Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast

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 Send us fan mail via text

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/SimplyCyberSend us fan mail via text

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.Send us fan mail via text

Magician, podcaster, and World’s Greatest Con creator Brian Brushwood joins us to talk about the coming Scampocalypse, where AI-powered deception meets human vulnerability. We dive into how magic, psychology, and “deceptive role play” can transform security awareness from boring quizzes into hands-on human defense training. Learn why Brian says it’s time to stop training “sheep” and start raising “wolves.”Topics include: • Why traditional phishing tests fail • How AI is powering the next generation of scams • What magicians know about deception that CISOs don’t • The “sheep vs. wolf” model for human training • How to gamify social engineering safelyThe Greatest Con Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xZYIEwtxkB1YxIENS7c6z?si=a6b654370c424128The Modern Rogue: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRogue/ScamStuff: https://www.scamstuff.com/Brian Brushwood’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-brushwood/Send us fan mail via text

In the Season 4 finale of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John wrap up an incredible season with a special listener-driven Q&A. The episode opens with a recap of Episodes 1–7, revisiting key lessons on soft skills, leadership, resume pitfalls, networking strategies, and inspiring career journeys. From there, they dive into your most pressing questions about breaking into cybersecurity — from whether college or certifications matter most, to the projects that truly prove you’re job-ready, to building home labs that tackle real-world problems. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes reflections, practical advice, and set the stage for an exciting Season 5. Send us fan mail via text

In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John explore one of the most powerful career accelerators in cybersecurity: networking. While a strong resume might get you noticed, it’s meaningful relationships that truly open doors. Together, we unpack the key do’s — being genuine, consistent, and adding value — and highlight the common mistakes to avoid, like spamming, ghosting, or only showing up when you need something. You’ll also hear real-world examples and actionable tips you can start using right away.If you’re ready to transform connections into career opportunities, this episode is a must-listen.Send us fan mail via text

Are you applying for cybersecurity jobs but not getting interviews? The problem might be your resume. In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down the Top 10 Resume Mistakes holding you back from landing your first cybersecurity role—and show you exactly how to fix them.From weak objectives to cluttered skills sections, irrelevant job history, and missing proof of hands-on experience, we’ll cover the resume traps that stop recruiters in their tracks. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make your next move in cybersecurity, this episode is packed with practical resume tips and career advice you can apply immediately.Send us fan mail via text

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Grant Adams returns to share his journey over the past year, focusing on his job search experience, the importance of networking, and insights from his interview process. One highlight of his story is how a conversation at a lock-picking table during an in-person conference led directly to his current role. Grant also discusses the skills he developed, how AI is being integrated into cybersecurity practices, and personal updates such as his recent engagement. He emphasizes the value of work-life balance, soft skills, and building authentic connections in the cybersecurity field.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Grant Adams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantadams3/Send us fan mail via text

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Dr. TJ O'Connor shares his journey from West Point to a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and cybersecurity educator. He discusses his experiences at West Point, his military career, and the importance of hands-on learning in cybersecurity. Dr. O'Connor emphasizes the value of competitions in fostering growth and resilience, and he offers advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, highlighting the significance of endurance and continuous learning in the field.Violent Python - Book: https://a.co/d/0L4nJIiDr. TJ O’Connor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-oconnor/Send us fan mail via text

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, John, Steve, and Evan Reiser, Founder & CEO of Abnormal AI, discuss Evan's journey from a gaming enthusiast to a leader in cybersecurity. We explore the evolution of email security, the impact of AI on the industry, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. Evan shares valuable lessons from his early startups, the significance of asking questions, and how to prepare for an AI-driven future in cybersecurity. The conversation emphasizes the need for curiosity, accountability, and the ability to adapt to new technologies.Send us fan mail via text