Episode#16: CMMC 2.0: Certification Lessons for Defense Contractors and Others
In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, hosts Richard Mendoza and Aneta Klepacka sit down with Wesley Reinhart, CMMC Program Director at Compass MSP, to break down the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0).Wes shares actionable insights for businesses preparing to meet Department of Defense (DoD) compliance standards — from scoping environments and mapping CUI data to executive buy-in, risk prioritization, and timelines. Whether you’re a small contractor or a major supplier, this discussion will help you understand the real-world impact, urgency, and steps to achieve certification.
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Episode #15: From Marine to Cyber Leader: Tom Brennan on Modern Security
As Veterans Day approaches, we’re honored to feature a guest whose path reflects the discipline, service, and commitment that strengthen our cybersecurity community every day.In this episode, Tom Brennan shares how his early experiences in the U.S. Marine Corps shaped his attacker mindset, informed his approach to risk, and prepared him for a career focused on real-world defense and cyber resiliency. Tom also joined us this past June as one of our valuable speakers at SECON 2025, bringing practical insights to our community.
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Episode #14: Michelle Schaap on Cybersecurity and Law
In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Joe Patti talks with Michelle Schaap, an attorney specializing in cybersecurity and privacy law. They discuss the evolving role of legal professionals in the cybersecurity landscape, the importance of vendor management and compliance, the challenges of data governance, and the necessity for effective communication between IT and legal teams. They also explore the nuances of privacy laws across different states and the impact of AI on legal practices.
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Episode#13:Stan Mierzwa on Building Cyber Talent
In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Aaron Kraus talks with Stan Mierzwa, Director of the Center for Cybersecurity at Kean University, about how education and mentorship are shaping the next generation of cyber talent. From classroom insights to real-world crisis management, Stan shares what it takes to build skilled, resilient cybersecurity professionals.
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Episode #12: Continuous Learning and Giving Back with Michael Redmond
In this episode, Joe Patti sits down with Michael C. Redmond, an accomplished CISO, author, and international speaker, to explore her journey in cybersecurity leadership. Michael reflects on her unique path—from theater and teaching to military service and risk management—and the mentors who shaped her commitment to giving back. She shares insights from her global speaking engagements, her published research on the evolving role of CISOs, and why continuous learning is essential for success. Michael also discusses the critical skills CISOs need today, from AI and digital transformation to business continuity planning, and emphasizes that true impact comes not from chasing titles, but from sharing knowledge and building stronger communities.
About Unencrypted Chatter - ISC2 New Jersey Chapter Podcast
Welcome to Unencrypted Chatter, the official podcast of the ISC2 NJ Chapter! Join us as we explore the unique experiences and challenges within our cybersecurity community. Each episode features in-depth interviews with members, leaders, and experts who share their stories, insights, and wisdom on a wide range of topics that matter to us. Whether you're looking to stay informed, get inspired, or simply feel connected, Unencrypted Chatter is the place to be!
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