What happens when passion, talent, and opportunity collide in the university's tech scene? Meet David Nathanson and Daniel Garay, the freshmen duo who took the University of Richmond's Capture the Flag (CTF) competition by storm. With David bringing his coding journey from Nicaragua and Daniel harnessing his self-taught skills in AI and machine learning, they crafted a strategy that highlighted teamwork and expertise in cryptography and Linux servers. Their fascinating tale isn't just about winning a competition; it's a glimpse into the future of biotech innovations they aim to lead. Their success story underlines the importance of collaboration and a shared vision in achieving extraordinary results.

Join us as we celebrate the booming interest in cybersecurity at the University of Richmond, with a remarkable surge in CTF participation this year. Discover the secrets behind this growth, including effective marketing strategies and the power of community building through new clubs and initiatives. From inspiring new winners to spotlighting cybersecurity careers, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and future plans. As we wrap up, we extend our gratitude to everyone involved and eagerly anticipate a vibrant future for the university's tech and cybersecurity ventures. Tune in to explore this dynamic intersection of talent, innovation, and opportunity.

Unlock the secrets to navigating the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity and commercial insurance with expert insights from Alan Delahunty of McGriff Insurance. Discover how the complexity of cyber threats is reshaping insurance policies and learn why multi-factor authentication and other security measures are now industry standards. We promise you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of data breaches, identity theft, and the critical need for continuous risk assessment in today's digital landscape.

Peek behind the curtain of cyber insurance policies and uncover the customizable solutions tailored to your industry's specific vulnerabilities. Alan breaks down the nuanced differences between cyber insurance and more straightforward policies like workers' compensation, shedding light on the importance of proactive cyber hygiene and the storytelling required to secure favorable terms from insurance companies. Learn the initial steps businesses should take to ensure they are adequately covered, and why understanding your unique challenges and future outlooks is crucial.

Finally, explore the practical steps involved in implementing robust cybersecurity policies within your organization. From the evolution of multi-factor authentication to the financial considerations of proactive measures versus the staggering costs of ransomware attacks, we cover it all. Alan shares his expertise on balancing costs and security needs, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing education and vigilance against ever-changing cyber threats like QR code manipulation and sophisticated phishing scams. Don't miss this essential guide to staying ahead in the relentless battle against cybercrime.

Unlock the secrets to revolutionizing your cybersecurity strategy with insights from Bill McInnis of Nucleus Security. Journey through Bill’s extensive career, spanning over two decades and multiple sectors including email security and threat intelligence, and learn how he spearheaded groundbreaking changes since joining Nucleus in 2021. Discover the innovative model Nucleus employs to shift vulnerability management focus from triage to fixing issues, and get acquainted with Bill’s triangle model—"What do you got? What do you know? How do you touch it?"—which emphasizes a deep understanding of one's environment for effective mitigation.

Navigate through the complexities of cybersecurity challenges and solutions with us as we dissect the 1-4-95 rule that categorizes teams based on their cybersecurity readiness. Bill shares his invaluable advice on fostering a functionally inquisitive mindset that can drastically improve how vulnerabilities are identified and addressed. Hear firsthand how Nucleus integrates various data sets and automates processes to save time and make up for the lack of manpower, and gain insights into addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by educational institutions.

Finally, explore the strategic growth of Nucleus Security, a company that emerged from the Department of Defense intelligence community. Bill delves into how Nucleus helps organizations manage vulnerabilities efficiently during critical events like the Log4J vulnerability and underscores the significance of building strong customer relationships. From fostering practical solutions to creating efficiencies, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how Nucleus is setting industry standards with its Fed-ramped, multi-tenant solution, and how it continues to evolve while maintaining a focus on competency and customer engagement.

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from a routine job to leading a successful company? Join us for a compelling conversation with Greg Samuels, CEO of Salveria, as he shares his extraordinary journey from an application developer at Circuit City to founding his own thriving business. Greg opens up about the hurdles of frequent travel, the balance between career and family, and the serendipitous moments that guided him towards entrepreneurship. You'll hear firsthand how a pivotal layoff turned into an opportunity that redefined his professional life, leading to the creation of Salveria.

Curious about the rising importance of information security in today’s business landscape? This episode covers the critical necessity of integrating security from the get-go. Businesses have been increasingly aware of the need for dedicated information security roles and thorough security audits since 2015. Greg discusses the often reactive approach companies take towards security and shares real-world scenarios that underline the importance of proactive measures. Learn practical strategies for advocating for security investments, especially in sectors where regulatory pressures might be light, and how these investments can build lasting customer trust.

Budgeting for cybersecurity isn't just an IT concern—it’s a business imperative. We dig deep into the financial aspects of securing sensitive data, from the staggering costs of data breaches to the evolving nuances of cybersecurity insurance. Greg offers invaluable advice for CIOs on securing budget allocations and effectively communicating these needs to top leadership. We also explore the transition from IT management to executive roles, emphasizing the importance of understanding core business operations. Hear stories that highlight the outdated technology landscape in sectors like healthcare and the crucial role of aligning technology with business processes. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to bridge the gap between IT and executive leadership.

