From Hacker to CISO: Pete Nicoletti’s Wild Ride Through Security Leadership

The Professional CISO

#Tech #David Malicoat #MBA #Business #CISO #Cybersecurity #Information Security

35:51

Diego Pavia and Paul Finebaum are this week’s Netflix Sports Club guests. Paul Finebaum, the voice of the SEC, drops a bold national championship prediction that might give the Big Tenners pause, and he reveals which SEC quarterback has him starstruck. Vanderbilt quarterback, Diego Pavia, gives a standout performance on and off the field in SEC Football: Any Given Saturday. He relives that improbable ‘Bama victory, including pre-game routine and why he thinks this victory changed the conversation about Vandy football - sorry Nick Saban. Paul Fineman and Diego Pavia gaze into the crystal ball of the 2025 season, and what do they see? Heisman Trophies, making Auburn pay, and LSU’s chances for glory. In this interview, Vandy QB, Diego Pavia: 🟥 Details the 2024 Vandy vs. ‘Bama Buildup 🟥 Discusses playing for Coach Lea and with his bestie 🟥 Reveals his true height In this interview, SEC Expert, Paul Finebaum answers: 🟥 Why the SEC’s staying power is unrivaled? 🟥 Who’s almost a bigger star than Taylor Swift? 🟥 Which team will win the 2025 National Championship? 00:00 Intro 01:24 Vandy QB Diego Pavia Is a Star 01:37 Beating Bama 03:19 Choosing Vandy And Coach Lea 04:58 Give Me The Ball 06:20 Dude Put In The Work 07:38 Nick Saban Said What?? 08:20 Underdogs 10:22 Watch Out Auburn 12:33 Recruits: Come To Vandy! 13:29 Kay and Dani Talk SEC 15:54 Paul Finebaum’s SEC Picks 16:40 All About Arch Manning 17:23 SEC: The Only Game In Town 18:25 South Carolina Should Be In The Playoffs 19:40 Shane Beamer Bounce Back? 20:14 Arch Manning Is No Taylor Swift 21:42 The Weight of Being a Manning 22:31 Finebaum: “Best Player Since Tim Tebow” 23:20 LSU QB1 + Championship Or Bust 25:39 Post Saban Alabama 27:42 Is Vanderbilt Legit? 28:44 Can Mississippi State Survive? 29:49 The Vols “Will Struggle This Year” 31:44 SEC: Natty. Little Tenners: Nothing 33:09 Outro 34:28 Up Next - America’s Team: The Gambler And His Cowboys 🏈 Diego Pavia Instagram - https://bit.ly/45uLND4 TikTok - http://bit.ly/4fsLY5p X - https://bit.ly/4ldwx2j 🏈 Vanderbilt Instagram - http://bit.ly/4lfo8eu X - http://bit.ly/4mCiaWt YouTube - @vucommodores 🏈 Paul Finebaum Instagram - https://bit.ly/45kVtPv X - https://bit.ly/46JQFWc 🎙️ Kay Adams Instagram - http://bit.ly/3GYp4Go TikTok - http://bit.ly/4m7KmR9 X - http://bit.ly/45nI2Ou 🎙️ Dani Klupenger Instagram - https://bit.ly/3HeGGxx TikTok - https://bit.ly/4lQSBkl X - https://bit.ly/4lWpufr 🟥 Netflix Sports Instagram - http://bit.ly/45CPAhL TikTok - http://bit.ly/4mti6Ia X - http://bit.ly/4mseqGH Facebook - http://bit.ly/45o5xqK YouTube - @NetflixSports We want to hear from you! Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/NetflixSportsClub Be sure to watch, listen, and subscribe to the Netflix Sports Club Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Tudum, and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Kay Adams, the Netflix Sports Club Podcast is an all-access deep dive into the Netflix Sports Universe. Join Kay as she speaks with athletes, coaches, and top sports correspondents to break down the latest Netflix Sports series. Expect bold opinions, insightful analysis, and candid conversations you won’t find anywhere else.…

about a year ago 49:17

MP3•Episode home

What happens when a teenage hacker becomes one of the most respected cybersecurity leaders in the industry? In this high-octane episode of The Professional CISO Show, David Malicoat sits down with Pete Nicoletti, Global CISO of the Americas at Check Point Software, for a brutally honest and wildly entertaining journey through decades of cybersecurity evolution.

