Secured with Dr. KJ

• Proactive Defense

  Proactive Defense: Shaping the Future of CybersecurityEpisode Title: AI in Cybersecurity: A New EraHost & Guest:Host: Dr. Kenneth “KJ” JohnsonGuest: Joshua BoyceDuration: ~16 minutesKeywords:AI, cybersecurity, proactive defense, threat intelligence, data quality, incident response, human oversight, collaboration, security leaders, trustEpisode Summary:In this conversation, Joshua Boyce joins Dr. KJ to explore how AI is transforming cybersecurity from a reactive posture to a proactive defense model. They unpack the critical role of data quality in ensuring AI-driven systems are effective, the growing importance of cross-industry collaboration for threat intelligence sharing, and how organizations can balance AI automation with human oversight. The discussion underscores that AI should be viewed as a force multiplier, enhancing human capability rather than replacing it. The episode concludes with insights on building trust in AI systems and why security leaders must treat AI as an accelerant to human potential—one that reshapes both the attack surface and the way defenders respond.What You’ll Learn:Why AI is becoming a teammate in the SOC (Security Operations Center).How data quality determines the success of AI in cybersecurity.The value of cross-industry collaboration for proactive threat defense.Why human oversight remains essential in an AI-driven world.How organizations can shift from reactive to proactive cybersecurity strategies.Key Takeaways:AI is a force multiplier, not a replacement for human defenders.Data quality is foundational to effective AI implementation.Collaboration is essential for sharing threat intelligence across industries.Trust in AI systems is vital for long-term success.The future of cybersecurity is proactive, not reactive.Memorable Quotes:“AI is becoming a teammate in the SOC.”“AI is a force multiplier, not a replacement.”“Garbage in, garbage out.”Connect with the guestJoshua Boyce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaboyce/Listen & subscribeAcast: https://shows.acast.com/secured-with-dr-kjApple Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube: Search “Secured with Dr. KJ”Support the showIf this episode helped you, share it with your team, leave a quick rating/review, and follow the show for new episodes on cloud security, Zero Trust, AI-driven defense, and more.Securing tomorrow, one episode at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Securing Finance

  Season 2, Episode 5 – Secured with Dr. KJSecuring Finance: Protecting the Digital Backbone of BankingHost: Dr. KJGuest: Jerry Davis, Senior Cybersecurity Executive & Former CISO/CSO at multiple U.S. federal agencies and Fortune 500 companiesDuration: ~25 minutesKeywordsBanking Security, Cyber Resilience, Financial Services, Critical Infrastructure, AI in Security, National Security, Workforce Development, Public-Private Partnerships, Digital Backbone of FinanceEpisode SummaryKicking off Season 2 of Secured with Dr. KJ, we welcome Jerry Davis, a five-time CISO/CSO and one of the most experienced cybersecurity leaders in both government and private industry.Jerry’s career spans protecting some of the most mission-critical organizations on the planet—from NASA and the Department of Veterans Affairs to global financial institutions. He even served as a CIA Counterintelligence Officer, bringing a unique perspective on threat actors and national security.In this episode, Jerry shares how financial services organizations can protect the digital backbone of banking, where operational continuity, trust, and resilience are paramount. He dives into how innovation, compliance, and collaboration intersect, and why preparing the next generation of cyber talent is essential for resilience.What You’ll LearnHow to secure financial ecosystems while protecting trust at scaleWhy public-private collaboration is critical against evolving threatsHow to balance innovation, compliance, and operational continuityThe role of workforce development in building sustainable cyber resilienceKey TakeawaysBanking and finance are the digital backbone of global economiesResilience is about preparation—from identity and access management to vulnerability managementPartnerships and intelligence sharing amplify security capabilitiesFuture-proofing the workforce is as critical as adopting new technologiesMemorable Quotes“In banking, cybersecurity isn’t just about protection—it’s about preserving trust in the system.” – Jerry Davis“Resilience comes from preparation, collaboration, and never losing sight of the basics.” – Jerry DavisConnect with the Guest👉 Jerry Davis on LinkedInListen Now👉 Secured with Dr. KJ on Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Higher Education Under Attack

  Episode 4 – Secured with Dr. KJCybersecurity in Education: Balancing Openness and ProtectionHost: Dr. KJGuest: Dan Menicucci, National Solution Engineering Manager, Microsoft Security in Financial ServicesDuration: ~20 minutesKeywordsCybersecurity in Education, Digital Transformation, Budget Constraints, Public-Private Collaboration, Microsoft Security, Identity, MFA, Risk ManagementEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Dr. KJ sits down with Dan Menicucci, a seasoned cybersecurity leader with decades of experience across education and financial services. Dan previously served as Microsoft’s Chief Security Advisor for Education and brings a unique perspective on how academic institutions can balance their open, collaborative nature with the need for strong cyber defenses.We unpack the real-world challenges education leaders face—tight budgets, aging infrastructure, and the rising tide of ransomware—and explore how focusing on fundamentals like identity, patch management, and MFA can make the biggest difference. Dan also highlights the critical role of public-private partnerships, and how collaboration is shaping the next chapter of education security.This episode offers both strategic insights for leaders and practical guidance for practitioners on the front lines.What You’ll LearnWhy education is a top target for cyberattacks—and how attackers are evolvingHow to balance openness vs. protection in academic environmentsThe importance of collaboration between public and private sectorsWhy focusing on the basics is more impactful than chasing every new threatDan’s perspective on the future of cybersecurity in educationKey TakeawaysThe basics still matter: identity, patching, MFACollaboration can be a force multiplier—no one can tackle these challenges aloneEducation leaders must align budget, strategy, and partnerships for long-term resilienceMemorable Quotes“The fundamentals—identity, vulnerability management, MFA—will protect you more than chasing the latest shiny tool.” – Dan Menicucci“In education, it’s about enabling learning while quietly building the guardrails to keep everyone safe.” – Dan MenicucciConnect with the Guest👉 Dan Menicucci on LinkedInListen Now👉 Secured with Dr. KJ on Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Small Targets, Big Impact

