Bridging Academia and Industry: Josh Brunty’s Approach to Cybersecurity Training and Recruitment
Welcome to this week’s episode of Forcepoint’s “To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast.” Hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher are joined by Dr. Josh Brunty, Professor of Cyber Forensics and Cybersecurity at Marshall University and the head coach of the U.S. Cyber Team for the U.S. Cyber Games. Together, they dive into the latest trends in cybersecurity education, the evolving demands of the cyber workforce, and how hands-on competitions prepare the next generation of talent for real-world cyber challenges. Dr. Brunty shares his journey from industry practitioner to academic trailblazer, his perspective on building forward-thinking curriculum, and the rise of specialization among cyber students. The conversation highlights the innovative strategies powering the U.S. Cyber Team’s international success—including the role of AI and automation in competition—and discusses pathways into cybersecurity for young talent, with or without a college degree. Plus, hear inspiring stories about the entrepreneurial spirit flourishing among these future cyber leaders. Whether you're a student, a parent, or a cybersecurity professional, this episode is packed with insights on how to succeed and thrive in the fast-changing world of cyber. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e355
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Evolving Past Whack-a-Mole: Building Resilient Security Strategies for Modern Supply Chain Threats with Chris Hurst
On this episode of To the Point Cybersecurity, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher are joined by Chris Hurst, CTO and Co - Founder of Blackwired, to unpack the rapidly evolving landscape of supply chain attacks, credential theft, and the future of cyber defense strategies. Drawing from his extensive experience in military-grade intelligence and security leadership—including developing key frameworks for UK government—Chris shares eye-opening stories from the trenches, offering a stark look at today’s hidden cyber threats and the brittle foundations that support critical industries. From dissecting the mechanics of recent supply chain breaches to challenging the conventional approaches in threat intelligence and cyber resilience, Chris explains why the current "whack-a-mole" mindset in cybersecurity just isn't cutting it anymore. Together, the group explores the critical role of intelligence-led defense, the unintended consequences of legacy tech, and the urgent need for fresh thinking—especially as new generations shape the future of the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned CISO or just passionate about cybersecurity, this conversation is packed with practical insights, frontline anecdotes, and forward-looking advice to help you stay a step ahead in a world where the adversary never sleeps. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e354
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How AI and Third Party Risk Are Transforming Healthcare Cybersecurity with Ed Gaudet Part 2
Welcome back to the To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast! In this week’s episode, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher continue their engaging conversation with Ed Gaudet, CEO and founder of Censinet, as they dive even deeper into the evolving world of risk management in healthcare and beyond. Ed unpacks the complex landscape of AI adoption, from ambient listening in clinical settings to the delicate balance of technological innovation and patient safety. The discussion covers the limitations of current risk ratings, the continuous nature of cyber threats, and why traditional approaches—like static audits and certification “scorecards”—fall short in today’s rapidly changing environment. Ed also shares his vision for a future framework similar to GAAP for cybersecurity, emphasizes the critical importance of board-level leadership, and explores the challenges of fostering true transparency in risk reporting. With insights that span from technical to strategic, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for business and security leaders navigating the ever-shifting risk landscape. Tune in—and don’t forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of cybersecurity perspective! For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e353
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How AI and Third Party Risk Are Transforming Healthcare Cybersecurity with Ed Gaudet
Welcome back to To the Point Cybersecurity Podcast! This week, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher sit down with Ed Gaudet, CEO and founder of Senseinet, to dive into the rapidly evolving world of third-party risk management—especially in the healthcare sector. Ed brings more than 25 years of software and cybersecurity expertise, and he shares how the healthcare industry has moved from lagging behind in tech adoption to becoming a proving ground for everything from cloud transformation to AI-driven innovations. In this episode, Ed unpacks the new complexities of managing third-party and enterprise risk in a world where nearly every business process depends on cloud solutions, SaaS vendors, IoT, medical devices, and artificial intelligence. The conversation highlights the rising importance of security response, recovery, and building “secure by design” frameworks. Hear insights on the exponential growth of attack surfaces in healthcare, the challenges of AI governance, and how organizations can balance the promise of innovation with the pressing need to protect patient safety and data quality. Whether you’re interested in the latest cybersecurity strategies or looking for real-world lessons from industry leaders, this episode is packed with takeaways on how to future-proof your organization against an ever-evolving threat landscape. Don’t miss it! For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e352
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Breaking Down the Human Side of Advanced Cyber Attacks and Social Engineering with Margaret Cunningham Part 2
Welcome back to To the Point Cybersecurity! In this episode, hosts Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher continue their fascinating conversation with Dr. Margaret Cunningham, Technical Director of Security and AI Strategy at Darktrace. With a background in applied experimental psychology and deep expertise in human-centered security, Dr. Cunningham dives into the real-world challenges and opportunities facing today’s cybersecurity professionals. Together, they tackle everything from the simplicity—and sometimes the limitations—of “safe words” for security, to the complexities of measuring team performance and the persistent struggle to balance risk and resilience. Dr. Cunningham challenges the industry’s tendency to fixate on failures instead of celebrating successes, and she discusses the real impact AI and automation are having—both helpful and misleading—on cognitive workloads, security processes, and human expertise. Whether you’re curious about the human side of security, the changing landscape of AI in cybersecurity, or are just looking for practical ways to spark positive change in your organization, this episode is packed with thought-provoking insights and actionable advice. So sit back and join us for a candid conversation that will leave you questioning how we define success in security and how we can all prepare for an AI-driven future. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e351
Stay ahead in the dynamic world of cybersecurity with "To the Point Cybersecurity." This podcast offers in-depth discussions on the latest cyber threats, trends, and technologies impacting businesses, governments, and communities globally.
Listeners will gain insights into how emerging technologies, such as AI and frameworks like data governance and expanded global cyber regulations, are shaping modern security practices. The podcast also provides practical strategies for navigating the ever-evolving threat landscape, including innovative approaches to data protection and insider threat mitigation.
Each episode features thought leaders and influencers who share their expertise and experiences, providing valuable perspectives on how to tackle cybersecurity challenges effectively. Whether you are a business leader, a government official, or simply interested in cybersecurity, "To the Point Cybersecurity" delivers the knowledge you need to stay informed and protected.
Rachael Lyon hosts the podcast, bringing over 20 years of experience in technology and work with global industry leaders and innovative start-ups. Co-host Jonathan Knepher serves as the Vice President of Site Reliability Engineering at Forcepoint. With nearly two decades of experience in cybersecurity and strategic leadership, Jonathan is focused on enhancing system reliability and performance.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms to keep up with the latest in cybersecurity.
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