Summary

In this episode of the Hackers to Founders podcast, host Chris REal0day interviews Greg Martin, a prominent figure in the cybersecurity field. Greg shares his journey from a young hacker in a small Texas town to becoming the CEO of Go Security. He discusses his early fascination with computers, the rise of Linux, and his first job at a local ISP. As he transitioned into the world of data centers and cloud computing, Greg also recounts his experiences working with law enforcement agencies like the FBI and Secret Service on cybercrime initiatives. The conversation highlights the evolution of cybersecurity and Greg's entrepreneurial ventures. In this conversation, Greg Martin shares his journey from feeling like an imposter in the cybersecurity field to being recruited by the NSA. He discusses the challenges he faced during the recruitment process, his experiences at ArcSight, and the importance of mentorship in cybersecurity. Greg also reflects on his transition from employee to entrepreneur, emphasizing the significance of training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. In this conversation, Greg Martin shares his journey from developing a cybersecurity tool to founding multiple startups, including Ghost AI. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of securing investment, and the evolving role of AI in business. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship, the realities of startup life, and the innovative solutions being developed in the application security space.

Takeaways

• Greg Martin's journey in cybersecurity began at a young age.
• He was inspired by movies depicting hacking culture.
• Linux played a crucial role in his early career.
• His first job was at a local ISP where he learned networking.
• Greg transitioned to data centers during the rise of cloud computing.
• He worked closely with law enforcement on cybercrime cases.
• The Secret Service's Nitro program focused on cybercrime.
• Private sector collaboration is essential in combating cyber threats.
• Greg's entrepreneurial spirit led him to found multiple companies.
• His experiences shaped his understanding of cybersecurity's complexities.
• Cybersecurity professionals often experience imposter syndrome.
• Recruitment by the NSA can feel surreal and movie-like.
• Young talent in cybersecurity can be intimidating.
• The interview process at the NSA is rigorous and unique.
• Honesty in background checks can impact career opportunities.
• Transitioning to a startup can open new doors.
• Building software for cybersecurity requires creativity and passion.
• Mentorship is crucial for the growth of young professionals.
• Entrepreneurship in cybersecurity can stem from open-source projects.
• The journey from employee to founder is filled with challenges.
• Starting a company can stem from recognizing a valuable opportunity.
• Navigating early challenges is crucial for startup success.
• Securing investment is often about finding the right partners.
• The entrepreneurial journey is filled with ups and downs.
• AI is transforming the landscape of business and security.
• Investing in startups carries significant risks and rewards.
• Mentorship can be a game-changer for first-time founders.
• Automation can significantly enhance productivity in tech roles.
• Understanding market needs is essential for successful entrepreneurship.
• Building a product that evolves with technology is key to long-term success.

Greg Martin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregcmartin/
Ghost Security - https://ghostsecurity.com/
Ghost Security Reaper - https://github.com/ghostsecurity/reaper

Summary
In this episode, Chris interviews Hannah Latonick, a cybersecurity expert with over 18 years of experience. They discuss Hannah's journey into cybersecurity, her experiences with Capture the Flag competitions, her role at Dark Wolf Solutions, and her insights on government contracts and networking. Hannah shares valuable advice for aspiring cybersecurity entrepreneurs and highlights innovative projects her team is working on, including a focus on drone technology and vulnerability research. In this conversation, Hahna Latonick discusses her journey in cybersecurity, the importance of data security in hostile environments, and the future of Dark Wolf Solutions. She shares insights on scaling success in defense contracting, building strong customer relationships, and the role of mentorship in her career. Hahna reflects on her entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, explores various side hustles, and discusses her experiences with seed funding and startups. She emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself and continuous learning, particularly in the field of cybersecurity training. The conversation concludes with Hahna sharing her upcoming conferences and networking opportunities.

Takeaways

• Hannah Latonickhas over 18 years of experience in cybersecurity.
• Her journey began with a family computer and curiosity about technology.
• Capture the Flag competitions played a significant role in her career.
• Dark Wolf Solutions focuses on finding zero-day vulnerabilities.
• Networking is crucial for small businesses in government contracting.
• Small business set-asides on SAM.gov provide opportunities for new companies.
• Engaging with small business offices can facilitate government contracts.
• Conferences and trade shows are valuable for networking and learning.
• Cybersecurity is vital for national security and everyday life.
• Innovative projects include automated tools for vulnerability discovery. Data security is crucial, especially in hostile environments.
• Dark Wolf Solutions aims to compete with top defense contractors.
• Customer intimacy is key to successful contracting.
• Mentorship has played a significant role in my career growth.
• Entrepreneurial spirit can start from a young age.
• Investing in yourself opens up more opportunities.
• Continuous learning is essential in the tech industry.
• Teaching cybersecurity helps reinforce my own knowledge.
• Networking at conferences is vital for career advancement.
• Exploring side hustles can lead to new business opportunities.

Hahna Latonick
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hahnakane/
X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/hahnakane
BSides Tampa Presentation - https://youtu.be/xi5EFPmw18g?si=w10fpRjv4hswWMc_

Dark Wolf Solutions
Website - https://darkwolfsolutions.com/
Android Security Research Playbook - https://asrp.darkwolf.io/
Drone Security Research Playbook - https://dronewolf.darkwolf.io/
IoT Exploitation Blog Post - https://blog.darkwolfsolutions.com/dws-blog-09-26-2024-ep-15
Spoofing Mint Browser Blog Post - https://blog.darkwolfsolutions.com/dws-blog-07-30-2024-ep-8

Topics
Mastering Your Money - Stop Yearning Start Earning - https://amzn.to/48nuOTf
Unlock Your Millionaire Mindset Today Course - https://www.udemy.com/course/unlock-your-millionaire-mindset-today/
The Personal MBA - https://amzn.to/3Ys9gQE

Summary

In this episode, Chris Real0day interviews Alan Braithwaite, Co-Founder and CTO of RunReveal. They discuss Alan's journey from hacker to entrepreneur, his literary influences, the philosophical foundations of his work in cybersecurity, and the importance of curiosity and learning in the hacker mindset. Alan shares insights from his early experiences with gaming, his education, and his career at Cloudflare and Segment, highlighting the lessons learned along the way. The conversation culminates in a discussion about building RunReveal and understanding customer needs in the cybersecurity landscape. In this conversation, Alan discusses the importance of customer feedback in product development, emphasizing the value of engaging with paying customers. He shares insights on building a user-friendly product, the significance of data management and security, and the introduction of streaming detections. Alan also outlines his vision for a flexible security pipeline and strategies for customer acquisition. The discussion touches on the challenges of on-prem solutions, the journey of founding a startup, and the role of community in innovation. Alan highlights the balance between focusing on the big picture and being present in the moment, concluding with recommendations for books and resources that have influenced his journey.