The Science of Breaking In: How Curiosity Drives Cybersecurity with FC
Host Mick Leach welcomes renowned ethical hacker and author FC to SOC Unlocked for an unforgettable deep dive into the human side of cybersecurity. From walking unnoticed into a government facility with hundreds of cameras to the infamous “gold bar” heist that still makes clients squirm, FC’s stories reveal how curiosity, timing, and psychology often outsmart even the strongest technical defenses.Together, Mick and FC explore the fine line between ethical hacking and criminal creativity, the crucial role of trust (and why it so often backfires), and how AI is reshaping both sides of the security battlefield. The conversation is equal parts thrilling and practical—a reminder that true security depends less on tools and more on awareness, discipline, and a healthy dose of skepticism.
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59:51
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59:51
Testing, Learning, Evolving: How Practice and Precision Strengthen the SOC with Marty McDonald
In this episode of SOC Unlocked, host Mick Leach talks with Marty McDonald, Principal Domain Advisor at Optiv, about what it takes to modernize today’s SOCs for an AI-driven world.Marty shares how forward-looking teams are automating repetitive, level-one work with SOAR and agentic frameworks freeing analysts to focus on higher-value investigations. He also explains how UEBA and entity analytics help analysts tell better data stories, transforming telemetry into actionable insight for executives and boards alike.The conversation underscores a timeless truth—modernization starts with fundamentals. From refining metrics to running effective tabletop exercises, small, consistent improvements drive lasting transformation.
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40:12
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40:12
From Alerts to Automation: Lessons in SOC Resilience with Steven Dumolt
Senior Information Security Engineer Steven Dumolt joins SOC Unlocked to share the real-world challenges of working in a SOC. From scaling cloud-first operations to tackling alert fatigue and AI hype, he offers insights on resilience, teamwork, and career growth in cybersecurity.
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42:55
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42:55
Leading the Pack: Human Ingenuity in the AI-Driven SOC with Lisa Tetrault
In this episode of SOC Unlocked, host Mick Leach sits down with Lisa Tetrault, Senior Vice President of Security Services at Arctic Wolf, to explore AI-driven threats, SOC leadership, and building a culture that keeps analysts engaged and effective.With more than 25 years in security and operations, Lisa shares her path from network operations to leading Arctic Wolf’s global SOC, concierge security team, and incident response division. She discusses the rise of AI-powered social engineering, the limits and promise of AI in security, and why “human in the loop” remains critical.Lisa also reveals how her team combats burnout with smarter workflows, strong recognition programs, and a culture that values variety, growth, and celebration. This engaging discussion shows how people, processes, and technology come together to elevate and fortify modern SOCs—making it a must-listen for anyone in cybersecurity.
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49:32
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49:32
From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Lessons in Cyber Leadership with Patti Titus
In the premiere episode of Season 2 of SOC Unlocked, host Mick Leach sits down with Patricia Titus, Field CISO at Abnormal AI, for a candid conversation about resilience, risk, and redefining what it means to lead in cybersecurity.
About SOC Unlocked: Tales from the Cybersecurity Frontline
The SOC Unlocked podcast unites SOC cybersecurity professionals in an immersive podcast experience, delving into cutting-edge industry insights, forecasting emerging cyber threats, and equipping listeners with actionable strategies to safeguard their organizations in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
South Africa