Be Fearless Podcast by SquareX

Jack Poller, founder and principal analyst of Paradigm Technica, breaks down why traditional cybersecurity marketing is failing. With 30 years of experience from Carnegie Mellon to cyber strategy, Jack reveals how cloud and SaaS have fundamentally changed the threat landscape and yet most security tools remain stuck in castle-and-moat thinking. He explains why the browser has become the real endpoint needing protection, how buyer behavior has evolved beyond fear-based selling, and why conventional wisdom about passwords and perimeters is actually dangerous. 0:00 The biggest positioning mistake cybersecurity companies make22:29 Browser security risks that organizations are underestimating38:38 Critical questions buyers should ask but aren't asking47:06 Tech Field Day, beyond surface-level pitches, and why security perimeters are dangerous🔔 Follow Jack and John on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackpoller/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncarse/🔥 Powered by SquareXDeployed as a lightweight extension, SquareX turns any browser, on any device, into a secure enterprise browser. Find out more about SquareX at https://hubs.la/Q03rPcbf0

Tom Sweet, CIO of Industrial Refrigeration Pros and cybersecurity veteran with over 20 years of experience, shares his journey from civil engineering to leading IT security at a private equity-backed company. Tom discusses the unique challenges of building security from scratch, why he believes IT leadership needs to be technologically competent and the cultural complexities of implementing security controls without causing “death by a thousand cuts”.0:00 Career transitions: civil engineering to cybersecurity, PE companies vs large enterprises13:41 Leading with influence while implementing security controls27:56 On working with and taking over from MSPs35:03 Browser security evolution and the new attack surface with AI agents38:47 Advice for reducing stress in cybersecurity leadership🔔 Follow Tom and Aleksandra on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasjsweet/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-melnikova-1012/ 🔥 Powered by SquareXDeployed as a lightweight extension, SquareX turns any browser, on any device, into a secure enterprise browser. Find out more about SquareX at https://hubs.la/Q03rPcbf0

Chief Evangelist Agnidipta Sarkar from ColorTokens breaks down why traditional cybersecurity approaches are failing despite massive industry investments. With 30 years of experience, Agni explains how companies should shift from trying to prevent every breach to building "breach-ready cyber defense" systems that can contain attacks and maintain business operations. He discusses zero trust architecture, micro-segmentation as the foundation of modern defense, and how browsers have become the new attack surface that most organizations ignore. Agni reveals how businesses can define their minimum viable digital operations and prepare for the inevitable rather than living in denial about cyber threats.0:00 Agni's journey from auditor became a zero trust evangelist17:42 Microsegmentation is the real zero trust move32:15 Breach-ready means planning for failure not perfection38:51 Security breaches start in the browser and browser-based AI agents47:11 The value of EDR integrations55:59 Despite all the investment in cybersecurity, cyber attacks aren't going down🔔 Follow Agnidipta and John on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnidipta/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncarse/🔥 Powered by SquareXDeployed as a lightweight extension, SquareX turns any browser, on any device, into a secure enterprise browser. Find out more about SquareX at https://hubs.la/Q03rPcbf0

Kenneth Ellington went from making sandwiches at Publix to founding Ellington Cyber Academy after discovering the gap in cybersecurity training. He breaks down why expensive programs don't necessarily prepare students for real corporate environments and how he's helping professionals boost salaries, sometimes up to $40K+. Kenneth reveals what Fortune 100 companies actually use, discusses browser security as the next major threat vector, and explains why your "why" matters more than technical skills when breaking into cybersecurity.0:00 From business management to cybersecurity by accident12:28 Why $15k training programs miss the mark18:46 Real world cyber investigations and browser security gaps27:34 SIEM and SOAR tools: when shiny objects become dust collectors37:11 How to escape being stuck in your current role🔔 Follow Kenneth and John on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-ellington/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncarse/🔥 Powered by SquareXDeployed as a lightweight extension, SquareX turns any browser, on any device, into a secure enterprise browser. Find out more about SquareX at https://hubs.la/Q03rPbMB0🔥 Powered by SquareXDeployed as a lightweight extension, SquareX turns any browser, on any device, into a secure enterprise browser. Find out more about SquareX at https://hubs.la/Q03rPcbf0

Jesse Scott, Cybersecurity Executive and VC Advisor,  has lived quite the journey - from NATO to building security teams at three unicorns including $3B+ Databricks. In this episode, he breaks down why current security operations are fundamentally broken and need a revamp, why browser security is becoming critical and how founders’ passion is contagious.0:00 From NATO to cybersecurity: the unconventional path4:39 Why Jesse’s Databricks stint was called “mission impossible”9:34 The square peg approach and the importance of seeing things end-to-end17:08 Browser security: the new Wild West nobody's talking about22:45 Creating exciting new frameworks25:32 Why security never gets boring🔔 Follow Jesse and Aleksandra on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessetscott/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-melnikova-1012/🔥 Powered by SquareXDeployed as a lightweight extension, SquareX turns any browser, on any device, into a secure enterprise browser. Find out more about SquareX at https://hubs.la/Q03rPcbf0

