrating conversations between vendors and independent thought leaders, Tom reveals the story behind Tech Field Day's creation, what makes certain technical presentations legendary, and why asking "why" instead of "how" transformed his career from hands-on engineering to strategic advisory.0:00 Building the "Networking Nerd" brand and the origin story of Tech Field Day12:16...
2025-09-0241 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXAI Literacy Is the New Survival Skill | Olivia Heslinga, Founder of AI for Good DenmarkOlivia Heslinga, founder of AI for Good Denmark and AI literacy consultant, joins SquareX Field CISO John Carse to discuss the (security) implications of AI's rapid evolution. They dive into how browser AI agents can compromise your entire digital life with just basic permissions, why third-party AI tools are essentially viruses infiltrating organizations, and the alarming cognitive debt we're accumulating by outsourcing our thinking to AI. Olivia shares her unique perspective bridging technology, business, and society from Copenhagen, explaining why AI literacy isn't just about using tools properly — it's about understanding on a deeper level and how they affect di...
2025-09-0152 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXNetflix Phishing & Security for... Pizza? | Stephen Bennett, Global CISO, Domino's Pizza EnterprisesStephen Bennett, Global CISO at Domino's Pizza, shares his unconventional journey from getting electrocuted while tinkering with TVs as a kid to protecting one of the world's largest pizza brands across 12 markets and millions of digital transactions. He discusses unique cybersecurity challenges like credential stuffing attacks, managing security across diverse cultures from Japan to Malaysia, and his famous Netflix phishing test that fooled even his own marketing team.0:00 From art dreams to accidental tech career beginnings10:52 Unique attack vectors targeting Domino's and customer data15:38 Managing cybersecurity across 12 global markets and cultures19:26 Stephen's most successful...
2025-08-2841 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXCoffee, Code, and Critical Infrastructure Protection | Alfredzo Nash, CEO of Cyber Coffee HourAlfredzo Nash, Co-Founder/CEO of the Cyber Coffee Hour podcast and Principal Information Security Analyst at the American Red Cross, explains how his "Say Hello, Coffee Makers" podcast bridges professionals and enthusiasts with expert-level cyber defense.In this episode, Alfredzo opens up about sleepless nights from incident response, his military-inspired threat hunting approach, and why nature's ecosystem holds keys to better cybersecurity strategies. 0:00 The evolution from data centers to global cloud security15:16 Why antiquated systems are cybersecurity's biggest challenge22:17 Balancing incident response stress with mental health32:50 How the military mindset shapes cyber defense strategies
2025-08-181h 00Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXPassword Rules Are Wrong & Other Myths Debunked | Jack Poller, Founder, Paradigm TechnicaJack Poller, founder and principal analyst of Paradigm Technica, breaks down why traditional cybersecurity marketing is failing. With 30 years of experience from Carnegie Mellon to cyber strategy, Jack reveals how cloud and SaaS have fundamentally changed the threat landscape and yet most security tools remain stuck in castle-and-moat thinking. He explains why the browser has become the real endpoint needing protection, how buyer behavior has evolved beyond fear-based selling, and why conventional wisdom about passwords and perimeters is actually dangerous. 0:00 The biggest positioning mistake cybersecurity companies make22:29 Browser security risks that organizations are underestimating38:38 Critical q...
2025-08-151h 00Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXWhy IT Leaders Must Be Technical: Death by 1000 Cuts | Tom Sweet, CIO Industrial Refrigeration ProsTom Sweet, CIO of Industrial Refrigeration Pros and cybersecurity veteran with over 20 years of experience, shares his journey from civil engineering to leading IT security at a private equity-backed company. Tom discusses the unique challenges of building security from scratch, why he believes IT leadership needs to be technologically competent and the cultural complexities of implementing security controls without causing “death by a thousand cuts”.0:00 Career transitions: civil engineering to cybersecurity, PE companies vs large enterprises13:41 Leading with influence while implementing security controls27:56 On working with and taking over from MSPs35:03 Browser security evolution and...
2025-08-1444 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXCompany Crown Jewels and Minimum Viable Business | Agnidipta Sarkar, Chief Evangelist, ColorTokensChief Evangelist Agnidipta Sarkar from ColorTokens breaks down why traditional cybersecurity approaches are failing despite massive industry investments. With 30 years of experience, Agni explains how companies should shift from trying to prevent every breach to building "breach-ready cyber defense" systems that can contain attacks and maintain business operations. He discusses zero trust architecture, micro-segmentation as the foundation of modern defense, and how browsers have become the new attack surface that most organizations ignore. Agni reveals how businesses can define their minimum viable digital operations and prepare for the inevitable rather than living in denial about cyber threats.0:00...
2025-08-131h 09Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXRevolutionizing Affordable Cyber Training | Kenneth Ellington, Founder, Ellington Cyber AcademyKenneth Ellington went from making sandwiches at Publix to founding Ellington Cyber Academy after discovering the gap in cybersecurity training. He breaks down why expensive programs don't necessarily prepare students for real corporate environments and how he's helping professionals boost salaries, sometimes up to $40K+. Kenneth reveals what Fortune 100 companies actually use, discusses browser security as the next major threat vector, and explains why your "why" matters more than technical skills when breaking into cybersecurity.0:00 From business management to cybersecurity by accident12:28 Why $15k training programs miss the mark18:46 Real world cyber investigations and browser...
2025-08-1141 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareX“Be Disciplined Early and Follow Your Gut" | Jesse Scott, Cybersecurity Executive and VC AdvisorJesse Scott, Cybersecurity Executive and VC Advisor, has lived quite the journey - from NATO to building security teams at three unicorns including $3B+ Databricks. In this episode, he breaks down why current security operations are fundamentally broken and need a revamp, why browser security is becoming critical and how founders’ passion is contagious.0:00 From NATO to cybersecurity: the unconventional path4:39 Why Jesse’s Databricks stint was called “mission impossible”9:34 The square peg approach and the importance of seeing things end-to-end17:08 Browser security: the new Wild West nobody's talking about22:45 Creating exciting new framework...
2025-08-1129 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXFrom Consultant to First Security Hire | Kevin Qiu, Staff Security Engineer, ShiftsmartKevin Qiu, Staff Security Engineer at Shiftsmart and their first security hire, breaks down the realities of building security programs from scratch. In this episode, he discusses the risk that comes with using work devices for personal purposes, why everyone wins when companies get paid AI tools and why the industry's obsession with hiring only senior talent is creating a dangerous skills gap.0:00 How Kevin entered the field from a stint in consulting8:13 What no one tells you about being the first security hire at a startup18:28 The first thing security leads should do starting...
