How a Detective Became the Ginger Hacker: SOC Life, Job Hunts & Blue Team Wisdom

From the streets to the SOC. 💻

In this episode of Simply Defensive, Josh Mason and Wade Wells talk with Andrew Crotty — aka Ginger Hacker. A former detective turned Tier 3 SOC analyst and Army reservist, Andrew shares his journey into cyber, the struggles of breaking in, and the lessons he’s learned (including the rookie mistake that accidentally dosed the DMV 👀).

What you’ll hear:
🔹 Andrew’s pivot from law enforcement to cybersecurity
🔹 SOC life, schedules, and fighting burnout
🔹 Job hunting, recruiters, and landing that first role
🔹 Why soft skills matter as much as technical skills
🔹 Andrew’s advice for blue teamers: ask why, stay curious, fight alert fatigue

📺 Check out Andrew’s channel, Ginger Hacker: https://www.youtube.com/@gingerhacker

🎙️ More episodes of Simply Defensive: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4Q-ttyNIRAr6DVrsASx1-Fv-TsooJ3M4&si=TqefAfDjdR1AYt1c

👥 Connect with Us on LinkedIn:
- Josh Mason (Co-Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason
- Wade Wells (Co-Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs/
- Kevin Mata (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmata
- Swimlane: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swimlane

🎙️ More Simply Defensive
- Full playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4Q-ttyNIRAr6DVrsASx1-Fv-TsooJ3M4
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72QTocT5FSTSPV7o1UcMS4
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/simply-defensive/id1773806182

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your fellow defenders. Every week, Josh Mason and Wade Wells bring you practical, no-fluff conversations with cybersecurity leaders.

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