#40 Proof You Don’t Need A Degree To Succeed In Cybersecurity Ft. Zach Winchester The Hacker's Cache podcast

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

9 days 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

16 days 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

30 days 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

5 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

6 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

7 weeks ago39:17

39:17

Getting laid off can feel like the end of the road, but what if it’s actually the beginning of something bigger? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , Justin Mahon shares his journey from military IT to offensive security, including how he bounced back after a cybersecurity layoff and landed in a better position than before. We break down the reality of tech layoffs, why they happen, and how to turn them into opportunities for career growth. Whether you're navigating a layoff, preparing for the worst, or just looking to future-proof your cybersecurity career, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Connect with Justin Mahon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mahon22/ 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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#37 He Hacked for 1000 Days Straight: Here’s How It Landed Him a Cybersecurity Job ft. Constantinos Kaplanis 24:59

8 weeks ago24:59

24:59

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , I sit down with Constantinos Kaplanis , a senior penetration tester who took an unconventional path into cybersecurity. With no prior IT experience, he grinded his way into the field—applying to 500 jobs, enduring countless rejections , and proving his skills through sheer persistence. One of his biggest accomplishments? A 1,000-day hacking streak on TryHackMe , a testament to his dedication. We break down his journey, the job-hunting struggles, and the underrated attack vectors he’s exploited in real-world pentests. If you’re trying to break into cybersecurity, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Connect with Constantinos Kaplanis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaplanis/ 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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#36 The OSCP Won’t Save You ft. Tyler Ramsbey 44:55

9 weeks ago44:55

44:55

Many aspiring penetration testers believe that earning the OSCP is the ultimate proof of their skills—but what happens when they step into a real-world engagement? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , Tyler Ramsbey joins me to break down the hard truth about OSCP, the gaps it leaves in real-world pentesting, and why experience always outweighs certifications. We discuss rookie mistakes, the reality of internal assessments, and why leadership and communication skills are just as critical as technical expertise. Whether you're chasing the OSCP or already have it, this episode will challenge what you think you know about offensive security. Connect with Tyler Rambey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-ramsbey-86221643/ Subscribe to Tyler Ramsbey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TylerRamsbey Check out the Hack Smarter Community: https://hacksmarter.org/ 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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#35 Q&A: The Harsh Truth: You NEED to Code for Cybersecurity Mastery 36:04

10 weeks ago36:04

36:04

If you want to be an expert in cybersecurity, coding isn’t optional—it’s essential. In this Q&A episode of The Hacker’s Cache , I break down why learning to code separates the entry-level professionals from the true experts and how AI is shifting the skills needed in offensive security. I also dive into the different career paths available after landing your first pentesting job—whether it’s climbing to a senior role, transitioning to red teaming, going freelance, or specializing in niche areas like IoT and hardware hacking. Plus, I answer listener questions about cybersecurity certifications, the safest jobs against AI, and how to balance learning Python with hands-on hacking experience. If you're serious about growing in cybersecurity, 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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#34 Why Top Pentesters Make More Money (Most Ignore This Skill) ft. Spencer Alessi 43:58

11 weeks ago43:58

43:58

Kyser Clark sits down with senior penetration tester Spencer Alessi to discuss a skill that separates top-tier pentesters from the rest— client communication . While technical prowess is essential, Spencer shares how clear, proactive communication can make or break a pentest engagement, impact client trust, and even determine career growth. They also dive into the common struggle of pentesting ultra-secure environments, how to navigate “quiet” assessments, and why 99% of vulnerabilities don’t actually matter. Whether you’re an aspiring pentester or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into what it really takes to succeed in offensive security. Connect with Spencer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spenceralessi/ and everywhere else @techspence 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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#33 Are Cybersecurity Bootcamps a Scam? ft. Keith Coleman 40:04

12 weeks ago40:04

40:04

Are cybersecurity bootcamps worth the hefty price tag, or are they just another overhyped shortcut to nowhere? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , I sit down with Keith Coleman, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with experience in pentesting, security engineering, DevSecOps, and more. We break down the true value of bootcamps, why many graduates struggle to land jobs, and what alternative paths provide a better return on investment. Keith shares his journey from IT to cybersecurity, his take on degrees vs. certifications, and why hands-on learning beats expensive bootcamps every time. If you're considering a cybersecurity bootcamp, listen to this first! Connect with Keith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/searchkeith/ 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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#32 From Physical Security to Penetration Testing: Paul Nieto III's Journey 41:22

13 weeks ago41:22

41:22

Kyser Clark is joined by Paul Nieto, a seasoned penetration tester with over 22 years of experience spanning physical and cybersecurity. Paul shares his journey from physical security to offensive security, detailing how his curiosity and drive for challenges led to a successful career pivot. They discuss the importance of networking, the debate between being a generalist or specialist in cybersecurity, and why accountability and consistency are crucial for success in the field. Paul also offers actionable advice for transitioning into cybersecurity, including tips on certifications, skill-building, and leveraging conferences for career growth. Whether you're an aspiring ethical hacker or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights to elevate your career. Connect with Paul Nieto III on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulnieto111/ Check out Ox3 Security On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@0x3_Security 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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#31 Q&A: Are Tech Giants Planning to Replace Us with AI? 31:57

14 weeks ago31:57

31:57

Kyser Clark dives into the growing role of AI in the tech industry and its potential to replace mid-level professionals. Inspired by comments from tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, we explore why companies are investing heavily in AI, how it could reshape the middle-class job market, and what it means for cybersecurity professionals. Kyser shares actionable advice on how to future-proof your career, leverage AI as a tool rather than a threat, and develop skills that make you indispensable in a rapidly evolving field. Don’t miss this critical conversation about the intersection of AI and the workforce. 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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#30 Uncovering a $200M Fraud Ring with David Taxer 43:00

15 weeks ago43:00