SIMEON KAKPOVI's on a Mission to Make Cybersecurity Learning Free Through KC7's Game-based Education

In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Simeon Kakpovi, the founder of the KC7 Foundation and a senior threat intelligence analyst at Microsoft. We discuss his transition from a network defender at Lockheed Martin to shaping a more inclusive future in cybersecurity through his nonprofit organization. Kakpovi shares his vision for breaking barriers in the industry, the importance of mentorship, and making cybersecurity accessible. We also explore his academic journey, the role of passion and mentorship, and how his diverse experiences have shaped his approach to creating opportunities for the next generation of cyber defenders. Tune in to learn how KC7 is revolutionizing cybersecurity education and what lies ahead for this impactful initiative.

 

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Simeon Kakpovi

01:15 Simeon's Vision for KC7 Foundation

04:31 Simeon's Background and Early Influences

08:01 Journey Through Education and Early Career

17:03 Discovering a Passion for Cybersecurity

19:27 Internships and Early Professional Experiences

24:15 Transition to Full-Time Role and Specialization

32:14 Insights into Threat Intelligence and Blue Teaming

44:52 Taking a Shot: Career Progression in Threat Intelligence

45:31 Interview Process for Threat Intelligence Roles

46:43 The Role of a Threat Intelligence Analyst at Microsoft

47:25 The Importance of Context in Threat Intelligence

50:40 Defensive Strategies and the Cyber Kill Chain

54:11 The Journey and Future of a Threat Intelligence Career

55:04 Introducing KC7: A Game-Changer in Cybersecurity Education

59:05 Jibby's Journey: From Watchmaker to Cybersecurity Analyst

01:03:16 Breaking Barriers: Diversity and Inclusion in Cybersecurity

01:11:45 The Future of KC7 and Its Impact on Cybersecurity

01:18:35 Final Thoughts and Professional Advice

 

 

People Mentioned:

Jotham Ty - CEO of Gappify

Kate Nickels - Senior Director of Intelligence Operations at Red Canary and SANS Certified Instructor

John Doyle - Global Lead of Custom Intelligence Training Services at Mandiant

Ismael Valenzuela - Vice President Threat Research & Intelligence at Arctic Wolf, SANS Author & Senior Instructor

Jibby Saetang - Security Researcher at Microsoft Security & Threat Intel Content Lead at KC7 Foundation

 

Books Mentioned:

I Moved Your Cheese by Deepak Maholtra

 

Tools Mentioned:

• KC7 Cyber - A cyber detetive game for hands-on SOC and threat-hunting practice
• Mimikatz - open-source tool developed by Benjamin Delpy to expose vulnerabilities in Windows security. It can extract credentials such as passwords, hashes, and Kerberos tickets from a system's memory.
• SEC530: Defensible Security Architecture and Engineering: Implementing Zero Trust for the Hybrid Enterprise

 

Organization/Community Mentioned:

• ISSA
• Year Up United

 

Events Mentioned:

• Sans Institute New2Cyber - A program helping newcomers break into cybersecurity through training and mentorship

 

Listen to Jibby Saetang’s Episode:

• EP 001 - JIBBY SAETANG’s Unconventional Path: From Watchmaker to Cybersecurity Pro in 1 Year (No IT Background or Certifications Needed)

 

Simeon Kakpovi's Socials:

• Simeon's LinkedIn

 

K.O's Socials:

• K.O's Instagram