From running ISP networks and getting hacked, to building MSSPs, leading security for Hertz and Virtustream, and now advising at the frontlines of AI-driven cyber defense—Pete shares real stories, lessons learned, and his vision for what CISOs must become next.

We cover physical pen testing war stories, building future leaders, why encryption is non-negotiable, the changing battlefield of AI, and how security professionals must evolve—before it’s too late.

Key Highlights:

Pete’s origin story as a hacker-turned-security leader
The case for encryption as a last line of defense
How physical pen testing helped him build real-world resilience
Why CISO reporting structure must change—now
Leveraging AI to fight AI (and what happens if we don’t)
Building the next generation of cyber leaders from the classroom up
What it takes to be a professional CISO today

🔗 Links:

🌐 www.thpc.co

▶️ Watch More Episodes on YouTube

🎧 Spotify

🍎 Apple Podcasts

🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn

#Cybersecurity #CISO #Leadership #AIinSecurity #Encryption #PenTesting #CareerDevelopment #Checkpoint #ProfessionalCISO

83 episodes

From Hacker to CISO: Pete Nicoletti’s Wild Ride Through Security Leadership

The Professional CISO

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Key Highlights:

Pete’s origin story as a hacker-turned-security leader
The case for encryption as a last line of defense
How physical pen testing helped him build real-world resilience
Why CISO reporting structure must change—now
Leveraging AI to fight AI (and what happens if we don’t)
Building the next generation of cyber leaders from the classroom up
What it takes to be a professional CISO today

🔗 Links:

🌐 www.thpc.co

▶️ Watch More Episodes on YouTube

🎧 Spotify

🍎 Apple Podcasts

🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn

#Cybersecurity #CISO #Leadership #AIinSecurity #Encryption #PenTesting #CareerDevelopment #Checkpoint #ProfessionalCISO

83 episodes

#Tech #David Malicoat #MBA #Business #CISO #Cybersecurity #Information Security

All episodes

1
EP82: Lessons from CISO XC DFW: Leadership, Risk & Real-World Security 38:04

11 hours ago38:04

38:04

Summary: Recorded live at CISO XC DFW, this episode of The Professional CISO Show features three powerful conversations from leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity. First, Sonya Wickel shares her 24-year career journey from IT generalist to CISO & CIO, offering insights on fourth-party risk, the value of empathy in leadership, and the importance of staying sharp in both IT and cybersecurity. Then, Eric Bowerman takes us inside the complex task of securing Dallas Fort Worth International Airport — from operational technology and stakeholder management to implementing passwordless authentication and preparing for global events like FIFA. Finally, Tera Davis explains how CyberOne has built a true community partnership with CISO XC, scaling professional services, preparing organizations for AI adoption, and fostering the next generation of security talent. Sponsors Valence Security (www.valencesecurity.com) CISO XC (www.cisoxc.com) Key Topics Covered: CISO/CIO dual-role challenges & strategies Third & fourth-party risk management best practices Critical infrastructure & OT security challenges Building trust and stakeholder alignment in high-impact environments Passwordless authentication for operational teams Authentic sponsor–community relationships Scaling professional services & AI readiness Links & Resources: 🌐 Website: www.thpc.co 📺 Watch More Episodes: http://www.youtube.com/@TheProfessionalCISO 🎧 Listen on Spotify: Open on Spotify 🍏 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Open on Apple Podcasts 💼 LinkedIn: Follow on LinkedIn Hashtags: #CyberSecurity #CISO #TheProfessionalCISO #CISOXC #CyberLeadership #RiskManagement #OTSecurity #ThirdPartyRisk #AirportSecurity #Passwordless #CyberCommunity #CyberOne #ValenceSecurity…

