Security DNA

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Jun 2026

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Security DNA is a podcast brought to you by SecurityInfoWatch.com, covering subjects of interest to security stakeholders in the industry. Topics range from security industry news, trends and analysis to technology solutions, policy risk analysis and management, and more. Our editorial team, along with industry experts and consultants, fill each podcast episode with information that is of value to security professionals.

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47 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 6017 min

Security DNA Live at ESX: Jeremy Bates on Building, Selling, and Now Leading the Industry

In this episode of Security DNA, recorded live on the show floor at the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) 2026, SecurityInfoWatch Editor-in-Chief Paul Rothman sits down with Jeremy Bates, incoming Chairman of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and Senior Vice President of Business Development at Pye-Barker Fire & Security. Jeremy came up through the industry the hard way, co-owning and growing Bates Security and Sonitrol of Lexington, Ky., into one of the most respected regional security companies in the nation before selling to Pye-Barker and joining the organization in May 2024. Now stepping into the ESA Chairman role, he brings a clear agenda: expand education and training, build out the new ESA Research Center – including a newly hired economist – and demonstrate concrete membership value as the industry continues to consolidate. In this conversation, Jeremy shares his priorities for ESA, including revamped education and apprenticeship programs; offers a candid take on industry M&A and what the hollowing-out of the mid-tier integrator market means for entrepreneurs; explains how Pye-Barker is shifting its focus from acquisition volume to organic growth; and makes the case for why video – particularly proactive video monitoring – is the technology trend most worth watching right now.

June 2, 2026Episode 5910 min

Reflections on 30 Years of the Smart Home - with Elizabeth Parks

SecurityInfoWatch Editorial Director Rodney Bosch sits down with Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO of Parks Associates, live at the 30th annual CONNECTIONS Conference in Santa Clara, CA. Elizabeth reflects on three decades of smart home research, what the industry consistently misunderstands about consumers, the mounting pressure on dealer channels, and why cybersecurity is the conversation nobody is having loudly enough...yet. ‪Parks Associates‬ has been a foundational research voice for smart home, connected home, multifamily, and small business markets since 1986, helping manufacturers and platform companies validate product strategy and forecast where the market is heading. Topics covered: ✔️ Why today's smart home discussions mirror conversations from 30-40 years ago ✔️ What consumers actually care about (hint: not Thread, Z-Wave, or Zigbee) ✔️ The "build your own smart home" buyer journey — and why that first experience is everything ✔️ Why local dealers are struggling and what manufacturers owe them ✔️ Standout moments from Connections 2026: Perplexity's health-in-the-home keynote and a 14-year-old founder ✔️ What's coming for Connections 2027: agentic AI, convergence, and cybersecurity More coverage from Connections Conference 2026

May 14, 2026Episode 5827 min

After Brown University: What 1,200 Cameras Don't Tell You About Your Surveillance Gaps

The December 2025 shooting at Brown University exposed a key flaw in modern surveillance strategy: more cameras do not always mean better coverage. Despite operating more than 1,200 cameras, Brown reportedly faced critical blind spots that complicated the response and delayed suspect identification. In this episode of SecurityDNA, Editorial Director Steve Lasky speaks with ZeroEyes Director of Service Enhancement Vincent Martinez about the lessons from Brown and the Washington Hilton incident, including why strategic camera placement matters more than camera count, how AI gun detection is changing threat response, and the common surveillance mistakes that leave organizations vulnerable. Drawing on experience with DHS tactical response teams and U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Martinez shares practical insights on surveillance audits, active shooter preparedness, red team assessments, and the future of AI-driven threat detection. Learn more: https://www.securityinfowatch.com/ ZeroEyes: https://zeroeyes.com/

November 5, 2025Episode 5724 min

Redefining Security in 2025 Part 1: Breaking Leadership Barriers with GMR CEO Mary Gates

Technology isn’t the only aspect of the security industry that’s evolving. The very definition of “security” is changing, so the way practitioners approach security must change with it. SecurityInfoWatch Associate Editor Samantha Schober brings Mary Gates, CEO of GMR Security Consulting Group, to the table to discuss the company’s rebranding effort, the rise of human-centric security strategies, and the unique strengths female security leaders bring to the table. Mary Gates is a seasoned industry veteran with over 35 years of experience in corporate security management. Previously President and now CEO at GMR Security Consulting Group, Mary directs the company’s strategic vision and growth trajectory, leads expansion into new markets and service areas, and works to develop and implement enterprise-level risk management strategies tailored to each client’s needs. Prior to GMR, Mary spent nearly 25 years at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where she most recently served as Executive Director. Gates is certified as an ALICE Instructor, CPTED, CFSSP, and CHPA-III. She has served on several boards, most recently as Advisory Member for the ASIS Banking and Financial Services Committee, and is a recognized international speaker at events hosted by ASIS, ATMIA, the American Bankers Association, and more.

