Summary
Chris REal0day interviews Lauro Perez, a seasoned software engineer and cybersecurity enthusiast, exploring his journey from a young computer enthusiast to a professional in the field. Lauro shares pivotal career moments, including a life-changing scholarship, navigating job offers, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of mentorship. The conversation highlights AI’s role in learning, the evolution of cybersecurity, and challenges like ransomware-as-a-service and bug bounty programs. Lauro emphasizes soft skills, networking, and balancing work with personal growth while reflecting on ethical considerations in tech. They also discuss content creation in cybersecurity, hands-on learning, unscripted podcasting, and future aspirations. Touching on AI, true crime, and gaming, the dialogue offers insights into the evolving tech landscape and personal growth.

Key Takeaways

• Lauro's passion for computers began at age 10, with perseverance shaping his career.
• A scholarship was pivotal, and networking led to multiple job offers.
• Soft skills, confidence, and concrete achievements are crucial in interviews.
• Mentorship and self-study greatly impact career growth.
• AI tools aid in learning, cybersecurity, and content creation.
• Balancing work, family, and personal projects is essential.
• Imposter syndrome is common but manageable with self-belief.
• Challenges in cybersecurity include AI's role, unfair bug bounty rewards, and ransomware-as-a-service.
• Sharing knowledge empowers others and reinforces personal learning.
• Trends like AI and diverse representation are reshaping cybersecurity.
• Hands-on learning is critical, as computer science education often lacks depth.
• Authentic, unscripted content fosters engaging discussions.
• Collaboration and personal experiences inspire innovation in tech, health, and gaming.

Lauro Perez
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauroperezjr/

Exploit Brokers
Website - https://exploitbrokers.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@exploitbrokers
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3YRafqb2OGxfXgoIPfRbe2?si=40e21cd5ac0b45c0
Rumble - https://rumble.com/user/ExploitBrokers

Summary

In this episode, Chris interviews Sid, a prominent figure in the cybersecurity field, discussing his journey from a small town in India to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the UK. Sid shares insights about his early education, the importance of peers in his career, and the transition from corporate life to founding his own company, NotSoSecure. He emphasizes the significance of training in scaling his business and reflects on the acquisition of his company, highlighting the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. In this segment of the conversation, Sid and Chris delve into the intricacies of service businesses in the VC landscape, the evolution of SecOps Group, and the innovative exam models they have developed in the cybersecurity education sector. They discuss the challenges and strategies of building a brand through exam offerings, the importance of understanding the consulting landscape, and how to navigate competition effectively. Sid emphasizes the significance of creating value through affordable and accessible exams, which has led to substantial growth in their business. In this conversation, Chris and Sid explore the intricacies of entrepreneurship, investment, and mentorship. Sid shares his experiences with certifications, the importance of understanding business dynamics, and the value of enjoying the entrepreneurial journey. They discuss the significance of identifying strengths and weaknesses in startups, the role of community in product development, and the future vision for growth in Sid's ventures. The conversation emphasizes the importance of networking, collaboration, and the mindset required for successful entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

• Sid's journey showcases the importance of curiosity and resilience.
• Early exposure to hacking sparked Sid's interest in cybersecurity.
• The role of peers is crucial in personal and professional growth.
• Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship requires courage and preparation.
• Training became a key revenue stream for Sid's business.
• Clear messaging is essential for standing out in a competitive market.
• Sid emphasizes the importance of creating trainers rather than just being a trainer.
• The acquisition of Not So Secure was a strategic decision for growth.
• Entrepreneurship is about building something and knowing when to let go.
• Success in business often requires recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses.
• VCs typically prefer product-based businesses over service-based ones.
• Service businesses can sell for 5x to 7x EBITDA depending on various factors.
• The principles of hacking can be applied to various aspects of life and business.
• SecOps Group aims to provide affordable and accessible cybersecurity exams.
• The exam business has seen rapid growth, with over 50,000 participants in a year.
• Building a brand through innovative exam offerings can lead to increased leads and business opportunities.
• A bottom-up approach in sales can complement traditional top-down strategies.
• The exam model is lean and allows for quick updates and changes.
• Creating value through good quality and reasonably priced exams is key to popularity.
• The exam portfolio has expanded significantly in a short time, indicating market demand.
• Certifications can be controversial; choose wisely.
• Investing is more about mentorship than just money.
• Understanding a business's needs is crucial for investment.
• Failures are part of the entrepreneurial journey.
• Enjoying the process leads to eventual success.
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses is key for startups.
• Community engagement is vital for product success.
• Market fit is essential before launching a product.
• Networking can lead to valuable collaborations.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary for growth.

Guest:
Sumit Siddharth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumsid/
SecOps Group - https://secops.group/

Summary

In this episode of the Hackers to Founders podcast, host Chris REal0day interviews Greg Martin, a prominent figure in the cybersecurity field. Greg shares his journey from a young hacker in a small Texas town to becoming the CEO of Go Security. He discusses his early fascination with computers, the rise of Linux, and his first job at a local ISP. As he transitioned into the world of data centers and cloud computing, Greg also recounts his experiences working with law enforcement agencies like the FBI and Secret Service on cybercrime initiatives. The conversation highlights the evolution of cybersecurity and Greg's entrepreneurial ventures. In this conversation, Greg Martin shares his journey from feeling like an imposter in the cybersecurity field to being recruited by the NSA. He discusses the challenges he faced during the recruitment process, his experiences at ArcSight, and the importance of mentorship in cybersecurity. Greg also reflects on his transition from employee to entrepreneur, emphasizing the significance of training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. In this conversation, Greg Martin shares his journey from developing a cybersecurity tool to founding multiple startups, including Ghost AI. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of securing investment, and the evolving role of AI in business. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship, the realities of startup life, and the innovative solutions being developed in the application security space.

Takeaways

• Greg Martin's journey in cybersecurity began at a young age.
• He was inspired by movies depicting hacking culture.
• Linux played a crucial role in his early career.
• His first job was at a local ISP where he learned networking.
• Greg transitioned to data centers during the rise of cloud computing.
• He worked closely with law enforcement on cybercrime cases.
• The Secret Service's Nitro program focused on cybercrime.
• Private sector collaboration is essential in combating cyber threats.
• Greg's entrepreneurial spirit led him to found multiple companies.
• His experiences shaped his understanding of cybersecurity's complexities.
• Cybersecurity professionals often experience imposter syndrome.
• Recruitment by the NSA can feel surreal and movie-like.
• Young talent in cybersecurity can be intimidating.
• The interview process at the NSA is rigorous and unique.
• Honesty in background checks can impact career opportunities.
• Transitioning to a startup can open new doors.
• Building software for cybersecurity requires creativity and passion.
• Mentorship is crucial for the growth of young professionals.
• Entrepreneurship in cybersecurity can stem from open-source projects.
• The journey from employee to founder is filled with challenges.
• Starting a company can stem from recognizing a valuable opportunity.
• Navigating early challenges is crucial for startup success.
• Securing investment is often about finding the right partners.
• The entrepreneurial journey is filled with ups and downs.
• AI is transforming the landscape of business and security.
• Investing in startups carries significant risks and rewards.
• Mentorship can be a game-changer for first-time founders.
• Automation can significantly enhance productivity in tech roles.
• Understanding market needs is essential for successful entrepreneurship.
• Building a product that evolves with technology is key to long-term success.

Greg Martin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregcmartin/
Ghost Security - https://ghostsecurity.com/
Ghost Security Reaper - https://github.com/ghostsecurity/reaper