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The Other Side Of The Firewall

The Other Side Of The Firewall

By: Ryan Williams
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About this listen

 Cybersecurity is an ever growing field and representation within it matters more than ever! We here at The Other Side of the Firewall podcast, strive to highlight those movers and shakers and glass ceiling breakers. People of Color, who have made it to the other side of the proverbial firewall into those Senior and C-suite level positions. Aside from the interviews of IT Professionals, just like you, our crew will have fun discussing the latest and greatest news, measures to protect yourself from bad actors on the inter-webs and sprinkle in some games and entertainment as well. Enjoy! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theothersideofthefirewall/supportRyan Williams Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Insider Threats & Talent Gaps: Why 2026 Feels a Lot Like 2025

    Insider Threats & Talent Gaps: Why 2026 Feels a Lot Like 2025
    Jan 6 2026
    In this episode of the podcast, the hosts, Ryan Williams Sr., Shannon Tynes, and Chris Abacon, discuss various topics related to cybersecurity, including a significant malware attack affecting millions of browser users, the implications of insider threats within the cybersecurity industry, and the ongoing workforce gap in cybersecurity roles. They also highlight the unique skills veterans bring to the cybersecurity field and the challenges they face in transitioning to civilian roles. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness and proactive measures in cybersecurity. Article: DarkSpectre Hackers Infected 8.8 Million Chrome, Edge, and Firefox Users with Malware https://cybersecuritynews.com/darkspectre-hackers-infected-8-8-million-chrome-users/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExbEVDV003S2Y4dlJtc0s2cHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5X8Evzz9QA9HOLsx4fe6dtQhZziLMAC0OJfwDUPv98p28WAxxrBvx3bhgDWg_aem_pUJqWtwqq5V7BIj4U3_Npw Two US Cybersecurity Pros Plead Guilty Over Ransomware Attacks https://www.securityweek.com/two-us-cybersecurity-pros-plead-guilty-over-ransomware-attacks/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExbEVDV003S2Y4dlJtc0s2cHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7pHpMfr8LA3q0LDvtZATpSHq9WOm-uCjNGzDDNRAuJz77pHC0S9A9ALIWQNw_aem_ylWz-pLhFFNTk7umA-Zv5Q The Pentagon’s short more than 20,000 cyber pros. Veterans could help fill the gap. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/cybersecurity/2026/01/the-pentagons-short-more-than-20000-cyber-pros-veterans-could-help-fill-the-gap/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExbEVDV003S2Y4dlJtc0s2cHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5Ym_FycsKImd7t48C_6n3EzwWjUJZkY2x1p9gC1o8dMjk7Z1h9RcnLdhjF1w_aem_IOtWTh8Nveu9K0Gv6DshyQ Buy the guide: https://www.theothersideofthefirewall.com/ Please LISTEN 🎧 LIKE 👍🏿 and SHARE ❤️ Thanks! Socials: Website - www.ramcyber.io Heroes Media Group: https://www.heroesmediagroup.com/shows/the-other-side-of-the-firewall/ Audio - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-other-side-of-the-firewall/id1542479181 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@theothersideofthefirewall7511 ReppedFLIX - https://lnkd.in/eVis2CbS WDJY 99.1 FM: https://www.wdjyfm.com/ TuneIn: https://lnkd.in/e2crcZU8 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556539026086 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theothersideofthefw X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/Ask_a_CISSP TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanwilliams683 Medium - https://medium.com/@ryanwilliamssenior Subscribe to LinkedIn Newsletter - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7172626552545865728 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-other-side-of-the-firewall/ Ryan on Twitter, LinkedIn, Clubhouse, and Threads - @ryrysecurityguy | https://www.ryanwilliamssenior.com/ Chris on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisabacon/ Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Cybersecurity News 01:58 Dark Specter Hackers and Malware Infections 12:53 Insider Threats: Ransomware Professionals Turned Criminals 25:52 Veterans in Cybersecurity: Bridging the Talent Gap 35:59 Military Skills and Cybersecurity Opportunities 38:14 Expanding Horizons in Cybersecurity 39:22 Podcast Updates and Cyber Services 40:07 Holiday Experiences and Family Time 44:24 Media Consumption and Entertainment Choices 51:06 Reflections on Series and Movie Trends 57:12 Veteran Stories and Personal Growth 01:04:58 Certifications and Future Goals #cybersecurity #insiderthreats #cyberjobs
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Agriculture Under Attack, Holiday Hacker Tactics, and AI’s Kill Switch Problem

