PP121: How CYBR.SEC.CON Builds Community for Learning and Professional Development
The episode features a conversation about CyberSecCon, a community-driven security conference in Houston, and explores the origins and growth of both the conference and the Packet Protector podcast. Key insights include how both platforms aim to foster community and collaboration within the cybersecurity and networking fields.
Summary
In this special crossover episode, the hosts from Packet Protector and representatives from CyberSec Media discuss CyberSecCon, a conference formerly known as HughesSecCon, taking place in Houston, Texas. The event is recognized for its community-driven approach and aims to be accessible to a diverse audience, focusing on both IT and OT sectors. The conversation covers the origins of CyberSecCon, how it has evolved over the years, and its goal of creating a collaborative environment for learning and professional development. The discussion also delves into the backgrounds of the participants, including their experiences in the tech and podcasting realms, highlighting the importance of diverse knowledge in cybersecurity and networking. JJ, one of the guests, reflects on her journey into tech, revealing that she was exposed to computers from an early age due to her parents' career in military intelligence. The podcast aims to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and practical application in cybersecurity, promoting community engagement through initiatives like Slack channels and educational content. As they prepare for CyberSecCon, the hosts emphasize their commitment to fostering a supportive environment for professionals at all experience levels.
About this episode
Today we’re doing a crossover episode with the folks at Cybr.Sec.Media to talk about CYBR.SEC.CON, a community-driven security conference that JJ and Drew will be attending in Houston, TX September 15 and 16 2026. We talk with conference founders Michael Farnum and Sam Van Ryder about the origins of the event, and get into our<a class="excerpt-read-more" href="https://packetpushers.net/podcasts/packet-protector/pp121-how-cybr-sec-con-builds-community-for-learning-and-professional-development/" title="ReadPP121: How CYBR.SEC.CON Builds Community for Learning and Professional Development">... Read more »</a>
Key Insights
- CyberSecCon has transitioned from being a regional event to attracting an audience from across the country, highlighting its growth and relevance.
- The conference aims to keep ticket prices low to ensure accessibility for all participants, particularly those who bear education costs themselves.
- JJ's early exposure to technology stemmed from her parents' careers in military intelligence, influencing her path into networking and security.
- Drew's background as a journalist enables him to synthesize information rapidly, adding depth to podcast discussions.
- The Packet Protector podcast emphasizes community engagement, exemplified by a dedicated Slack channel for its listeners.
- JJ argues that current professionals in IT with security responsibilities should be empowered to enhance their knowledge of security practices.
- Both hosts of Packet Protector aim to help bridge the knowledge gap by making complex technical subjects approachable for a broader audience.
- CyberSecCon's mission is to rejuvenate the sense of community in cybersecurity, reminiscent of earlier industry events.
Topics
Transcript
Hey, everybody, welcome to Packet Protector, the podcast at the intersection of networking and security. Today, we are doing a special crossover episode with the folks at CyberSec Media to talk about CyberSecCon, which used to be called HughesSecCon. That's a community-driven security conference that Drew and I are going to be at in Houston, Texas, September 15th and 16th of this year. Yeah, we're going to talk with Michael Farnham and Sam Van Ryder, who helped develop the event. We'll talk about the origins of the event. We'll also get into our own backgrounds about how we got into tech and podcasting and all that. And just a note, we're recording this intro on a different day and time…
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