2025-08-0450 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXManaging Security for 11 Companies | Julia Dudenko, Group CISO at HanielJulia Dudenko, Group CISO at Haniel, oversees cybersecurity strategy for 11 portfolio companies spanning everything from manufacturing to kindergartens. In this conversation, she reveals why enterprises need to watch out for attacks that target APIs and supply chains, whether we need “cybersecurity for AI” rather than just “AI for cybersecurity,” and examines the concept of "Enkelfähig" - building systems that can survive for generations.0:00 Managing cybersecurity from kindergartens to tech12:28 New threats to watch out for in API and code security16:16 Adopting AI is a challenge traditional industries must face20:20 Is cybersecurity for AI or is AI...
2025-08-0138 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXWhy Good Offense is Your Best Defense | Prasanna Kanagasabai, CISO, Dkatalis (Bank Jago)Prasanna Kanagasabai (PK), CISO, Dkatalis (Bank Jago), started his career as a network engineer and before becoming a pentester-turned-CISO. In this episode, Prasanna explains why breaking systems first is crucial for building robust defenses, the unique challenges of securing a digital-first bank, the role of browser security in protecting sensitive data, and how AI is reshaping both offensive and defensive security strategies.0:00 Prasanna’s journey from network engineer to cybersecurity4:39 “A good offense is your best defense”14:18 Browser security and data protection in cloud platforms23:46 Utilizing AI tools and understanding their risks29:18 How securi...
2025-08-0151 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXPreparedness is Your Cybersecurity Superpower | Sabika Ishaq, CISO, Grant Thornton LuxembourgSabika Ishaq, CISO at Grant Thornton Luxembourg and President of Women Cyber Force, shares her journey from the United Nations to becoming a cybersecurity leader. In this episode, Sabika reveals insights on AI integration in cybersecurity, why preparedness is the ultimate cybersecurity superpower and how cognitive diversity is as critical as security controls.0:00 How humanitarian work led Sabika into cybersecurity4:30 Even your front desk contributes to security10:40 Hidden cybersecurity risks in heavily regulated financial markets20:36 Securing where your team actually works: Inside the browser26:51 100% security is impossible — preparedness is your superpower34:38 Hiring di...
2025-07-3044 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXWhy Business Alignment Beats Maturity | Ashish Garg, Founder, Managing Partner, RIGA CyberAshish Garg, founder and managing partner at Riga Cyber, sits down to discuss his two-decade journey in cybersecurity and the massive shifts he's witnessed since his early days in the field. In this conversation, Ashish shares insights on how attackers have evolved from script kiddies to well-funded, sophisticated adversaries, why browsers have become the primary attack vector and the stark differences in cybersecurity approaches across North America, Europe, and Asia.0:00 Ashish’s cybersecurity journey6:01 Navigating the maze of security tools13:30 Browsers are the new blindspot in enterprise security17:43 How cybersecurity strategies differ across regions
2025-07-2835 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXCyber Risks for Government Agencies | Kush Sharma, Founder of KnightSpectreKush Sharma, Founder of KnightSpectre and Inaugural CISO of the City of Hamilton, has advised organizations worth over $2.5 trillion and knows exactly why most CISOs fail when talking to boards. From his experience being Toronto's inaugural CISO to overseeing a $34 billion railway merger, he shares his insights on government vs enterprise security, why small municipalities are cyber sitting ducks, and how AI-powered browser extensions are a massive security blind spot. 0:00 How an SAP internship created a cybersecurity powerhouse4:29 Security challenges in government and enterprise12:25 The trick to explaining security needs to the board level17:32 W...
2025-07-2844 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXThe Dirty Secret of Cybersecurity: Why More Alerts Don't Work | Bryson Bort, CEO and Founder, ScytheBryson Bort, CEO and founder of Scythe and West Point graduate, breaks down the uncomfortable truths about modern cybersecurity that most vendors won't tell you. From real purple team stories to the "NSA problem" plaguing enterprises, Bryson explains why understanding post-access behavior matters more than prevention. If you're tired of security theater, this conversation will change how you think about defending your organization.0:00 From West Point to cybersecurity: the early days of "information assurance" and building offensive cyber capabilities17:10 Why industrial control systems are just old computers that change the physical world31:46 How AI revolutionizes...
2025-07-251h 00Be Fearless Podcast by SquareX"The Right Tool for The Right Type of Adversary" | Perry Young, Director & ASEAN CISO at KyndrylPerry Young brings 25 years of cybersecurity expertise across three continents, from network engineering to serving as Director and ASEAN CISO at Kyndryl. In this conversation with SquareX Field CISO John Carse, he discusses CISOs challenges, why CISOs must be technically competent and why continuous learning is critical.0:00 Episode highlights and Perry's career journey and the biggest challenge for CISOs19:18 When network security people don't understand networks27:09 Perry's work, Center for Internet Security (CIS) and the concept of secure by default38:16 Why Perry chose to go back to formal education48:25 AI in cybersecurity and...
2025-07-251h 07Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXWhy We're Still Doing Security Wrong | Evgeniy Kharam CSO, Discern SecurityThis episode of the Be Fearless Podcast features Evgeniy Kharam, Chief Strategy Officer at Discern Security and Security Architecture Podcast host. With 25+ years in cybersecurity—from Navy networking to enterprise consulting—Evgeniy explains why traditional security fails in today's browser-first world. He reveals shadow SaaS proliferation realities, describes how we've shifted from protecting a "needle" to a "desert" of attack surfaces, and shares practical enterprise security adaptation strategies.0:00 From Navy networking to CheckPoint13:04 Evgeniy's work at Discern Security16:34 Compliance doesn't always equal security32:34 The Shadow SaaS Crisis and Browser Security Gaps43:28 Common mistakes secu...
2025-07-2450 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXBuilding Trust with the "No-Agenda Agenda" | Satyen Desai, VP Sales, ColorTokensSatyen Desai, VP of Sales for Asia Pacific at ColorTokens, discusses enterprise cybersecurity's evolution and why traditional security approaches fail. With over 25 years at IBM, SAP, Cisco, Oracle, and Cloudflare, he explains why organizations must shift from preventing breaches to being "breach ready." Satyen shares insights on micro-segmentation, building trust with seasoned CISOs and what it takes to succeed in enterprise security sales.0:00 Satyen's cybersecurity journey4:41 What is micro-segmentation and why it matters15:27 The difference between enterprise security sales and tech sales30:03 Winning over tough customers and entering new markets44:04 Why AI and...
2025-07-2454 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXThe Human Side of Cybersecurity Leadership | Brian Fricke, CISO, City National Bank of FloridaBrian Fricke's cybersecurity journey started with fixing a malware outbreak that crippled his Marine squadron. Fast forward two decades, and he's now the CISO of City National Bank of Florida, protecting millions in assets while managing both physical and cyber security programs. This conversation dives deep into how Brian transformed from an avionics technician to the cybersecurity domains, the link between physical security and cybersecurity, and why the best leaders make decisions with only 70% of the information they'd like to have.0:00 Introduction and how a Marine Corps initiative launched Brian's cyber career14:39 The link between physical...
