Cyber Threat Research, Hands-On Labs, and a Challenge You Can’t Afford to Miss | A Zero Trust World Conversation with Kieran Human | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli
02/03/25 • 23 min
Zero Trust World 2025, hosted by ThreatLocker, is set to bring together IT professionals, business leaders, and cybersecurity practitioners for three days of hands-on labs, insightful discussions, and expert-led sessions. Taking place in Orlando, Florida, from February 19-21, this year’s event promises an expanded agenda with cutting-edge topics, interactive workshops, and a unique approach to cybersecurity education.
The Growth of Zero Trust World
Now in its fifth year, Zero Trust World continues to grow exponentially, increasing in size by roughly 50% each year. Kieran Human, Special Projects Engineer at ThreatLocker, attributes this rapid expansion to the rising demand for cybersecurity solutions and the company’s own growth. More IT leaders are recognizing the necessity of a Zero Trust approach—not just as a security measure, but as a fundamental philosophy for protecting their organizations.
What to Expect: Hands-On Learning and Key Discussions
One of the biggest draws of Zero Trust World is its focus on hands-on experiences. Attendees can participate in hacking labs designed to teach them how cyber threats operate from an attacker’s perspective. These include interactive exercises using rubber duckies—USB devices that mimic keyboards to inject malicious commands—demonstrating how easily cybercriminals can compromise systems.
For those interested in practical applications of security measures, there will be sessions covering topics such as cookie theft, Metasploit, Windows and server security, and malware development. Whether an attendee is an entry-level IT professional or a seasoned security engineer, there’s something to gain from these hands-on labs.
High-Profile Speakers and Industry Insights
Beyond the labs, Zero Trust World 2025 will feature a lineup of influential speakers, including former Nintendo of America President and CEO Reggie Fils-Aimé, Chase Cunningham (known as Dr. Zero Trust), and ThreatLocker CEO Danny Jenkins. These sessions will provide strategic insights on Zero Trust implementation, industry challenges, and innovative cybersecurity practices.
One of the key sessions to look forward to is “The Dangers of Shadow IT,” led by Ryan Bowman, VP of Solution Engineering at ThreatLocker. Shadow IT remains a major challenge for organizations striving to implement Zero Trust, as unauthorized applications and devices create vulnerabilities that security teams may not even be aware of. Stay tuned for a pre-event chat with Ryan coming your way soon.
Networking, Certification, and More
Zero Trust World isn’t just about education—it’s also a prime networking opportunity. Attendees can connect during daily happy hours, the welcome and closing receptions, and a comic book-themed afterparty. ThreatLocker is even introducing a new cybersecurity comic book, adding a creative twist to the conference experience.
A major highlight is the Cyber Hero Program, which offers attendees a chance to earn certification in Zero Trust principles. By completing the Cyber Hero exam, participants can have the cost of their event ticket fully refunded, making this an invaluable opportunity for those looking to deepen their cybersecurity expertise.
A Unique Capture the Flag Challenge
For those with advanced cybersecurity skills, the Capture the Flag challenge presents an exciting opportunity. The first person to successfully hack a specially designed, custom-painted high-end computer gets to take it home. This competition is expected to draw some of the best security minds in attendance, reinforcing the event’s commitment to real-world application of cybersecurity techniques.
Join the Conversation
With so much to see and do, Zero Trust World 2025 is shaping up to be an essential event for IT professionals, business leaders, and security practitioners. Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli will be covering the event live, hosting interviews with speakers, panelists, and attendees to capture insights and takeaways.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your security knowledge, expand your professional network, or experience hands-on cybersecurity training, Zero Trust World 2025 offers something for everyone. If you’re attending, be sure to stop by the podcast area and join the conversation on the future of Zero Trust security.
Guest: Kieran Human, Special Projects Engineer, ThreatLocker [@ThreatLocker | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-human-5495ab170/
Hosts:
Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and ...
