From AutoCAD to Adversary Emulation: Darin Fredde's Journey Through Technology and Cybersecurity

From AutoCAD to Adversary Emulation: Darin Fredde's Journey Through Technology and Cybersecurity

In this episode of Simply Offensive, Phillip Wylie sits down with longtime friend, former coworker, and cybersecurity professional Darin Fredde. The conversation traces Darin's journey from computer-aided design and telecommunications to becoming a CIO, security architect, penetration tester, and AI advocate. Along the way, Darin shares lessons learned from decades in technology, how curiosity helped him succeed in offensive security, and why embracing AI is essential for today's cybersecurity professionals.  In this episode of Simply Offensive, Phillip Wylie sits down with longtime friend, former coworker, and cybersecurity professional Darin Fredde. The conversation traces Darin's journey from computer-aided design and telecommunications to becoming a CIO, security architect, penetration tester, and AI advocate. Along the way, Darin shares lessons learned from decades in technology, how curiosity helped him succeed in offensive security, and why embracing AI is essential for today's cybersecurity professionals. ========================= Connect with Darin Fredde: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darinfredde/ ========================= Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie YouTube: https://youtube.com/@PhillipWylie ========================= Presented by Suzu Labs ========================= All the ways to connect with @Suzulabs https://suzulabs.com https://x.com/suzulabs https://www.linkedin.com/company/suzu-labs/

Jim Nitterauer — From Bioremediation to Boardroom (and Back to the Terminal)

In this episode of Simply Offensive, Phillip Wylie sits down with longtime cybersecurity professional Jim Nitterauer to discuss his unconventional journey from environmental microbiology researcher to entrepreneur, infrastructure engineer, security leader, and CISO. Jim shares lessons learned from building one of the early web hosting companies in the Southeast, helping scale security services at AppRiver, leading compliance and security programs through acquisitions, and navigating the rapidly evolving world of AI.The conversation explores practical AI adoption, security leadership, DNS fundamentals, career resilience, and why cybersecurity professionals should focus on mastering the basics before chasing the latest technology trends.Connect with Jim Nitterauer:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnitterauer/=========================Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylieYouTube: https://youtube.com/@PhillipWylie=========================Presented by Suzu Labs=========================All the ways to connect with @Suzulabs https://suzulabs.comhttps://x.com/suzulabshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/suzu-labs/

Building a Cybersecurity Career Through Community, GRC, and IAM with V

In this episode of Simply Offensive, Phillip Wylie sits down with V, a longtime contributor to the Dallas cybersecurity community, board member for B-Sides DFW, and cybersecurity professional with experience spanning Identity and Access Management (IAM), Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), third-party risk management, and security program development. Together they discuss alternative paths into cybersecurity, the importance of networking, the value of community involvement, and why not every cybersecurity career requires coding. Connect with V Wixon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriawixon/ ========================= Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie YouTube: https://youtube.com/@PhillipWylie ========================= Presented by Suzu Labs ========================= All the ways to connect with @Suzulabs https://suzulabs.com https://x.com/suzulabs https://www.linkedin.com/company/suzu-labs/

From Law Enforcement to Cyber Threat Intelligence: Andrew Crotty’s Journey into Cybersecurity

From Law Enforcement to Cyber Threat Intelligence: Andrew “GingerHacker” Crotty’s Journey into Cybersecurity In this episode of Simply Offensive, Phillip Wylie sits down with Andrew “GingerHacker” Crotty to talk about breaking into cybersecurity, building a career in cyber threat intelligence (CTI), and creating content that helps others enter the industry. Andrew shares his unconventional path from law enforcement and military service into cybersecurity and explains how curiosity, persistence, and community shaped his success. The conversation dives into what cyber threat intelligence actually looks like day to day, how CTI teams support incident response, and practical advice for professionals who want to pursue careers in intelligence, SOC operations, or offensive security. Andrew also discusses his YouTube channel and nonprofit efforts focused on helping newcomers break into cyber. Connect with Andrew “GingerHacker” Crotty: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-crotty-gingerhacker/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGX_oAbc0_CLEdwMI5n64oQ ========================= Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie YouTube: https://youtube.com/@PhillipWylie ========================= Presented by Suzu Labs ========================= All the ways to connect with @Suzulabs https://suzulabs.com https://x.com/suzulabs https://www.linkedin.com/company/suzu-labs/

Building Secure AI, Incident Response, and the Reality of Cybersecurity with Steven Swift

In this episode of Simply Offensive, Phillip Wylie sits down with fellow Suzu Labs team member Steven Swift to discuss cybersecurity from a defensive and consulting perspective. Steven shares his journey from aspiring software developer to incident response specialist, consultant, and vCISO advisor working across security governance, AI, compliance, and enterprise risk management.The conversation explores how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, the challenges organizations face when implementing AI securely, and why phishing, shadow IT, and weak operational processes still remain some of the biggest risks facing organizations today. Steven also shares practical career advice for anyone trying to break into cybersecurity and explains why broad technical experience is one of the strongest foundations for long-term success. =========================Connect with Steven Swift:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-swift-5238956a/=========================Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylieYouTube: https://youtube.com/@PhillipWylie=========================Presented by Suzu Labs=========================All the ways to connect with @Suzulabs https://suzulabs.comhttps://x.com/suzulabshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/suzu-labs/