2025-07-2246 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXUnderstand Your Threat Model Before Choosing Solutions | Nicholas Muy, CISO, Scrut AutomationNicholas Muy's cybersecurity journey started with a six-year-old's rebellion against his father's TV timer, leading him from the Department of Homeland Security to securing billions in travel transactions at Expedia, and now to his role as CISO at Scrut Automation. In this conversation with Aleksandra, Nicholas shares his experience securing massive e-commerce platforms, and navigating the fast-paced startup world and understanding the business is key to choosing the right security solutions. 0:00 From childhood hacking to a cybersecurity career7:19 From the Department of Homeland Security to securing Expedia's massive platform17:22 Working in large enterprises vs cybersecurity s...
2025-07-1851 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXCommunity-Driven Threat Intelligence | Jon Baker, Director & Co-founder, CTID, MITREJon Baker, Director & Co-founder of MITRE's Center for Threat-Informed Defense (CTID) joins us for a deep dive into the beginnings of the eponymous concept. In this episode, Jon shares how he started his journey in MITRE, discusses the intricacies of protecting the browser and practical advice on building threat-informed defense programs.0:00 Episode highlights and how the CTID started and how the concept of threat-informed defence came about8:45 Why chasing vulnerabilities is a losing battle15:24 Getting started with a threat detection cycle24:53 How MITRE ATT&CK became the industry standard and how it’s evolved
2025-07-1852 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXFrom EDR to Cloud to AI with Anton Chuvakin | Senior Security Staff, Office of the CISO, GoogleOne of security’s most well-known figures, Anton Chuvakin, coined the term EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) during his stint at Gartner, pioneering the “DR” naming convention we’re all familiar with today. Now Senior Security Staff at Google’s Office of the CISO, he shares his thoughts on securing the cloud, the need for observability with browsers, how AI has shifted from “helpful” to “indispensable” and more.0:00 Anton’s work in cybersecurity5:27 Securing the cloud and how “it’s a different beast”9:02 Evolution from EDR to XDR and the “something-DR” naming trend15:19 What constitutes "Detention and Res...
2025-07-1650 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXBreaking Barriers as a Woman in Cybersecurity | Chenxi Wang, Founder, Rain CapitalDr. Chenxi Wang, Founder and General Partner of Rain Capital, has fascinating patterns in cybersecurity investing that most people miss. In this conversation, we dive deep into the mismatch between what founders are building versus what CISOs actually need, female representation amongst cyber founders and why being fearless isn't just a podcast name - it's a practice to incorporate into your very life.0:00 Chenxi’s accidental start to cybersecurity in academia4:17 A rising trend in cybersecurity: securing AI and AI agents9:23 Unpacking the founder-investor mismatch15:37 Breaking barriers for women in cybersecurity21:48 Being data-driven an...
2025-07-1457 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXFrom Reactive to Predictive Threat Intelligence | Christopher Ahlberg, CEO, Recorded FutureChristopher Ahlberg, CEO and co-founder of Recorded Future (which was recently acquired by Mastercard), breaks down the evolving cybersecurity landscape with SquareX's field CISO John Carse. From his journey building Spotfire to creating the world's largest threat intelligence company, Ahlberg shares critical insights on nation-state actors today, the challenges facing modern CSOs, and why predictive threat intelligence is no longer a luxury in today’s world. 0:00 How a computer scientist went to hunt cyber criminals14:46 Your network is NOT safe if your neighbour’s isn’t27:43 How adversaries always find the weakest link39:26 “Some of the be...
2025-07-111h 05Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXHow Scepticism Saves Companies | Luke Shoberg, Latacora, ex-Global CISO of SequoiaLuke Shoberg took an unconventional path from studying biology to becoming Global CISO at Sequoia Capital. In this conversation, Luke explains what makes VC security uniquely challenging, why being "professionally paranoid" is essential in security, and how startups can implement scale-appropriate security without killing innovation. 0:00 Introduction and Luke’s path to cybersecurity in VC4:38 The unique challenge of cybersecurity in VC9:33 The common thread across cyber incidents15:31 Luke’s transition to Latacora19:04 What is ‘scale-appropriate security' for startups?25:56 The rise of browser-based attacks and stolen credentials34:02 Tailoring cybersecurity for diverse business models...
2025-07-0957 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareX“True Leadership Lies in Humility” | Vijay Jajoo, Partner, Cyber, Data, and Tech Enablement, KPMG USIn this episode, we sit down with Vijay Jajoo, a partner at KPMG with over two decades of experience in cyber data and tech containment. Vijay shares his unique journey into cybersecurity, the biggest challenges facing large organisations today, and the best leadership advice he ever received.0:00 The Flyer that Led to a Cybersecurity Career11:20 The qualities necessary for a cybersecurity consultant20:24 How attack surfaces have evolved over the years24:07 How the browser is now a prime target, Vijay’s approach to browser security30:12 The 3 elements attackers exploit the most34:37 Contributing via th...
2025-07-0750 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXThe Browser Has Become The New Perimeter | Cecil Su, Director of Cybersecurity and CTI, BDO AdvisoryCecil Su, Director of Cybersecurity and CTI at BDO Advisory and co-lead of OWASP Singapore Chapter, brings nearly two decades of experience from his start in hospitality systems to becoming the cybersecurity leader he is today. In this episode, Cecil breaks down why the browser has become the new perimeter, insights on Singapore's vibrant cybersecurity community, red flags that signal poor security posture, and why prevention-first thinking needs to evolve into resilience-first strategy.0:00 How a hospitality tech role led Cecil into cybersecurity10:36 Inside Singapore's small but thriving cyber network14:41 How localizing the OWASP Testing Guide...
2025-07-041h 08Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXBeing a Purpose-Driven CIO | Andrea Bergamini, VP & CIO, OrbiaAndrea Bergamini, VP and CIO of Orbia, started as a telco engineer 20 years ago when cybersecurity barely existed, but went into the field due to his audit work at GE, which sparked his fascination with risk and controls. Fast forward to today, and he's not just the VP and CISO at Orbia—a $8 billion purpose-driven company—but he recently made the leap to CIO as well, adding infrastructure to his security responsibilities. In this conversation, we dive deep into the balance between friction and protection being part of a purpose-driven company, and the importance of taking calculated risks....
2025-07-0152 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXBuilding Great Cybersecurity Teams | Aamir Niazi, Executive Director/CISO, SMBC Capital MarketsAamir Niazi, Executive Director and CISO at SMBC Capital Markets, shares his unfiltered 18-year journey from engineer to leading cybersecurity teams in financial services. Aamir gets honest about hiring mistakes, building remote teams during COVID, browser security challenges, getting executive buy-in, and the challenges of transitioning from hands-on practitioner to strategic leader.0:00 Transiting from IT engineer to cybersecurity6:14 “You must build the team that has integrity”12:24 Emerging cybersecurity tech and browser security20:47 Getting the buy-in for cybersecurity tools27:18 Compliance does not equate to sound security🔔 Follow Aamir and Aleksandra on:https...
