In this Q&A episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I answer your top questions about breaking into cybersecurity from a software engineering background, whether an associate's degree is worth pursuing, and how I prepare for CompTIA certifications using third-party resources. I also open up about why YouTube took down one of my most popular Wi-Fi hacking videos, how it led to a permanent warning on my channel, and what that means for future technical content. If you're navigating the transition into cyber or want to hear the behind-the-scenes reality of cybersecurity content creation, this episode’s for you.

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https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

In this episode, Richie Vinson (4NU81X7H3H4CK3r) shares how he broke into red teaming without a college degree or the OSCP certification. He explains why he skipped traditional credentials, how volunteering at cybersecurity conferences helped him bypass the HR firewall, and what newcomers can do to stand out. From earning a Black Badge at HackSpace to working in OT security, Richie offers real-world insights into breaking into cybersecurity through networking, hands-on skills, and personal strategy. If you're looking for an OSCP alternative or wondering how to get hired without a degree, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Richie Vinson (4NU81X7H3H4CK3r) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r2600/

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---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, Kyser Clark interviews John Kounelis, a Senior Product Security Engineer with a background in software development and AppSec. John shares how discovering vulnerabilities in his own code led him to a full-time role in application security, and explains the key differences in AppSec across defense, biotech, and SaaS industries. They discuss the realities of bug bounty hunting, the limitations of CTFs, how developers unintentionally introduce vulnerabilities, and why understanding vulnerability chaining is critical for advanced web app testing. Whether you're transitioning from development to security or looking to sharpen your real-world pentesting skills, this episode delivers practical insight into what it truly takes to thrive in AppSec.

Connect with John Kounelis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-765b42148/

Connect
---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, senior offensive security consultant Michael Kim shares how he landed a cybersecurity job without knowing all the answers in the interview and why hiring managers still chose him. We discuss how to ace your cybersecurity interview, the importance of mindset and growth, and why technical skills alone aren’t enough. Michael also opens up about his unconventional path from zoology and DJing to penetration testing, and how he built his network through LinkedIn. If you’re trying to break into cybersecurity or level up your career, this episode is packed with real-world advice.

Connect with Michael Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-k-83b0627b/

Connect
---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

Feeling overwhelmed watching hacking videos and not understanding what’s going on? You’re not alone, and you’re not behind. In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I answer real questions from the community about certifications, career paths, and that all-too-familiar. I share my own experience struggling with concepts early on, why I prefer the baby step approach, and how you can build real skills (not just collect certs) to break into cybersecurity. Whether you're stuck on your first box or wondering if certs like Security+ and Network+ are worth it, this episode is for you.

Connect
---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

Betta Lyon Delsordo started coding at just 13 years old and never looked back. In this episode, she shares how learning to code as a rebellious teen sparked a career that led her from freelance web development to becoming a lead application pentester specializing in web, cloud, and AI hacking. We talk about how anyone can learn to code, the importance of specialization in cybersecurity, why physical security is overrated, and how to break into AI hacking. Whether you're brand new to tech or looking to pivot your career, Betta's story will challenge your excuses and inspire you to take action.

Connect with Betta Lyon Delsordo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betta-lyon-delsordo/

Connect
---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

He stayed up for 24 hours straight to pass one of OffSec’s toughest exams. In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I sit down with Pratham Shah, a 21-year-old cybersecurity consultant who holds OSCE3, OSCP+, OSWA, and more. We break down his insane study grind, how OSWA pushed him harder than OSCP, and why he thinks passion matters more than paychecks. From bug bounty beginnings to expert-level certifications, this episode is packed with raw stories, certification strategy, and hard-earned advice for anyone chasing a career in offensive security. Whether you're working on OSCP, OSWA, or just breaking into hacking, this one hits deep.

Connect with Pratham Shah on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prathamshah529/

Connect
---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I sit down with Noah Pack, an aerospace pentester with a ridiculous cert stack and an unconventional mindset. We talk about hacking obscure systems with no public tools or documentation, transitioning from SOC analyst to pentester, and why reading the manual might be your secret weapon. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach targets that no one teaches you how to test, this episode is a must-listen. Noah also shares insight on the value of multiple certifications, his experience with the SANS degree program, and tips for breaking into offensive security, especially when the path isn’t clearly marked.

Connect with Noah Pack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahpack/

Connect
---------------------------------------------------
https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.