What separates a good pentester from a great one? It’s not just about popping shells or passing certs. In this solo episode, I break down the real-world skills that actually matter. Technical, non-technical, and everything in between. I share hard lessons from the field, my thoughts on being well-rounded vs. specialized, and why communication, client trust, and soft skills are just as crucial as finding vulnerabilities. Whether you're early in your career or already in the trenches, this episode...
Apr 02, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , Kyser Clark and Zach Winchester talk about breaking into cybersecurity without a college degree and why it’s not the dealbreaker people think it is. You’ll hear a real-world story of going from firewall configs to full-time pentesting with just an OSCP and hands-on experience. We also get into hardware hacking, social engineering discomfort, AI/LLM security loopholes, and why the offensive security space is far from being automated. If you’re wondering whe...
Mar 26, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Burnout sucks, but what if it's actually a sign of growth? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , I break down why burnout isn’t always the enemy and how pushing yourself to the limit can actually make you better. Just like lifting weights to failure builds muscle, hitting burnout and recovering makes you mentally stronger. I’ll share my own experiences with burnout, why I see it as part of the process, and how to come back even better. Plus, I answer your cybersecurity career questions, coveri...
Mar 19, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Getting laid off can feel like the end of the road, but what if it’s actually the beginning of something bigger? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , Justin Mahon shares his journey from military IT to offensive security, including how he bounced back after a cybersecurity layoff and landed in a better position than before. We break down the reality of tech layoffs, why they happen, and how to turn them into opportunities for career growth. Whether you're navigating a layoff, preparing for th...
Mar 12, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , I sit down with Constantinos Kaplanis , a senior penetration tester who took an unconventional path into cybersecurity. With no prior IT experience, he grinded his way into the field—applying to 500 jobs, enduring countless rejections , and proving his skills through sheer persistence. One of his biggest accomplishments? A 1,000-day hacking streak on TryHackMe , a testament to his dedication. We break down his journey, the job-hunting struggles, and the un...
Mar 05, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Many aspiring penetration testers believe that earning the OSCP is the ultimate proof of their skills—but what happens when they step into a real-world engagement? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , Tyler Ramsbey joins me to break down the hard truth about OSCP, the gaps it leaves in real-world pentesting, and why experience always outweighs certifications. We discuss rookie mistakes, the reality of internal assessments, and why leadership and communication skills are just as critical as te...
Feb 26, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 37
If you want to be an expert in cybersecurity, coding isn’t optional—it’s essential. In this Q&A episode of The Hacker’s Cache , I break down why learning to code separates the entry-level professionals from the true experts and how AI is shifting the skills needed in offensive security. I also dive into the different career paths available after landing your first pentesting job—whether it’s climbing to a senior role, transitioning to red teaming, going freelance, or specializing in niche ar...
Feb 19, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Kyser Clark sits down with senior penetration tester Spencer Alessi to discuss a skill that separates top-tier pentesters from the rest— client communication . While technical prowess is essential, Spencer shares how clear, proactive communication can make or break a pentest engagement, impact client trust, and even determine career growth. They also dive into the common struggle of pentesting ultra-secure environments, how to navigate “quiet” assessments, and why 99% of vulnerabilities don’t ac...
Feb 12, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Are cybersecurity bootcamps worth the hefty price tag, or are they just another overhyped shortcut to nowhere? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache , I sit down with Keith Coleman, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with experience in pentesting, security engineering, DevSecOps, and more. We break down the true value of bootcamps, why many graduates struggle to land jobs, and what alternative paths provide a better return on investment. Keith shares his journey from IT to cybersecurity, his ...
Feb 05, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Kyser Clark is joined by Paul Nieto, a seasoned penetration tester with over 22 years of experience spanning physical and cybersecurity. Paul shares his journey from physical security to offensive security, detailing how his curiosity and drive for challenges led to a successful career pivot. They discuss the importance of networking, the debate between being a generalist or specialist in cybersecurity, and why accountability and consistency are crucial for success in the field. Paul also offers...