Zero Trust World 2025, hosted by ThreatLocker, is set to bring together IT professionals, business leaders, and cybersecurity practitioners for three days of hands-on labs, insightful discussions, and expert-led sessions. Taking place in Orlando, Florida, from February 19-21, this year’s event promises an expanded agenda with cutting-edge topics, interactive workshops, and a unique approach to cybersecurity education.
The Growth of Zero Trust World
Now in its fifth year, Zero Trust World continues to grow exponentially, increasing in size by roughly 50% each year. Kieran Human, Special Projects Engineer at ThreatLocker, attributes this rapid expansion to the rising demand for cybersecurity solutions and the company’s own growth. More IT leaders are recognizing the necessity of a Zero Trust approach—not just as a security measure, but as a fundamental philosophy for protecting their organizations.
What to Expect: Hands-On Learning and Key Discussions
One of the biggest draws of Zero Trust World is its focus on hands-on experiences. Attendees can participate in hacking labs designed to teach them how cyber threats operate from an attacker’s perspective. These include interactive exercises using rubber duckies—USB devices that mimic keyboards to inject malicious commands—demonstrating how easily cybercriminals can compromise systems.
For those interested in practical applications of security measures, there will be sessions covering topics such as cookie theft, Metasploit, Windows and server security, and malware development. Whether an attendee is an entry-level IT professional or a seasoned security engineer, there’s something to gain from these hands-on labs.
High-Profile Speakers and Industry Insights
Beyond the labs, Zero Trust World 2025 will feature a lineup of influential speakers, including former Nintendo of America President and CEO Reggie Fils-Aimé, Chase Cunningham (known as Dr. Zero Trust), and ThreatLocker CEO Danny Jenkins. These sessions will provide strategic insights on Zero Trust implementation, industry challenges, and innovative cybersecurity practices.
One of the key sessions to look forward to is “The Dangers of Shadow IT,” led by Ryan Bowman, VP of Solution Engineering at ThreatLocker. Shadow IT remains a major challenge for organizations striving to implement Zero Trust, as unauthorized applications and devices create vulnerabilities that security teams may not even be aware of. Stay tuned for a pre-event chat with Ryan coming your way soon.
Networking, Certification, and More
Zero Trust World isn’t just about education—it’s also a prime networking opportunity. Attendees can connect during daily happy hours, the welcome and closing receptions, and a comic book-themed afterparty. ThreatLocker is even introducing a new cybersecurity comic book, adding a creative twist to the conference experience.
A major highlight is the Cyber Hero Program, which offers attendees a chance to earn certification in Zero Trust principles. By completing the Cyber Hero exam, participants can have the cost of their event ticket fully refunded, making this an invaluable opportunity for those looking to deepen their cybersecurity expertise.
A Unique Capture the Flag Challenge
For those with advanced cybersecurity skills, the Capture the Flag challenge presents an exciting opportunity. The first person to successfully hack a specially designed, custom-painted high-end computer gets to take it home. This competition is expected to draw some of the best security minds in attendance, reinforcing the event’s commitment to real-world application of cybersecurity techniques.
Join the Conversation
With so much to see and do, Zero Trust World 2025 is shaping up to be an essential event for IT professionals, business leaders, and security practitioners. Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli will be covering the event live, hosting interviews with speakers, panelists, and attendees to capture insights and takeaways.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your security knowledge, expand your professional network, or experience hands-on cybersecurity training, Zero Trust World 2025 offers something for everyone. If you’re attending, be sure to stop by the podcast area and join the conversation on the future of Zero Trust security.
Guest: Kieran Human, Special Projects Engineer, ThreatLocker [@ThreatLocker | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-human-5495ab170/
Hosts:
Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and ...
Previous Episode
Music Evolves Podcast Debut: Exploring Music’s Evolution Through Technology, Creativity, and Innovation | A Conversation with Marco Ciappelli | Music Evolves with Sean Martin
Guests and Host
Guest: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli
Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin
Show Notes
The first episode of Music Evolves with host Sean Martin sets the tone for an exciting exploration of the intersection of music and technology. Kicking things off with a discussion of the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show, this episode covers how musicians, producers, and innovators are shaping the future of sound.
