Cybersecurity Guide

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Cybersecurity Guide is one of the internet's leading resources for cybersecurity education. We produce guides and information about cybersecurity degree options, bootcamps, certifications, and career pathways. It is our goal to help increase the visibility and access into all of the opportunities available in cybersecurity -- from entry-level to the c-suite, and from intensive bootcamps to PhD research programs. This podcast is the a companion to cybersecurityguide.org

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60 recent

August 4, 202632 min

Irvin Heard | University of the Cumberlands

Dr. Irvin Heard is an associate professor at the University of the Cumberlands with experience in cybersecurity, digital forensics, law enforcement, and federal research. His career includes work with NIST, the Department of Defense, and advanced cybersecurity education. Dr. Irvin Heard discusses how his experience in the military, law enforcement, NIST, and digital forensics shaped his practical approach to cybersecurity education. He highlights the University of the Cumberlands’ hands-on, certification-aligned programs and explains pathways in information security, cyber engineering, and digital forensics. Dr. Heard also encourages aspiring professionals to develop foundational skills such as Python and Kali Linux, participate in cybersecurity challenges, and prepare for the growing convergence of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Find this full episode and other great episodes on Cybersecurity Guide .

July 27, 202629 min

Randy Pestana | Florida International University

Randy Pestana is a national security and cybersecurity expert who serves as Director of National Security Policy and Strategic Engagement at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy. His experience spans defense policy, regional security cooperation, cybersecurity strategy, and U.S. engagement with international partners. In this episode, Pestana discusses Florida International University’s cybersecurity ecosystem, including technical degrees, cyber policy, threat intelligence, risk management, workforce development, and hands-on learning opportunities. He also advises students to choose a cybersecurity pathway that matches their interests, build practical experience, and develop meaningful professional relationships.

July 21, 202639 min

An interview with David Maimon | Georgia State University

Dr. David Maimon is a professor of criminal justice and criminology at Georgia State University and director of its Evidence-Based Cybersecurity Research Group. His research explores cybercrime, online fraud, offender behavior, threat intelligence, and evidence-based approaches to cybersecurity policy and prevention. In this episode, Dr. Maimon discusses his transition from traditional criminology research to evidence-based cybersecurity, focusing on cybercrime prevention, offender behavior, fraud ecosystems, and the effectiveness of security policies and interventions. He also highlights Georgia State University’s interdisciplinary cybersecurity pathways and advises students to develop curiosity, critical thinking, AI literacy, and skills spanning technology, data analysis, policy, and human behavior. Find more episode details at Cybersecurity Guide .

July 13, 202632 min

Jonathan Graham | Norfolk State University

Dr. Jonathan Graham is a professor at Norfolk State University specializing in cybersecurity, digital forensics, intrusion detection, machine learning, and information assurance. With extensive experience in cybersecurity education and research, he helps prepare students for technical careers in cyber defense, government, industry, and applied research. Graham discusses the importance of strong technical foundations, hands-on labs, digital forensics, AI and machine learning, and understanding human behavior in cybersecurity. Find more info about this episode on Cybersecurity Guide .

July 6, 202626 min

Saltuk Karahan | Old Dominion University

Dr. Saltuk Karahan, a clinical associate professor and deputy director at Old Dominion University’s (ODU) School of Cybersecurity, whose interdisciplinary background spans systems engineering, computer science, international security studies, cyber policy, cyber war, and information/disinformation. In this episode, Karahan explains that cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary field requiring not only technical expertise but also strong communication, leadership, risk management, policy awareness, and understanding of human behavior. The interview also highlights Old Dominion University’s broad cybersecurity programs and his advice that students build depth in one area while staying adaptable, strategic, and committed to lifelong learning. Learn more at CybersecurityGuide .

June 8, 202632 min

Arthur Carter | Radford University

Dr. Arthur Carter is a professor of information systems at Radford University and chair of the Department of Accounting, Finance, and Information Systems. With a background spanning mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering work with the Navy, business information technology, and cybersecurity education, Dr. Carter brings a practical, multidisciplinary perspective to preparing students for both technical and management-focused cybersecurity careers. Dr. Carter discusses the difference between technical cybersecurity roles and cybersecurity management roles, emphasizing that students should explore their interests, strengths, and long-term goals before choosing a pathway. The conversation also highlights Radford University’s multidisciplinary cybersecurity programs, online certificate options, and student outreach efforts, with the key takeaway that cybersecurity offers many possible career directions, from hands-on technical work to policy, risk, management, and leadership. A full transcript of this episode is on Cybersecurity Guide .

May 6, 202628 min

Chris Carroll | Drexel University

Chris Carroll is a teaching professor and program director at Drexel University , where he prepares students for careers in cybersecurity and IT. Drawing on nearly 30 years of industry experience, he brings practical insight into networking, cloud computing, ethical hacking, and secure systems design. Professor Chris Carroll explains how Drexel’s cybersecurity program combines technical IT training with cybersecurity education so students can build practical skills and real career options. He emphasizes that many graduates begin in roles like networking, server administration, or support before moving into cybersecurity, and that Drexel’s co-op model helps students gain that experience early. He also argues that strong fundamentals matter more than chasing every new technology trend. His advice to students is to build good academic habits, explore different areas of IT and security, and pursue certifications strategically once they know their direction and can align them with employer needs. Find the full episode on Cybersecurity Guide .

April 21, 202634 min

Marrci Conner | Henry Ford College

Marrci Conner is a seasoned cybersecurity educator and IT professional who brings more than two decades of industry experience and 17 years of college-level teaching to her work at Henry Ford College. With expertise spanning cybersecurity, networking, programming, and digital forensics, she offers students a rare mix of technical knowledge, business insight, and real-world perspective that helps prepare them for both the classroom and the workforce. Find the full episode on Cybersecurity Guide .

April 8, 202639 min

Diane Murphy | Marymount University

Dr. Diane Murphy of Marymount University explains why the field now offers multiple entry points for students, career changers, and professionals who want to protect systems, data, and people in an increasingly digital world. Drawing on decades of experience across industry, government, entrepreneurship, and higher education, Dr. Murphy shares why modern cybersecurity education must go beyond theory. Her perspective makes a strong case for experiential learning, workforce readiness, and future-focused skills that prepare students not just for today’s jobs, but for the challenges still coming next. More details about this episode are available on Cybersecurity Guide .

March 24, 202634 min

Robert Greenberg | Sam Houston State University

Robert Greenberg , Director of the Cyber Forensics Intelligence Center and Assistant Professor of Practice at Sam Houston State University. With decades of industry experience and a strong background in computer science, he brings practical insight into cybersecurity education, digital forensics, and student career preparation. Robert Greenberg discussed the university’s cybersecurity, digital forensics, and computing pathways. He explains the differences between computer science, cybersecurity, information assurance, and digital forensics, while outlining SHSU’s undergraduate, master’s, certificate, and PhD options. He also emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, internships, certifications, and extracurricular projects in preparing students for the workforce. The conversation highlights a key takeaway for listeners: succeeding in today’s cybersecurity job market requires more than earning a degree alone. Learn more about the full episode at Cybersecurity Guide .