
Packet Protector
Join us at the intersection of networking and security! Whether you’re fending off ransomware attacks, securing remote workers, hunting for rogue IoT devices, or gearing up for your latest compliance audit, Packet Protector provides practical information that IT and infrastructure pros can put to work. Every episode covers the latest security headlines and then drills into essential topics to provide technical and strategic insights on wired and wireless network security, access control, cloud security, pen testing and red/blue teaming, security hardware and software, and more. Whether security is your full-time job or one of your many responsibilities, Packet Protector is your go-to cybersecurity resource.
Latest episodes

Mar 19, 2024 • 49min
PP006: Effective Security for Small IT Shops
This episode is for IT professionals who work in small- to medium-sized businesses and are expected to handle cybersecurity on top of issues like “my camera isn’t working on Zoom.” Guest Joe Stern has been filling this role for an 80-person company for almost 30 years. We talk about how he prioritizes risks, security tools... Read more »

Mar 12, 2024 • 43min
PP005: Red, Blue, Purple: Choosing the Right Teams for Security Testing and Defense
According to Bryson Bort, you can build higher metaphorical fences, electrify them, and have sharks with laser beams prowling the moat, but attackers are still going to get through the security perimeter. That’s why the priority of any IT team should be to identify anomalies and anticipate attack logic. To do this, organizations need to... Read more »

Mar 5, 2024 • 49min
PP004: Exploiting Vulnerabilities, Not Customers: How to Pick Good Pen Testers
When you’re picking a penetration tester to poke at your security infrastructure, how do you know if you’re picking a good one? Is pen testing even the right service for your needs? Pen tester, SANS course creator, and OWASP board member Kevin Johnson joins the show to share tips for what to look for in... Read more »

Feb 27, 2024 • 54min
PP003: An Insider’s Look At Security Certs
What are the best cybersecurity certs to get? Do advancements in cloud and AI mean security professionals need to re-skill? How do certifying organizations decide what new courses to create? Chief Curriculum Director and Faculty Lead at the SANS Institute, Rob Lee, joins Jennifer “JJ” Minella and Drew Conry-Murray to give an insider’s view on... Read more »

Feb 20, 2024 • 37min
PP002: The Tricky Biz Of Secrets Management
Today we look at secrets management and privileged access management from the perspective of a network engineer. How do you and your team securely store sensitive data including passwords, SSH keys, API keys, and private certificate keys, while still being able to work nimbly? What Privileged Access Management (PAM) practices can help put guardrails in... Read more »

Feb 13, 2024 • 32min
PP001: WPA3: Everything You Wanted To Know But Were Afraid To Ask
The shift from WPA2 to WPA3 brings exciting advancements. Discover how to tackle migration challenges across various WLAN types. Explore WPA3's enhanced security features and how they improve upon WPA2's vulnerabilities. The discussion dives into the emotional dynamics within the wireless community and the impact of vendor relationships. Learn about the complexities of transitioning to WPA3, especially for IoT devices, along with the significance of proper configuration and regular software updates for maintaining secure networks.

Feb 2, 2024 • 45sec
Join Us For Packet Protector, A New Cybersecurity Podcast
Hi, I’m Jennifer Minella and I’m excited to finally share with you all that I’ll be co-hosting a new podcast on the Packet Pushers network. It’s called Pocket Protector, a podcast exploring the intersection of networking and security. Each week, we’re drilling into topics, from wired and wireless network security to access control and zero... Read more »