Ever wondered how a young entrepreneur juggles the fast-paced world of tech sales and the demands of higher education? Meet Will Melton, the dynamic CEO of Exponent 21, who shares his fascinating journey from childhood ventures to helming a thriving company by the age of 20. Will's knack for marketing and creativity shines through as he discusses his early business endeavors, the challenges he faced while living in Connecticut, and how he managed to keep his client relationships intact amid life's twists and turns. His story is one of resilience and continuous learning, providing a treasure trove of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The digital marketing landscape has transformed dramatically from 2011 to 2024, and Will provides a detailed chronicle of this evolution. Remember the days when businesses could thrive effortlessly with Google Ads? That’s ancient history now. Will discusses how the field has grown fiercely competitive and heavily automated, with AI playing a crucial role. Yet, amidst this technological advancement, he emphasizes the enduring importance of a robust brand presence and human ingenuity in campaign management. This segment is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of modern marketing.

Tackling sustainability head-on, we explore Will's ambitious project of creating a sustainable water brand in Richmond. From pioneering refillable aluminum bottles to installing interactive outdoor refill stations, this venture aims to redefine how we think about consumption and waste. Will also dives into the broader implications of AI in marketing strategies, the psychological aspects of user experience, and Exponent 21's future goals, including video production and franchising Richmond Water. This episode is packed with innovative ideas and practical solutions for those passionate about sustainability and cutting-edge marketing practices. Engage with us on LinkedIn for more insights!

What happens when a Marine Corps veteran with extensive careers in telecom and construction decides to pivot to non-profit work? Jack Raymondson's joins us on Unmasked to share his incredible journey from military life to becoming the passionate business development manager at Tech for Troops. Jack's commitment to giving back shines through as he discusses his involvement with veteran organizations like the American Legion and the Marine Corps League, and his inspiring work in providing technology and training to veterans.

You’ll hear about the transformative partnerships and initiatives that Tech for Troops has led, especially their collaboration with the Department of Veterans Services (DVS). Through these efforts, over 1,200 laptops have been distributed to veterans at community colleges across Virginia, bridging the digital divide and empowering them with essential resources. Jack shares heartwarming success stories, including one where a laptop from Tech for Troops helped a veteran graduate from VCU and thrive as a restaurateur in Richmond.

We also delve into the innovative suicide prevention efforts spearheaded by Army and Navy veteran Jason Parker, notably through gaming initiatives. These efforts, along with their comprehensive support services like e-waste recycling and data destruction, illustrate Tech for Troops' multifaceted approach to veteran assistance. Tune in to learn more about how you can support their mission and make a difference. For more details, visit techfortroops.org and join us in making a positive impact on veterans' lives.

Curious about how a 23-year Air Force veteran transitions into a leading role in network security? Join us as we chat with Dave Mizell, the Managing Director of Defensive Cybersecurity at Assura, Inc. Cybersecurity. Dave opens up about his initial experiences in a Security Operations Center (SOC) and the rapid learning curve he faced. You'll hear firsthand about the day-to-day operations and challenges his lean, yet highly effective team encounters while ensuring 24/7 security coverage. Plus, get the inside scoop on how advancements in Security Incident and Event Monitoring (SIEM) systems have transformed threat detection and analysis.

Ever wondered how sophisticated phishing attacks have become and the best strategies to combat them? Dave breaks it down, revealing how AI tools like ChatGPT are making fraudulent emails harder to spot and why multi-factor authentication is more crucial than ever. We also discuss the role of human awareness and training in cybersecurity, while acknowledging the limitations posed by human error. Dave offers practical advice on what to do if your organization gets hacked, stressing the importance of network segmentation, protecting critical assets both on-premises and in the cloud, and the immediate steps to take post-breach.

For those looking to enter the cybersecurity field or enhance their skills, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. Dave shares effective training models, emphasizing hands-on exercises like tabletop and disaster recovery training for real-world readiness. He also offers career advice, highlighting the significance of curiosity and investigative skills over mere experience. To wrap things up, we take a nostalgic trip back to the early days of computer gaming, discussing how those experiences can ignite a passion for technology and cybersecurity. Plus, we pay tribute to the amazing skill of Navy pilots and the challenges they face, rounding off with a heartfelt thank you to Dave for his incredible insights and time.

Discover the thrill of victory and the fascinating challenges faced in the world of cybersecurity competitions with the Lovely Ladies, an all-female champion team from the University of Richmond. Maggie and Leah join us to share their journey through the Capture the Flag event, providing rare insights into what drives a team to success in this high-stakes arena. They shed light on the camaraderie and the strategic thinking that powered them through tasks like cryptography and SQL injection, and how tools like Wireshark became their allies. Their story is not just about winning; it's a testament to how cybersecurity contests like CTF can be a playground for education, team dynamics, and, above all, fun.

Then, we switch gears and discuss the rising interest in cybersecurity, sparked by real-world events like data breaches that resonate with many of us, including one of our guests affected by the AT&T incident. The conversation takes a turn into the educational trenches, highlighting the hands-on learning that takes place in computer security classes—from reverse engineering to understanding password security best practices. We also peek behind the curtain at the administrative effort that goes into making such events a reality at the University of Richmond, and the impact they have on fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. The episode wraps up with a reflection on past successes, and the excitement building up for the next CTF event, promising even greater challenges and triumphs.