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When it comes to cybersecurity, we're not hacking systems—we're hacking behaviors. This enlightening conversation with Philip McKibbins, CIO and CTO of the Dallas Mavericks, reveals how human psychology, not just technology, forms the foundation of truly effective security.

McKibbins brings extraordinary perspective from his 30-year career spanning Walt Disney (where he wrote their business continuity and disaster recovery plan), ESPN, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and now the NBA. His journey demonstrates how security principles remain consistent even across vastly different industries.

The podcast delves into practical strategies for motivating employees to embrace security practices. McKibbins shares how the Mavericks blend active and passive security testing with positive reinforcement rather than punishment. "When someone passes our tests, we praise them," he explains, highlighting the importance of catching people doing the right thing rather than focusing only on failures.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the emphasis on making security accessible. McKibbins describes how encouraging employees to teach cybersecurity to their families transforms their relationship with security—they become experts at home, fundamentally rewiring how they approach threats. This simple yet powerful technique enhances compliance without additional technology investments.

The conversation takes fascinating turns through behind-the-scenes stories, including how McKibbins helped former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recover from an account breach, and the increased attack volume during high-profile moments like trades. These real-world examples illustrate why organizations must remain vigilant regardless of their industry or size.

Perhaps most surprisingly, both host Joshua Crumbaugh and McKibbins agree that low-tech solutions often prove most effective against sophisticated threats. As AI-generated content becomes increasingly convincing, the simple act of picking up the phone to verify suspicious requests becomes invaluable. "Trust but verify actually works," McKibbins emphasizes.

Whether you're a security professional looking for practical motivation strategies or a business leader wanting to strengthen your organization's human firewall, this episode offers actionable insights that transform security from a technical challenge into a cultural advantage.

Joshua Crumbaugh is a world-renowned ethical hacker and a subject matter expert in social engineering and behavioral science. As the CEO and Founder of PhishFirewall, he brings a unique perspective on cybersecurity, leveraging his deep expertise to help organizations understand and combat human-centered vulnerabilities in their security posture. His work focuses on redefining security awareness through cutting-edge AI, behavioral insights, and innovative phishing simulations.

PhishFirewall uses AI-driven micro-training and continuous, TikTok-style video content to eliminate 99% of risky clicks—zero admin effort required. Ready to see how we can fortify your team against phishing threats? Schedule a quick demo today!

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Steve Fridakis, CISO of Oracle Health, shares his journey through cybersecurity across industries and explores the transformative impact of AI on healthcare security.

• 25 years of cybersecurity experience spanning airlines, United Nations, media (HBO), and healthcare
• Common security foundations across industries despite significant differences in threat landscapes
• AI enabling physicians to capture diagnoses using natural language while validating against patient history
• AI security tools helping validate systems and correlate petabytes of daily log information
• Current cybersecurity mindset shifting equal focus to recovery capabilities alongside prevention
• Zero Trust implementation minimizing breach impact when inevitable human errors occur
• Simple security fundamentals remaining the root cause of most breaches despite evolving threats
• Leadership in security requiring empathy and understanding that people need to do their jobs
• Building security cultures based on shared responsibility rather than compliance mandates
• Success in cybersecurity measured by resilience and recovery speed rather than perfect prevention

Building effective security requires understanding that "our people—not our tech, not our firewalls—they are our first and last line of defense."

Joshua Crumbaugh is a world-renowned ethical hacker and a subject matter expert in social engineering and behavioral science. As the CEO and Founder of PhishFirewall, he brings a unique perspective on cybersecurity, leveraging his deep expertise to help organizations understand and combat human-centered vulnerabilities in their security posture. His work focuses on redefining security awareness through cutting-edge AI, behavioral insights, and innovative phishing simulations.

PhishFirewall uses AI-driven micro-training and continuous, TikTok-style video content to eliminate 99% of risky clicks—zero admin effort required. Ready to see how we can fortify your team against phishing threats? Schedule a quick demo today!

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A transformative look at quantum computing's implications for businesses, especially around cybersecurity, with industry expert Bill Genovese from Kyndryl. Key insights into navigating this technology are presented, emphasizing urgency and strategic planning.