    Agriculture Under Attack, Holiday Hacker Tactics, and AI’s Kill Switch Problem
    Dec 31 2025
    In this episode, Ryan Williams Sr. and Shannon Tynes discuss the increasing cyber threats to agriculture, particularly in the context of recent attacks on food companies. They highlight the need for improved cybersecurity measures in the agricultural sector, especially as technology becomes more integrated into farming practices. The conversation shifts to the risks associated with holiday cybersecurity, noting that hackers often exploit the downtime during holidays when organizations are less vigilant. Finally, they discuss the complexities and potential dangers of AI, emphasizing the need for caution as AI systems become more advanced and integrated into various sectors. Articles: Hackers are targeting US farms and food companies. Lawmakers say it’s time to act https://www.wpr.org/news/hackers-targeting-us-farms-food-companies-cyber-security?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExTGk2SlVkT0ptTjFuWjlKcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5Mf1WK2BFmaJlNEHIdZajV3dJphSkPILyNmKP3rkeilFpJC-bthLxEaU_NtQ_aem_TR6HOOO6Z7L8UX0L1TYJxw Why hackers love the holidays https://www.axios.com/2025/12/25/holidays-hackers-corporate-security-teams?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExTGk2SlVkT0ptTjFuWjlKcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5Mf1WK2BFmaJlNEHIdZajV3dJphSkPILyNmKP3rkeilFpJC-bthLxEaU_NtQ_aem_TR6HOOO6Z7L8UX0L1TYJxw AI's Big Red Button Doesn't Work, And The Reason Is Even More Troubling https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ais-big-red-button-doesnt-110021493.html?guccounter=1 Pick up the eBook version of my book, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIREWALL: The Real-Life Stories of Movers, Shakers & Glass Ceiling Breakers, for FREE on Smashwords: https://lnkd.in/ee7bEPXT Use code SW100 at checkout for 100% off. Offer valid through January 1, 2026. Please LISTEN 🎧 LIKE 👍🏿 and SHARE ❤️ Thanks! Socials: Website - www.ramcyber.io Heroes Media Group: https://www.heroesmediagroup.com/shows/the-other-side-of-the-firewall/ Audio - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-other-side-of-the-firewall/id1542479181 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@theothersideofthefirewall7511 ReppedFLIX - https://lnkd.in/eVis2CbS WDJY 99.1 FM: https://www.wdjyfm.com/ TuneIn: https://lnkd.in/e2crcZU8 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556539026086 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theothersideofthefw X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/Ask_a_CISSP TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanwilliams683 Medium - https://medium.com/@ryanwilliamssenior Subscribe to LinkedIn Newsletter - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7172626552545865728 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-other-side-of-the-firewall/ Ryan on Twitter, LinkedIn, Clubhouse, and Threads - @ryrysecurityguy | www.ryanwilliamssr.com Chris on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisabacon/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Agriculture 13:03 Cybersecurity Threats During the Holidays 23:37 AI's Challenges and Concerns 35:43 Conclusion and Future Implications 38:09 Holiday Reflections and Family Time 39:43 Sports Talk: Football and Team Dynamics 44:47 Movie Reviews and Entertainment Insights 50:22 Personal Growth and Learning Initiatives #cybersecurity #cyberhygiene #agriculture
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    57 mins
  • From Air Force Technology to Cyber CEO: Lessons in Risk, AI, and Leadership Ft. Ahmad Austin

    From Air Force Technology to Cyber CEO: Lessons in Risk, AI, and Leadership Ft. Ahmad Austin
    Dec 23 2025
    On this week’s Ask a CISSP special episode of The Other Side of the Firewall, I talk with Air Force veteran and cybersecurity leader Ahmad Rashaan Austin about his journey from zero computer skills to founder of Cy3 Security, LLC. We explore risk management, responsible AI adoption, leadership communication, and his new book, The Boundaryless Enterprise. If you’re building a cyber career or leading tech teams, this episode delivers actionable insights straight from the front lines. Check it out on your favorite podcast platform! Buy Ahmad R. Austin's The Boundaryless Enterprise: Redesigning Oversight for the Age of Intelligent Systems https://a.co/d/dfCToig Please LISTEN 🎧 LIKE 👍🏿 and SHARE ❤️ Thanks! Socials: Website - www.ramcyber.io Heroes Media Group: https://www.heroesmediagroup.com/shows/the-other-side-of-the-firewall/ Audio - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-other-side-of-the-firewall/id1542479181 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@theothersideofthefirewall7511 ReppedFLIX - https://lnkd.in/eVis2CbS WDJY 99.1 FM: https://www.wdjyfm.com/ TuneIn: https://lnkd.in/e2crcZU8 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556539026086 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theothersideofthefw X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/Ask_a_CISSP TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanwilliams683 Medium - https://medium.com/@ryanwilliamssenior Subscribe to LinkedIn Newsletter - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7172626552545865728 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-other-side-of-the-firewall/ Ryan on Twitter, LinkedIn, Clubhouse, and Threads - @ryrysecurityguy Chris on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisabacon/ Chapters 0:00 – Intro to the Episode & Guest 1:00 – Ahmad’s Background: Decatur Roots & Military Journey 3:00 – Military Life & Transition into IT 5:00 – From No Computer Skills to Cyber Career 7:00 – Starting in Cybersecurity as a Contractor 9:00 – Founding Cy3 Security, LLC 10:30 – Services Offered by Cy3 Security 12:00 – Risk Management vs. AI Hype 14:00 – The Story Behind The Boundaryless Enterprise 16:00 – Why Organizations Fail at Governance 18:00 – AI Agents, Identity, and Risk 20:00 – The Dangers of AI Drift & Inaccurate Output 23:00 – Using Architecture to Govern AI 26:00 – The Hallucination Problem with AI Tools 29:00 – Third-Party Risk & Vendor Transparency 31:00 – Military Risk Culture vs. Private Sector 34:00 – Why Companies Need Better Risk Imagination 36:00 – Transitioning Into Cyber Entrepreneurship 38:00 – How Ahmad Recharges: Training in Wing Chun Kung Fu 40:00 – Book Release Details & Where to Find Ahmad 41:00 – Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up #cybersecurity #aigovernance #BoundarylessEnterprise
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    42 mins
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