2025-06-2934 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXDoing Adversary Emulation Right | William Booth, General Manager, Director MITRE ATT&CK EvaluationsWhat if most organizations are testing their security tools against the wrong threats entirely?As the leader behind the industry standard program that helps organizations understand how security tools perform against real-world threats, William Booth, General Manager and Director of MITRE's ATT&CK Evaluations, shares common misconceptions in adversary emulation, the gap between compliance and actual security effectiveness, and practical advice for security leaders trying to make sense of vendor claims and build truly effective defense strategies.0:00 Episode highlights and introduction0:56 How a money laundering investigation inspired William to enter the field6:11 What...
2025-06-271h 11Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXBuilding Companies to be Legendary | Aleksandr Yampolskiy, Co-Founder/CEO of SecurityScorecardDr. Aleksandr Yampolskiy, cofounder and CEO of SecurityScorecard, went from being a 14-year old immigrant to America to building SecurityScorecard — the security ratings platform now used by over 3,000 companies. In this conversation with SquareX founder Vivek Ramachandran, Aleksandr breaks down the real challenges of category creation, his playbooks on entrepreneurship and the importance of understanding the customer. 0:00 Introduction to Aleksandr1:22 Aleksandr’s origin story: from Prince of Persia to cybersecurity6:57 Transitioning from academia to being entrepreneurship9:30 The market gap discovery that led to SecurityScorecard16:56 The playbook for creating categories21:08 “Always think you’re buildi...
2025-06-2543 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXMunicipal Cybersecurity and Defending Infrastructure | Dr. Brian Gardner, CISO, City of AustinMeet Dr. Brian Gardner, who secured the City of Dallas for over 7 years before moving to Austin as the City’s CISO. In this episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, Brian shares war stories from managing critical infrastructure, how he grew Dallas's cybersecurity budget from 2.3% to nearly 10% of the IT spend, and dives into the unique challenges cities face with shadow SaaS and browser security.0:00 Episode highlights and introduction5:43 On crisis recovery and resilience14:29 Wearing multiple hats from CIO to CTO to CISO19:49 Growing cyber budgets alongside cyber programs25:22 Defending critical infrastructure such as...
2025-06-2355 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXBuilding Relationships Transforms Security | Jimmy Benoit, CISO of PBSWhat does it take to protect a beloved cultural institution like PBS? In this episode, Jimmy Benoit, CISO of PBS, discusses how he transitioned from military service to cybersecurity, balancing security requirements with business objectives, and why building relationships across the organization matters more than any single technology solution. 0:00 The journey from college to the military to private cybersecurity10:50 Balancing security needs with business goals14:22 Using the right-sized solution to combat threats and improve cyber resilience23:08 Building intra-organization relationships is the key to security success29:03 The three core messages for communicating security projects e...
2025-06-2034 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXYou Can't Fix All Security Gaps — So Focus on Core Fundamentals | Mandy Andress, CISO at ElasticMandy Andress brings over two decades of cybersecurity leadership experience to this conversation, including her current role as CISO at Elastic and her 13-year tenure at MassMutual where she led a $50 million strategic security investment initiative. In this episode, Mandy shares candid insights about prioritizing security gaps by focusing on core risks and security fundamentals, the challenges of browser-based threats, and why curiosity and adaptability matter more than technical certifications. 0:00 Why a cybersecurity lead studied law and accounting first7:00 How going out of your comfort zone pays off in your career11:04 Understanding core risks when s...
2025-06-1847 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXThe Mechanics of Security Investing | Zain Rizavi, CEO at Stealth, ex-VCCybersecurity Co-Founder and ex-Venture Capitalist Zain Rizavi breaks down what really happens behind closed doors in cybersecurity investing. From his unconventional journey from political science to backing the next generation of security companies, Zain reveals why most founders get product-market fit completely wrong and what it really takes to build a security company that VCs actually want to fund. 0:00 Introduction and Zain's journey from political science to tech VC10:32 Zain Rizavi’s “Surfer Analogy" to decoding startup potential14:50 Upcoming cybersecurity investment trends20:56 The browser as the new endpoint & data leakage risks in the era of AI
2025-06-1454 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXMetasploit's Origin, Browser Bugs & Exposure Management | HD Moore, Founder of runZero & MetasploitIf you’re in the cybersecurity field, HD Moore, runZero founder and creator of Metasploit, needs no introduction — his work has fundamentally changed how the security industry thinks about vulnerabilities. In this candid conversation, HD shares the story behind building the world's most widely used penetration testing framework, war stories from the early days of cybersecurity, and how his Month of Browser Bugs Project (which inspired our own Year of Browser Bugs Initiative) spelled the end of ActiveX.0:00 Introduction, the story behind creating Metasploit6:42 Transitioning from researcher to founding runZero, trends in exposure management1...
2025-06-1249 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXThe 3 Buckets Framework: How This CISO Thinks About Security | Sangram Dash, CISO, VP of IT, SisenseSangram Dash has spent over two decades in cybersecurity, from witnessing the massive eBay breach response to leading security at companies like PayPal and Square. In this episode, he breaks down his practical "3 buckets" framework that every security team should follow, shares lessons from previous incidents and why the human element of incident response will never be fully automated.0:00 Introduction to Sangram and his work5:51 Sangram’s playbook to building security culture16:46 The 3 Buckets of Cybersecurity Framework26:43 On securing the browser39:42 War Story: Lessons from eBay’s Breach45:02 Common mistakes in browser secu...
2025-06-111h 00Be Fearless Podcast by SquareX“Security’s a People Problem” | Jayesh Singh Chauhan, Founder Cloud Village and Cloudurance SecurityIn this episode, SquareX Field CISO John Carse sits down with Jayesh, founder of Cloud Village and CEO of Cloudurance Security, to explore the growing threat of browser-based attacks in cloud environments. Jayesh shares practical insights on product security, the importance of "enrollment conversations" with stakeholders, and why browsers have become the primary attack surface for modern threats.0:00 Introduction to Jayesh and Cloud Village14:12 Ensuring that security doesn’t become an afterthought in development29:30 How security leaders can influence cloud adoption decisions38:13 Approaching browser-based attack surfaces in organizations55:06 Challenges of implementing auto remediation in...
2025-05-151h 26Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXSecurity Goes Mainstream: Hackers, Headlines & What's Next | Sid Trivedi & Ross HaleliukJoin us as we welcome Sid Trivedi (Partner at Foundation Capital) and Ross Haleliuk (Founder of a Stealth Security Startup and Author of Cyber for Builders), co-hosts of the "Inside the Network" podcast! In this conversation, they share investor and operator perspectives on cybersecurity trends and its evolution from technical obscurity to mainstream concern. Sid and Ross also explore how major incidents have changed public perception, why browsers are becoming critical battlegrounds, and what separates lasting innovation from opportunistic ventures in the security landscape.0:00 About Sid and Ross4:07 How cybersecurity awareness has evolved over 5 years8:42...
