
Jump Into Our DeLorean and Travel Back and Forth Into the Future | An Infosecurity Europe 2024 Conversation with Madelein van der Hout and Paul McKay from Forrester | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli
06/10/24 • 31 min
Guests:
Madelein van der Hout, Senior Analyst Security & Risk at Forrester [@forrester]
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelein-van-der-hout-65452025/
On Twitter | https://x.com/HoutMadelein
Paul McKay, Vice President, Research Director at Forrester [@forrester]
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mckay-5304a115/
____________________________
Hosts:
Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin
Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli
____________________________
Episode Notes
The Human Side of Cybersecurity
Infosecurity Europe 2024 in London brought together some of the industry's most knowledgeable professionals. Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin, your hosts, were joined by Madeline Van Der Hout, Paul McKay, both from Forrester, and various other experts to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and solutions within the cybersecurity landscape. This exciting episode of "On Location With Marco and Sean" dives deep into essential topics such as the significant role of the human element in cybersecurity, skill shortages, industry fragmentation, and future trends.
Reimagining Cybersecurity: Back to the Future
The episode begins with a nostalgic touch as Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli discuss the iconic movie "Back to the Future". Drawing a parallel between the film's theme of time travel and the evolving cybersecurity landscape, they emphasize how the industry might benefit from lessons of the past while anticipating the future.
The Reality of Cybersecurity Innovation
Madeline Van Der Hout and Paul McKay shed light on the changing dynamics of cybersecurity events. Paul mentions that events like Infosecurity Europe must now compete with other regional events like CyberSec Europe in Brussels. This healthy competition fosters localized insights and innovations.
Madeline adds that cybersecurity innovation often stems from startups. She believes these events stimulate larger vendors to communicate with smaller startups, thus supporting the entire ecosystem.
API Security: A Case for Consolidation
Both Paul and Madeline reflect on the notable presence of API security vendors at the conference. Madeline points out the consolidation in the market driven by various approaches to API security. CISOs today expect API security to be an integral part of their infrastructure, driving the conversation towards prioritization and efficient resource management.
The Human Element and Mental Health
One of the crucial points discussed was the significant skill shortage in the cybersecurity industry. Madeline stresses the need for more conversations around mental health and burnout prevention among cybersecurity professionals. Paul supports this by highlighting common hiring challenges where organizations are often looking for the "purple squirrel" or the "five-legged sheep."
Training and Educating Future Talent
The conversation moves towards the barriers to entry for new talent in the industry. Both experts agree that focusing on certifications alone can create a class divide. Paul argues that this practice restricts access to the industry for those unable to afford costly certifications.
Madeline emphasizes the need to work closely with HR departments to create better job profiles and hiring practices. This could alleviate some of the industry's talent shortages.
Cybersecurity's Future: More Than Just a Business Problem
...Guests:
Madelein van der Hout, Senior Analyst Security & Risk at Forrester [@forrester]
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelein-van-der-hout-65452025/
On Twitter | https://x.com/HoutMadelein
Paul McKay, Vice President, Research Director at Forrester [@forrester]
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mckay-5304a115/
____________________________
Hosts:
Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin
Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli
____________________________
Episode Notes
The Human Side of Cybersecurity
Infosecurity Europe 2024 in London brought together some of the industry's most knowledgeable professionals. Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin, your hosts, were joined by Madeline Van Der Hout, Paul McKay, both from Forrester, and various other experts to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and solutions within the cybersecurity landscape. This exciting episode of "On Location With Marco and Sean" dives deep into essential topics such as the significant role of the human element in cybersecurity, skill shortages, industry fragmentation, and future trends.
Reimagining Cybersecurity: Back to the Future
The episode begins with a nostalgic touch as Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli discuss the iconic movie "Back to the Future". Drawing a parallel between the film's theme of time travel and the evolving cybersecurity landscape, they emphasize how the industry might benefit from lessons of the past while anticipating the future.
The Reality of Cybersecurity Innovation
Madeline Van Der Hout and Paul McKay shed light on the changing dynamics of cybersecurity events. Paul mentions that events like Infosecurity Europe must now compete with other regional events like CyberSec Europe in Brussels. This healthy competition fosters localized insights and innovations.
Madeline adds that cybersecurity innovation often stems from startups. She believes these events stimulate larger vendors to communicate with smaller startups, thus supporting the entire ecosystem.
API Security: A Case for Consolidation
Both Paul and Madeline reflect on the notable presence of API security vendors at the conference. Madeline points out the consolidation in the market driven by various approaches to API security. CISOs today expect API security to be an integral part of their infrastructure, driving the conversation towards prioritization and efficient resource management.
The Human Element and Mental Health
One of the crucial points discussed was the significant skill shortage in the cybersecurity industry. Madeline stresses the need for more conversations around mental health and burnout prevention among cybersecurity professionals. Paul supports this by highlighting common hiring challenges where organizations are often looking for the "purple squirrel" or the "five-legged sheep."
Training and Educating Future Talent
The conversation moves towards the barriers to entry for new talent in the industry. Both experts agree that focusing on certifications alone can create a class divide. Paul argues that this practice restricts access to the industry for those unable to afford costly certifications.
Madeline emphasizes the need to work closely with HR departments to create better job profiles and hiring practices. This could alleviate some of the industry's talent shortages.
