E035 - 2024 Year in Review: AI, Cyber Lessons, & Personal Growth

In this episode of Socializing Security, Milou and Brian take a step back to reflect on the rollercoaster that was 2024. From the explosive rise of generative AI to personal growth and the power of strong relationships, they unpack the biggest trends, challenges, and wins of the year. They dive into AI’s evolving role in security and privacy, debating whether it’s truly transformative or just another overhyped bubble. The conversation also gets personal as they share what they’ve learned from a year of podcasting—navigating adversity, balancing passion with sustainability, and the unexpected friendships formed along the way. They also get into why soft skills are a game-changer in cybersecurity, why going back to basics is still the best strategy for security programs, and what’s ahead for Socializing Security in 2025. It’s a candid, insightful, and (as always) fun conversation you won’t want to miss! Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth 04:09 Generative AI: Boon or Bane? 14:39 Personal Highlights and Relationships in 2024 19:58 The Journey of Podcasting 22:26 Facing Adversity Together 26:30 Learning from Challenges 28:58 The Importance of Soft Skills 31:45 Back to Basics in Cybersecurity 36:29 Reflecting on Growth and Future Goals