2025-05-131h 04Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXDEF CON's Next Chapter and New Browser Security Frontiers | Jeff Moss, Founder of DEF CON/Black HatJeff Moss, founder of the famed DEF CON and Black Hat conferences, joins Vivek Ramachandran for another episode of the Be Fearless Podcast. Jeff reveals how DEF CON’s new one-roof strategy at the Las Vegas Convention Center has transformed the conference experience, while preserving its unique hacker culture that has endured for decades. He explains why browsers have become the prime battleground for attackers - with everyone using browsers, it's a numbers game where “somebody somewhere is going to click on something.”The conversation covers everything from mesh networks connecting the hacker community year-round to the emerging threat...
2025-05-081h 22Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXWhen Past Security Doesn't Predict Future Threats | Yu Long (Tyler) Tang, Director, softScheck APACIn this episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, Yu Long (Tyler) Tang, Director of Enterprise Information Security Strategy at softScheck APAC, joins us to share his journey from martial arts to cybersecurity and how the protection mindset carried over.A highly qualified speaker and Secretary and Certified Mentor with the ISC2 Singapore Chapter, Yu Long (Tyler) covers browser security, his work as a volunteer and mentor, and why past security performance can't predict future threats. 0:00 Yu Long (Tyler)'s journey from martial arts to cybersecurity7:22 Yu Long (Tyler)'s work in security by design
2025-05-0754 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXInside the Attacker Mindset with Abhijith B R, Founder of Adversary Village and BreachSimRangeEver wondered how professional hackers think? SquareX Field CISO John Carse sits down with Abhijith B R, Founder/Head of security consulting at BreachSimRange, and Adversary Village at DEF CON, who also has a wealth of ethical hacking experience. In this episode, Abhijith pulls back the curtain on the hacker mindset, shares his war stories from previous engagements, thoughts on browser security and why basic security hygiene still matters more than fancy products. This conversation is packed with practical advice for strengthening your security posture by thinking like the attackers who are targeting your organization.0:00 I...
2025-04-221h 12Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXUnderstanding Adversaries via Threat-Informed Defense | Mike Cunningham, MITRE R&D Program ManagerIn this episode, SquareX field CISO John Carse speaks with Mike Cunningham, R&D Program Manager at MITRE's Center for Threat-Informed Defense. Mike brings his unique background from the Navy and NSA to discuss how organizations can better defend against cyber threats by understanding adversary behaviors, browser security challenges and more. If you ever wanted to know more about MITRE, its ATT&CK framework and the good work they do — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.0:00 Introduction and Mike's cybersecurity journey5:33 The MITRE ATT&CK framework and threat-informed defense15:01 On the thre...
2025-04-1547 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXFrom Bank to Blockchain: The Evolution of Web3 Security | Evelyn Lam, CISO of Trust WalletIn this International Women's Day special episode, Evelyn Lam, CISO of Trust Wallet, shares her journey from traditional banking at Morgan Stanley to the cutting edge of Web3 security. She breaks down the fundamental differences between Web2 and Web3, explaining why security is even more critical in a decentralized environment where users control their own assets without centralized oversight. Evelyn discusses the Bybit hack, the transformative role of AI in blockchain security, and offers practical advice for staying safe in the crypto world. She also shares insights on how the unique meritocracy of Web3 can create opportunities for women...
2025-04-1536 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXThe Business-First CISO: Leading Security Beyond Tech | Pasi Koistinen, CISO, CoinhakoEver wondered what it really takes to lead security at a crypto company? In this episode, we sit down with Pasi Koistinen, CISO at Coinhako, who's spent more than two decades in the cybersecurity trenches. Pasi gets real about why being technically brilliant isn't enough anymore - you've got to speak the language of business to succeed as a CISO.He also shares insights on browser security blind spots, why crypto companies face unique threats, and what he looks for when hiring security talent. If you're struggling to communicate security risks to executives or trying to figure...
2025-04-1050 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXCybersecurity for both Enterprises & Families | Elcin Biren, Founder/CEO, SwissCyberSmartThis special International Women's Day episode features Elcin Biren, security leader, Founder and CEO of SwissCyberSmart. With nearly two decades of cybersecurity experience spanning roles from ethical hacker to CISO, Elcin shares her journey and mission to protect families online.Elcin discusses her groundbreaking work with the world's first cybersecurity parents’ bootcamp, her perspective on browser-based attacks, and how she's applying her knowledge of neuroscience to combat social engineering. She also addresses the challenges women face in cybersecurity and offers practical advice for creating a more diverse and effective industry.0:00 Introduction to Elcin and her cy...
2025-03-2736 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXBuilding a Million-Dollar Cybersecurity Career | Darren Argyle, Group CISRO, Standard CharteredEver wondered what it takes to reach the top tier of cybersecurity leadership? In this candid conversation, Darren Argyle shares his remarkable path from being a bar manager in the UK to becoming a recognized global CISO and cybersecurity educator. You’ll learn Darren’s 5 principles for reaching a $1M cybersecurity salary, why browser security has become a critical concern for enterprises, and why taking bold risks—like Darren's move from the UK to Australia—can transform both your life.0:00 Darren's unique career journey from bar owner to cybersecurity8:18 Five principles to reach a $1M cybersecurity salary
2025-03-1844 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXDesigner to Defender: Why Diversity Makes Security Stronger | Jane Frankland MBE, Security Leader“You don't have to wait for permission. You don't have to wait for someone to see you, recognize you or whatever. I firmly believe that the world is your oyster.”Join us for an insightful and inspiring conversation with Jane Frankland MBE, a globally recognized cybersecurity leader and author of "INSecurity." In this episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, you’ll hear about Jane’s journey from textile design to cybersecurity, and learn about the importance of diversity in strengthening enterprise security. Jane also shares invaluable insights on current threats, including browser-based attacks, identity security, and the evolving...
2025-02-2746 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXBuilding a Global Following Through Security Research | Francis Odum, Founder, SACRAs the founder of Software Analyst Cyber Research (SACR), Francis Odum has built a name for himself in cybersecurity research, cutting through the noise with in-depth analyses that resonate across the industry. In this episode with Aleksandra, he breaks down what makes security research impactful, why browser security is becoming an urgent priority for enterprises, and how AI is reshaping security policies and challenges CISOs are facing. 0:00 How Francis got started in cybersecurity and founding SACR5:13 Francis on his research going viral10:25 How AI can help (and harm enterprises)12:46 Mitigating threats with browser-native security
2025-02-2432 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXWhy Browsers Are the New Battleground in Cybersecurity | John Carse, CISO and Security LeaderGet ready for an eye-opening conversation with John Carse, cybersecurity veteran and CISO! Hosted by SquareX Founder and CEO Vivek Ramachandran, this episode takes us through defender-centric topics like the risk of shadow IT, the evolution of the browser as an attack surface and preparing enterprises for the next wave of sophisticated cyber threats.0:00 How John got into cybersecurity and forensics7:49 How small mistakes can lead to business losses9:43 Structuring a security team and programme15:59 Security awareness in large companies and hybrid working environments19:41 How shadow SaaS and shadow IT pose a risk...
