The Cyber Insights Podcast
Welcome to Cyber Insights, the podcast that bridges the worlds of networking and cybersecurity. From cutting-edge innovations in enterprise connectivity to the latest in digital defense, we break down the buzzwords and bring you actionable insights to secure and scale your systems. Whether you're an IT professional, business leader, or tech enthusiast, join us as we explore the critical intersection of networks and security, featuring expert conversations, industry trends, and real world strategies for staying ahead in an ever evolving digital landscape. The Cyber Insights Podcast—where secure connections meet resilient solutions.
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Andre Lynch: AI in Cybersecurity - Separating Hype from Reality
11/18/2025
Andre Lynch: AI in Cybersecurity - Separating Hype from Reality
Are AI-powered cyberattacks really the existential threat vendors claim? Or are we being sold fear to fuel product sales? In this episode of The Cyber Insights Podcast (powered by Edge7 Networks), hosts Ronan Murray and Ian Finlayson are joined by Andre Lynch, Senior Sales Engineer at ConnectWise, to cut through the AI marketing noise and reveal what's actually happening in the cybersecurity landscape. Together, they explore how threat actors are really using AI today, where defensive AI genuinely adds value, and why that viral MIT study claiming 80% of ransomware uses AI was completely debunked. You'll learn: · Why AI threats are overhyped but still worth watching closely · How threat actors use AI to make existing attacks 20% more convincing · Where AI actually helps security teams (hint: it's about speed, not replacement) · Why 100-200 million monthly logs require AI assistance to analyse effectively · What polymorphic malware means for the future of endpoint security · Why security professionals need to understand "vibe coding" and prompt validation Whether you're a security leader evaluating AI tools or simply trying to understand what's real versus marketing spin, this episode delivers honest insights on AI's current role in cybersecurity. Listen now and make informed decisions about AI security investments.
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Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh: Inside Ireland's Fight Against Cybercrime
10/23/2025
Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh: Inside Ireland's Fight Against Cybercrime
When ransomware hits, you have hours- not days- to respond. But should you prioritise survival or evidence preservation? And why are small businesses now the primary targets? In this episode of The Cyber Insights Podcast (powered by Edge7 Networks), hosts Ronan Murray and Ian Finlayson sit down with Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh, head of Ireland's Garda National Cybercrime Bureau, for a rare inside look at cybercrime from law enforcement's perspective. From the Bureau's origins in 1991 with a single computer enthusiast to today's sophisticated unit handling intelligence, investigation, prevention, and victim support, Barry reveals how the cybercrime landscape has transformed- and why the fundamentals of attack vectors remain surprisingly consistent. 💡 You'll learn: · Why ransomware deployment now happens in hours instead of months · The critical first steps when your organisation is compromised · How the Bureau proactively identifies breaches before companies know they're hit · Why "security awareness training" is the wrong name for your most important defence · The backup mistakes that leave organisations completely exposed · How AI is making phishing emails professionally indistinguishable from legitimate ones · Why SMEs are now primary targets (hint: one person has the keys to the kingdom) · The shocking statistics on human factors in successful cyberattacks Whether you're running an SME without dedicated IT or leading security for a large enterprise, this episode delivers practical guidance from someone who sees the full criminal psychology behind every attack. 🎧 Listen now and learn from Ireland's cybercrime frontline.
