#31 Q&A: Are Tech Giants Planning To Replace Us With AI? The Hacker's Cache podcast

26:43

This episode marks one year of The Hacker’s Cache . To celebrate, I’ve compiled the most powerful, insightful, and thought-provoking moments from every single episode of Season 1, all 52 of them, in one back-to-back highlight reel. This isn’t just a recap. It’s a front-row seat to the best hot takes, bold opinions, unique insights, and raw truths from some of the most driven minds in cybersecurity. Whether you're a red teamer, aspiring hacker, or cybersecurity professional looking for real-world advice, this episode is packed with the type of wisdom you don’t usually get in one place. You'll hear perspectives on: Breaking into cybersecurity without a degree Penetration testing vs. vulnerability assessments Active Directory labs and red teaming tips AI in cybersecurity (real hype or real threat?) The OSCP, burnout, bootcamps, and job hunting Soft skills, report writing, and real hacker mindsets And why the Nigerian prince still works in 2024 If you’re new to the show, this is the perfect place to start. If you’ve been here since the beginning, this is the ultimate rewind. Welcome to Season 2. Let's get to work. Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#51 Q&A: Why YouTube Took Down My Wi-Fi Hacking Video 27:29

10 days ago27:29

27:29

In this Q&A episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I answer your top questions about breaking into cybersecurity from a software engineering background, whether an associate's degree is worth pursuing, and how I prepare for CompTIA certifications using third-party resources. I also open up about why YouTube took down one of my most popular Wi-Fi hacking videos, how it led to a permanent warning on my channel, and what that means for future technical content. If you're navigating the transition into cyber or want to hear the behind-the-scenes reality of cybersecurity content creation, this episode’s for you. Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#50 No OSCP. No Degree. Still Landed a Red Team Job ft. Richie Vinson (4NU81X7H3H4CK3r) 39:24

18 days ago39:24

39:24

In this episode, Richie Vinson (4NU81X7H3H4CK3r) shares how he broke into red teaming without a college degree or the OSCP certification. He explains why he skipped traditional credentials, how volunteering at cybersecurity conferences helped him bypass the HR firewall, and what newcomers can do to stand out. From earning a Black Badge at HackSpace to working in OT security, Richie offers real-world insights into breaking into cybersecurity through networking, hands-on skills, and personal strategy. If you're looking for an OSCP alternative or wondering how to get hired without a degree, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Richie Vinson (4NU81X7H3H4CK3r) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r2600/ Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#49 He Found Vulnerabilities in His Own Code: Then Made a Career Out of It ft. John Kounelis 41:06

26 days ago41:06

41:06

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , Kyser Clark interviews John Kounelis, a Senior Product Security Engineer with a background in software development and AppSec. John shares how discovering vulnerabilities in his own code led him to a full-time role in application security, and explains the key differences in AppSec across defense, biotech, and SaaS industries. They discuss the realities of bug bounty hunting, the limitations of CTFs, how developers unintentionally introduce vulnerabilities, and why understanding vulnerability chaining is critical for advanced web app testing. Whether you're transitioning from development to security or looking to sharpen your real-world pentesting skills, this episode delivers practical insight into what it truly takes to thrive in AppSec. Connect with John Kounelis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-765b42148/ Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#48 He Got Hired Without Knowing the Answer: Here’s Why ft. Michael Kim 38:28

5 weeks ago38:28

38:28

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , senior offensive security consultant Michael Kim shares how he landed a cybersecurity job without knowing all the answers in the interview and why hiring managers still chose him. We discuss how to ace your cybersecurity interview, the importance of mindset and growth, and why technical skills alone aren’t enough. Michael also opens up about his unconventional path from zoology and DJing to penetration testing, and how he built his network through LinkedIn. If you’re trying to break into cybersecurity or level up your career, this episode is packed with real-world advice. Connect with Michael Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-k-83b0627b/ Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#47 Q&A: Feel Lost Watching Hacking Videos? Listen to This 32:00

7 weeks ago32:00

32:00

Feeling overwhelmed watching hacking videos and not understanding what’s going on? You’re not alone, and you’re not behind. In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , I answer real questions from the community about certifications, career paths, and that all-too-familiar. I share my own experience struggling with concepts early on, why I prefer the baby step approach, and how you can build real skills (not just collect certs) to break into cybersecurity. Whether you're stuck on your first box or wondering if certs like Security+ and Network+ are worth it, this episode is for you. Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#46 She Started Coding at 13 and Never Looked Back ft. Betta Lyon Delsordo 39:49

8 weeks ago39:49

39:49

Betta Lyon Delsordo started coding at just 13 years old and never looked back. In this episode, she shares how learning to code as a rebellious teen sparked a career that led her from freelance web development to becoming a lead application pentester specializing in web, cloud, and AI hacking. We talk about how anyone can learn to code, the importance of specialization in cybersecurity, why physical security is overrated, and how to break into AI hacking. Whether you're brand new to tech or looking to pivot your career, Betta's story will challenge your excuses and inspire you to take action. Connect with Betta Lyon Delsordo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betta-lyon-delsordo/ Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#45 OSWA Grind: 24 Hours. No Sleep. One Last Flag ft. Pratham Shah 35:16