Music Meets Technology
From the resurgence of classic analog instruments to the latest AI-assisted music creation tools, technology continues to redefine how music is made, performed, and shared. Sean shares his firsthand experience at NAMM, where major brands and independent creators showcased groundbreaking advancements, including digital amplifiers that recreate vintage sounds, AI-driven music production tools, and innovations designed to break creative barriers.
One standout topic is how technology is making music creation more accessible. Companies are introducing tools that allow artists to experiment with sounds in ways that were once impossible without expensive studio setups. Instruments with built-in effects, digital modeling amps that maintain rich analog tones at lower volumes, and silent drum heads that allow musicians to practice in small apartments—all of these are making professional-quality music creation more attainable.
The Role of AI in Music
A key discussion point in this episode is the growing influence of artificial intelligence. AI-generated music isn’t just an experiment—it’s already shaping songwriting, production, and even performance. Some musicians use AI to refine lyrics, generate melodies, or experiment with new sonic textures. But with this innovation comes debate. Can AI-generated music carry the same emotional depth as human-created work? And how does this impact authenticity in songwriting and performance?
NAMM also brought attention to ethical concerns surrounding AI, with Roland and Universal Music Group unveiling an initiative to address fair use, artist rights, and responsible AI implementation in music. As AI continues to evolve, these discussions will be critical in determining its role in the industry.
Preserving the Classics While Pushing Boundaries
Despite all the technological advancements, there remains a strong nostalgia for classic sounds. This balance between innovation and tradition was evident at NAMM, where artists and engineers worked to preserve vintage tones while enhancing their usability for modern musicians. Companies are now blending analog warmth with digital precision, allowing musicians to replicate legendary sounds without the constraints of older hardware.
Sean also touches on the impact of these advancements on performance. Portable gear with built-in looping and effects is allowing musicians to push creative limits, while innovations in live sound engineering are making it possible to replicate studio-quality mixes on stage.
More to Come on Music Evolves
This episode sets the stage for a series that will dive deep into how technology is changing the way music is created, performed, and consumed. Future episodes will explore everything from sound engineering and music education to AI composition and new performance technologies.
For those passionate about music and its ever-expanding possibilities, Music Evolves offers a fresh perspective on how creativity and technology intersect. Be sure to listen to the full episode to hear firsthand insights from NAMM and stay tuned for upcoming discussions with musicians, engineers, and industry leaders shaping the future of sound.
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Resources
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Cybersecurity Leadership: Balancing Risk, Growth, and Strategy | A Conversation with Todd Fitzgerald | The Soulful CXO Podcast with Dr. Rebecca Wynn
Guest: Todd Fitzgerald, Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, CISO Spotlight
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddfitzgerald/
Host: Dr. Rebecca Wynn
On ITSPmagazine 👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/rebecca-wynn
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Episode Description
In this episode of Soulful CXO, host Dr. Rebecca Wynn speaks with Todd Fitzgerald about mastering the art of cybersecurity leadership. Todd highlights the importance of aligning cybersecurity initiatives with business goals, ensuring the right balance between technical and strategic priorities. They discuss leveraging frameworks like NIST and ISO to create a clear roadmap for security programs and using risk-based approaches to build trust with executives and boards. Todd shares insights on fostering innovation by combining existing strategies, empowering teams through collaboration, and staying adaptable in a rapidly changing field. With actionable strategies and leadership insights, this episode equips listeners to elevate their cybersecurity programs and deliver business value.
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Resources
Todd Fitzgerald's book, CISO COMPASS: Navigating Cybersecurity Leadership Challenges with Insights from Pioneers: https://a.co/d/6UFXDh0
Todd Fitzgerald's book, The Privacy Leader Compass: A Comprehensive Business-Oriented Roadmap for Building and Leading Practical Privacy Programs: https://a.co/d/ihMfAds
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For more podcast stories from The Soulful CXO Podcast With Rebecca Wynn: https://www.itspmagazine.com/the-soulful-cxo-podcast
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