• Quantum computing's transformative potential in everyday business
• Bill's extensive background in leading global tech initiatives
• The urgency for businesses to adapt to quantum threats
• Exploring post-quantum encryption and its necessity
• The convergence of quantum and AI technologies
• The importance of developing a strategic framework for risk management
• Lessons from past tech disruptions like Y2K
• Practical steps organizations can take to prepare for the quantum frontier
• Critical services to fortify against cyber vulnerabilities

Joshua Crumbaugh is a world-renowned ethical hacker and a subject matter expert in social engineering and behavioral science. As the CEO and Founder of PhishFirewall, he brings a unique perspective on cybersecurity, leveraging his deep expertise to help organizations understand and combat human-centered vulnerabilities in their security posture. His work focuses on redefining security awareness through cutting-edge AI, behavioral insights, and innovative phishing simulations.

PhishFirewall uses AI-driven micro-training and continuous, TikTok-style video content to eliminate 99% of risky clicks—zero admin effort required. Ready to see how we can fortify your team against phishing threats? Schedule a quick demo today!

Send us a text

Kevin Walsh joins us to share his wealth of experience in cybersecurity and the crucial role of human elements in security strategy. The discussion touches on compliance, phishing simulations, and the impact of AI in the realm of cybersecurity.

• Importance of understanding human behavior in cybersecurity
• Compliance: Balancing act between requirements and effective security
• The security culture: Building a proactive environment
• Phishing simulations: Making training relevant and effective
• AI's role in modern cybersecurity landscape
• Vendor security: Addressing the weakest link
• Strategies to engage all levels of staff in security practices

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Joshua Crumbaugh is a world-renowned ethical hacker and a subject matter expert in social engineering and behavioral science. As the CEO and Founder of PhishFirewall, he brings a unique perspective on cybersecurity, leveraging his deep expertise to help organizations understand and combat human-centered vulnerabilities in their security posture. His work focuses on redefining security awareness through cutting-edge AI, behavioral insights, and innovative phishing simulations.

PhishFirewall uses AI-driven micro-training and continuous, TikTok-style video content to eliminate 99% of risky clicks—zero admin effort required. Ready to see how we can fortify your team against phishing threats? Schedule a quick demo today!

Send us a text

The episode delves into the essential role of human factors in cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for integrating security awareness into daily operations. Eric Harris shares insights on effective training strategies, the importance of understanding social media risks, and the evolving landscape shaped by AI and deepfakes.

• Discussing Eric Harris's background and journey in cybersecurity
• Human-centric approach to tackling cybersecurity threats
• Analyzing social media risks, especially linked to professional platforms
• Strategies for creating effective security awareness programs
• The importance of positive reinforcement in training initiatives
• Leveraging AI while addressing its implications in cybersecurity
• Integrating security awareness into everyday business functions
• Encouraging user engagement and ownership in organizational security

Joshua Crumbaugh is a world-renowned ethical hacker and a subject matter expert in social engineering and behavioral science. As the CEO and Founder of PhishFirewall, he brings a unique perspective on cybersecurity, leveraging his deep expertise to help organizations understand and combat human-centered vulnerabilities in their security posture. His work focuses on redefining security awareness through cutting-edge AI, behavioral insights, and innovative phishing simulations.

PhishFirewall uses AI-driven micro-training and continuous, TikTok-style video content to eliminate 99% of risky clicks—zero admin effort required. Ready to see how we can fortify your team against phishing threats? Schedule a quick demo today!

Send us a text

In this episode, we dive deep into the human element of cybersecurity, exploring how personal experiences inform our understanding of threats and defenses. Tim Krabeck shares his journey from help desk IT to becoming a cybersecurity expert, emphasizing the importance of communication, collaboration, and continuous education in the fight against cyber threats.