Jan 29, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Kyser Clark dives into the growing role of AI in the tech industry and its potential to replace mid-level professionals. Inspired by comments from tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, we explore why companies are investing heavily in AI, how it could reshape the middle-class job market, and what it means for cybersecurity professionals. Kyser shares actionable advice on how to future-proof your career, leverage AI as a tool rather than a threat, and develop skills that make you indispensable in a ...
Jan 22, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 32
David Taxer, a cybersecurity expert with over 12 years of experience, shares the incredible story of uncovering a $200 million fraud ring disguised under a major corporation. Learn how his unique background in SEO and intelligence helped him expose insider threats and fraudulent schemes, as well as the challenges he faced as a whistleblower. This episode dives deep into protecting yourself from identity theft, understanding corporate vulnerabilities, and adopting the hacker mindset to uncover hi...
Jan 15, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Kyser Clark interviews Patrick Gorman, also known as InfoSec Pat, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 23 years of experience. They discuss the importance of certifications in the cybersecurity field, the challenges of retaining knowledge, and the journey of creating educational content on YouTube. Pat shares insights on his motivations for teaching and mentoring others, as well as his thoughts on bug bounty programs and the value of collaborative learning. Check out InfoSec Pat on Yo...
Jan 08, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode, Kyser Clark discusses the competitive landscape of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of culture fit, the reality of job openings, and how to stand out in a crowded field. He highlights the necessity of hard work, continuous learning, and the value of soft skills in securing a position. Additionally, he addresses the misconceptions about the cybersecurity job market and encourages listeners to invest in their careers through training and certifications. Takeaways Competit...
Jan 01, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this conversation, Mike Ortiz discusses various aspects of cybersecurity, focusing on the importance of curiosity, the dynamics between red and blue teams, and the transition into red teaming. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between teams and the significance of understanding the foundational roles in cybersecurity. Mike also shares his personal journey into the field and offers valuable advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Takeaways Privacy is a trade-off for convenience...
Dec 25, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this Q&A episode, Kyser Clark addresses various questions related to cybersecurity certifications, focusing on the relevance of CISSP in 2025, the comparison between CPTS and OSCP, and the role of OSCP as a gatekeeper certification. He also discusses the value of TCM and INE certifications and provides insights on the time investment required for the eJPT certification. The conversation emphasizes the importance of experience and practical knowledge in the cybersecurity field. Takeaways C...
Dec 18, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Kyser Clark engages with cybersecurity expert Albert Corzo, who shares his extensive experience in ethical hacking, bug bounty programs, and the importance of certifications in the field. Albert discusses his past experiences, including hacking the U.S. government, and emphasizes the need for understanding cybercrime and threat actors to better protect organizations. The conversation also covers the differences between compliance and security, the challenges of bug bounty hunting, and the signif...
Dec 11, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Kyser Clark is joined by Simon and Clint from the YouTube channel 'Clint & Si The Hackers.' They discuss their journey into cybersecurity, the importance of practical experience over formal education, and the benefits of collaboration in building a successful career. The conversation covers various aspects of penetration testing, the challenges faced in their careers, and the significance of certifications and continuous learning in the field. Watch Clint & Si The Hackers On YouTube: htt...
Dec 04, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Kyser Clark and Trent Williams talk about the roles and experiences of a SOC analyst. They discuss the challenges faced in the field, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of AI on cybersecurity jobs. Trent shares insights from his career journey, the significance of certifications, and the necessity of understanding both offensive and defensive security practices. The conversation also touches on the recent changes in certification names and the relevance of transferable skills ...
Nov 27, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Kyser Clark introduces a new Q&A format where he answers listener questions about cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and career development. He discusses the allure of cyber crime, the importance of networking certifications, and the sacrifices necessary to succeed in the field. Kyser emphasizes that while certifications can enhance career prospects, they are not the only path to success. He encourages listeners to manage their finances wisely and invest in their education to achieve their care...
