

Hacker Valley Studio
Hacker Valley Media
Welcome back to the show! Hacker Valley Studio podcast features Host Ron Eddings, as he explores the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of professionals in the industry. We cover everything from inspirational real-life stories in tech, to highlighting influential cybersecurity companies, and we do so in a fun and enthusiastic way. We’re making cybersecurity accessible, creating a whole new form of entertainment: cybertainment.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2024 • 25min
Cybersecurity Challenges: AI, Burnout, and Insider Threats with Kayla Williams
At Black Hat 2024, we sat down with Kayla Williams, Chief Information Security Officer at Devo, to discuss her career journey, the role of AI in cybersecurity, and the pervasive issue of burnout among SOC analysts. Through her research with Wakefield Research, Kayla and her team discovered that 83% of IT professionals are burnt out due to stress, lack of sleep, and anxiety. IT and Security burnout leads to breaches.
For the past 4 years, Devo has been hosting SOC Analyst Appreciation Day, a virtual event where they shower SOC analysts with the love, appreciation and recognition that they deserve.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Introduction
01:25 - Kayla Williams, Chief Information Security Officer at Devo
01:38 - How Kayla Became a CISO
03:06 - Challenges and Rewards
04:23 - Burnout in Cybersecurity
04:31 - 83% of IT professionals are Burnt Out
09:38 - How AI Fits into the SOC
09:59 - Key Use Cases for AI in Cybersecurity
15:07 - Insider Threat and Employees Stealing Company Data
18:14 - Non-Traditional Paths into Cybersecurity
21:00 - Future of Cybersecurity and AI
22:31 - Advice for Aspiring CISOs
Links:
Connect with our guest, Kayla Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylamwilliams1/
Check out Devo: https://www.devo.com/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Aug 16, 2024 • 15min
Offensive Security: Unlocking Hidden ROI with Seemant Sehgal
In this episode, Ron sits down at Black Hat with guest Seemant Sehgal, Founder & CEO of BreachLock, to learn more about how offensive security, such as red teaming and pen testing, fits into the cyber ecosystem. Seemant highlights how his background as a practitioner has helped him better understand the pain points that customers feel and assist them in making the most of their budget.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Welcome
00:50 - Introducing Guest, Seemant Sehgal
02:47 - Penetration Testing vs Red Teaming
05:22 - What A Hacker Wants
06:17 - From our Sponsor, BreachLock
07:35 - There’s Always A ‘Low Hanging Fruit’
08:49 - Trusted Partners
10:49 - Closing Doors On Hackers
13:08 - Advice to Entrepreneurs: Knowing Your ‘Why’
Links:
Connect with our guest, Seemant Sehgal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-sehgal/
Check out BreachLock: https://www.breachlock.com/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Aug 9, 2024 • 13min
Black Hat 2024 Conference Pre-Game
In this episode, Ron and Jen welcome you to Vegas and discuss a little background on Black Hat and DEF CON and how to make the most of your time professionally.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Welcome
00:56 - Hello From Vegas!
01:41 - Conference Anxiety
03:43 - Origins of Black Hat
06:17 - Which Conference?
08:18 - Conference Strategy
11:47+ - You Can Only Pick One…
Links:
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Jul 30, 2024 • 24min
The Present and Future of AI in Cyber
In this episode, Hosts Ron Eddings and Jen Langdon discuss questions about AI in Cyber. From the current state to where AI could be going, to resources to help you engage and up-level, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone in this episode.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Welcome
00:46 - Introduction
02:29 - Engineering AI
06:54 - Was it Made By AI?
09:07 - Join Our Mastermind
10:15 - AI in the Future
13:26 - AI in 2044
17:56 - AI & Resources
19:40 - AI Resources!
20:55 - One Step Better…
Links:
Check out some resources shared during this episode:
https://www.futuretools.io/ https://theresanaiforthat.com/
https://www.google.com/books/edition/On_Intelligence/Qg2dmntfxmQC?hl=en&gbpv=0
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbfYPyITQ-7l4upoX8nvctg
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Check out our upcoming events: hackervalley.com/livestreams
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Jul 23, 2024 • 32min
Leaving an Impression: Strategies for Captivating a Massive Audience
In this episode, hosts Ron Eddings and Jen Langdon discuss the power of storytelling through various media. Whether your goal is to create video content, deliver keynotes on stage, or be creative through other digital mediums, there will be something for everyone!
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Welcome
01:05 - Introductions
04:55 - Storytelling in Story Circle
09:23 - Crossing Across the Story Circle
12:15 - Join Our Mastermind!
12:57 - Is ‘Speaking’ Your Thing?
19:33 - Audience Considerations
22:24 - Speaking vs Writing
25:24 - Video/Digital Media
28:30 - Making it Captivating
32:03 - Last Reminders…
Links:
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Check out our upcoming events: hackervalley.com/livestreams
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Jul 17, 2024 • 35min
How Can I Best Proactively Secure My SaaS?
In this episode, Ron Eddings will explore the massive adaptation of SaaS applications and ways to tame the beast. Our guest Yoni Shohet, Co-Founder & CEO at Valence Security, will help provide insight into the capabilities of a SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) platform and best practices for implementing a SaaS security solution.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Welcome
01:59 - Introducing guest, Yoni Shohet
03:25 - Founding A SaaS Security Company
06:30 - What is SSPM?
