Be Fearless Podcast by SquareX

Aseem Jakhar, co-founder of Nullcon and Hardwear.io, shares his transformation from hotel management to cybersecurity aficionado, sparked by a hacking incident. He stresses the importance of mastering core technologies before specializing. Aseem highlights today’s shifting threat landscape, focusing on client-side risks tied to IoT and AI. He emphasizes community contribution as essential for personal growth and advocates that aspiring security professionals should strive to be generalists to build a strong foundation in cybersecurity.

In this discussion, Varun Srivastava, a cybersecurity leader with a rich background in cryptography and entrepreneurship, shares gripping tales from the front lines of high-stakes breaches. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration to tackle organizational inertia and highlights the unique cybersecurity challenges within financial services. Varun also delves into the rising threats posed by deep fakes and the complexities of securing blockchain. His insights on AI, insider threats, and the need for robust communication in cybersecurity are invaluable for organizations today.

Eifion Jones, a leading cybersecurity recruiter at TENTEN Partners, shares his journey from tech to recruitment and offers insights on the competitive job market. He discusses the critical role of soft skills alongside technical expertise in landing jobs. Eifion highlights differences between recruitment in the UK and Singapore, emphasizing relationship-building. He also provides advice for job seekers on polishing their CVs, the significance of mentorship, and the necessity of adapting to evolving technologies and industry requirements.

KK Mookhey, founder of Network Intelligence, shares his inspiring journey from college dropout to cybersecurity entrepreneur. He discusses how he landed his first client through cold-calling and shares pivotal moments, like his presentation at Black Hat. KK emphasizes the complex challenges of scaling a global cybersecurity firm, including building company culture and embracing innovation. He also offers valuable insights on channel partnerships, leadership roles in cybersecurity, and the importance of personal branding for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In this engaging discussion, Jayesh Singh Chauhan, Founder of Cloud Village, shares his impressive journey from developer at PayPal to a cybersecurity leader. He emphasizes that while technical skills are vital, communication is key to success. Jayesh discusses building security into cloud products, balancing innovation with safety, and the significance of community support. He also offers practical advice for aspiring CISOs and highlights the role of machine learning in enhancing cloud security. Tune in for a mix of tech insights and personal anecdotes!

Anshu Gupta, a cybersecurity leader and founder of the Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship Summit, shares his journey from the corporate world to community-building in cybersecurity. He emphasizes the power of networking, advising aspiring founders to never dine alone and to maintain a robust social media presence. Anshu discusses vital trends like non-human identity management and the qualities angel investors seek in startups. He advocates for community focus on collaboration and effective projects, championing the importance of serving members to foster innovation.

Sudhanshu Chauhan, co-founder of Recon Village, delves into the cutting-edge world of attack surface management. He discusses the evolution of digital assets, emphasizing the need for visibility in today's complex cybersecurity landscape. Chauhan also highlights the vital role of reconnaissance as the first step in security assessments, including phishing tactics. His insights on fostering curiosity and continuous learning provide valuable advice for aspiring ethical hackers. Plus, hear about the inspiring journey of starting Recon Village at DEF CON!

In this engaging discussion, Harvard Research Fellow Fred Heiding dives into the dual role of AI in cybersecurity. He reveals how AI can enhance hacking techniques while simultaneously fortifying defenses against phishing threats. Fred shares insights on automating large-scale security assessments and developing personalized spam filters to educate users. He also addresses the shifting threat landscape, emphasizing the urgent need for tech skills in an evolving digital world and the unique advantages of unbiased academic research in cybersecurity.

Subho Halder, co-founder and CISO of Appknox, shares his expertise in mobile security and DevSecOps. He discusses the increasing reliance on mobile apps and the security vulnerabilities that accompany them. The trend of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) presents unique challenges in the workplace, requiring proactive security measures. Subho emphasizes integrating security from the start to mitigate risks and explores the importance of hands-on experience and curiosity for newcomers in cybersecurity.

Rachid Harrando, co-founder of Black Hat Arsenal and a former semiconductor expert, dives into his transformative journey into the world of cybersecurity. He discusses the creation of Black Hat Arsenal, curating vital open-source tools for the security community. Rachid sheds light on the challenges of using generative AI in work environments and emphasizes the importance of effective communication in cloud security. His DEF CON experiences offer insights and tips for anyone looking to transition into a cybersecurity career.