065. Cybersecurity for the Greater Good: Armora Rama and the Mission Behind ThinkCyber Foundation
In this episode of #CyberChats, we’re joined by Armora Rama, founder of the ThinkCyber Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to making cybersecurity accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone.Armora shares her personal journey into cybersecurity and the inspiration behind ThinkCyber’s mission of “Cybersecurity for the Greater Good.” She dives into how the foundation bridges the gap between students and professionals, turning cybersecurity into a shared mindset, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to take part in creating a safer, more trustworthy digital world.Tune in to learn how the ThinkCyber Foundation is redefining what it means to be “cyber aware,” fostering collaboration across generations, and helping communities understand the real-world implications of cybersecurity in our everyday lives.Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcastTopics discussed: non-profit, mentorship programs, cybersecurity careers, cyber mindset, culture change, cybersecurity training Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5
23 Okt 32min
064. From High School to the Tech Lab – Jay Patel on His Internship at TAC and Path to Designing the Secure Systems of Tomorrow
In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with Jay Patel, a high school senior whose passion for cybersecurity has already taken him into the professional tech world. Jay recently completed an internship at the Technology Advancement Center, where he gained hands-on experience learning how hardware and software work together – and how vulnerabilities in those systems can be exploited.We talk about how Jay discovered his interest in cybersecurity at a young age, what he learned during his internship, and why system security has become such an important focus for his future. From understanding why devices and programs have security flaws to exploring how we can design safer systems, Jay shares insights that are valuable for anyone curious about cybersecurity – especially students looking to follow a similar path.Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcastTopics discussed: system security, college, student programs, cybersecurity internships, TAC. Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5
9 Okt 16min
063. Hondo Owls in the Cyber Sky: Coaching, Competing, and Connecting in a Hyper-Connected World
In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the world of cyber competitions with Frederick Hall – Cyber Education Leader for Texas District 23 and CyberPatriot coach for both the Medina Valley High School AFJROTC and the Hondo Cyber Owls – alongside Jessica Counselman, Team Captain of the Hondo Cyber Owls.Fred shares what it’s like to guide middle and high school students through the fast-paced world of CyberPatriot competitions, while Jessica gives us a firsthand look at the excitement (and pressure!) of being a teen cyber defender.We explore how ubiquitous connectivity – from smartphones to smart fridges – shapes the way we train the next generation of cyber leaders, and how the skills learned by the Hondo Cyber Owls go far beyond competition. Tune in to hear stories of teamwork, strategy, growth, and what it really takes to soar in the ever-connected cyber sky. 🦉💻Want more? Be sure to check out Frederick Hall’s recent talk on Protecting Children from Online Predators: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-10phc0TRVE&list=PLkEvzMtDFvPEHIQMOiJhdEMroHnpyNcJg&index=5Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcastTopics discussed: Cybersecurity education, CyberPatriot, ubiquitous connectivity, career development, preparation, security, cyber competitionStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5
25 Sep 27min
062. Thinking Like an Opponent: Back-to-School Cyber Lessons with CTE Teacher of the Year
It’s back-to-school season, and #CyberChats is kicking things off with a special guest: 2025 MCTA CTE Teacher of the Year, Robin Burns! From making cybersecurity feel like a puzzle instead of a textbook, to supporting students in the fast-paced Cyber Feud competition, she’s teaching the next generation how to think differently – like strategists, problem-solvers, and even opponents.In this episode, we dive into the idea of adversarial thinking – what it means, why it matters, and how it helps students in the classroom, in competitions, and in life. Whether you’re a cyber student or just curious about the world of cybersecurity, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on how today’s learners are preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcastTopics discussed: adversarial thinking, back to school, cyber challenges, cyber learningStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5
11 Sep 27min
061. School Hacks: What to Know About the Cyberattack on PowerSchool
What happens when schools are targeted by a cyberattack? In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the nationwide hack of PowerSchool, which impacted 60 million students and 10 million educators.We explore what happened, how the breach was possible, and the kinds of information that were exposed.Plus: We look at the legal fallout, PowerSchool’s response, and how to make sure your school is properly protecting itself.Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcastTopics discussed: data privacy, PowerSchool, cybersecurity, data protection.Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5
28 Aug 18min
060. Launching Cyber Careers: UMGC Share their Pathways to Cyber
In this episode, we talk with cybersecurity students and recent grads from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) about their paths into cyber, balancing work and school, and how hands-on learning—like competitions, virtual labs, and real-world projects—is shaping their careers.They share tips, experiences, and advice for anyone looking to break into the field or level up through experiential learning.🎧 Don’t miss this inside look at what it takes to become job-ready in cybersecurity!Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcastTopics discussed: cybersecurity education, experiential learning, capture the flag (CTF) eventsStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5
14 Aug 38min
059. Stolen DNA: What Really Happened at 23andMe
What happens when your DNA gets hacked? In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the 2023 cyberattack on 23andMe — one of the biggest genetic data breaches ever.We break down how it happened (spoiler: reused passwords), why it matters (even if you never signed up), and how your DNA could still be out there... years later.Plus: We unpack the $30 million lawsuit, the company’s bankruptcy, and how to protect your data now.Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcastTopics discussed: data privacy, 23andMe, cybersecurity, data protection.Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5
31 Jul 20min
058. From Federal Service to the Private Sector — Greg Sisson on Cyber Leadership Across Sectors
In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with Greg Sisson, COO of CI-Discern and former CISO for the U.S. Department of Energy, for an engaging conversation on navigating a cybersecurity career across government and industry.Greg shares lessons from nearly 40 years in public service before transitioning into the private sector with EY and eventually launching his own firm. Greg breaks down what it really means to lead in cybersecurity—whether you’re in uniform, in government, or in the boardroom. We dive into the differences between working in public vs. private cybersecurity, the lessons learned from both, and how young professionals can find their footing in a field that never stops evolving.Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at:https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcastTopics discussed: energy, cybersecurity, leadership, private sector, public sector, career pivots, underrated cyber skillsStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5
17 Jul 39min
