No Password Required

No Password Required Podcast Episode 58 — Trevor Hilligoss

Episode Summary

Trevor Hilligoss — SVP at SpyCloud Labs, Former Army Investigator, and an elite metaphor creator On this episode, we sit down with Trevor Hilligoss, Director of Security Research and the Research & Innovation division of SpyCloud Labs. From his beginnings in the Army Criminal Investigation Division to his leadership role in cybersecurity’s private sector, Trevor shares how investigative instincts and military discipline shaped his approach to digital forensics, leadership, and fighting cybercrime. Hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and Kayley Melton, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Cognitive Security Institute and founder of Reality Shift, explore with Trevor the biggest misconceptions about cybercriminals, why micromanagement is a leadership pitfall, and how proactive cybersecurity strategies can change the game before an attack even happens. Plus, in the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Trevor talks about adding Tony Hawk to his ultimate escape room team, his boardroom walk-up song, and his East Coast-meets-West Coast breakfast—because balance is key in cybersecurity and in starting the day off right. Follow Trevor Hilligoss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thilligoss/

Episode Notes

summary

In this episode of No Password Required, host Jack Clabby and guest Trevor Hilligoss discuss various aspects of cybersecurity, including the transition from military service to the private sector, the importance of leadership in tech, and the misconceptions surrounding cyber threats. Trevor shares insights from his career, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to cybersecurity and the value of empowering teams to innovate and learn from failures. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into memorable experiences in cybersecurity, including impactful interactions and the importance of sharing knowledge. They explore personal preferences through a fun lifestyle polygraph segment, discussing walk-up songs, breakfast favorites, and nerd culture. The conversation also touches on the lighter side of cybersecurity with prank calls and the dynamics of building an escape room team. The episode concludes with contact information and an invitation to connect further.

takeaways

• Trevor emphasizes the importance of metaphors in understanding cybersecurity.
• The public often fears sophisticated threats while ignoring more common dangers.
• Leadership in cybersecurity should focus on empowering teams rather than micromanaging.
• A proactive approach in cybersecurity can prevent victimization before it occurs.
• Technical leaders should understand core concepts to effectively guide their teams.
• Misconceptions about cyber criminals often stem from Hollywood portrayals.
• The military experience can significantly shape leadership styles in tech.
• Daily life in cybersecurity involves constant learning and adaptation.
• Sophistication in cyber threats does not always correlate with success.
• Cybersecurity is about both fighting threats and fortifying defenses. Memorable interactions can lead to impactful collaborations in cybersecurity.
• Sharing knowledge can help mitigate cyber threats effectively.
• Personal preferences can reveal a lot about an individual's character.
• Walk-up songs can reflect one's personality and professional identity.
• Breakfast choices can be a blend of cultural influences and personal tastes.
• Building a team for an escape room requires diverse skills and personalities.
• Nerd culture can foster connections and shared interests among individuals.
• Prank calls can be a humorous way to engage with public figures.
• Culinary competitions highlight the absurdity of turning survival into entertainment.
• Networking in cybersecurity can lead to unexpected opportunities.

titles

• Cybersecurity Connections: Memorable Moments
• The Lifestyle Polygraph: Fun and Insights
• Walk-Up Songs: A Reflection of Identity
• Breakfast Favorites: A Culinary Journey

Sound Bites

• "Tell them what needs to get done."
• "Empower your people to fail."
• "We can stop that identity theft."
• "I was in Europe giving a talk."
• "I sent him everything that we had."
• "I would get Jack Sparrow."
• "I love Star Wars."
• "I would call Gordon Ramsey."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Insights

02:54 Career Path and Unexpected Experiences

05:55 Transitioning from Military to Cybersecurity

09:07 Daily Life at Spy Cloud

12:12 Leadership Philosophy and Management Style

14:53 The Nature of Cyber Threats

17:50 Technical Skills in Leadership

20:52 Misconceptions About Cyber Criminals

25:32 Memorable Cybersecurity Interactions

28:12 Lifestyle Polygraph Introduction

28:35 Walk-Up Songs and Personal Preferences

32:07 Breakfast Favorites and Culinary Influences

34:40 Building the Ultimate Escape Room Team

37:36 Nerd Culture and Personal Interests

39:02 Prank Calls and Culinary Competitions

41:20 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information