1
From Data Governance to AI Security: Kristi Cook on Building Resilient Teams 14:46

7 days ago14:46

14:46

Sponsors AIM Security ( www.aim.security ) Guidepoint Security ( www.guidepointsecurity.com ) Kristi Cook, Head of Cybersecurity at Peabody Energy, joins David Malicoat live from GPSEC St. Louis — with AIM Security as our midday sponsor — to discuss how she’s leading her team through AI adoption, data governance, and talent development. From leveraging conferences as both morale boosters and strategic accelerators, to building a sustainable talent pipeline through the CyberUp apprenticeship program, Kristi offers actionable insights for CISOs facing rapid technological change. We also dive into the unique trust and collaboration in the St. Louis cybersecurity community, and why AI may finally give security leaders the leverage to fix long-standing data governance challenges. Key Topics Covered: Leadership panel insights: AI, SaaS security, hiring, and retention Using conferences for team building and strategy alignment Justifying training investments to executive leadership Foundations for AI security: IAM and data protection Solving the talent gap with apprenticeship programs Why local community trust matters in cybersecurity Preparing for the next wave of rapid tech change Resources & Links: AIM Security: www.aimsecurity.ai CyberUp Apprenticeship Program: wecyberup.org The Professional CISO Show Website: www.thpc.co Watch on YouTube: @TheProfessionalCISO Listen on Spotify: Click Here Listen on Apple Podcasts: Click Here Connect on LinkedIn: The Professional CISO Show #️⃣ Hashtags #Cybersecurity #CISO #TheProfessionalCISOShow #DataGovernance #AIsecurity #Leadership #TeamBuilding #CyberTalent #IdentityAccessManagement #StLouisCybersecurity #GPSEC #PeabodyEnergy #CyberUp…

1
CISO XC Live: Conversations on Innovation and Threats 31:07

15 days ago31:07

31:07

Sponsored by HivePro (www.hivepro.com) and CISO XC (www.cisoxc.com). EP80 – CISO XC DFW | Hive Pro Special: AI, Identity & The Future of Cyber Roles Live from CISO XC DFW, The Professional CISO Show dives into the intersection of innovation, leadership, and cyber resilience. Host David Malicoat sits down with: Ted Sanders , BISO and cybersecurity educator, to discuss embedding cyber strategy at scale and why the BISO role is the next great proving ground for future CISOs. Jon Brickey , SVP & Cybersecurity Evangelist at Mastercard, as he unpacks his unique career journey from NSA to Mastercard and explains how cyber innovation, threatcasting, and AI will reshape the landscape. Travis Farral , CISO at RK Energy, who shares actionable insights on session token hijacking, third-party risks, and his strategic push for FIDO2 adoption in a hybrid environment. Sponsored by Hive Pro , a leader in Continuous Threat Exposure Management. Learn more at https://hivepro.com Key Takeaways: The BISO role as a critical extension of CISO leadership Why threat translation is a core skill for cyber leaders How AI will augment, not replace, cybersecurity roles Jon Brickey’s “Forrest Gump” career across the evolution of cyber defense Identity strategy as a cornerstone of modern resilience 🎯 Perfect for: CISOs, aspiring cyber leaders, SOC managers, and innovators thinking about the future of security and strategy. 🔗 Links & CTAs 🌐 Website: www.thpc.co 📺 Watch More Episodes: YouTube 🎧 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn 👤 Guest Info Ted Sanders – BISO in financial services, Cybersecurity Instructor at Collin College Jon Brickey – SVP & Cybersecurity Evangelist, Mastercard Travis Farral – CISO, RK Energy 📌 Related Episodes EP79: Rob T. Lee on Cybersecurity Training Futures EP77: The AI Opportunity for CISOs 🔖 Hashtags #Cybersecurity #CISO #BISO #AIinSecurity #CyberInnovation #MastercardSecurity #FIDO2 #ThreatExposure #HivePro #TheProfessionalCISO #CISOStrategy #CyberEvangelism #CyberLeadership #CyberPodcast…

