Cybersecurity Musings & Super Villains (Are They Really That Super?) by Raj Samani

Well, the New Year started with a bang – already with disclosed documents and some significant malware outbreaks.  It’s safe to say 2019 will be a year without much sleep! Before the year ended, however, I took the time to talk with Brian Contos, CISO of Verodin. Brian and I became colleagues in 2010 whilst he ran emerging markets at McAfee. During that time, I was McAfee’s CTO in EMEA. We’ve remained close ever since, so I was excited to join him on the Cybersecurity Effectiveness Podcast. We discussed everything from super villains (are they really super?) to some meaty, security-related topics.

You can listen to the podcast here or directly through iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also read the podcast transcription here.

I guess the one perspective I shared that may end in me being flamed was about the cybersecurity skills shortage. It was in Miami last year where I said, “There is no skills gap, just a lack of courage.” Now that is not to say we do not need more people in the industry – in fact, quite the opposite! Rather, we have to start entrusting more people outside the industry who have a genuine desire to learn and get experience. There’s no use putting out roles for a GCIH certified analyst, demand three years of experience, and question why people want double what is on offer!   

That brings me to the second part of the discussion: What can we be doing to inspire more people and kids to enter the exciting world of cybersecurity? Are you speaking at local schools? Are you encouraging or even taking on interns? There is a lot we can be doing, and we cover this in part during the podcast.

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Anyway, enough typing, and now to listening. I hope you enjoy the podcast… I have to say we did deviate quite a lot, so I hope you enjoy!

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