2025-02-2158 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXHacker to Founder: Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship with Jeremiah Grossman, Founder, WhiteHat SecurityIn this episode of The Be Fearless Podcast, SquareX founder Vivek Rmachandran sits with cybersecurity legend Jeremiah Grossman — one of the “OGs” of cyber, founder of WhiteHat Security, and now MD at Grossman Ventures.Jeremiah shares his wealth of knowledge and takes us through his security journey, sharing how he went from breaking into Yahoo Mail (and getting a free t-shirt for it) to building some of the most influential cybersecurity companies in the industry.0:00 Jeremiah’s early days in cybersecurity and hacking Yahoo4:59 Founding WhiteHat Security and creating a common AppSec lexicon9:20 How Jere...
2025-02-1854 min
Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXLessons from a Field CISO | Anand Thangaraju, Field CISO, ePlus inc.In our new series, Cybersecurity Community Voices, Anand Thangaraju, Field CISO and cybersecurity expert, shares his journey from engineer to CISO, insights on upcoming threats, advice for aspiring CISOs and more. Packed with practical advice and fresh perspectives, this episode offers valuable lessons for security leaders and practitioners alike.0:00 Introduction and Anand’s career journey3:48 What does a field CISO do?9:09 Addressing browser-based threats, AI in cybersecurity15:33 Getting buy-in from the boardroom when procuring new solutions20:50 On creating a new disruptive category in cybersecurity24:47 How browser threats will evolve and a passwordless fu...
2025-01-2739 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXHow a CISO Thinks About Risk and Resilience | Andre Shori, APAC CISO, Schneider ElectricIn this episode, Andre Shori, CISO at Schneider Electric, shares his thoughts about building security culture, incidence response, as well as the evolving role of technology, including AI, in defending against sophisticated cyber threats. Hosted by Aleksandra from the SquareX founder’s office, this episode offers a glimpse into the thought process behind a CISO whose duty is to safeguard the enterprise and stakeholders. 0:00 Introduction and Andre’s route to being a cybersecurity leader6:40 Cultivating security culture with a risk-informed approach (as opposed to compliance for its own sake)18:23 How to stay ahead of attackers2...
2025-01-141h 02Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXBreaches Are Inevitable, so Aim for Resilience | Shishir Singh | Be Fearless Podcast EP 28It’s not if your enterprise will get hacked, it’s when. In this episode, Shishir Singh, CISO of Advance Intelligence Group, explains what it takes to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. From leveraging AI for anomaly detection and fraud prevention to building a security-first culture that resonates across diverse teams, Shishir provides a behind-the-scenes look at tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges. 0:00 Introduction and Shishir’s work at Advanced Intelligence Group8:55 Harnessing AI for cybersecurity as an AI-powered company12:54 The right way to conduct security awareness training16:45 Insider threat: how a simple mistake led to a ra...
2024-12-1648 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXBuilding Security Culture in Startups | Tobias Klingel | Be Fearless Podcast EP 27In this episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, Tobias Klingel, Head of Information Security at Aspire, shares his journey from working at multinational corporations like Siemens to navigating the fast-paced startup world. Hosted by Aleksandra from the SquareX Founder’s Office, Tobias shares how his global experiences shaped his approach to cybersecurity and explains the challenges of balancing fast growth with strong security in startups. Whether it’s managing third-party risks, implementing lightweight security solutions, or leveraging AI to enhance productivity, this conversation offers actionable insights for organizations of all sizes.0:00 Tobias’s cybersecurity journey from Siemens to sta...
2024-12-051h 00Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXCustomer Success as the Key to Cybersecurity Growth | Rahul Kashyap | Be Fearless Podcast EP 26“Remember, your best champion is your customer, and nothing else. It’s as simple as that.”In this two-part series, Rahul Kashyap (President & CEO at Awake Security, VP/GM & CISO at Arista Networks), shares his thoughts with Vivek and Aleksandra from SquareX. Rahul shares his approach to building companies, the importance of a customer-focused mindset, and provides actionable insights into what it takes to grow a successful cybersecurity startup. Rahul also discusses the latest trends in cybersecurity, from browser security to the rise of AI, and emphasises the importance of staying positive in a rocky job market.
2024-11-1347 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXWhy Browser-Native Security is the New Must-Have for Enterprises | Inside SquareXShourya, principal software engineer at SquareX, joins Sasha from our Founder’s Office to discuss why enterprises need to have a security solution that runs directly in the browser. Shourya explains how traditional secure web gateways and endpoint detection tools often fall short against sophisticated client-side web attacks like Last Mile Reassembly Attacks. He shares how browser-native solutions can bridge these gaps, providing the visibility and control enterprises need to manage complex threats.Shourya also explores common vulnerabilities organizations face, such as malicious QR codes and advanced phishing tactics, and explains how SquareX’s browser-native solution detects and...
2024-11-1120 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXSecrets to Success in Cybersecurity Marketing with Varun Kohli | Be Fearless Podcast EP 25Most companies today would have to pay millions for a spot on national TV, but Varun Kohli pulled it off for only $200 – for a B2B enterprise mobile security company, no less! In this episode, SquareX Founder and CEO Vivek speaks to Varun – Chief Marketing Officer at Cequence Security – about his journey from a computer science background to becoming a leading CMO with a track record of successful exits. Varun discusses how he chooses the companies he works with, the value of a technical background in marketing, creating memorable brand narratives in cybersecurity and more! Filled w...
2024-11-0545 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXMaking Cybersecurity Education Affordable and Accessible | Prashant KV | Be Fearless Podcast EP 24In this episode, Aleksandra from the SquareX Founder’s Office sits with Prashant KV, Co-Founder of Seasides - also known as India’s Most Loved Conference. Prashant shares his motivations and mission for founding the conference, his work with OWASP’s Bay Area chapter and discusses trends in browser security.From success stories of Seaside attendees who advanced their careers to the lessons learned in cybersecurity over the past two decades, this episode offers both insights and inspiration for those looking to make a difference in the field.0:00 Introduction and how Seasides makes cybersecurity education more a...
2024-11-0123 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXWhy Security Professionals Should Be Aim to Be Generalists | Aseem Jakhar | Be Fearless EP 23"If you're starting on cybersecurity, don't focus on the top level. Focus on the technology first."... "Keep hacking. If you learn something, make sure you contribute back to the community because that's the way the community grows. But more importantly, that's the way you grow."Wise words from Aseem Jakhar - Co-founder of Nullcon and Hardwear.io - indeed! In this DEF CON 32 special episode, Aseem sits with Product Evangelist Dakshitaa to discuss how he built Nullcon, the current state of cybersecurity and other trends. Aseem highlights the importance of understanding core technologies and architecture before diving...
