CYBR.SEC.CAST

In this episode, Michael and Sam sit down with Dr. Dustin Sachs (DCS), CEO and founder of Psybercog Labs, to explore why humans - not technology - are often the limiting factor in cybersecurity. They dive into cognitive overload, bias, and decision fatigue, and how these hidden forces shape security outcomes. Dustin also shares his unconventional path into cyber and explains how Psybercog Labs uses behavioral science to uncover decision-making blind spots and help organizations execute smarter, more effective security strategies.
Things Mentioned:
AI-Assisted Cybersecurity Team Discovers 12 OpenSSL Vulnerabilities, Claims Humans are the Limiting Factor – Some Vulnerabilities have been Around for Decades - https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/ai-assisted-cybersecurity-team-discovers-12-openssl-vulnerabilities-claims-humans-are-the-limiting-factor-some-vulnerabilities-have-been-around-for-decades
Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgement by Daniel Kahneman - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise:_A_Flaw_in_Human_Judgment
Psybercog Labs - https://www.psybercog.com 
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In this episode:
Host: Michael Farnum
Host: Sam Van Ryder
Guest: Dr. Dustin Sachs
Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
Music by: August Honey

This week, Michael and Sam chat with educator, founder, and OT.SEC.CON. opening keynote speaker Mike Holcomb! They discuss his free, in-person training coming up on March 31 in Houston, how - like many others - the movie War Games played a role in his journey into the cybersecurity industry, and how his focus has shifted toward OT/ICS security education.
Things Mentioned:
Mike’s site - https://www.mikeholcomb.com/
Mike’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@utilsec
BSides ICS - https://www.bsidesics.org/
Sign up for Mike’s free class on March 31, 2026 when you sign up for OT.SEC.CON. - https://www.xcdsystem.com/cybrseccommunity/attendee/index.cfm?ID=DwWuEm5
Register for Jeremiah Grossman's Webinar - https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/webinar/
Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at [email protected] 
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Listen to our other show:
CYBR.HAK.CAST
 In this episode:
Host: Michael Farnum
Host: Sam Van Ryder
Guest: Mike Holcomb
Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
Music by: August Honey

Michael and Sam are talking to the new VP and Editor-in-Chief of CYBR.SEC.Media, Bill Brenner! They discuss his extensive 20+ year career journey from traditional journalism to cybersecurity media, the importance of supporting the mental health of cyber defenders, and his vision for CYBR.SEC.Media. 
Things Mentioned:
Bill’s Letter from the Editor - https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/letter-from-the-new-editor-in-chief-of-cybr-sec-media/
 Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at [email protected]  
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In this episode:
Host: Michael Farnum
Host: Sam Van Ryder
Guest: Bill Brenner
Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
Music by: August Honey

We’re wrapping up 2025 with a special episode! Michael and Sam are talking to Jessvin Thomas, CEO of Auguria and winner of CYBR.SEC.CON.’s first pitch competition for cybersecurity startups! They discuss the evolving challenges in cybersecurity, the importance of root cause analysis, and how AI and context are shaping the future of SOC operations. Discover insights on burnout, data-driven defense, and building resilient security teams.
Things Mentioned:
Root Causes of Security Breaches Remain Elusive, Jeopardizing Resilience - https://www.csoonline.com/article/4093403/root-causes-of-security-breaches-remain-elusive-jeopardizing-resilience.html
When Good People Struggle: The Human Side of Security Misalignment - https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/when-good-people-struggle-the-human-side-of-security-misalignment/
Learn more about Auguria - https://auguria.io/
 Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at [email protected] 
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In this episode:
Host: Michael Farnum
Host: Sam Van Ryder
Guest: Jessvin Thomas
Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
Music by: August Honey

In this episode, SJRA SCADA Superintendent and HOU.SEC.CON./OT.SEC.CON. speaker Randy Petersen joins Michal and Sam on the podcast to share his expertise on SCADA systems and the unique security challenges facing water facilities. They highlight real-world incidents and vulnerabilities in OT environments, offer practical advice for improving OT security and protecting essential services from cyber threats, and the importance of proactive defense strategies. 
Things Mentioned:
OT.SEC.CON. Call for Papers - https://www.xcdsystem.com/cybrseccommunity/abstract/abstract.cfm
Cyber Centre warns hack tampered with pressure at Canadian water treatment plant -https://esemag.com/infrastructure/cyber-centre-warns-hack-canadian-water-treatment-plant/
Randy's OT.SEC.CON. 2025 Presentation - "Network Asset Visibility Fundamental for OT Cybersecurity" - https://youtu.be/3tMGwnOFwhA?si=97bdtE6VROT8mZBr
Randy’s HOU.SEC.CON. 2025 Presentation – “Change the Mindset - Availability is the Driving Factor” - https://youtu.be/tEUY3eeMGr8?si=K6bYUTp7rpPnvMat
Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at [email protected] 
Keep up with CYBR.SEC.CON.:
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Keep up with CYBR.SEC.Media:
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Check out our Conferences and Events:
CYBR.SEC.CON.
OT.SEC.CON.
CYBR.HAK.CON.
EXEC.SEC.CON.
CSC User Group
Support or apply to our Scholarship Program:
TAB Cyber Foundation
Subscribe to the podcast: 
Apple
Spotify
In this episode:
Host: Michael Farnum
Host: Sam Van Ryder
Guest: Randy Petersen
Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
Music by: August Honey