9 weeks ago35:16

35:16

He stayed up for 24 hours straight to pass one of OffSec’s toughest exams. In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , I sit down with Pratham Shah, a 21-year-old cybersecurity consultant who holds OSCE3, OSCP+, OSWA, and more. We break down his insane study grind, how OSWA pushed him harder than OSCP, and why he thinks passion matters more than paychecks. From bug bounty beginnings to expert-level certifications, this episode is packed with raw stories, certification strategy, and hard-earned advice for anyone chasing a career in offensive security. Whether you're working on OSCP, OSWA, or just breaking into hacking, this one hits deep. Connect with Pratham Shah on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prathamshah529/ Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#44 How to Hack What No One Teaches ft. Noah Pack 33:17

10 weeks ago33:17

33:17

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , I sit down with Noah Pack, an aerospace pentester with a ridiculous cert stack and an unconventional mindset. We talk about hacking obscure systems with no public tools or documentation, transitioning from SOC analyst to pentester, and why reading the manual might be your secret weapon. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach targets that no one teaches you how to test, this episode is a must-listen. Noah also shares insight on the value of multiple certifications, his experience with the SANS degree program, and tips for breaking into offensive security, especially when the path isn’t clearly marked. Connect with Noah Pack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahpack/ Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#43 Grind Now, Relax Later: The Harsh Reality of Breaking Into Cybersecurity ft. Matthew Younker (Zumi Yumi) 34:29

11 weeks ago34:29

34:29

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , Matthew Younker (aka Zumi Yumi) shares the raw truth about what it really took to break into offensive security, working full time, going to college, and grinding for OSCP with almost zero rest. He opens up about the unhealthy sacrifices he made, why OSWA was harder than OSCP, and how his journey from Army hazmat to pentester shaped the way he works today. If you’ve ever wondered what the grind really looks like behind the certifications and titles, this one hits close to home. Connect with Matthew Younker (Zumi Yumi) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-y-138494200/ Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#42 Certifications, College, or Bootcamps — What’s Worth It in Cybersecurity? ft. Channa Rajaratne 39:31

12 weeks ago39:31

39:31

In this episode, Channa Rajaratne joins me to unpack one of the most common questions in cybersecurity: should you go after certifications, a college degree, or a bootcamp? We break down the pros and cons of each, share personal experiences, and talk about which path actually helped us get hired. Channa also shares his take on underrated skills like report writing, soft skills, and why being a well-rounded practitioner matters more than chasing every shiny new cert. If you're trying to break into pentesting or level up your career, this episode is for you. Connect with Channa Rajaratne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/channa-r/ Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#41 How to Actually Become a Great Pentester 38:25

14 weeks ago38:25

38:25

What separates a good pentester from a great one? It’s not just about popping shells or passing certs. In this solo episode, I break down the real-world skills that actually matter. Technical, non-technical, and everything in between. I share hard lessons from the field, my thoughts on being well-rounded vs. specialized, and why communication, client trust, and soft skills are just as crucial as finding vulnerabilities. Whether you're early in your career or already in the trenches, this episode is about pushing past the surface and leveling up where it really counts. Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#40 Proof You Don’t Need a Degree to Succeed in Cybersecurity ft. Zach Winchester 39:37

15 weeks ago39:37

39:37

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , Kyser Clark and Zach Winchester talk about breaking into cybersecurity without a college degree and why it’s not the dealbreaker people think it is. You’ll hear a real-world story of going from firewall configs to full-time pentesting with just an OSCP and hands-on experience. We also get into hardware hacking, social engineering discomfort, AI/LLM security loopholes, and why the offensive security space is far from being automated. If you’re wondering whether a degree is essential to succeed in this field, this episode is your answer. Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#39 Q&A: Struggling with Burnout? Here’s Why It Might Be a Good Thing 39:15

16 weeks ago39:15

39:15

Burnout sucks, but what if it's actually a sign of growth? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , I break down why burnout isn’t always the enemy and how pushing yourself to the limit can actually make you better. Just like lifting weights to failure builds muscle, hitting burnout and recovering makes you mentally stronger. I’ll share my own experiences with burnout, why I see it as part of the process, and how to come back even better. Plus, I answer your cybersecurity career questions, covering internships, certifications, dealing with difficult clients in pentesting, and more. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode is for you! Connect --------------------------------------------------- https://www.KyserClark.com https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter https://youtube.com/KyserClark https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark https://www.instagram/KyserClark https://facebook.com/CyberKyser https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information. Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.…

The Hacker's Cache

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#38 Fired or Freed? Turning a Cybersecurity Layoff into Your Next Big Break w Justin Mahon 39:17

17 weeks ago39:17