Simply Cyber Newsletter #160

CYBER MARKETING CON 2025

Back from Austin: Why I'll Never Skip a Small Conference Again

Last week I was in Austin for CyberMarketing Con, and I want to share something that reinforced a lesson I keep learning: the conversations matter more than the content.

The sessions were solid. I sat through a hands-on vibe-coding workshop that demystified how to actually use AI coding tools without accidentally exposing sensitive data. There was a keynote on authentic marketing versus corporate commercials that validated everything we do at Simply Cyber. And a lightning round on AI workforce applications that had me taking notes.

But here's what really mattered: the conference was small enough that I got to spend real time with people. I met Brad Osborne, a Simply Cyber community member, in person for the first time. Because of how intimate the event was, we didn't just shake hands once - we hung out multiple times over two days. That doesn't happen at massive conferences.

My friend Virginia Case threw out an idea during one of our conversations that I can't stop thinking about. She suggested I build a "Is GRC the right role for you?" quiz using vibe-coding as a way to learn the technique while creating something actually useful. It's simple, practical, and solves a real problem for people figuring out their career path.

Here's my takeaway: if you're considering a conference - especially a smaller one - go for the relationships, not just the sessions. The talks will teach you things you could learn from a recording. The people will challenge your thinking and spark ideas that change what you're building.

If you're going to a conference soon, commit to having at least three real conversations with people you've never met. That's where the value is.

Want to see what CyberMarketing Con is about? Check it out here: https://www.cybermarketingconference.com

SIMPLY CYBER FIRESIDES

Join us for Simply Cyber Firesides on Thursdays with your host, Gerald Auger, Ph.D. There will always be a guest you can learn from live and interact with in chat.

Thursday at 4:30 PM EST on Simply Cyber - Register to attend now!

How does cybersecurity connect to stolen trucks, hacked logistics systems, and multimillion dollar pistachio thefts? More than you might think.

In this episode of Simply Cyber Firesides, special guest Ben Wilkens, Cybersecurity Principal Engineer at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), breaks down how organized crime is using cyber tactics to exploit the transportation and logistics industry.

Ben brings a unique perspective as both a cybersecurity leader and a licensed commercial truck driver. With deep experience across trucking, logistics, and cybersecurity, he helps connect the dots between digital attacks and real-world cargo theft.

Join the livestream and bring your questions to get answers directly from the host and special guest. 💬 

This episode is perfect for cybersecurity professionals, transportation leaders, and anyone curious about how cybercrime intersects with the physical world.

STATE OF SIMPLY CYBER Q4 2025 LIVE

Friday at 12 Noon EST on Simply Cyber

Want to know what Simply Cyber has done to serve you in 2025 and what you can expect in 2026? #TeamSC is coming at you with updates on:

➡️ SC Community - What's happening with the community - including SC Con 2026?

➡️ SC Media Group - Podcasts update and new content for 2026!

➡️ SC Academy - What did you miss? Learn about more Cybersecurity courses and what's to come in SCA ... and more!

This is the time Gerald Auger, Ph.D. shares updates on the goals laid out for Simply Cyber in the past quarter, what's coming for next quarter, and answers questions from live chat to see what the community wants to know more about.

Let’s catch up and gain updates and progress on Team SC together! https://luma.com/t1haz45b

#simplycyber #cybersecurity #community

METACTF DECEMBER 2025 FLASH CTF

Get ready for the MetaCTF December 2025 Flash CTF on Saturday, December 20th from 12 Noon - 3 PM EST - sponsored by Simply Cyber Academy!

Learn more about how to register and represent Team Simply Cyber (Team SC) in our Discord channel set up for Capture-the-Flag players of all levels to meet up: https://discord.com/events/829733892981522453/1397609395831046305

Register for the MetaCTF December 2025 Flash CTF: https://app.metactf.com/join/dec2025

#CTF #cybersecurity #challenge

JOIN US EVERY WEEKDAY DAILY CYBER THREAT BRIEF

Gerald Auger, Ph.D. livestreams the Daily Cyber Threat Brief on Simply Cyber on weekdays at 8:00 AM EST.

It’s a party full of cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals of all levels who enjoy learning about the latest in cybersecurity news and staying connected.

Meet #TeamSC in live chat and join the community! https://simplycyber.io/streams 

SC MEDIA GROUP WEEKLY EVENTS SCHEDULE

Join us for learning and networking: simplycyber.io/learn & simplycyber.io/discord

SC ACADEMY THE PLACE FOR CYBER CAREERS

At Simply Cyber Academy, we specialize in making GRC and Cybersecurity Careers a reality. Empower your career by learning real in-demand skills from cyber experts and the theory behind those skills with Simply Cyber Academy.

The popular GRC Analyst Master Class is a must for kickstarting your GRC Cybersecurity career. In addition, we have new courses covering various areas of focus in cyber available to help you advance in your career.

Check out the NEW FREE courses available in the academy and our new blog!

LET’S CONNECT

Stay current on trending topics, tips, events and resources in cybersecurity, connect with Simply Cyber on socials for new content.

As always, please send me feedback. Which tip above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Please let me know. Just send a DM on X with #actionableintel in the subject so I can find it.

Join us on the Daily Cyber Threat Brief happening every weekday morning at 8 AM Eastern on YouTube and LinkedIn.

Find more about what’s happening this week in the Simply Cyber community, below. Join us on the Daily Cyber Threat Brief happening every weekday morning at 8 AM Eastern on YouTube and LinkedIn.

Thank you and see you again next week, #TeamSC!

Gerry