The Hacker's Cache

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache Podcast, I sit down with Tyler Ramsbey to discuss why he quit his cybersecurity job to build his own penetration testing company, Kairos Sec, and hacking education platform, HackSmarter. We dive into the reality of cybersecurity entrepreneurship, burnout, work-life balance, OSCP and PNPT certifications, AI in penetration testing, red teaming, OffSec’s “Try Harder” culture, and what it actually takes to succeed in offensive security. If you're interested i...

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, Kyser Clark sits down with Red Team Consultant Robert O’Connor to unpack the realities of shellcode evasion in 2025. They dive into how antivirus and EDR solutions actually detect malicious payloads, the rise of fileless malware, and why network-level detection is still overlooked. Robert shares his hands-on experience building custom evasion techniques, his transition from pentesting to red teaming, and how certifications like CRTO and OSED fit into the...

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I sit down with penetration tester Tadi Kandango to unpack why attention is the real currency in cybersecurity. We talk about how he broke into pentesting without a degree, the role certifications actually play, and why sharing your work publicly can open more doors than quietly grinding in the background. Whether you’re trying to land your first role or level up your career, this conversation will challenge how you think about breaking into the field.&n...

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, senior penetration tester and red teamer Nick Aures shares the skills and habits that matter most in pentesting beyond certifications. We discuss real-world experiences from breaking into the field to finding critical vulnerabilities in companies like Tesla, USAA, and Asana. Nick reveals why strong communication, report writing, and client relationships are just as essential as technical skills, along with insights into bug bounty hunting, red teaming, a...

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, returning guest Josh Ragland shares how offensive security skills give blue teamers a serious edge. From building a hash-cracking rig to diving deep into C programming and assembly, Josh explains how understanding the attacker’s mindset can drastically cut triage time and help defenders spot threats others miss. We also get into the flaws of relying too heavily on AI in cybersecurity, discuss realistic detection testing without a red team, and reflect on...

This episode marks one year of The Hacker’s Cache. To celebrate, I’ve compiled the most powerful, insightful, and thought-provoking moments from every single episode of Season 1, all 52 of them, in one back-to-back highlight reel. This isn’t just a recap. It’s a front-row seat to the best hot takes, bold opinions, unique insights, and raw truths from some of the most driven minds in cybersecurity. Whether you're a red teamer, aspiring hacker, or cybersecurity professional looking for real-wo...

In this episode, Richie Vinson (4NU81X7H3H4CK3r) shares how he broke into red teaming without a college degree or the OSCP certification. He explains why he skipped traditional credentials, how volunteering at cybersecurity conferences helped him bypass the HR firewall, and what newcomers can do to stand out. From earning a Black Badge at HackSpace to working in OT security, Richie offers real-world insights into breaking into cybersecurity through networking, hands-on skills, and personal st...

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, senior offensive security consultant Michael Kim shares how he landed a cybersecurity job without knowing all the answers in the interview and why hiring managers still chose him. We discuss how to ace your cybersecurity interview, the importance of mindset and growth, and why technical skills alone aren’t enough. Michael also opens up about his unconventional path from zoology and DJing to penetration testing, and how he built his network through Linked...