2024-10-2519 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXWar Stories from the SOC and Dealing with APTs | Varun Srivastava | Be Fearless Podcast EP 22The SOC can be a true warzone - with corresponding stories from the “frontline”. In this episode, cybersecurity leader Varun Srivastava recounts some of his most intense stories from his time handling high-stakes breaches and defending critical infrastructure. Drawing on his experience in different sectors, Varun also weighs in on cybersecurity trends, and offers advice on how organizations can better prepare for and respond to major security incidents.0:00 Varun’s route from cryptographer, to exited entrepreneur, to consulting6:38 Reducing organizational inertia with a collaborative approach9:25 Insights on today’s SASE/SSE solutions12:59 Responding to new thre...
2024-10-2548 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXStanding Out in a Competitive Cybersecurity Job Market | Eifion Jones | Be Fearless Podcast EP 21Making the leap to a new cybersecurity role? Whether you’re a cybersecurity aspirant or a seasoned practitioner, this episode is for you! Hear directly Eifion Jones, leading cybersecurity recruiter from TENTEN partners, on how to stand out in a crowded market, polishing your resume and why soft skills matter as much as technical expertise.Eifion also talks about the differences in recruitment dynamics between the UK and Singapore, what makes a good recruiter, and the importance of relationship-building in long-term success.0:00 How Eifion got started in cybersecurity recruitment6:07 Industry Differences: UK vs. Singapore
2024-10-2339 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXHow KK Mookhey Built a Global Cybersecurity Company | Be Fearless Podcast EP 20KK Mookhey, the founder of Network Intelligence, shares his incredible journey from dropping out of college to becoming a pioneering cybersecurity entrepreneur. In this three-part series, KK shares stories, insights and advice with Vivek, Audrey and Aleksandra from the SquareX Team. He recounts the challenges faced in different stages of a cybersecurity company, shares his thoughts on channel partnerships and offers advice for those starting out or looking to grow in the industry.0:00 Introduction and KK’s journey to being an entrepreneur4:46 How KK landed his first client by cold-calling the State Bank of India8:42 A c...
2024-10-211h 11Be Fearless Podcast by SquareXCloud Village and Building with Security in Mind | Jayesh Singh Chauhan | Be Fearless Podcast EP 19“After a point in your career, your technical skills just amount to 20% of your job. 80% is your communication skills and how you get things done.”In this episode with Shourya and Aleksandra from SquareX, Cloud Village Founder Jayesh Singh Chauhan shares the story behind Cloud Village and how security shouldn’t be an afterthought. He also dives into his journey in cybersecurity, offering valuable insights on how startups can balance the need for speed with security in the cloud. Outside of the technicals, Jayesh also shares his own journey into the field, along with advice for aspiring CISOs...
2024-10-1832 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXBuilding Successful Cybersecurity Communities | Anshu Gupta | Be Fearless Podcast EP 18“Always be networking. Never eat breakfast, lunch or dinner alone.” In this episode, Anshu Gupta, cybersecurity leader and founder of the Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship Summit, shares his journey from working at Big Four firms to building successful cybersecurity startups and communities. Hosted by Aleksandra and Vivek, Anshu also discusses what communities builders and fledgling startups should focus on, as well as his personal principles for delivering value to others. 0:00 Introduction and about the Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship Summit6:24 The importance of connections7:55 What angel investors should look for in startups and vice versa10:59 On cyber trends...
2024-10-1436 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXOn Starting Recon Village and Attack Surface Management | Sudhanshu Chauhan | Be Fearless EP 17In this DEF CON 32 special, Sudhanshu Chauhan, co-founder of Recon Village, shares the inspiration behind Recon Village, its growth over the years, and the new trends in attack surface management that organizations should be aware of.Hosted by SquareX’s Principal Software Engineer Shourya, Sudhanshu explains how recon is the first step in any security assessment, from phishing to vulnerability testing, and why staying ahead of evolving assets and threats is essential for cybersecurity teams. He ends the podcast with advice for aspiring red teamers, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and a passion for continuous learning.
2024-10-1108 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXFighting Phishing with AI and Personalized Spam Filters | Fred Heiding | Be Fearless Podcast EP 16Attackers can weaponize artificial intelligence, but AI can also be used to supercharge cybersecurity. In this conversation with Harvard Research Fellow Fred Heiding, learn about Fred’s groundbreaking work on using AI to enhance hacking and improve cybersecurity strategies.Hosted by Product Evangelist Dakshitaa, Fred also talks how AI can help close the skills gap in cybersecurity by automating large-scale security assessments and highlights the unique opportunity for unbiased research as an academic.0:00 Introduction and Fred’s cybersecurity research as an academic5:09 How AI could supercharge cybersecurity7:36 On automating phishing campaigns using AI and...
2024-10-0222 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXThe Future of Mobile Security | Subho Halder | Be Fearless Podcast EP 15In this episode, Subho Halder, co-founder and CISO of Appknox talks about the shifting landscape of mobile security, how businesses have become increasingly reliant on mobile apps, and the vulnerabilities that come with them. Subho also dives into the growing trend of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in the workplace and the security challenges it brings.He highlights the importance of integrating security measures early in the development process through DevSecOps and explains how attackers are moving from browser-based threats to targeting mobile apps. Subho also shares advice for those starting a career in cybersecurity, encouraging them...
2024-09-3017 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXFrom Semiconductors to Co-founding Black Hat Arsenal | Rachid Harrando | Be Fearless Podcast EP 14Join Audrey from our Founder’s Office and Black Hat Arsenal Co-Founder in this DEF CON 32 special episode of the Be Fearless Podcast! Rachid, who transitioned from a semiconductor background to cybersecurity, shares his journey and insights into the current security landscape. He also explains his work with Black Hat Arsenal, curating open-source security tools for one of the industry's biggest conferences.0:00 Introduction and Rachid’s cybersecurity journey1:58 The Birth of Black Hat Arsenal4:33 Rachid’s work at ServiceNow7:50 Key issues with using GenAI at work10:37 Rachid’s DEF CON experience13:14 Advice for thos...
2024-09-2714 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXHacking EVs and Photovoltaic Systems | Vangelis Stykas | Be Fearless Podcast EP 13In this DEF CON 32 special, Vangelis Stykas, CTO and co-founder of ATROPOS.ai, shares his research on hacking on ransomware panels, revealing how difficult they are to disrupt — in fact, ransomware groups are more secure than Fortune 500 companies! Hosted by Product Evangelist Dakshitaa Babu, he also discusses his fascinating research on how electric vehicles and photovoltaic panels can be hacked, with potentially catastrophic consequences for power grids. 0:00 Vangelis’s research on hacking ransomware web panels2:58 Recommendations for dealing with ransomware3:40 Phishing is the most common entry point for ransomware4:13 Vangelis’s other research on how powe...
