The Phillip Wylie Show episode featuring John Rodriguez from Cyber Dagger:
🔍 Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Phillip Wylie Show, cybersecurity expert John Rodriguez, founder of Cyber Dagger, shares his inspiring journey from the military to launching a cybersecurity company. John dives into the critical challenges faced by educational institutions and nonprofits, the growing threat of ransomware, and why a holistic security strategy is vital. He emphasizes the power of mentorship, community service, and continuous hands-on learning in shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. This conversation is packed with real-world insights, career tips, and practical approaches to improving cyber defenses.
✅ Key Takeaways:
Giving back through cybersecurity strengthens communities and builds talent pipelines.
Diverse backgrounds, like military service, offer valuable skills for cyber careers.
Schools and nonprofits are prime targets for ransomware and must prioritize security.
Mentorship and guidance are essential to developing future cyber leaders.
Adversarial thinking is crucial for effective red teaming and threat response.
Building in-house tools and platforms can greatly improve cyber resilience.
Don’t rush—take time to master the fundamentals and stay curious.
🎧 Memorable Sound Bites:
"It's important that we stay together."
"Don't rush through it."
"Leave it better than what you found it."
🕒 Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Intro to John Rodriguez & Cyber Dagger
02:22 – From Military to Cybersecurity
04:45 – Mentorship's Role in Cybersecurity
07:05 – Securing K–12 and Nonprofits
09:31 – Ransomware Realities in Education
12:16 – Why Incident Response Matters
15:48 – Pen Testing vs. Incident Response
18:18 – Real-World Testing in Cybersecurity
21:38 – Role of EDR & Security Platforms
24:53 – Military Influence on Cyber Strategy
27:49 – Holistic Security: Why It Matters
31:05 – Building In-House Security Tools
36:09 – Career Advice for Aspiring Pros
41:15 – The Power of Mentorship & Community
🔗 Resources & Links:
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