47: Accidental Cyber Expert, Katie Paxton-Fear

Dive into the world where hacking meets AI, led by an accidental cybersecurity expert!

In episode 47 of dnsUNFILTERED, host Mikey Pruitt sits down with Katie Paxton‑Fear, a former techie who stumbled into cybersecurity. They unpack the overlap of cybersecurity, AI, and education, exploring how API security often goes unseen and why MCP servers are just rebranded APIs with the same hidden vulnerabilities. Katie shares her first hands‑on hacking moment, the rise of open source projects, and what it takes to keep students engaged in a rapidly changing field. Listens walk away with fresh insights on teaching strategies, transparency, and the future of learning in cybersecurity. Takeaways - A chance encounter can spark a career in hacking and security. - APIs are everyday apps that deserve tighter security focus. - MCP servers mask risks; treat them the same as traditional APIs. - Open source deserves more backing; its security fuels our whole ecosystem. - AI is a valuable tool in class but human mentorship keeps learning real. Want to stay ahead in cybersecurity? Subscribe, share, or drop a comment below!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and AI Research02:41 Accidental Journey into Cybersecurity05:34 Discovering Hacking and Vulnerabilities08:29 Understanding API Security11:08 The Rise of MCP Servers14:17 Risks Associated with MCP Servers17:03 Security Measures for MCP Servers19:36 The Role of Open Source in Security25:31 Funding Open Source Security28:15 The Open Source Community's Response to Security Breaches31:07 The Role of Regulations in Security Transparency31:45 Innovative Teaching Methods in Cybersecurity Education41:20 The Future of Education: Mentorship and Engagement