2024-09-2508 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXAI and Automation in Pentesting | Phillip Wylie | Be Fearless Podcast EP 12“You won't be replaced by AI, you'll be replaced by someone that uses AI.”At DEF CON 32, SquareX Product Evangelist Dakshitaa Babu talks to Offensive Security Expert Phillip Wylie about his cybersecurity journey, AI’s role in pentesting and more!0:00 Introduction0:41 Phillip’s journey from pro wrestling to cybersecurity2:03 Phillip's work at Horizon3.ai, which automates pentesting2:38 Why the cybersecurity community is so energizing4:22 AI and automation’s role in pentesting6:41 How the threatscape has changed with emergent technologies9:50 Advice for cybersecurity leaders11:38 Career advice on networking and keeping up...
2024-09-2414 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXUsing LLMs for Offensive Cybersecurity | Michael Kouremetis | Be Fearless Podcast EP 11In this DEF CON 32 special, Michael Kouremetis, Principal Adversary Emulation Engineer from MITRE discusses the Caldera project, research on LLMs and their implications for cybersecurity. If you’re interested in the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!0:00 Introduction and the story behind Caldera 2:40 Challenges of testing LLMs for cyberattacks5:05 What are indicators of LLMs’ offensive capabilities?7:46 How open-source LLMs are a double-edged sword🔔 Follow Michael and Shourya on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kouremetis-78685931/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shouryaps/ 📖 Episo...
2024-09-2009 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXWith Bug Bounty Expert Niks | Be Fearless Podcast EP 10"I found multiple demo versions available without any authentication. I went there, extracted all the requests, and fuzzed all the parameters for SQL injection. Then I changed the domain to the in-scope domain of the company I was hacking and ran SQL commands to dump their database."Hear from Nikhil “Niks” Srivastava bug bounty hunter and founder of B-Sides Ahmedabad in our DEF CON 32 special episode of the Be Fearless Podcast. Hosted by SquareX Product Evangelist Dakshitaa, Niks discusses his research, bug bounty hunting experience and giving back to the cybersecurity community via conferences. 0:00 Niks’ DEF CON...
2024-09-2011 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXBuilding Symmetry Systems & Thriving as an Security Entrepreneur | Mohit Tiwari | Be Fearless EP 9Mohit Tiwari, co-founder and CEO of Symmetry Systems, joins Vivek and Aleksandra in this DEF CON 32 Special Episode of our podcast! Hear directly from him on his journey towards entrepreneurship, how Symmetry Systems (https://www.symmetry-systems.com) solves modern data security problems, practical advice for those wishing to start their own company and more! 0:00 Introduction and Mohit’s journey from IIT grad to entrepreneur3:47 About Symmetry Systems and their approach to data security8:44 Problems that Symmetry solves13:07 How Symmetry’s architecture is unique19:07 The greatest challenges for enterprises today20:42 DEF CON talk and c...
2024-09-1246 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXScaling Black Hat Conference to New Heights | Steve Wylie | Be Fearless Podcast EP 8Get an insider’s view of how the famed Black Hat cybersecurity conference is run from Steve Wylie, General Manager of Black Hat himself! In this episode, Vivek and Aleksandra have a conversation with Steve on how Black Hat is organized, the associated challenges and highlights and the important role of entrepreneurship within the cybersecurity community.0:00 Steve’s journey to becoming the manager of Black Hat4:58 Black Hat’s community programs10:47 How Black Hat’s ecosystem encourages entrepreneurship18:50 Navigating through Covid-1924:21 What goes into organizing the conference29:11 Steve’s duties at Black Hat32...
2024-09-0956 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXAI and the Intersection of Humanity and Technology | Nathan Hamiel | Be Fearless Podcast EP 7Can artificial intelligence reshape the future of cybersecurity? In this DEF CON 32 special episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, join SquareX Founder Vivek Ramachandran as he speaks to Nathan Hamiel, Sr. Director of Research at Kudelski Security. In his own words, Nathan is “fascinated about security at the intersection of humanity and technology” — hear directly on the beginnings of his journey with an Apple IIc, being an AI/ML/Data Science track lead at Black Hat, researching emerging technologies and more!0:00 Introduction and how video games set Nathan on the path to cybersecurity4:51 How Nathan got starte...
2024-08-2828 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXRed Team Training and Importance of Browser Security in Enterprise | Nikhil Mittal | Be Fearless EP 6In this DEF CON 32 special episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, Shourya and Vivek from SquareX meet Nikhil Mittal, Founder and Director of Altered Security. In this conversation, Nikhil shares how he started Altered Security out of a desire to provide affordable, enterprise-grade security labs, the challenges of Azure security and advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.0:00 Introduction and the motivation behind founding Altered Security1:56 On Altered Security's Red Team Labs4:54 The importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA) in protecting enterprises9:39 Nikhil’s take on browser security13:03 Advice for newcomers to cybersecurity15:01 The Altered Se...
2024-08-2720 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXThe DEF CON Experience with Jeff Moss | Be Fearless Podcast EP 5In this DEF CON 32 special episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, SquareX Founder Vivek has a conversation with Jeff Moss, Founder of DEF CON and Black Hat. Join Jeff and Vivek as they discuss their experiences at DEF CON and how it’s evolved over the years, what’s next for both sides and more!0:00 Introduction and DEF CON’s new venue3:24 Vivek’s experience at DEF CON 32 with SquareX5:21 Making an inclusive DEF CON culture6:50 Jeff’s experience at DEF CON 328:52 Presenting “Breaking Secure Web Gateways (SWG) for Fun and Profit” on the DEF CON 32...
2024-08-2019 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXFrom Medieval History Grad to CISO | Kevin O'leary | Be Fearless Podcast EP 4In Episode 4 of the Be Fearless Podcast, our teammates from the Founder’s Office Audrey and Aleksandra interviewed Kevin O'leary, who’s acted as CISO for some of the most iconic global brands such as HP, General Electric and most recently JP Morgan. Hear directly about Kevin’s journey from medieval history graduate to CISO, what fractional CISOs can offer enterprises and more!0:00 Kevin’s cybersecurity journey and his thoughts on the CISO role7:48 Kevin's proudest CISO moment and the importance of teamwork16:33 On AI in cybersecurity23:59 The evolution of the CISO role...
2024-08-1958 minBe Fearless Podcast by SquareXOn Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship with Anand Prakash, Pingsafe Founder | Be Fearless Podcast EP 3AIn this special edition of the Be Fearless Podcast, Aleksandra from our Founder’s Office talks to Anand Prakash, Founder of Pingsafe (now acquired by SentinelOne), about his advice to aspiring cybersecurity entrepreneurs and how to stay inspired when times are tough. 0:00 Introduction and advice to budding cybersecurity entrepreneurs2:03 Important soft skills for cybersecurity entrepreneurs5:14 Keeping motivated during the hard times7:00 Looking back and advice to younger self 🔔 Follow Anand and Aleksandra on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anandprakash6/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-melnikova-1012/ SquareX helps organizations detect, m...
2024-08-0108 min