Resilient Cyber Podcast - Episode 18 - Daniela Applegate - Co-Founder of rThreat

In this episode, hosted by Dr. Nikki Robinson (with Chris Hughes absent due to personal reasons), the podcast features Daniela Applegate, co-founder and head of marketing at R-Threat, a startup focused on breach and attack emulation. The episode explores Daniela's journey into cybersecurity, her unique non-traditional background in e-learning and design, and how those experiences shaped her approach to marketing within the cybersecurity space. The conversation delves into the differences between simulation and emulation in cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and continuous testing in preparing organizations for real-world threats.

Highlights

1. Introduction to R-Threat: Daniela provides an overview of R-Threat's focus on breach and attack emulation, highlighting how their approach goes beyond traditional security awareness training by offering live malware simulations that mirror real-world threat tactics.

2. Non-Traditional Background: Daniela shares her unique journey from digital design and e-learning into cybersecurity, showcasing how her skills in education and curriculum development have informed her approach to marketing and promoting cybersecurity solutions.

3. Importance of Hands-On Experience: The discussion emphasizes the need for practical, hands-on cybersecurity training, rather than solely relying on theoretical knowledge. Daniela and Nikki discuss how live simulations can better prepare security teams for actual incidents.

4. Challenges of Working in a Startup: Daniela talks about the challenges and rewards of working in a startup environment, particularly in the cybersecurity industry, and how the mission-driven approach of R-Threat keeps the team motivated.

5. The Evolving Threat Landscape: Daniela provides insights into the current threat landscape, noting that while many attacks are rehashed versions of old threats, the potential impact of emerging technologies like quantum computing could significantly alter the cybersecurity landscape in the future.

6. Cyber Resiliency: The episode concludes with a discussion on what cyber resiliency means to Daniela and R-Threat, focusing on the importance of continuous testing, training, and awareness in maintaining a strong security posture.