Welcome to the debut episode of "Hackers to Founders"! Join Chris Magistrado, aka REal0day, as he shares his unique journey from discovering gaming glitches to becoming a cybersecurity expert, business enthusiast, and podcast host. In this self-interview, Chris dives into his personal stories, career advice, and essential insights for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Connect with Us:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5BgjVtDJc7xoyiQlbhKmL6?si=591d5f0477644225
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Discord: https://discord.gg/2TnH6hkuTG
Website: https://HackersToFounders.com
Podcast Website: https://podcast.HackersToFounders.com

In This Episode:

• Bypassing Windows Defender: Chris shares insights from his latest class and offers practical tips.
• Career Advice: Experiment, read books, watch Defcon talks, and set up a home lab or virtual machines for hands-on learning.
• Hacking: The importance of hacking in a controlled, legal environment.
• Success Qualities: Resilience and networking are key to thriving in the cybersecurity community.
• Networking Events: Learn about opportunities at Defcon, Black Hat, local hacker meetups like BSides, and Europe's CCC.
• Personal Journey: Chris recounts his college experience, challenges, and pivotal moments that led to his cybersecurity career.
• Recruiting: Transitioning to a recruiter and operating TopCleared Recruiting, focusing on elite cybersecurity talent.
• Cloud Computing Impact: How AWS and cloud services revolutionized the tech and cybersecurity landscape.
• AI in Cybersecurity: The growing role of AI in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities.
• Personal Security Tips: Recommendations for antivirus software, VPN usage, and staying safe online.
• Special Features: Learn how Chris established a hacking club at SF State and brought in industry professionals to inspire students.
• Innovative Projects: Hear about Chris's personal projects and achievements in cybersecurity.

Resources Mentioned:

• Zoz’s Defcon 18 Talk
• Jayson Street Intro Talk
• Drew Porter
• Josh Schwartz
• Mobile Hacking Lab
• Y Combinator Startup School
• DEF CON
• BSides
• BlackHat Conference
• RSA Conference

Tools Mentioned:

• Ghidra
• BinaryNinja

Books and Authors:

• Marcus Pinto (author of WebApp Hackers Handbook)
• Bruce Dang (Practical Reverse Engineering)
• Elias Bachaalany (Practical Reverse Engineering)
• Andrew Honig (Practical Malware Analysis)
• Michael Sikorski (Practical Malware Analysis)
• Andrew Case (The Art of Memory Forensics)
• Jamie Levy (The Art of Memory Forensics)
• Aaron Walters (The Art of Memory Forensics)
• Craig Smith (Car Hacking)
• Nick Cano (Game Hacking)
• James Forshaw (Attacking Network Protocols)

Get Involved:

Chris invites listeners to provide feedback and share their thoughts. Subscribe, leave a comment, or message Chris directly to join the conversation and stay updated on future episodes.

Listen to the Podcast:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Disclaimer: All activities mentioned are to be performed within legal boundaries and in a controlled environment.

The time is coming closer and closer! After a month of shooting episodes, we are in post production now and are signing partnerships! Things couldn't be more exciting! Stay Tuned to learn more!

To join the waitlist, apply here!

That's my dog. Cat is hiding.

After a decade in cybersecurity as a security researcher, I have discovered that many experts in our industry have amazing ideas about how to build and improve things. However, because they are unsure or do not know how to take their ideas and build a company from them, they either let those ideas die or attempt to integrate them into their existing companies. As we know, the bigger the company, the less likely it is that they will listen to new ideas.

In our upcoming podcast, we explore the world of cybersecurity professionals who have reached the pinnacle of their profession and have decided to launch their lives into the stratosphere of entrepreneurship. We delve into the struggles and challenges these founders have faced and continue to face.

But that's not all. We'll also be bringing in investors who specialize in cybersecurity companies. These investors will share their perspectives on what makes a cybersecurity startup worth investing in, the trends they are watching, and the advice they have for aspiring founders in the space. Their insights will provide a valuable complement to the stories of our featured entrepreneurs, offering a 360-degree view of the cybersecurity startup ecosystem.

We also uncover the strategies these founders employed to overcome obstacles and the lessons they've learned along the way. From securing funding to building a team, from dealing with setbacks to celebrating victories, these stories are not only about success but also about resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Whether you're a cybersecurity professional with entrepreneurial aspirations, an investor looking for the next big thing, or simply someone who enjoys hearing about the journeys of industry leaders, this podcast offers valuable insights and inspiration. Join us as we bring you the untold stories of those who dared to turn their ideas into reality and, in doing so, are shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes, where each conversation will provide a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity entrepreneurship.

To join the waitlist, apply here!