08:27 - From our Sponsor, Valence
09:30 - Before Clicking ‘Allow’
11:54 - Users Want Their LLMs!
14:37 - Common Missteps
19:08 - Can You Manage SaaS w/o Technology?
24:15 - SaaS Breaches & MFA & APIs
32:42 - One Step Better…
Links:
Connect with our guest, Yoni Shohet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonishohet/
Check out Valence Security: https://www.valencesecurity.com
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Jul 9, 2024 • 33min
What We All Should Be Talking About When It Comes to AI and Security
In this episode, Host Ron Eddings is joined by guests Anirban Banerjee, CEO and Co-Founder at Riscosity, and James Berthoty, Founder and Analyst at Latio Tech. Together they focus on data security, AI-driven product development, and the challenges of implementing AI solutions responsibly.
Anirban discusses the importance of organizational buy-in and well-defined policies, while James underscores the need for visibility and a cautious approach in integrating AI models. Be sure to tune in to the end to hear their unique advice at being more productive.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Welcome
01:20 - Introducing guests Anirban & James
04:15 - The State of AI through Cyber
08:25 - Is AI a New Technology?
10:31 - AI Lets You Ship A Product
16:44 - Pros/Cons of AI & DLP
23:57 - What SHOULD We Be Talking About?
27:31 - Process First!
30:00 - One Step Better…
Links:
Connect with our guests Anirban & James :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-berthoty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirbanbanerjeephd/
Check out Riscosity: https://www.riscosity.com/
Get a Free Data Governance Audit:
https://www.riscosity.com/free-data-governance-audit
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Check out our upcoming events: hackervalley.com/livestreams
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Jul 2, 2024 • 23min
Navigating AI as a CISO with Whitney Palacios
In this episode, Host Ron Eddings catches up with one of his colleagues, Whitney Palacios, Vice President and CISO at BigBear.ai. They explore the challenges and responsibilities of being a CISO and Whitney addresses key cybersecurity issues such as the importance of balancing security with innovation, especially in the context of AI. Whitney offers sage insight into Security Operations Centers (SOCs), the need for diversity in tech leadership roles and closes out with helpful advice for rising CISOs.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Welcome
01:26 - Introducing guest, Whitney Palacios
04:03 - What Is A CISO? What Do You Do?
06:19 - SOC or No SOC?
08:40 - CISO Role & Risk/Accountability
11:12 - “One of A Few CISOs”
12:00 - Join Our Mastermind!
15:21 - AI: Allowing Innovation
18:27 - AI Use Cases
20:30 - One Step Better…
Links:
Connect with our guest, Whitney Palacios : https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneypalacios/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag:
https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Check out our upcoming events:
hackervalley.com/livestreams
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Jun 26, 2024 • 35min
The Power of AppSec, Cyber Education, and Friendship with Tanya Janca
In this episode, Host Ron Eddings catches up with longtime friend, Tanya Janca, Head of Education and Community at SemGrep and author of 'Alice and Bob Learn Application Security.' Tanya shares her experiences from working in the Canadian government to joining Microsoft and eventually founding WeHackPurple. Tanya talks about her new role at SemGrep, where she focuses on making application security education accessible, and the importance of building supportive communities in the tech industry.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Welcome
01:20 - Introducing guest, Tanya Janca
03:09 - “IDK How to Make SemGrep Rules…”
0707 - Finding Shadow IT & Embezzlers
11:27 - Join Our Mastermind
12:09 - Becoming an AppSec Professional
15:22 - Elections CISO
18:00 - Speaking at Conferences
21:15 - Microsoft Calls Me One Day…
23:21 - Parting Ways; But Still Friends
24:30 - “Can You Train Our Devs?”
27:50 - Fairness Is Important
32:27 - Put Yourself Out There!
Links:
Connect with our guest, Tanya Janca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-janca/
Check out SemGrep Academy: https://academy.semgrep.dev/
We Hack Purple Podcast: https://wehackpurple.buzzsprout.com/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Check out our upcoming events: hackervalley.com/livestreams
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

Jun 18, 2024 • 32min
Networking 2.0: The Future of Decentralized Networking & Access Management
In this episode, Hosts Ron Eddings, and Jen Langdon share takeaways from Ron's RSA conversation with Colin Constable, Co-Founder and CTO at Atsign
On this show, they’ll break down Networking 2.0 and how it can serve as the next evolution for data ownership and access control. Colin and his team at Atsign have built the atProtocol®, a new open-source internet protocol that makes private and secure data sharing simple and intuitive, enabling any person, entity or thing to implement NIST Zero Trust principles into their solution.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Welcome
02:17 - Introducing, Colin Constable
03:42 - The Problem with the Current Internet
08:02 - The Catalyst Behind atProtocol®
11:12 - Nexus of Networking, Identity & Privacy
14:19 - From our Sponsor, Atsign
15:23 - What’s Networking 2.0?
18:54 - Internet Anonymity & Accountability
24:31 - Unique Solutions using atProtocol®
Links:
Connect with Colin Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinconstable/
Check out Atsign: https://atsign.com/
Read the atProtocol Whitepaper here:
https://atsign.com/resources/white-papers/the-atprotocol/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Check out our upcoming events: hackervalley.com/livestreams
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/