  Episode 3: Small Targets, Big Impact: The Ransomware wake up call with Matthew WaddellHost: Kenneth JohnsonGuest: Matthew Waddell, Incident Response Expert & Author of Survive RansomwareDuration: ~19 minutesKeywords: Ransomware, Small Business Cybersecurity, Incident Response, Backups, Generative AI, Phishing, Tabletop Exercises, Managed Service Providers, AI in Cyber DefenseEpisode SummaryIn this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, I sit down with Matthew Waddell—an incident response veteran with over 25 years of experience defending governments, military operations, and private sector organizations. We focus on the ransomware epidemic hitting small businesses and explore why they’re often seen as low-risk, high-reward targets for cybercriminals.Matthew shares practical, budget-friendly strategies small businesses can implement today—from running internal tabletop exercises and building relationships with law enforcement to creating effective playbooks and developing a culture of vigilance. We also dive into the critical role of offline, tested backups and how poor backup practices can turn an incident into a full-scale disaster.The conversation takes a forward-looking turn as we discuss generative AI—how it’s making ransomware attacks more convincing and sophisticated, and how defenders can leverage AI-driven tools, such as virtual SOCs, to match the attackers’ speed and precision. Matthew closes by previewing his upcoming book, Survive Ransomware, designed to give non-technical leaders the tools and knowledge to respond effectively to an attack.What You’ll LearnWhy ransomware gangs target small businesses as “practice grounds” for larger attacksThe importance of employee awareness as the first line of defenseHow tabletop exercises can uncover gaps before an incident strikesWhy backups must be offline, air-gapped, and regularly testedHow generative AI is being weaponized by attackers—and how defenders can fight backHow to build strong relationships with law enforcement and managed service providers before you need themKey TakeawaysSmall businesses aren’t immune—they’re often easier and more appealing targets for attackers.Incident response planning doesn’t require a huge budget, but it does require time, communication, and documentation.Backups are only as good as your last test—and ransomware actors actively seek to destroy them.Generative AI is reshaping the threat landscape, producing more believable phishing campaigns and faster attacks.Proactive relationships with service providers and law enforcement can be invaluable during an incident.Memorable Quotes“It doesn’t take a large budget to be secure—just a team willing to think through ‘what if?’ scenarios.” – Matthew Waddell“If your backups aren’t offline and tested, they might as well not exist when ransomware hits.” – Matthew Waddell“Attackers are using AI to get faster and smarter—so defenders must do the same.” – Matthew WaddellConnect with the Guest🔗 Connect with Matthew Waddell on LinkedInSecured with Dr. KJ – Securing tomorrow, one episode at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Smart Cities, Secure Cities

  Episode 2: Smart Cities, Secure Cities: Urban Infrastructure Protection – A Conversation with Bryce CarterHost: Kenneth JohnsonGuest: Bryce Carter, Chief Information Security Officer, City of ArlingtonDuration: ~22 minutesKeywords: Smart Cities, Critical Infrastructure, Generative AI, Deepfakes, Operational Technology, Security by Design, Third-Party Risk, Quantum Encryption, AI EthicsEpisode SummaryIn this insightful episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, I sit down with Bryce Carter, CISO for the City of Arlington, to explore the evolving challenges of securing modern urban environments. Bryce takes us behind the scenes of city operations—where critical infrastructure like utilities, public safety, and transportation systems converge with rapidly advancing technologies.We discuss the rising threats posed by generative AI, deepfakes, and nation-state actors, as well as the complexities of protecting operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) systems. Bryce shares his perspective on embedding security by design, managing third-party risk, and fostering a culture of resilience through executive and technical tabletop exercises.Our conversation also ventures into the future—examining AI bias, data governance, explainability, and the encryption challenges that quantum computing may soon bring. Bryce’s community-first approach to security ensures that technology not only protects citizens but also enhances quality of life, trust, and economic vitality.What You’ll LearnWhy cities face unique cybersecurity challenges across multiple sectors simultaneouslyHow generative AI and deepfakes are reshaping the threat landscapeThe importance of “security by design” and a proactive risk management cultureStrategies for building resilience in interconnected urban ecosystemsThe role of AI ethics, governance, and bias testing in public sector adoptionWhy quantum encryption readiness is a growing priority for governmentsKey TakeawaysCities operate like many industries in one—making cybersecurity vastly more complex.Generative AI and deepfakes will require both technical and societal responses to maintain trust.Security by design must be woven into culture, funding, processes, and development cycles.Third-party risk management is essential, but there is no silver bullet—collaboration and intelligence sharing are critical.Quantum computing may upend current encryption standards, requiring governments to prepare now.Memorable Quotes“When you think about a city… it’s really like a bunch of different subsidiaries, and protecting that is very complex.” – Bryce Carter“Deepfakes could push us back to face-to-face interactions just for trust alone.” – Bryce Carter“Security done right doesn’t impair—it enables better quality of life and economic value.” – Bryce CarterConnect with the Guest🔗 Connect with Bryce Carter on LinkedInSecured with Dr. KJ – Securing tomorrow, one episode at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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