Nov 20, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Kyser Clark interviews Jonathan Fuller, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a diverse background in various roles, including penetration testing and application security. Jonathan shares his journey from being a NOC engineer to founding Advict Security, emphasizing the importance of delivering comprehensive information to clients during penetration tests. He discusses the balance between his day job and entrepreneurial efforts, the differences between penetration testing and application s...
Nov 13, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Kyser Clark interviews Trent Miller, a cybersecurity professional with a diverse background in IT and security roles. They discuss Trent's career journey, the challenges of breaking into cybersecurity, the importance of networking, and insights on certifications like OSCP. Trent shares his experiences with the job market, the reality of skill shortages, and the significance of community engagement through groups like DC608. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration and continuous le...
Nov 06, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Kyser Clark interviews James Scott, a cybersecurity professional with a diverse background in the military and digital forensics. They discuss James's journey into penetration testing, the challenges he faced in landing his first role, and the importance of networking and creating personal tools. The conversation also covers the significance of programming skills in cybersecurity, the value of digital forensics knowledge, and the impact of volunteering at conferences. James shares insights on pu...
Oct 30, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Kyser Clark interviews 0xD1CE, a seasoned penetration tester, who shares his extensive journey from IT to cybersecurity. 0xD1CE discusses his various roles, certifications, and the impact of COVID on his career shift. The conversation gets into the differences between consulting and internal roles, the value of certain cybersecurity certifications, and the emerging trends in AI testing. 0xD1CE also provides insights on how to succeed in obtaining the OSEP certification and emphasizes the importa...
Oct 23, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Cybersecurity professionals Kyser Clark and Pranit Garud (RootSploit) discuss their experiences in the field. They cover topics such as bug bounty programs, the role of an offensive security engineer, and the differences between consulting and working for a Fortune 500 company. Pranit shares tips for getting started in bug bounty hunting and emphasizes the importance of understanding the business logic of a company. He also highlights the need for a mindset shift when transitioning from consulti...
Oct 16, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Kyser Clark interviews Opeyemi Kolawole, a full-time red teamer and cybersecurity professional. They discuss Opeyemi's background in biology and his transition into the cybersecurity field. Opeyemi shares his experience and insights on various certifications, including the Cyberwarfare Lab Certified Red Team Analyst (CPTA) and the importance of staying up to date in the field. They also discuss the benefits of building a personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube. Connect with Opeyemi...
Oct 09, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this solo episode, Kyser Clark discusses the accessibility of cybersecurity careers, emphasizing that anyone can enter the field regardless of their background. He shares his personal journey from blue-collar jobs to becoming a penetration tester, highlighting the importance of certifications and continuous learning. Kyser provides actionable steps for breaking into cybersecurity, including gaining tech experience, obtaining certifications, and effectively marketing oneself. He concludes by e...
Oct 02, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Kyser Clark interviews Jacob Villarreal, a penetration tester, about his journey into the cybersecurity field, his experiences at DEFCON, and various topics related to cybersecurity. Jacob shares his background, including his education, certifications, and transition from IT roles to penetration testing. The discussion covers the importance of networking, volunteering at conferences, and key cybersecurity issues such as biometrics, automation, boot camps, and the role of certifications. Jacob al...
Sep 25, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Kyser Clark interviews Trent Darrow, a senior penetration tester and cyber protection team crew lead. They discuss Trent's background, certifications, and his role in building a red team. They also touch on ethical dilemmas in the industry, the effectiveness of certifications in preparing for real-world pen testing, and the importance of skills like time management and effective communication. In this conversation, Trent and Kyser discuss time management in cybersecurity exams, the challenges of...
Sep 18, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Kyser Clark and Evan Isaac discuss their experiences and insights in cybersecurity. They cover topics such as certifications, content creation on LinkedIn, web hacking resources, job searching advice, and the importance of offensive and defensive cybersecurity skills. Connect with Evan Isaac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-isaac/ Takeaways Certifications like OSCP and eWPTX are valuable in cybersecurity, but other certifications like PMPT and CPTS are gaining recognition. Creating ...
Sep 11, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 13
