From Hacking to Entrepreneurship: The PhantomSec Story

Summary

In this episode of the Phillip Wylie Show, host Phillip Wylie engages with cybersecurity experts Grant Smith and Justin Perez, exploring their unique journeys into the world of hacking and cybersecurity. The conversation delves into their origins as hackers, the founding of their company PhantomSec, and the innovative techniques they are developing for EDR evasion. They discuss the importance of hands-on experience in cybersecurity education, the value of certifications, and what qualities they look for in ideal candidates for cybersecurity roles. The episode provides insights into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the challenges faced by newcomers in the field.

Takeaways

• Justin's early fascination with technology led to his hacking journey.

• Grant's childhood pranks sparked his interest in cybersecurity.

• PhantomSec was born out of a need for better EDR evasion tools.

• Hands-on experience is crucial for success in cybersecurity.

• Curiosity drives innovation in the cybersecurity field.

• Many educational institutions lack practical cybersecurity training.

• Certifications can help but shouldn't be the only focus for candidates.

• Real-world experience often outweighs theoretical knowledge in hiring.

• CVE contributions can enhance a candidate's profile significantly.

• Passion and curiosity are key traits for success in cybersecurity.

Sound Bites

• "That's like kind of the hacker story."

• "You have to learn those things."

• "Don't get discouraged as well."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Journeys

01:13 Hacker Origin Stories: Justin Perez

04:12 Hacker Origin Stories: Grant Smith

06:57 The Birth of PhantomSec

10:08 Innovations in EDR Evasion

13:49 Getting Started in Offensive Security

16:20 The Role of Education in Cybersecurity

21:01 The Importance of Hands-On Experience

24:50 Certifications and Their Value

29:32 Evaluating Candidates in Cybersecurity

Resources

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-perez215/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-smith-cyber/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/phantom-cyber-group/

https://phantomsec.tools/