Kevin Qiu, Staff Security Engineer at Shiftsmart and their first security hire, breaks down the realities of building security programs from scratch. In this episode, he discusses the risk that comes with using work devices for personal purposes, why everyone wins when companies get paid AI tools and why the industry's obsession with hiring only senior talent is creating a dangerous skills gap.0:00 How Kevin entered the field from a stint in consulting8:13 What no one tells you about being the first security hire at a startup18:28 The first thing security leads should do starting a security program22:24 Security in B2B2C companies27:53 Browser-based threats and on using work devices for personal matters37:08 Startups are already solving tomorrow’s cyber threats41:59 During incidents, keep the initial response team small44:10 Why refusing to hire juniors will lead to another COBOL quagmire🔔 Follow Kevin and Aleksandra on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmqiu/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-melnikova-1012/🔥 Powered by SquareXDeployed as a lightweight extension, SquareX turns any browser, on any device, into a secure enterprise browser. Find out more about SquareX at https://hubs.la/Q03rPcbf0

Julia Dudenko, Group CISO at Haniel, oversees cybersecurity strategy for 11 portfolio companies spanning everything from manufacturing to kindergartens. In this conversation, she reveals why enterprises need to watch out for attacks that target APIs and supply chains, whether we need “cybersecurity for AI” rather than just “AI for cybersecurity,” and examines the concept of "Enkelfähig" - building systems that can survive for generations.0:00 Managing cybersecurity from kindergartens to tech12:28 New threats to watch out for in API and code security16:16 Adopting AI is a challenge traditional industries must face20:20 Is cybersecurity for AI or is AI for cybersecurity?27:17 How a cloud migration inspired Julia to go into cybersecurity30:38 One policy to improve security posture🔔 Follow Julia and Aleksandra on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-dudenko-8445252/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-melnikova-1012/🔥 Powered by SquareXDeployed as a lightweight extension, SquareX turns any browser, on any device, into a secure enterprise browser. Find out more about SquareX at https://hubs.la/Q03rPcbf0

Prasanna Kanagasabai (PK), CISO, Dkatalis (Bank Jago), started his career as a network engineer and before becoming a pentester-turned-CISO. In this episode, Prasanna explains why breaking systems first is crucial for building robust defenses, the unique challenges of securing a digital-first bank, the role of browser security in protecting sensitive data, and how AI is reshaping both offensive and defensive security strategies.0:00 Prasanna’s journey from network engineer to cybersecurity4:39 “A good offense is your best defense”14:18 Browser security and data protection in cloud platforms23:46 Utilizing AI tools and understanding their risks29:18 How security leaders can stay ahead with IR and a layered approach33:50 The value of GRC and AI integration into cybersecurity43:07 Debunking financial cybersecurity myths🔔 Follow Prasanna and Aleksandra on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/prasanna-kanagasabai-561a467/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-melnikova-1012/🔥 Powered by SquareXDeployed as a lightweight extension, SquareX turns any browser, on any device, into a secure enterprise browser. Find out more about SquareX at https://hubs.la/Q03rPcbf0

Sabika Ishaq, CISO at Grant Thornton Luxembourg and President of Women Cyber Force, shares her journey from the United Nations to becoming a cybersecurity leader. In this episode, Sabika reveals insights on AI integration in cybersecurity, why preparedness is the ultimate cybersecurity superpower and how cognitive diversity is as critical as security controls.0:00 How humanitarian work led Sabika into cybersecurity4:30 Even your front desk contributes to security10:40 Hidden cybersecurity risks in heavily regulated financial markets20:36 Securing where your team actually works: Inside the browser26:51 100% security is impossible — preparedness is your superpower34:38 Hiring diversely and creating a culture of psychological safety🔔 Follow Sabika and Aleksandra on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabika-ishaqhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-melnikova-1012/🔥 Powered by SquareXDeployed as a lightweight extension, SquareX turns any browser, on any device, into a secure enterprise browser. Find out more about SquareX at https://hubs.la/Q03rPcbf0

Ashish Garg, founder and managing partner at Riga Cyber, sits down to discuss his two-decade journey in cybersecurity and the massive shifts he's witnessed since his early days in the field. In this conversation, Ashish shares insights on how attackers have evolved from script kiddies to well-funded, sophisticated adversaries, why browsers have become the primary attack vector and the stark differences in cybersecurity approaches across North America, Europe, and Asia.0:00 Ashish’s cybersecurity journey6:01 Navigating the maze of security tools13:30 Browsers are the new blindspot in enterprise security17:43 How cybersecurity strategies differ across regions26:05 The 5 cybersecurity principles that never change31:48 Advice for junior professionals in an AI-driven world🔔 Follow Ashish and Aleksandra on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/silsilay/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-melnikova-1012/🔥 Powered by SquareXDeployed as a lightweight extension, SquareX turns any browser, on any device, into a secure enterprise browser. Find out more about SquareX at https://hubs.la/Q03rPcbf0