Episodes

  • Episode #19 - Certified Chaos: The Role of vCISOs in Today’s Threat Landscape

    Episode #19 - Certified Chaos: The Role of vCISOs in Today’s Threat Landscape
    Jan 27 2025
    In this episode of InfoSec to Insanity, we’re diving headfirst into the thrilling (and sometimes chaotic) world of virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs). What do these digital sheriffs do? How are they tackling today’s relentless cybersecurity threats? And why might your business need one, even if you don’t know it yet?

    Join us as we unpack the unique challenges vCISOs face, their critical role in navigating today’s complex threat landscape, and the story behind the Certified virtual Chief Information Security Officer (CvCISO™) program that’s training a new generation of InfoSec rockstars.

    We’ll share real-world stories, practical tips, and a healthy dose of humor as we explore how these unsung heroes keep businesses safe from disaster—and keep their sanity (most of the time).

    🔥 Expect no-BS insights, some laughs, and answers to questions you didn’t even know to ask. Whether you’re a business owner, security pro, or just a curious listener, this episode is a must-listen!

    #Cybersecurity #vCISO #InfoSecToInsanity #FixTheBrokenIndustry
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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Episode #18 - Why Do People Seem So Damn Stupid?

    Episode #18 - Why Do People Seem So Damn Stupid?
    Jan 20 2025
    In this episode, we’re calling it like we see it: stupidity seems to be everywhere these days, but why? From the rise of social media echo chambers to algorithms that reward bad behavior, and even the Dunning-Kruger effect in action, we break down what’s going on.

    We’ll explore how tech conveniences have hijacked our critical thinking and how it’s impacting cybersecurity, personal accountability, and society at large. Expect some hilariously frustrating real-world examples, a bit of ranting, and as always, candid insights on fixing the broken industry.

    Don’t miss this raw and real conversation that just might make you say, “Ah, that explains it!”

    🔥 Read the blog that started it all: https://evanfrancen.com/2025/01/04/wh...
    📅 Live Recording Date: January 16, 2024 @ 8PM CT
    📍 Subscribe & Join the Conversation!

    #InfoSecToInsanity #Cybersecurity #CommonSense
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    1 hr and 47 mins
  • Episode #17 - Crystal Balling Cybersecurity: 2025 Predictions You Can't Ignore

    Episode #17 - Crystal Balling Cybersecurity: 2025 Predictions You Can't Ignore
    Jan 14 2025
    What’s in store for cybersecurity in 2025? In Episode 17 of InfoSec to Insanity, we’re dusting off the crystal ball to deliver bold, no-BS predictions about what’s coming next. Will AI finally live up to the hype? What new threats will keep us up at night? And how will we navigate the chaos of a rapidly evolving industry?

    From game-changing technologies to the challenges nobody’s talking about (yet), we’re diving deep into what’s ahead for cybersecurity pros, organizations, and everyday users.

    This isn’t just another cookie-cutter forecast—get ready for unfiltered insights, practical advice, and maybe a little insanity. Don’t miss it!

    #Cybersecurity #2025Predictions #InfoSecToInsanity #I2I
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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • Episode #16 - 2024 Cybersecurity Industry Year in Review

    Episode #16 - 2024 Cybersecurity Industry Year in Review
    Jan 6 2025
    It’s been a wild ride in cybersecurity this year, and we’re breaking it all down in Episode 16 of InfoSec to Insanity! From headline-grabbing breaches to groundbreaking advancements, shifting regulations, and industry shakeups, 2024 gave us plenty to talk about.

    Join us as we take a no-BS look back at the year that was. What worked? What didn’t? And what lessons can we take into 2025 to finally start fixing this broken industry?

    Whether you’re an insider or just curious about the state of cybersecurity, this episode has something for you. Expect insights, a few rants, and the raw, unfiltered truth you’ve come to love.

    #Cybersecurity #2024InReview #InfoSecToInsanity #I2I
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Episode #15 - After the Gifts, Here Come the Risks: Post-Holiday Security Tips

    Episode #15 - After the Gifts, Here Come the Risks: Post-Holiday Security Tips
    Dec 30 2024
    The holidays are over, the gifts are unwrapped, and the shiny new gadgets are in our hands—but are they secure? From smart home devices to the latest tech toys, the season of giving can quickly turn into the season of hacking if we’re not careful.

    Host Evan Francen is joined by special guest Jordon Darling, a cybersecurity expert and tech enthusiast, to unpack the risks that come with post-holiday tech. Together, they’ll share practical tips and candid insights to help you secure your new devices and avoid becoming an easy target for cybercriminals.

    Topics covered:
    • The top holiday tech gifts that could pose security risks.
    • Simple steps to secure your shiny new gadgets.
    • Why hackers love the post-holiday season—and how to outsmart them.
    Don’t let the gift of tech turn into a New Year’s nightmare. Tune in for a laid-back yet informative chat with Evan and Jordon and get your security game on point for 2024!
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    1 hr and 47 mins
  • Episode #14 - F*ck the Fear Factory

    Episode #14 - F*ck the Fear Factory
    Dec 23 2024
    The cybersecurity industry loves to sell fear: fear of breaches, fear of hackers, fear of being the next headline. But is the "Fear Factory" doing more harm than good?

    In this unapologetic episode, host Evan Francen is joined by Matt Goodacre, a seasoned cybersecurity leader who isn’t afraid to call BS on fear-based marketing. Together, they take a sledgehammer to the industry’s obsession with fear and explore how this narrative is holding us back from real progress.

    What to expect:
    • Why fear sells—and why it shouldn’t.
    • The real impact of fear-mongering on businesses, professionals, and the industry at large.
    • How we can replace fear with empowerment, education, and actionable solutions.

    This isn’t your typical cybersecurity talk. It’s raw, real, and refreshingly honest—just like the industry needs.
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    1 hr and 46 mins
  • Episode #13 - Breaking Chains and Firewalls: Sobriety and Security in Cyber

    Episode #13 - Breaking Chains and Firewalls: Sobriety and Security in Cyber
    Dec 17 2024
    In this heartfelt episode of InfoSec to Insanity, host Evan Francen and special guest Brad Nigh open up about their journeys to sobriety—Evan with 23 years of hard-earned sobriety and Brad celebrating 90 days. Together, they explore the parallels between breaking personal chains and tackling challenges in the cybersecurity industry.

    With candid stories, honest reflections, and a touch of humor, they shine a light on the strength it takes to secure both your life and your career. This is a raw and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.
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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Episode #12 - Bridging the IT-OT Divide: Cybersecurity Challenges in Critical Infrastructure

    Episode #12 - Bridging the IT-OT Divide: Cybersecurity Challenges in Critical Infrastructure
    Dec 10 2024
    In this episode of InfoSec to Insanity, we dive deep into one of cybersecurity's most critical and complex frontiers: the convergence of IT and OT (Operational Technology). Our guest, the brilliant and experienced Paul Veeneman, joins us to unpack the unique challenges of securing critical infrastructure—where downtime isn't just a cost; it’s a potential disaster. Paul brings his decades of expertise to the mic, sharing candid insights about:
    • The messy marriage of IT and OT systems and why they often clash.
    • Real-world stories of attacks on critical infrastructure and the lessons learned.
    • How to approach risk management and incident response in environments that can't afford failure.
    • The cultural and technical divide between IT and OT teams—and how to build bridges that actually work.
    With Paul's down-to-earth style and your no-BS approach, this episode is a must-listen for anyone tackling cybersecurity in high-stakes environments—or just curious about the chaos behind keeping the lights on and the pipelines flowing.
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    1 hr and 57 mins