1
From DFIR Godfather to AI Risk Advocate: Rob T. Lee on Cybersecurity’s Crossroads | RSA 2025 48:05

21 days ago48:05

48:05

In this special RSA Conference edition of The Professional CISO Show , host David Malicoat sits down with Rob T. Lee—Chief of Research at SANS Institute and a foundational figure in cybersecurity. With nearly three decades of experience spanning the Air Force, Mandiant, and SANS, Rob shares his insights on the evolving challenges of the CISO role, the toxicity of today’s security environments, and the urgent need for AI literacy across the industry. Rob dives deep into the accelerating threat landscape, the need for cyber safe harbors, and why he believes we’re on the verge of normalizing breaches as the cost of doing business. He also makes the case for rewarding defenders and rethinking how we define cybersecurity success. Key Highlights: Why most CISOs say “never again”—and what needs to change Why Rob coined DFIR and CTI (and the story behind it) The CISO “zero-sum game” and how toxic cultures persist Rob’s 4-part personal health mantra: Sleep, Diet, Exercise… and AI A call to “Learn AI daily”—for security pros and business leaders alike What boards should be doing—and why every board needs a cyber voice Rob’s RSA keynote preview: cyber safe harbors and AI velocity imbalance Guest: 👤 Rob T. Lee – Chief of Research, SANS Institute 🔗 https://www.sans.org/profiles/rob-t-lee/ Host: 🎙️ David Malicoat, The Professional CISO Show 🌐 www.thpc.co Listen & Subscribe: 🔊 Spotify: The Professional CISO Show on Spotify 🍎 Apple Podcasts: The Professional CISO Show on Apple 📣 Hashtags: #Cybersecurity #TheProfessionalCISO #RSA2025 #RobTLee #SANS #DFIR #AIinSecurity #CyberRisk #CISOLeadership #CTI #CyberSafeHarbor #LearnAIDaily #IncidentResponse #AIThreats #CyberCulture…

1
Event Series EP 78: AI, Data, and Talent: CISO Lessons from GPSEC STL 14:18

28 days ago14:18

14:18

Sponsors: Rubrik ( www.rubrik.com ) Guidepoint Security ( www.guidepointsecurity.com ) In this episode of The Professional CISO Show , David Malicoat hosts a special two-part discussion live from GPSEC STL in St. Louis. First up is Marc Ashworth, CISO of First Bank and host of The Cyber Executive Podcast , who discusses leadership development, AI, mentorship, and why he started podcasting as a CISO. Then, Michael Evans, Head of Information Security at Energizer, shares his grounded take on data governance, foundational AI readiness, and why security conversations at live events are vital for industry growth. Key Highlights: Marc Ashworth on AI maturity, team building, and starting a CISO podcast Michael Evans on AI implementation and why data governance must come first Live insights on talent retention, vendor risk, and security leadership A look ahead: quantum-safe encryption and what CISOs should watch next Call to Action: Subscribe to The Professional CISO Show for unfiltered conversations with the leaders shaping cybersecurity. 🎧 Listen on Spotify: The Professional CISO Show 📱 Listen on Apple Podcasts: The Professional CISO Show 🌐 More Episodes + Info: www.thpc.co 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn: The Professional CISO Show Hashtags: #CyberSecurity #CISO #AI #DataGovernance #Leadership #TheProfessionalCISO #CyberPodcast #GPSEC #CyberTalent #QuantumSecurity #MarcAshworth #MichaelEvans…