October 22, 2025Episode 5633 min

The Critical Case for Cybersecurity Training with MyComputerCareer's Russ Munisteri

As the physical and digital worlds increasingly merge, cybersecurity has become a critical component of organizational defense. The rapid growth of IoT devices has expanded the average attack surface, making businesses more vulnerable than ever--a single employee clicking on a malicious email can compromise an entire organization. To protect against these evolving threats, companies must prioritize cyber threat awareness, understand emerging attack vectors, and implement proactive cybersecurity strategies. Knowledge is the first line of defense in preventing costly breaches and maintaining digital safety. In this episode of Security DNA, SecurityInfoWatch Associate Editor Samantha Schober sits down for a chat with Russ Munisteri, Lead Instructor at MyComputerCareer, to discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the challenges facing cyber workforce development, and the critical role of training in defending against today’s threats. Russ Munisteri is a seasoned IT professional boasting over 25 years of experience in systems administration, cybersecurity, and technical education. As Director of Education at MyComputerCareer, he leverages his extensive industry background and teaching expertise to prepare learners for success in IT and cybersecurity.

October 8, 2025Episode 5534 min

Visual Intelligence and the Future of Security Tech with Wesco’s Tara Dunning

In this episode of Security DNA, host Steve Lasky sits down with Tara Dunning, Vice President of Global Security and Network Infrastructure Sales and Strategy at Wesco, to explore how AI, IoT, and cloud technologies are transforming the role of today’s security integrators. Discover how cameras are evolving from simple surveillance tools to powerful visual intelligence assets, why platform aggregation and data-driven security are redefining situational awareness, and what the next generation of digital transformation means for integrators, manufacturers, and end users alike. Tara Dunning originally joined Wesco as VP of Global Security in 2021, where she scouted and evaluated new go-to-market opportunities and met emerging trends across verticals, segments, and geographies. She is currently Wesco’s VP, Global Security and Network Infrastructure Sales & Strategy. Dunning has delivered transformative growth in the IT and OT industries over the course of her career. She has held multiple sales and strategy leadership positions at various distributors, manufacturers, and service providers across the globe. In addition to her work on SIA’s Board of Directors, Dunning has given back to the industry through over 15 years of service to various organizations that uplift female and multicultural voices.

July 2, 2025Episode 4938 min

Unmasking the Silent Threat Targeting Your C-Suite with Chuck Randolph and Trinity Davis

Today's tense geopolitical landscape, coupled with the silos of social media, has made it easier than ever for people to not only become radicalized but to make violent moves in service of their views—sometimes to widespread acclaim online. As high-profile assassination attempts—successful or otherwise—continue to dominate U.S. headlines, many executives are forced to contend with the reality that today's world is not safe for underprepared leadership. On this week's episode of SecurityDNA, Steve Lasky joins 360Privacy execs Chuck Randolph and Trinity Davis to explain the dangers faced by organizational leadership, from the top brass to the small business owner. Charles "Chuck" Randolph is the Senior Vice President for Strategic Intelligence and Security at 360Privacy. Over the course of his 30 years in the industry, Randolph served in an executive capacity at companies like Microsoft and AT-RISK International and on several boards, including the Corporate Executive Protection Leadership Council and the International Protective Security Board. Randolph is also a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, recognized for valor during combat operations in Afghanistan. Trinity Davis is Managing Director at 360Privacy, where he leverages his 18 years of industry experience to protect executives across the industry spectrum, including FinTech and even social media. He specializes in cultivating and leading robust cross-functional teams to ensure high standards of safety and confidentiality.

February 26, 2025Episode 4126 min

Setting the South African Security Stage with Fortress CEO Evan Bloom

This week's episode of SecurityDNA sees host Steve Lasky take to the podium with guest Evan Bloom, industry veteran and CEO of Fortress Strategic Communications. Bloom's formative years growing up in South Africa left him with a unique perspective on the security industry's transformation through technology and the environment. Together, he and Steve delve into an in-depth discussion on the state of security culture in South Africa and the impact its evolution might have on the industry globally. Evan Bloom is CEO of Fortress Strategic Communications, a PR consultancy with a focus on the law enforcement, homeland security, physical security, public safety, and enterprise risk management sectors. His expertise in PR advisement has made him a sought-after individual for companies and clients linked to breaking news, geopolitical risks, law enforcement, and physical security market issues.

January 22, 2025Episode 4040 min

Holding the Line Against Terrorism with Rebel Global Security CEO Mark Freedman

In this week's episode of Security DNA, Rebel Global Security CEO Mark Freedman joins host Steve Lasky in a timely discussion about online radicalization, social media, and rising threats of violence from both sides of the political aisle. Mark Freedman is the Principal and CEO of Rebel Global Security, a leading advisory firm specializing in national security, geopolitical strategy, and risk management for critical infrastructure companies. Known for his expertise and trusted counsel, Mark equips executives with actionable strategies to navigate today's complex security landscape. Previous to his work with Rebel, Mark’s nearly decade-long tenure as a U.S. State Department officer included serving as Chief of Staff to the Ambassador-at-Large for Counterterrorism, overseeing operations for a 150-member bureau managing over $1 billion in foreign assistance funds. He led initiatives to enhance European security after the 2015 Paris ISIS attacks, curb weapons proliferation during the Arab Spring, and establish innovative forums for multilateral security collaboration.

January 9, 2025Episode 3926 min

CES Exclusive: SimpliSafe Executives talk Active Guard, AI Automation, and the Future of the Industry

On the show floor at CES 2025, Security Business Editor-in-Chief Paul Rothman discusses the future of monitoring centers, the applications of AI automation, and SimpliSafe's Active Guard solution with SimpliSafe's CEO and High Tech Product Leader, Christian Cerda (L) and Hooman Shahidi (R).