Unencrypted Chatter - ISC2 New Jersey Chapter Podcast

AI is making us faster and smarter, but it is doing the same for the adversary.
Recorded live at NJ SECON 2026, closing keynote speaker Dr. Erdal Ozkaya joins hosts Joe Patti and Rich Mendoza to explore the new rules of enterprise security in an age where AI is both a powerful defender and an emerging weapon.
From prompt-based attack vectors and the growing threat of Shadow AI to attackers moving faster than defenders, the conversation challenges us to rethink how we protect our organizations. If defenders are the back wheel of the bicycle, how do we stop following and start getting ahead?
The discussion also ventures into almost science-fiction territory: we are increasingly relying on AI to defend us while still working to fully understand, govern, and control what we are creating.
Featuring Joe Patti and Rich Mendoza, with Audio Engineer Charlie Fraser.

Recorded live at NJ SECON 2026, Alissa Knight joins Joe Patti and Richard Mendoza immediately following her keynote for a conversation on the future of agentic AI.
Alissa explains what an AI harness is and why it's becoming the missing piece between large language models and autonomous AI agents. Using the analogy of the harness as the "body" and the LLM as the "brain," she breaks down how these systems work together to create intelligent, task-driven AI. The discussion also explores Ares, Claude Mythos, and how agentic AI is transforming cybersecurity and the broader technology landscape.
Don't miss this insightful conversation from the Unencrypted Chatter Live podcast at NJ SECON 2026.

Recorded live at NJSECON 2026 as part of the Unencrypted Chatter Live Podcast Roadshow, hosts Joe Patti and Rich Mendoza sit down with Michael Geraghty for a conversation on cybersecurity, public service, and protecting New Jersey's digital future.
Drawing from his extensive experience in government, law, and cybersecurity leadership, Michael shares insights on the evolving threat landscape, the importance of public-private partnerships, and the challenges organizations face as they work to strengthen resilience against modern cyber threats.
Join us for this live discussion from the conference floor as we explore what it takes to defend New Jersey in an increasingly connected world.

In this episode, as part of our countdown to NJSECON 2026, we're revisiting memorable conversations from NJSECON 2025.
Recorded live at NJ SECON 2025, host Joe Patti sits down with the team from Rainbow Secure to explore the meaning behind their unique approach to cybersecurity and their signature concept, "Color & Style."
What do colors have to do with cybersecurity? More than you might think. From visual identity and authentication to rethinking how we protect digital assets, Rainbow Secure shares how color, patterns, and human interaction can play a role in building stronger security solutions.
Join us for a conversation that challenges traditional thinking and shows how cybersecurity can be viewed through a different lens; one that's secure, innovative, and full of color.

As part of our countdown to NJ SECON 2026, we're revisiting memorable conversations from NJSECON 2025. In this episode, recorded live at NJ SECON 2025, host Alex Velez sits down with Yolanda Baker, a cybersecurity veteran with more than 20 years of experience, to discuss the importance of wellness in a demanding profession.
Yolanda shares how a workplace wellness program introduced her to yoga and meditation, and how those practices helped shape her approach to stress, burnout prevention, leadership, and career longevity. Together, Alex and Yolanda explore the human side of cybersecurity and offer practical insights for students and experienced practitioners looking to build resilience and maintain balance in their personal and professional lives.
Whether you're new to cybersecurity or a seasoned professional, this conversation is a reminder that protecting yourself is just as important as protecting the systems you defend.