1
🎙 Episode 77 – CISO XC DFW 4: Securing the Real World 34:14

4 weeks ago34:14

34:14

🔹 Live from CISO XC DFW ( www.cisoxc.com ) | Sponsored by Valence Security ( www.valencesecurity.com ) In this field-recorded episode of The Professional CISO Show , host David Malicoat returns to CISO XC DFW for another round of dynamic, on-the-ground conversations with three influential cybersecurity leaders — each offering a unique and grounded perspective on today’s real-world risks and tomorrow’s security frontiers. Cyber attorney and governance thought leader Shawn Tuma returns to discuss the resurgence of business email compromise (BEC) , the importance of humility in cyber defense , and why AI governance is rapidly becoming a core CISO responsibility. Maritime security executive Glen Vickers walks us through the harsh realities of securing satellite-connected vessels , dealing with Starlink , and the challenges of maritime connectivity . Then, longtime friend of the show and security visionary Chris Cochran reveals his newest venture: Commandant , an AI-powered incident response co-pilot designed to fundamentally change how organizations respond to crisis events — complete with its own assistant, Lucy . Throughout the episode, we also explore the challenges of securing SaaS ecosystems, managing identity at scale, and the rising importance of proactive vendor evaluation and tabletop readiness. Whether you’re a field-hardened CISO or just starting your executive security journey, this episode brings you into the heart of cybersecurity’s most pressing conversations — unfiltered, insightful, and straight from the source. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode The dangerous re-emergence of BEC as a top threat vector — and why AI may be amplifying the risk Why CISOs must lead the charge on AI governance and strategy — or risk being sidelined How FIDO and identity modernization can reduce exposure to targeted fraud Insights on satellite cybersecurity , Starlink limitations, and maritime network vulnerabilities A behind-the-scenes preview of “Commandant,” an AI co-pilot for incident response — designed to help IR teams with note-taking, SLA tracking, notification workflows, and continuous tabletop exercises How vendor selection, tabletop simulations, and small supplier coordination can make or break your organization during a crisis Why humility, not hubris, is the most underrated leadership trait in cybersecurity 💬 Notable Quotes “Just because you can’t think of how the attacker got in doesn’t mean they didn’t. That’s why we need more humility in this industry.” — Shawn Tuma “AI isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a once-in-a-generation shift — and CISOs have a chance to shape it from the start.” — David Malicoat “Lucy is designed to help you during your worst day — capturing context, notes, contracts, timelines, and guiding you through the fog of war.” — Chris Cochran “We’re securing vessels in the middle of the ocean using tech that was old when we got it — Starlink’s changed the game, but it’s brought new challenges too.” — Glen Vickers “A $5M cyber insurance policy might only cover $250K of social engineering fraud. The rest is on you.” — Shawn Tuma 🎧 Listen & Subscribe 📍 Available now on all major platforms: 🔗 Spotify 🔗 Apple Podcasts 🌐 Full episodes and show resources at www.thpc.co 📣 Stay Connected with The Professional CISO Show 📺 Watch on YouTube 💼 Follow on LinkedIn 🧠 Guest Info Shawn Tuma – Partner at Spencer Fane, co-author of GC + CISO Connection Glen Vickers – CISO at ABS Wavesight Chris Cochran – Co-founder, Commandant AI | Formerly of Netflix, NSA, Mandiant 📚 Related Episodes EP 71 – CISO Culture & AI Strategy EP 63 – AI Governance and the Role of the CISO EP 45 – Shawn Tuma on Legal Risk, AI, and Cyber Insurance 🔖 Hashtags #CISO #CyberSecurity #TheProfessionalCISOShow #BusinessEmailCompromise #AIinSecurity #IncidentResponse #MaritimeCyber #StarlinkSecurity #ValenceSecurity #CommandantAI #LeadershipInCyber #FIDO #SupplyChainRisk #CyberInsurance #SaaSVisibility #RealWorldSecurity…