• Tim's entry into cybersecurity through a phishing scam
• Importance of personal stories in understanding cybersecurity
• Role of red and blue teams in security practices
• Discussing the MITRE ATT&CK framework
• The significance of system hardening and user experience
• Dual-edged nature of AI in cybersecurity
• Need for ongoing phishing simulations and training
• Cultivating a culture of security awareness across teams

Joshua Crumbaugh is a world-renowned ethical hacker and a subject matter expert in social engineering and behavioral science. As the CEO and Founder of PhishFirewall, he brings a unique perspective on cybersecurity, leveraging his deep expertise to help organizations understand and combat human-centered vulnerabilities in their security posture. His work focuses on redefining security awareness through cutting-edge AI, behavioral insights, and innovative phishing simulations.

PhishFirewall uses AI-driven micro-training and continuous, TikTok-style video content to eliminate 99% of risky clicks—zero admin effort required. Ready to see how we can fortify your team against phishing threats? Schedule a quick demo today!

Send us a text

Uncover the fascinating intersection of human behavior and cybersecurity through the eyes of Tolgay Kizilelman, an expert in IT and cybersecurity. Explore how his career journey, from IT management to the pivotal role of CISO at the University of California, has shaped his unique perspective on the human element in cybersecurity. As we exchange stories, I share my own path from marketing to ethical hacking, highlighting the unexpected ways human psychology plays a critical role in both fields. This episode will leave you questioning the traditional approach to cybersecurity and appreciating the complexity of managing human behavior in a digital world.

As technology continues to evolve, so too does our relationship with it. Our conversation spans the generational divide, examining how different age groups perceive and integrate technology in daily life. We discuss the monumental impact of artificial intelligence, likening it to historical advancements like electricity and the internet. Our discussion navigates the potential and pitfalls of AI as it becomes an indispensable part of our lives and workplaces, and we stress the collective responsibility to educate and adapt in order to maximize its benefits while mitigating its risks.

Discover how maintaining the human touch in an increasingly automated world is essential, especially in the realm of AI security. We uncover strategies for effectively reducing risks through tailored training and the innovative use of gamification techniques. By making cybersecurity awareness engaging and relevant to diverse audiences, particularly younger generations, we equip listeners with the tools to recognize and respond to threats confidently. This episode offers a fresh perspective on how to address human vulnerabilities and harness AI's potential responsibly, ensuring a safer digital future for all.

Joshua Crumbaugh is a world-renowned ethical hacker and a subject matter expert in social engineering and behavioral science. As the CEO and Founder of PhishFirewall, he brings a unique perspective on cybersecurity, leveraging his deep expertise to help organizations understand and combat human-centered vulnerabilities in their security posture. His work focuses on redefining security awareness through cutting-edge AI, behavioral insights, and innovative phishing simulations.

PhishFirewall uses AI-driven micro-training and continuous, TikTok-style video content to eliminate 99% of risky clicks—zero admin effort required. Ready to see how we can fortify your team against phishing threats? Schedule a quick demo today!

Send us a text

Cybersecurity is evolving, with human behavior at its core and the need for robust security awareness training becoming more critical. Through the journey of Ashok Kakani, we explore the intersection of personal experiences, phishing incidents, and innovative approaches to training that engage employees and build a resilient cyber culture.

• Ashok's transition from science to cybersecurity
• Importance of front-line training in mitigating phishing
• Real-life phishing incident and lessons learned
• The role of AI in enhancing and complicating security
• Dangers of inadequate PII management
• Need for role-based training to combat specific threats
• Engaging employees through gamification in security awareness training
• Fostering a supportive environment in cybersecurity culture

Joshua Crumbaugh is a world-renowned ethical hacker and a subject matter expert in social engineering and behavioral science. As the CEO and Founder of PhishFirewall, he brings a unique perspective on cybersecurity, leveraging his deep expertise to help organizations understand and combat human-centered vulnerabilities in their security posture. His work focuses on redefining security awareness through cutting-edge AI, behavioral insights, and innovative phishing simulations.

PhishFirewall uses AI-driven micro-training and continuous, TikTok-style video content to eliminate 99% of risky clicks—zero admin effort required. Ready to see how we can fortify your team against phishing threats? Schedule a quick demo today!