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Paul Guckian: Why CISOs Can't Fix Cybersecurity (And What Actually Works)
10/15/2025
Paul Guckian: Why CISOs Can't Fix Cybersecurity (And What Actually Works)
"Just defend better and you won't need resilience." It's the logic trap that's burning out CISOs worldwide - but what if the entire premise is wrong? In this episode of The Cyber Insights Podcast (powered by Edge7 Networks), hosts Ronan Murray and Ian Finlayson sit down with Dr. Paul Guckian, author of "Systematic Cyber Risk: Why CISOs Can't Fix Cybersecurity," to explore why treating cyber as an organisational problem still isn't enough. Drawing from research across financial services, fire safety evolution, and military cyber command, Paul reveals why cybersecurity requires systemic solutions - not just better snipers. From the CrowdStrike incident to ransomware containment strategies, this conversation challenges the perfectionist mindset that plagues security professionals. 💡You'll learn: Why CISOs are snipers fighting a general's war (and why that matters) The critical difference between cyber knowledge and cyber understanding How organisations hit "tipping points" where recovery becomes impossible Why containment deserves its own pillar in security frameworks What Delta vs United Airlines reveals about true cyber resilience Why compliance gets you to level 3 maturity - but rarely beyond The uncomfortable truth: you must assume your security will fail Whether you're a CISO fighting burnout, a board member seeking clarity, or an IT leader tired of impossible expectations, this episode reframes cybersecurity from an unwinnable battle into a manageable systems problem. 🎧 Listen now and shift from defence-only thinking to genuine resilience.
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Sean O'Neill, Brigantia: Why Your Password Manager Isn't Enough for Enterprise Security
10/08/2025
Sean O'Neill, Brigantia: Why Your Password Manager Isn't Enough for Enterprise Security
Most businesses think a password manager solves their identity problem. The truth? It’s only the beginning. In this episode of The Cyber Insights Podcast (powered by Edge7 Networks), hosts Ronan Murray and Ian Finlayson sit down with Sean O'Neill, Category Manager at Brigantia, to uncover why relying on basic password tools leaves organisations dangerously exposed. Together, they explore the crucial difference between consumer-grade storage and enterprise-ready identity solutions. Expect insights on where password managers fall short, how IAM and PAM provide real control, and why compliance frameworks like NIS2 and ISO 27001 demand more than just stronger passwords. What you’ll learn: Why browser-stored passwords and spreadsheets are a hacker’s dream The key differences between Identity & Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) How enterprise-grade solutions give visibility, control, and accountability The risks of single sign-on when misconfigured Why passwordless technology isn’t the silver bullet (yet) How regulation and compliance are reshaping identity security strategies Whether you’re battling weak user adoption, assessing compliance gaps, or rethinking your identity strategy, this episode cuts through the jargon to deliver practical, enterprise-focused advice. Listen now to discover how to secure identity properly in the modern workplace.
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Dr. Louise O'Hagan: Why Humans Are Your Biggest Hope (Not Threat) in Cybersecurity
10/01/2025
Dr. Louise O'Hagan: Why Humans Are Your Biggest Hope (Not Threat) in Cybersecurity
"Humans are the weakest link." It's cybersecurity's most repeated phrase - but what if treating people as threats is actually making us less secure? In this episode of The Cyber Insights Podcast (powered by Edge7 Networks), hosts Ronan Murray and Ian Finlayson are joined by Dr. Louise O'Hagan, Cybersecurity Governance Programme Manager and cyber psychology expert, to challenge everything we think we know about the human side of security. Together, they explore why traditional security awareness fails, what the "privacy paradox" reveals about human behaviour, and how to build genuine cyber resilience through culture, not just technology. You'll learn: · Why 99% say they value privacy but only 11% read terms and conditions · How to move from "department of no" to security enablement · Why phishing simulations might be missing the point entirely · The power of focus groups and surveys over tick-box training · How NIS2 is finally making cybersecurity a boardroom issue · Why deepfakes exploit the same psychological triggers as traditional scams Whether you're a CISO, IT leader, or just tired of treating employees like the enemy, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on making humans your strongest defence. Listen now and transform your approach to security culture.