1
Fix Your Data Pipeline or Drown: David Young on Cost, Complexity & AI in Security 20:00

5 weeks ago20:00

20:00

Sponsors: ObservoAI ( www.observo.ai ) Guidepoint Security ( www.guidepointsecurity.com ) In this episode of The Professional CISO Show , recorded live at GuidePoint Security’s GPSEC STL event, host David Malicoat sits down with David Young, Chief Revenue Officer at ObservoAI. Together, they unpack the explosive growth of security data, the hidden costs of legacy pipelines, and why modern SOCs are hitting a breaking point. David shares Observo AI’s origin story from within Rubrik, and how their AI-native platform helps security teams stop drowning in data, reduce costs, and uncover real threats faster. It’s a must-listen for CISOs, SOC leaders, and anyone dealing with the complexity of modern security data environments. What You’ll Learn: Why traditional SIM and log management approaches are failing The origin of ObservoAI inside Rubrik’s massive 20PB security lake How AI and open-box ML models are transforming SOC operations Real-world cost reductions and productivity gains from major enterprises Where the future of data pipelines, SOAR, and AI in security is headed Guest: 🎙 David Young, CRO at Observo AI 🔗 Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmyoung/ Host: 🎤 David Malicoat, Host of The Professional CISO Show 🌐 www.thpc.co | LinkedIn Listen + Subscribe: 🟢 Spotify 🍎 Apple Podcasts Hashtags: #Cybersecurity #CISO #SecurityData #AIinSecurity #SOAR #SecurityOps #ObservoAI #Rubrik #TheProfessionalCISOShow…

1
🎙 Episode 75 — GPSEC STL: Community, AI & Quantum Readiness 19:07

5 weeks ago19:07

19:07

Sponsors: AIM Security (www.aim.security) Guidepoint Security ( www.guidepointsecurity.com ) In this special on-location episode, David Malicoat returns to The Professional CISO Show from the heart of the St. Louis cybersecurity scene—GPSEC STL—presented by GuidePoint Security and AIM Security. He’s joined by two standout guests: 🔹 Andrew Wilder , CISO at VetCor and unofficial “cruise director” of the vibrant St. Louis CISO community 🔹 Carole Sharp , Lead Security Governance Analyst at Centene and a seasoned expert in GRC and risk quantification From grassroots cybersecurity culture to the future of AI and post-quantum threats, this episode is a powerful snapshot of where security leadership is going—and who’s leading the charge. 🧠 Topics Covered The legendary St. Louis CISO community (“don’t mess with the family”) AI + DSPM in the real world: what’s working Agentic AI and the evolution of SOC work Risk quantification, FAIR, and practical GRC strategy The future of cybersecurity beyond AI: quantum readiness St. Louis as a cybersecurity hub with soul 🛠 Sponsored by AIM Security AIM Security helps CISOs safely adopt AI across the enterprise—govern shadow AI, secure LLMs, and stop adversarial threats before they happen. Learn more at aimsecurity.ai 🔗 Subscribe & Follow the Show: www.thpc.co LinkedIn Spotify Apple Podcasts #cybersecurity #CISO #AIsecurity #GPSEC #quantumcomputing #GRC #DSPM #TheProfessionalCISO #riskmanagement #infosec…

