Welcome back to the Off the Wire Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of cybersecurity from an offensive standpoint. We sit down with Slade, the President of Contextual Security Solutions, to uncover what truly works in defending against real attack methods. Slade shares captivating stories and practical insights on penetration testing tools, the effectiveness of current security solutions, and the importance of visibility in cybersecurity. We discuss everything from the impact of technical configuration and tuning to the challenges of ransomware as a service. Learn how to communicate effectively with senior leadership, understand the significance of a dedicated cybersecurity budget, and get advice on the traits to look for when building a cybersecurity team. Real-world examples and fascinating anecdotes make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in enhancing their cybersecurity posture. Don't miss out on Slade's valuable knowledge and entertaining demonstrations that aim to increase awareness and security mindfulness. Get ready to take notes and share this insightful discussion with your peers!
00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Podcast
00:23 Meet Slade: The Cybersecurity Expert
00:48 Slade's Attention-Grabbing Demos
05:30 Memorable Pen Testing Stories
08:51 Challenges in Cybersecurity
11:49 Small IT Departments and Security
16:12 Effective Security Measures
24:41 Business and Technical Perspectives
29:41 The Importance of Measurement and Incentives
31:05 Emerging Technologies and AI Challenges
33:24 Cybersecurity Threats and Preparedness
43:56 Soft Skills and Career Advice
46:55 Technical Skills and Budgeting in Cybersecurity
49:05 Reflections and Personal Growth
53:59 Future Topics and Final Thoughts
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills
As Director of The Men’s Clinic at UCLA, Dr. Jesse Mills has spent his career helping men understand their bodies, their hormones, and their health. Now he’s bringing that expertise to The Male Room — a podcast where data-driven medicine meets common sense. Each episode separates fact from hype, science from snake oil, and gives men the tools to live longer, stronger, and happier lives. With candor, humor, and real-world experience from the exam room and the operating room, Dr. Mills breaks down the latest health headlines, dissects trends, and explains what actually works — and what doesn’t. Smart, straightforward, and entertaining, The Male Room is the show that helps men take charge of their health without the jargon.