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Leigh Cockell, ConnectWise: Demystifying SIEM, XDR & SOAR for Real-World Security
09/17/2025
Leigh Cockell, ConnectWise: Demystifying SIEM, XDR & SOAR for Real-World Security
SIEM. XDR. SOAR. Three acronyms that dominate cybersecurity conversations but what do they really mean for your business in 2025? In this episode of The Cyber Insights Podcast (powered by Edge7 Networks), hosts Ronan Murray, Rory Higgins, and Ian Finlayson are joined by Leigh Cockell, Principal Sales Engineer at ConnectWise, to cut through the noise. Together, they break down the differences, overlaps, and practical use cases of SIEM, XDR, and SOAR and explain how they fit into a modern security stack. 💡 You’ll learn: Why SIEM is still the “alarm system” every business needs How XDR extends protection beyond endpoints What SOAR automation can (and can’t) do for response times The role of SOC services in turning millions of logs into actionable insight How AI is changing both the attack surface and the defense playbook Whether you’re an MSP, IT leader, or just trying to navigate the acronym soup, this episode delivers clear, real-world insights from the frontline of cybersecurity. 🎧 Listen now and simplify your stack.
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Network Managed Services: What They Are & Why More Businesses Are Switching
07/15/2025
Network Managed Services: What They Are & Why More Businesses Are Switching
In this episode of the Cyber Insights Podcast (powered by Edge7 Networks), hosts Ronan Murray, Rory Higgins, and Ian Finlayson shine a light on one of the unsung heroes of modern IT - Network Managed Services. It’s not flashy. It’s not trending. But it is the foundation that keeps your business running. The team reflects on why more organisations - from lean IT teams to multinationals - are turning to managed network services to boost performance, reduce downtime, and free up internal resources. They also unpack how Edge7 Networks’ approach blends proactive monitoring, automation, transparency, and vendor-agnostic design into a solution that just works. Listen in as they discuss: Why the demand for network managed services is surging - even if analyst reports don’t show it yet. The power of proactive monitoring, AI-driven alerting, and co-managed access. How network optimisation delivers business resilience (and fewer headaches). Why being vendor-agnostic gives customers more flexibility and control. Real-life examples of value delivered for SMEs and global enterprises alike Whether you’ve got a single IT generalist or a full network team, this episode breaks down how Edge7 Networks slot in as a trusted extension of your team. It’s time to talk about the “plumbing” - because when it works, nobody notices. But when it doesn’t? Everything stops.
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Alex Hobson, HPE Aruba Networking: The Real-World Impact of SSE and Zero Trust
06/12/2025
Alex Hobson, HPE Aruba Networking: The Real-World Impact of SSE and Zero Trust
Is your VPN still fit for purpose in 2025? Probably not. In this episode of The Cyber Insights Podcast (powered by Edge7 Networks), hosts Ronan Murray, Rory Higgins, and Ian Finlayson are joined by Alex Hobson from HPE Aruba Networking to unpack the reality behind the buzzwords. Together, they explore Secure Service Edge (SSE), VPN replacement, and Zero Trust adoption - what’s working, what’s not, and what organisations are actually doing today. 💡 You’ll learn: What SSE really means beyond Gartner hype Why Zero Trust is a mindset - not a product How VPN replacements are opening doors to full SSE adoption Real stories from mergers, acquisitions, and remote work use cases What makes some SSE deployments take 28 minutes (yes, really) Whether you're an IT decision-maker, security strategist, or just trying to understand the next move in your cloud journey - this episode delivers honest insights from the frontlines of modern network security. 🎧 Listen now and reimagine your perimeter.
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Ben Abbott, Check Point: Key Trends in Email Security for 2025
05/12/2025
Ben Abbott, Check Point: Key Trends in Email Security for 2025
Email is still the #1 attack vector in cybersecurity - and it’s getting smarter. In this episode of the Cyber Insights Podcast (Powered by Edge7 Networks), hosts Ian Finlayson and Rory Higgins welcome their first-ever guest: Ben Abbott, Email Security Specialist for Checkpoint EMEA. Together, they break down the growing complexity of email threats and explore how AI is transforming both sides of the battlefield. Tune in for expert insights on: · Why email remains the weak link in most security stacks · The rise of AI-generated phishing campaigns and invoice fraud · Real-world stories of business email compromise (BEC) and social engineering · How to stop relying solely on "standard" email security tools · The critical role of DMARC, SPF & DKIM - and what Microsoft’s latest update means for you Whether you're a CISO, IT lead, or just curious about cybersecurity, this episode will reshape how you think about inbox security in 2025. 🎧 Listen now and get ahead of tomorrow’s threats.