1
✈️ EP74: Inside GPSEC STL: AI, Red Team Ops & Human-Centered Security 15:02

6 weeks ago15:02

15:02

Sponsors: Rubrik ( www.rubrik.com ) Guidepoint Security ( www.guidepointsecurity.com ) In this live GPSEC St. Louis episode of The Professional CISO Show , host David Malicoat dives deep into cybersecurity leadership with two powerhouse guests: Victor Wieczorek , SVP of Offensive Security at GuidePoint Security, and Wayne Fajerski , Deputy CISO of Edward Jones. Victor shares real-world offensive security insights, including a jaw-dropping AI chatbot exploitation story from a red team engagement. He also unpacks how GuidePoint balances professional services and tech enablement while navigating the AI transformation in ethical, human-centered ways. Wayne, fresh off a panel, breaks down key takeaways around CISO leadership, AI maturity, and how Edward Jones has successfully developed internal cyber talent over his 25-year career. The two guests reflect on AI as a mirror to organizational gaps and explore how GPSEC events bring practitioners and communities closer together through real conversations—not ivory-tower thought leadership. Key Topics: Offensive security trends and AI augmentation Real-world exploitation of insecure chatbots GPSEC’s role in localized cyber collaboration Building and retaining cybersecurity talent AI’s exposure of poor data governance Cultivating next-gen CISOs from within…

1
🔒 EP 73 — CISO XC DFW Part 3: From Threat Exposure to Business Enablement (ft. Matt Walker & Allen Rountree) 25:12

7 weeks ago25:12

25:12

Sponsors: HivePro ( www.hivepro.com ) CISO XC: ( www.cisoxc.com ) In this on-site episode from CISO XC DFW, David Malicoat sits down with Matt Walker (Goosehead Insurance) and Allen Rountree (IBM Public Cloud) for candid conversations on today’s biggest challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity leadership. 💡 Topics Covered Applying Zero Trust principles to AI use cases SaaS data leakage and the evolving DLP strategy Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) and Hive Pro’s role Selling security risk to the board and executive team Enabling business value through classification and risk reduction The evolving edge and why exposure is the new perimeter What it means to “take off the badge” as a CISO Holistic data protection in fragmented environments 💬 “Don’t just be the department of no. Enable the business with intelligence and insight.”…

1
CISO Culture, AI Governance, and “No Jerks” with Gary Brickhouse of GuidePoint Security 19:34

8 weeks ago19:34

19:34

Sponsors: ObservoAI ( www.observo.ai ) Guidepoint Security ( www.guidepointsecurity.com ) Episode Summary: Live from GPSEC St. Louis, David Malicoat sits down with Gary Brickhouse, CISO of GuidePoint Security, for a wide-ranging discussion on company culture, cybersecurity leadership, and AI governance. Gary shares how GuidePoint scaled its “no jerks” value from 50 to 1,200 employees, how he’s navigating generative AI internally and externally, and why peer-to-peer conversations are the secret sauce behind GuidePoint’s events. Key Highlights: – Why the “no jerks” rule is more than just a slogan – How GuidePoint’s decentralized regional model preserves culture at scale – How they’re approaching AI enablement without blocking innovation – The structure and purpose behind GuidePoint’s AI governance committee – Why cross-functional leadership—not just InfoSec—is key to making AI safe and valuable – Tips for other CISOs thinking about AI policy and enablement Guest: 👤 Gary Brickhouse , CISO at GuidePoint Security 🔗 GuidePointSecurity.com 🎧 Listen now on: Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2C7JojNZPdg1g6AXvpKDfn?si=a7ac3172bb414673 Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-professional-ciso/id1731138021 🌐 More at: www.thpc.co 📱 Follow on LinkedIn: The Professional CISO Show…

1
🎙️ EPISODE 71 — Security for AI: AIM Security’s Approach to Shadow AI, Governance, and the Real AI Risk 24:56

