Simply Defensive

Ashley Knowles, a seasoned penetration tester with over 10 years at Black Hills InfoSec, sheds light on the synergy between red and blue teams in cybersecurity. She emphasizes the importance of realistic threat emulation for effective security testing. The discussion dives into challenges faced in Security Operations Centers, highlighting the need for transparency and collaborative problem-solving. Ashley also explores innovative tools like Microsoft DevTunnels and offers insights on balancing professional growth with personal obligations. Don't miss her tips on continuous learning!

Blake Reagan on Incident Response, Career Evolution, and the Importance of Soft SkillsIn this week's episode of Simply Defensive, host Josh Mason and co-host Wade Wells welcome incident response expert Blake Reagan. The discussion delves into Blake's journey from the building trades to cybersecurity, a field he entered after the 2008 economic downturn. Blake shares his experiences in digital forensics, emphasizing the importance of soft skills like public speaking and effective communication in cybersecurity roles. The trio also discusses the merits of tools like the Autopsy Digital Forensics platform, the utility of Toastmasters for public speaking, and time management strategies, making this episode a comprehensive look at the tech and human sides of cybersecurity.=========================Connect with your hosts:Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmasonWade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs=========================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==================================================All the ways to connect with Simply Cyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials=========================

In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells are joined by @TheFedXChannel, a seasoned security analyst from Central Florida. The conversation starts with FedEx discussing his local internet setup and transitioning into his extensive career journey from construction to IT and cybersecurity. They explore the importance of real-world experience, the challenges of getting started in the cybersecurity industry, and the value of networking, both online and locally. FedEx also shares his journey through higher education and obtaining his degree, along with the significance of continuous learning and certifications. The episode concludes with FedEx discussing his newly launched YouTube channel focused on cybersecurity content and his inspiration to share knowledge and help others enter the field.=========================Connect with your hosts:Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmasonWade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs=========================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==================================================All the ways to connect with Simply Cyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials=========================

Discover the inspiring journey of a former watchmaker who embraced the world of cybersecurity. He shares how community support and hands-on platforms like KC7 Cyber and TryHackMe were instrumental in his success. The discussion delves into innovative AI-enhanced training labs that simulate real threat scenarios. Additionally, the power of networking within the cybersecurity community is emphasized, alongside the excitement for upcoming conferences. Join the conversation on the importance of continuous learning and contributing back to the community.

In this episode of Simply Defensive, host Josh Mason talks with co-host Wade Wells about the concept of 'detection as code,' a methodology in cybersecurity focusing on automating and enhancing detection logic using software development principles. Wade shares his experiences and upcoming engagements, including his talk at Blue Team Con in Chicago. The duo delves into the intricacies of detection engineering, highlighting the similarities with DevOps practices and the importance of proper tuning and testing. They discuss the challenges and benefits of employing detection as code, its future potential, and the role of cybersecurity tools like Splunk, CrowdStrike, and Google Chronicle. The episode also touches on how detection engineering could impact red teaming and the importance of understanding the client's environment to create effective detections.

Simply Defensive: Episode 1 - Meet Your Hosts, Josh and WadeWelcome to the inaugural episode of Simply Defensive! Join hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells as they introduce the podcast and share their professional backgrounds in cybersecurity. Discover the story behind the podcast's creation, their unique approach compared to vendor-driven content, and the importance of community in cybersecurity. Josh dives into his journey from being a pilot in the Air Force to becoming a director of cyber training, while Wade talks about his varied roles in the cybersecurity industry, including his work in SOCs and threat intelligence.Get insights on upcoming talks, community involvement, and the launch of future episodes focused on real-world experiences from the defensive side of cybersecurity.=========================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career=========================All the ways to connect with Simply Cyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials=========================