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Welcome to the InfoSec to Insanity Podcast, a wild, unfiltered ride through the crazy world of information security. Hosted by the legendary Evan Francen—the man on a mission to fix...
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Welcome to the InfoSec to Insanity Podcast, a wild, unfiltered ride through the crazy world of information security. Hosted by the legendary Evan Francen—the man on a mission to fix the broken InfoSec industry—you’ll get straight talk, insane stories, and no-nonsense advice on how we can make real change in cybersecurity.Evan is no stranger to breaking down tough topics, with over 30 years of practical InfoSec experience, founding FRSecure and SecurityStudio, and helping the world make sense of security risks. He’s also written UNSECURITY, where he tells it like it is—our industry is failing, but it’s fixable. If you’ve ever felt like InfoSec was more chaos than clarity, then this podcast is exactly what you need.Why Tune In?
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- Candid Conversations: No fluff, no corporate BS. Just real talk about the state of security.
- Battle Stories: Evan’s got tales—from advising on the infamous Target breach to helping protect companies like Wells Fargo and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
- Fixing the Industry: Join us as we tackle the tough questions: Why do breaches keep happening? What’s wrong with InfoSec? And how can we fix it?
- Fun and Relatable: Evan brings his humor, hacker mindset, and love for diving into problems head-on—sometimes literally when he’s out scuba diving or tearing down a motorcycle!
19 NOV 2024 · In this episode, I’m diving into a question that’s haunted me since I started in InfoSec back in ’92: Are we actually more secure now, or have we just been spinning our wheels? With three decades of so-called "advancements," it's time to get brutally honest about what’s worked, what hasn’t, and whether all the tools, policies, and frameworks have moved the needle on security—or just made it look that way. Tune in as I unpack the highs, lows, and straight-up insanity of our progress (or lack thereof).
11 NOV 2024 · In this candid episode, I’m joined by my wife as we tackle a topic that's on everyone’s mind: Are we relying on technology too much? My wife shares her unfiltered thoughts on how tech is creeping into every corner of our lives, sometimes causing more problems than it solves. From smart homes to smartphones, we discuss the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating ways tech is taking over.
You know how risky this is, right?!
Explicit
5 NOV 2024 · In this eye-opening episode of InfoSec to Insanity, we're joined by cybersecurity expert Lyle Melnychuk to tackle one of the biggest traps in the industry—over-relying on products to solve security problems. Lyle brings his no-nonsense perspective on why simply chasing the latest tools and tech won’t keep you safe from the real threats lurking out there. We dive into the true art of building a strong security foundation, share some wild stories of breaches that could have been prevented, and explore how to avoid the common pitfalls that many companies fall into when building their defenses.
Expect a raw, unfiltered discussion that’s sure to make you rethink your approach to security.
Explicit
28 OCT 2024 · In this episode of Insanity to InfoSec, we're joined by the incredible Rachel Arnold for a raw and real conversation about breaking down stigmas in the cybersecurity industry. Rachel, a leader known for championing authenticity and mental well-being in tech, shares her journey and the importance of showing up as your true self. We'll dive into the pressures of the infosec world, the mental health challenges many face, and why it’s time to say "f*ck the stigma" and embrace authenticity. Get ready for an unfiltered discussion about the power of being unapologetically yourself, both in and out of the workplace.
The dialogue emphasizes the value of perspectives, the role of ego, and the need for open communication to foster a supportive community. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the importance of self-awareness and the continuous journey of self-improvement.
Explicit
22 OCT 2024 · In this episode of Insanity to InfoSec, Evan dives into the complex world of public sector cybersecurity with a special guest, Shawn Riley (former CIO, State of ND). With his extensive experience as a public sector IT leader and strategist, Shawn brings valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by government organizations in defending against cyber threats. We'll explore topics like navigating tight budgets, managing legacy systems, and how public sector entities can stay ahead in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Takeaways
- Transparency in cybersecurity leads to better outcomes.
- Many state IT leaders lack a technology background.
- The human element in technology is often overlooked.
- The safety and security of citizens' information transcends politics.
- Personalizing and humanizing cybersecurity issues is crucial for communication.
- Legislators prioritize re-election over cybersecurity initiatives.
- The political landscape can hinder effective cybersecurity measures.
- Many leaders develop a 'God complex' due to constant praise.
- Cybersecurity vulnerabilities are often downplayed or ignored.
- Cyber Sports is an innovative approach to teach cybersecurity skills.
- Complexity in technology significantly hinders security efforts.
- Accountability in cybersecurity is essential for improvement.
- Grassroots efforts can empower communities to defend against cyber threats.
- Cybersecurity should be approached like disaster preparedness.
- Collaboration and community engagement are necessary for progress.
Get ready for an honest and lively conversation on how we can fix the broken industry, starting with the public sector!
