Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast

If you’ve been learning cybersecurity, applying for jobs, or working in the field—and your confidence has taken a hit—this episode is for you.In Season 6, Episode 3 of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John break down why confidence drops so often in cybersecurity and how to rebuild it in a real, practical way.We talk about:How lack of confidence shows up in interviews and on the jobWhy rejection, layoffs, and career changes fuel imposter syndromeThe difference between chasing confidence and building competenceHow small wins and repetition rebuild belief over timeWhy failure is part of growth—not a sign you don’t belongHow community feedback helps silence self-doubtThis episode isn’t about hype or “fake it till you make it.” It’s about earning confidence through action, consistency, and support.You don’t need to be perfect. You need reps, feedback, and people in your corner.Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.Support the show

If you feel like you’ve been studying cybersecurity but not actually making progress, this episode is for you.In Season 6 Episode 2 of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John break down how to reset your cybersecurity learning plan and stop wasting time on the wrong things. Whether you took a break, jumped between too many topics, or followed advice that didn’t fit your goals, this episode will help you refocus.We walk through how to honestly assess where you are, how to choose one clear cybersecurity path instead of trying to learn everything, and how to build a realistic learning plan that fits your background and schedule. We also call out common mistakes we’re seeing in 2026—like over-consuming content, chasing tools without fundamentals, and copying someone else’s roadmap.This episode is about clarity, direction, and momentum—without starting over from zero.Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.Support the show

Many cybersecurity professionals didn’t quit — they just got stuck.In this Season 6 premiere of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we share 5 practical tactics to restart your cybersecurity career in 2026, especially if you lost momentum, felt burned out, or fell behind in 2025.This isn’t about hype or starting over from scratch. It’s about:Reflecting without beating yourself upChoosing one clear direction instead of chasing everythingTaking small, realistic steps you can actually sustainSharing progress for accountabilityFinding a community so you don’t do this aloneWhether you’re trying to break into cybersecurity, get back on track, or level up after a tough year, this episode is designed to help you reset with clarity and confidence.Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.Support the show

In the season five finale of the Cyber Security Mentors podcast, hosts Steve and John reflect on the season's highlights, featuring insightful discussions with various cybersecurity experts. They recap key lessons learned, including leadership during crises, negotiation tactics, and the importance of community support. The episode also addresses listener questions and outlines future plans for the podcast, emphasizing continued growth and engagement with the cybersecurity community.Support the show

In this episode of the Cyber Security Mentals podcast, hosts Steve and John delve into effective strategies for studying cybersecurity. They discuss the importance of structured learning, hands-on labs, and consistent practice, while exploring the challenges of self-paced learning. The episode highlights the benefits of programs like ACI Learning and the value of certifications such as A+, Network+, and Security+. Engaging, interactive content and practice tests are emphasized as key to maintaining motivation and momentum in the learning journey.Support the show

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Eric O'Neill shares his experiences as an undercover FBI agent who caught one of the most damaging spies in U.S. history, Robert Hansen. He discusses the evolution of cybercrime, the importance of understanding cyber attacks, and the intersection of espionage and cybersecurity. O'Neill emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to cyber defense, the dangers of the dark web, and the psychological tactics used by cybercriminals. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals and highlights the importance of traits like attention to detail and flexibility in investigations.Support the show

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Charles Carmakal, CTO at Mandiant, discusses the current state of cybersecurity, the evolving threat landscape, and the importance of resilience in organizations. He emphasizes the ongoing arms race between cyber attackers and defenders, the rise of ransomware and extortion tactics, and the critical traits needed for aspiring cybersecurity analysts. Charles also shares insights into the day-to-day life at Mandiant and the transformative role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity efforts. He concludes with valuable advice for those looking to enter the field, highlighting the importance of passion, persistence, and continuous learning.Support the show

In Part 2, we discuss how a routine firewall rollout at ANU accidentally severed the attackers’ C2, forcing them into noisy, rushed activity that revealed their tradecraft. Suthagar explains the balance between observing for intel and acting to minimize harm, and how transparent, tightly controlled communications—culminating in a readable public breach report—helped rebuild trust. We also unpack why stolen databases without a data dictionary were hard to weaponize, and close with career advice: resilience, empathy, and people-first communication matter as much as tools.ANU Breach ReportSuthagar Seevaratnam’s LinkedIn Support the show

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Suthagar Seevaratnam, a former CISO at the Australian National University, shares his journey into cybersecurity and the challenges faced during a significant data breach. He discusses the importance of addressing organizational trauma, effective leadership during crises, and the human element in cybersecurity. The conversation delves into the details of the breach, including the attack vector, the role of phishing, and the impact of legacy systems. Suthagar emphasizes the need for calmness, compassion, and effective communication in crisis management, highlighting the lessons learned from the incident.ANU Breach ReportSuthagar Seevaratnam’s LinkedIn ACILearning.com/SimplyCyberSupport the show

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down how to negotiate with confidence — whether you’re reviewing a job offer, asking for a raise, or chasing that next promotion.Drawing from years of leadership experience, they share real-world stories about what hiring managers actually think during negotiations, how to spot red flags in a job offer, and how to build leverage the right way.You’ll learn:The three things to evaluate before accepting any offer — fit, growth, and lifestyleHow to flip the script and interview the company backWhy keeping receipts of your wins is essential before asking for a raiseWhat to do when you’re given more responsibility without more payHow to use tactical empathy (inspired by Never Split the Difference) to win negotiations without losing relationshipsWhether you’re a cybersecurity analyst or a future CISO, this episode will help you get paid what you’re worth — and do it with professionalism and confidence.Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.Support the show