When most people hear “cybersecurity,” they picture hackers in hoodies, complex passwords, and IT emails nobody wants to read. But cybersecurity isn’t about paranoia or red tape—it’s about protection.

In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Ramsaywak to explore what cybersecurity really is—and who it really takes. From his early years in Guyana to growing up in the Bronx, to training in mixed martial arts, Shannon brings a unique philosophy to IT security: defense isn’t about fear. It’s about discipline, awareness, and protecting what matters.

We talk about what it actually means to defend an organization in a world where everything is connected. About hiring people who deeply understand what they’re protecting. About layered defenses. About staying calm under pressure. And about why security should feel less like a cop saying “no” and more like a firefighter helping you get somewhere safely.

If you’ve ever wondered what cybersecurity looks like beyond the stereotypes—or if you’ve ever thought IT was just about fixing printers—this episode will shift your perspective.

Because in the end, the art of defense isn’t about technology. It’s about people.

Tips from Shannon for living safely in our Digital World (with some supporting links from the FTC):

• Remember to turn on Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for your important accounts. This extra level of protection makes it very hard for hackers to get in.
• Double check BEFORE you click. It's the click that gets you in trouble.
• Keep your devices and software up to date. It can be annoying but the cyber world moves fast and you want to keep pace with those trying to keep you safe.

You can reach Shannon and his team at: https://nathanialrand.com/