8 weeks ago24:56

24:56

Sponsors: AIM Security (www.aim.security) Guidepoint Security ( www.guidepointsecurity.com ) What does it take to secure AI in the enterprise—when the threat landscape, technology stack, and business expectations are all evolving in real time? At GPSEC St. Louis, David Malicoat sits down with Dan Anderson , Field CTO of the Americas at AIM Security , to talk about securing the full lifecycle of AI usage across the enterprise. From browser plugins and AI firewalls to shadow AI discovery and agentic AI governance, this candid conversation dives deep into where the risks really lie and what security leaders need to be doing now. You’ll walk away with a grounded view of the AI adoption journey—and why most organizations are already neck-deep in it, whether they know it or not. 🔑 Episode Highlights Why “saying no” to AI use is no longer an option—and what happens when you try Defining the real problem space of AI security: shadow usage, data leakage, adversarial LLMs AIM’s product strategy: covering the full lifecycle from browser to firewall to analytics What agentic AI means—and why it’s the next frontier Building an AI security program around people, process, and partnership The future of AI governance and how AIM is shaping it through real-world customer feedback Why there’s no such thing as a fully baked AI security product in 2025 🎧 Listen Now Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2C7JojNZPdg1g6AXvpKDfn?si=a7ac3172bb414673 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-professional-ciso/id1731138021 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheProfessionalCISO 🌐 Connect with The Professional CISO Show Website: www.thpc.co LinkedIn: The Professional CISO Show 📢 About AIM Security AIM Security helps security leaders enable safe, governed, and productive AI adoption. From LLM usage monitoring to AI firewalls, AIM empowers enterprises to protect their data, enforce compliance, and stay ahead of the AI attack surface. Learn more and book a demo at www.aim .security…

1
From Backup to Cyber Resilience: Rubrik’s Vision with Drew Russell 21:31

8 weeks ago21:31

21:31

Sponsors: Rubrik ( www.rubrik.com ) Guidepoint Security ( www.guidepointsecurity.com ) Episode Summary: In this episode, David Malicoat sits down with Drew Russell, leader of Rubrik’s elite “Night Stalkers” team, for a high-speed, no-fluff conversation recorded live at GPSEC STL. Drew unpacks Rubrik’s evolution from a backup company to a full-spectrum data security and identity resilience platform, clarifies the real problem space for modern CISOs, and explains why identity is the next frontier of cyber resilience. They also dig into Rubrik’s deployment models, modular architecture, and how AI is being operationalized to secure enterprise data. This is one of the clearest explanations yet of how Rubrik is reshaping the security conversation—and why CISOs need to pay attention. Key Highlights: How Rubrik evolved beyond “just backup” The Night Stalkers: Inside Rubrik’s special forces-style innovation team Why recovery at speed is now a business imperative What CISOs miss about identity resilience and DSPM Rubrik’s modular deployment strategy—and why it matters How Rubrik is preparing for AI-integrated enterprise environments Drew’s leadership style and how it drives innovation Subscribe and listen now on: Spotify Apple Podcasts…

1
From Hacker to CISO: Pete Nicoletti’s Wild Ride Through Security Leadership 49:17

9 weeks ago49:17

49:17

What happens when a teenage hacker becomes one of the most respected cybersecurity leaders in the industry? In this high-octane episode of The Professional CISO Show , David Malicoat sits down with Pete Nicoletti , Global CISO of the Americas at Check Point Software, for a brutally honest and wildly entertaining journey through decades of cybersecurity evolution. From running ISP networks and getting hacked, to building MSSPs, leading security for Hertz and Virtustream, and now advising at the frontlines of AI-driven cyber defense—Pete shares real stories, lessons learned, and his vision for what CISOs must become next. We cover physical pen testing war stories, building future leaders, why encryption is non-negotiable, the changing battlefield of AI, and how security professionals must evolve—before it’s too late. Key Highlights: Pete’s origin story as a hacker-turned-security leader The case for encryption as a last line of defense How physical pen testing helped him build real-world resilience Why CISO reporting structure must change—now Leveraging AI to fight AI (and what happens if we don’t) Building the next generation of cyber leaders from the classroom up What it takes to be a professional CISO today 🔗 Links: 🌐 www.thpc.co ▶️ Watch More Episodes on YouTube 🎧 Spotify 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn #Cybersecurity #CISO #Leadership #AIinSecurity #Encryption #PenTesting #CareerDevelopment #Checkpoint #ProfessionalCISO…

1
SaaS Risk, Shared Responsibility, and Veteran Cyber Talent | Live from CISO XC DFW 24:40

10 weeks ago24:40