Cybersecurity's Future: More Than Just a Business Problem
...Previous Episode

The Boundless Frontier of Space and How What Happens Up There Affect Us Down Here: Exploring the Societal Impacts of Space | A Conversation With Tim Fowler and Sean Martin | Redefining Society with Marco Ciappelli
Guests: ✨
Tim Fowler, Offensive Security Analyst, Black Hills Information Security [@BHinfoSecurity]
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/roobixx/
On Twitter | https://twitter.com/roobixx
Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin
____________________________
Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli
_____________________________
This Episode’s Sponsors
BlackCloak 👉 https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb
Bugcrowd 👉 https://itspm.ag/itspbgcweb
Episode Introduction
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Redefining Society. Today, our host Marco Ciappelli takes us on an expansive journey beyond the confines of Earth. Along with Sean Martin and special guest Tim Fowler, we explore the wide-ranging societal impacts of space exploration.
The Fascination with Space
Marco Ciappelli kicks off the episode by highlighting humanity’s perpetual fascination with exploring the unknown. Drawing on cultural references from Italy, he sets the stage for a discussion that ventures far beyond our planet’s atmosphere. Co-host Sean Martin joins the conversation with evident enthusiasm for the journey, setting a tone of curiosity and adventure.
Introduction to Tim Fowler
Tim Fowler, an expert in offensive security from Black Hills Information Security, brings a unique perspective to the table. Having transitioned his focus from traditional cyber security to the cutting-edge domain of space systems, Fowler offers deep insights into why space exploration matters, not just from a technological standpoint but also culturally and societally.
Everyday Technology Rooted in Space
Marco cites several everyday items that owe their existence to space technology, from memory foam mattresses to GPS navigation systems. Tim elaborates on how technologies developed for space missions have trickled down to enhance various aspects of our daily lives—a clear testament to the far-reaching benefits of space exploration. For example, modern agriculture heavily relies on data from space for soil analysis, weather forecasting, and even autonomous machinery.
The Economics and Politics of Space Exploration
Fowler explains that space exploration is moving faster than ever, primarily due to private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. These organizations have democratized access to space, thus enabling rapid advancements that were once thought impossible. However, he also emphasizes the complexities involved in sending humans to space, noting the high stakes and intense caution required.
The Moon and Beyond
Marco and Tim discuss the intricacies of missions to the moon and Mars. Tim highlights the importance of off-world resource utilization as a pivotal step for sustained space habitation. Drawing inspiration from Daniel Suarez’s books "Delta V" and "Critical Mass," he discusses the potential of lunar and asteroid mining to provide the necessary materials for building space infrastructure.
Challenges and Concerns
As the conversation evolves, Sean raises valid concerns about the implications of space technology becoming monopolized by a few powerful entities. Tim acknowledges this, explaining that while technological advancements are exhilarating, they also bring about significant societal and ethical considerations.
Regulatory and Social Considerations
Marco and Tim touch on future regulatory landscapes and the societal shifts that wil...
Next Episode

Hurricanes, Hacktivists, & HPCs: Building Resilience for the Compute Era | A Conversation With Dr. Melanie Garson and Sean Martin | Redefining Society with Marco Ciappelli
Guests: ✨
Dr. Melanie Garson, Cyber Policy & Tech Geopolitics Lead, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change [@InstituteGC]
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniegarson/
Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin
____________________________
Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli
_____________________________
This Episode’s Sponsors
BlackCloak 👉 https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb
Bugcrowd 👉 https://itspm.ag/itspbgcweb
Episode Introduction
In an era where technology is the backbone of society, resilience in the face of cyber threats, natural disasters, and geopolitical strife is paramount. This was the focal point of the discussion between Sean Martin, Marco Ciappelli, and Dr. Melanie Garson in their recent conversation on "Hurricanes, Hacktivists, & HPCs: Building Resilience for the Compute Era."
Dr. Melanie Garson, the Cyber and Tech Geopolitics Lead at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and Associate Professor at University College London, brings a wealth of expertise to the topic. Her work revolves around understanding how new and disruptive technologies like cyber warfare, brain-computer interfaces, and genetic engineering affect global stability. This episode delves into her insights on the evolving landscape of cyber resilience and the steps needed to brace for future challenges.
The conversation begins with an exploration of how legacy infrastructure poses a significant risk to our digital and physical security. Dr. Garson emphasizes the importance of addressing these foundational elements, noting examples like the 2006 earthquake in Taiwan, which disrupted 22 communication cables. She warns of the potential catastrophes linked to outdated infrastructure and underscores the need for modernization and robust protection against not just cyberattacks but physical disruptions as well.
The geopolitical aspect of technology is another critical element discussed. Dr. Garson highlights the role of private companies like Microsoft and Amazon in global conflicts, noting the effects seen during the Russia-Ukraine conflict where cloud services played a pivotal role in preserving data. This involvement signals a shift in how we understand power dynamics and control over critical technologies and raises questions about the responsibilities and decision-making processes of these tech giants. Furthermore, the discussion covers the intersection of emergency situations and technological dependencies.
Using real-world instances like the hurricane in West Africa that knocked out major cables, Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin emphasize how such events lead to significant economic impacts, illustrating how interconnected and vulnerable our systems are. Dr. Garson also touches upon the evolving nature of warfare, especially with the advent of electromagnetic spectrum manipulation and the reliance on GPS technologies. She notes the increasing use of electromagnetic interference for strategic advantage, a trend seen in ongoing global conflicts. The idea of compute diplomacy—ensuring countries have the sustainable computational power needed to remain competitive and secure—resonates strongly throughout their dialogue.
The conversation wrapped with a powerful call to action: the need for both public and private sectors to address vulnerabilities throughout the entire tech stack, not just the application layer. This holistic approach is essential to safeguarding our digital infrastructure against a multitude of threats.
In conclusion, building resilience in the compute era requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates robust cyber defense, modernized infr...
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