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NIS2: What You Need to Know & Why It Matters
03/12/2025
NIS2: What You Need to Know & Why It Matters
Is your organisation ready for NIS2 compliance? Do you even need to be? In this episode of the Cyber Insights Podcast (Powered by Edge7 Networks), co-hosts Ronan Murray and Ian Finlayson break down everything you need to know about the NIS2 Directive - the latest European cybersecurity law that’s reshaping compliance, risk management, and executive accountability. This episode explores: 🔹 What NIS2 actually is - and how it differs from a regulation 🔹 Why so many organisations are still confused about their compliance obligations 🔹 The impact of NIS2 on business leaders and IT security teams 🔹 Practical steps to assess your security posture and start your compliance journey 🔹 Common myths and misconceptions about NIS2 (spoiler: no, VPNs aren’t banned) Edge7 Networks offers a free 2-day consultancy to help businesses understand their NIS2 readiness - covering gap analysis, action planning, and real-world security strategies. Tune in as Ronan and Ian cut through the jargon and provide actionable insights for navigating this evolving cybersecurity landscape. 🎙️ Connect with the Cyber Insights Podcast hosts: Rory Higgins: Ian Finlayson: Ronan Murray: Listen now and take the first step toward NIS2 compliance! 🚀
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Cutting Through the Buzz: The Real Impact of SASE & SSE on Security
02/12/2025
Cutting Through the Buzz: The Real Impact of SASE & SSE on Security
SASE, SSE, Zero Trust - are they just more buzzwords, or are they truly shaping the future of cybersecurity? In this episode of the Cyber Insights Podcast (Powered by Edge7 Networks), co-hosts Rory Higgins, Ian Finlayson, and Ronan Murray break down what these security models actually mean for IT teams and businesses. Join the discussion as we explore: · The reality behind SASE & SSE - how they work and why they matter now more than ever. · Why traditional firewalls and VPNs are becoming obsolete in modern hybrid work environments. · Real-world use cases demonstrating the agility and security benefits of cloud-delivered network security. · The customer perspective—are organisations embracing these solutions, or are they just vendor hype? If you're tired of security jargon and want clear, practical insights, this episode is for you. Tune in as the team separates fact from fiction and unpacks how businesses can enhance security, improve user experience, and simplify IT operations. Listen now and stay ahead of the curve in cybersecurity, cloud, and networking! Connect with the hosts: Rory Higgins: Ian Finlayson: Ronan Murray:
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SD-WAN, MPLS, and SASE: The Future of Networking and Security
12/13/2024
SD-WAN, MPLS, and SASE: The Future of Networking and Security
What’s driving the shift from traditional networking to SD-WAN? How is SASE transforming cloud and network security? In the premiere episode of the Cyber Insights Podcast (Powered by Edge7 Networks), co-hosts Rory Higgins, Ian Finlayson, and Ronan Murray dive into the story behind the company, the evolution of modern networking technologies, and how businesses can future-proof their infrastructure. This episode explores: · The challenges of legacy MPLS systems and how SD-WAN optimises application traffic. · The role of SASE in enabling secure, scalable, and cloud-ready solutions. · Real-world examples of agility and innovation through intelligent network design. · Insights into the future of networking and security for hybrid work environments. Join the Edge7 Networks team as they share valuable expertise and kickstart the conversation on emerging trends in cybersecurity, cloud, and networking. Connect with the hosts: Rory Higgins: Ian Finlayson: Ronan Murray:
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