Explicit
14 OCT 2024 · In this episode, Chip Harris and Evan discuss the complexities of cybersecurity, personal experiences in military and tech backgrounds, the evolution of hacking, the impact of the OPM breach, and the challenges of maintaining anonymity in their line of work. They delve into the life of a private military contractor, the long game in cyber operations, and the dark side of data monetization, while also navigating the corporate landscape and discussing the future of cybersecurity.
Chip and Evan also discuss the challenges of the job market, particularly in the tech and cybersecurity fields. They share personal experiences with job applications, interviews, and the often frustrating role of human resources.
The discussion shifts to the complexities of working in government contracts and the slow pace of change in cybersecurity practices, especially regarding legacy systems. They emphasize the importance of authenticity in the industry and the need for practical solutions to improve cybersecurity in critical infrastructure.
Finally, the conversation concludes with a focus on Project Broken Mirror, an initiative aimed at mapping the attack surface of the entire country to enhance security awareness.
Explicit
4 OCT 2024 · In this engaging conversation, Evan and Oscar explore the intersections of personal experiences, professional challenges, and the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. They discuss the importance of trust, credibility, and situational awareness in both life and work, while sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the human side of the industry.
The dialogue also touches on cultural insights, community support during crises, and the value of perspective in understanding different experiences. Ultimately, they advocate for a balanced approach to technology adoption and incident response, highlighting the need for responsible decision-making and emotional intelligence.
Explicit
30 SEP 2024 · In this episode of the InfoSec to Insanity podcast, Evan and Michael Kennedy discuss various themes surrounding cybersecurity, including the importance of transparency, the role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and the launch of Ostra, a security as a service company. They share personal anecdotes, reflect on their journeys in technology, and emphasize the need for accountability and honesty in the industry.
The conversation also delves into defining events, incidents, and breaches, and highlights the challenges faced by professionals in the cybersecurity space. In this conversation, Michael Kennedy and Evan also focus on the importance of accountability, the challenges faced by CISOs, and the emotional and psychological impacts of working in the field. They explore the operational challenges of security tools, the stigma surrounding victims of cybercrime, and the need for self-awareness and compassion in the industry.
It's a jam packed episode!
20 SEP 2024 · In the inaugural episode of the InfoSec to Insanity Podcast, Evan welcomes his longtime friend Ryan Cloutier to discuss challenges and their experiences in information security. Both of them are together in Mexico, and things don't go off without a hitch. 20 minutes before the live show was set to begin, the power goes out! The show picks up immediately after Evan gets back from racing to get his generator up and running.
Once things settle down, they dig in, emphasizing the importance of mental health, authenticity, and personal growth. They share their journeys into the tech world, the impact of AI on cybersecurity, and the cultural challenges faced within the industry. The conversation is filled with humor, insights, and reflections on life, making it a relatable and engaging listen for everyone.
Takeaways:
- Be prepared (to get gas, power up the generator, and move all the podcast equipment immediately before a show starts).
- The podcast aims to address mental health in the cybersecurity field.
- Authenticity and vulnerability are crucial in tech discussions.
- AI is reshaping the landscape of cybersecurity.
- Cultural challenges in the industry can hinder progress.
- Personal growth is a continuous journey in tech.
- Building relationships is key in information security.
- The importance of sharing experiences and wisdom.
- Technical challenges are common in podcasting and tech.
- Humor can be a powerful tool in stressful environments.
- Appreciating the little things in life enhances overall well-being.
Welcome to the InfoSec to Insanity Podcast, a wild, unfiltered ride through the crazy world of information security. Hosted by the legendary Evan Francen—the man on a mission to fix...
show more
Welcome to the InfoSec to Insanity Podcast, a wild, unfiltered ride through the crazy world of information security. Hosted by the legendary Evan Francen—the man on a mission to fix the broken InfoSec industry—you’ll get straight talk, insane stories, and no-nonsense advice on how we can make real change in cybersecurity.Evan is no stranger to breaking down tough topics, with over 30 years of practical InfoSec experience, founding FRSecure and SecurityStudio, and helping the world make sense of security risks. He’s also written UNSECURITY, where he tells it like it is—our industry is failing, but it’s fixable. If you’ve ever felt like InfoSec was more chaos than clarity, then this podcast is exactly what you need.Why Tune In?
show less
- Candid Conversations: No fluff, no corporate BS. Just real talk about the state of security.
- Battle Stories: Evan’s got tales—from advising on the infamous Target breach to helping protect companies like Wells Fargo and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
- Fixing the Industry: Join us as we tackle the tough questions: Why do breaches keep happening? What’s wrong with InfoSec? And how can we fix it?
- Fun and Relatable: Evan brings his humor, hacker mindset, and love for diving into problems head-on—sometimes literally when he’s out scuba diving or tearing down a motorcycle!
Information
| Author | Evan Francen |
| Organization | Evan Francen |
| Categories | Technology , Personal Journals , Management |
| Website | evanfrancen.com |
| evan@infosec2insanity.com |
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