Best Prepcast Podcasts (2025)

1
What to Do If You Fail the CISSP 7:22

Play Pause

8d ago7:22

7:22

Not everyone passes on the first try—but failure doesn’t define your journey. In this episode, we guide you through a structured plan for recovery if you don’t pass the CISSP exam. We cover how to interpret your exam feedback, identify weak domains, revise your study strategy, and rebuild confidence. You’ll also learn how to maintain momentum and a…

1
Developing and Executing Security Awareness Programs (Domain 5) 8:34

15d ago8:34

8:34

Security awareness programs don’t happen by accident—they’re built with intent, tested with feedback, and refined over time. In this final episode of the series, we walk through how to develop and execute a successful awareness program, from defining goals and identifying target audiences to choosing content formats and delivery methods. We discuss…

1
What Comes After the CISSP: Career and Certification Roadmap 8:01

8d ago8:01

8:01

Earning your CISSP opens new doors—but where you go next depends on your goals. In this episode, we explore the post-CISSP landscape, including leadership roles like CISO, and technical specializations like cloud security and digital forensics. We also review advanced certifications such as CCSP, CISM, CRISC, and the CISSP concentrations in archite…

1
Adaptive Testing Tips and Time Management 8:36

8d ago8:36

8:36

The CISSP exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), which means question difficulty and test length vary based on your performance. In this episode, we demystify the CAT format, explain how scoring works, and share strategies to manage your time across the exam. You’ll learn when to move quickly, when to slow down, and how to pace yourself und…

1
Understanding "Best", "First", and "Most Likely" Wording 8:16

8d ago8:16

8:16

CISSP exam questions often hinge on a single word that changes everything. In this episode, we examine how to interpret qualifiers like “best,” “first,” “most appropriate,” and “least likely.” We explain what each prompt is asking you to consider—whether it’s prioritization, sequencing, or judgment—and how to choose the answer that aligns with ISC2…

1
How to Deconstruct CISSP Questions 7:47

8d ago7:47

7:47

CISSP exam questions are known for being complex, layered, and sometimes intentionally confusing. In this episode, we teach you how to break questions apart to find the real point being tested. You'll learn how to identify the scenario, isolate the question stem, and evaluate answer choices using elimination strategies. We also discuss common distr…

1
Memory Tricks and Mnemonics for the CISSP 7:52

8d ago7:52

7:52

With so much material to retain, memory tools are a CISSP candidate’s secret weapon. In this episode, we provide proven mnemonics, visual associations, and acronym expansions to help you remember everything from the OSI model and CIA triad to the phases of incident response and risk treatment options. You’ll also learn strategies for reducing cogni…

1
Top 10 Hardest CISSP Concepts Demystified 9:31

8d ago9:31

9:31

Some CISSP topics consistently challenge even experienced professionals. In this episode, we break down ten of the most difficult concepts on the exam—ranging from cryptographic key lifecycle and security models to risk calculations and legal frameworks. We clarify the nuances, provide examples, and share memory aids to help you master these areas.…

1
DevSecOps Culture and Continuous Assurance 10:42

8d ago10:42

10:42

DevSecOps is not just a toolset—it’s a culture that integrates security into every phase of the software development lifecycle. In this episode, we explore how DevSecOps breaks down silos between development, operations, and security teams. Topics include automated security testing, continuous compliance checks, secure coding training, and real-tim…

1
Secure APIs and Service Integration 10:23

8d ago10:23

10:23

APIs enable system integration but can expose your infrastructure to serious vulnerabilities if not secured properly. This episode focuses on how to design and manage secure APIs. We cover authentication methods (API keys, OAuth), input validation, rate limiting, logging, and error handling. You’ll also learn about common API security issues like b…

1
Mobile Application Security and Reverse Engineering 10:12

8d ago10:12

10:12

Mobile apps introduce unique risks due to their widespread use, diverse platforms, and limited control over user devices. In this episode, we explore mobile app security concerns, including insecure storage, weak authentication, exposed APIs, and code tampering. We also introduce reverse engineering concepts—how attackers decompile apps to uncover …

1
Application Whitelisting and Sandboxing 10:10

8d ago10:10

10:10

Not all applications should be allowed to run in your environment. This episode explores application control mechanisms like whitelisting and sandboxing. You'll learn how whitelisting enforces control by allowing only approved executables, and how sandboxing isolates applications to prevent them from affecting system integrity. We also discuss impl…

1
Version Control and Code Integrity 9:52

8d ago9:52

9:52

Version control systems track changes to code—but they also need to be protected themselves. This episode explores how tools like Git help enforce code integrity, collaboration, and traceability across development teams. We cover commit histories, branching strategies, and how to detect unauthorized or malicious changes. You’ll learn about tagging,…

1
Configuration Management and CI/CD Pipelines 10:27

8d ago10:27

10:27

Secure development doesn't stop at writing code—it includes how that code is built, tested, and deployed. In this episode, we explore configuration management and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines. We discuss how insecure configurations, exposed secrets, and unmonitored automation can lead to compromise. Topics include in…

1
Code Repositories and Access Controls 9:53

8d ago9:53

9:53

Source code repositories are central to modern software development—and to software security. This episode covers the security considerations for using platforms like GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and internal repositories. We examine access control policies, branching strategies, commit tracking, and how to detect malicious code changes. You’ll learn…

1
Security Testing: SAST, DAST, IAST 10:51

8d ago10:51

10:51

Security testing helps ensure software behaves as intended under hostile conditions. In this episode, we explore different application security testing methodologies, including Static Application Security Testing (SAST), Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), and Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST). We explain how each method work…

1
Buffer Overflows, SQL Injection, and Common Flaws 10:37

8d ago10:37

10:37

Many devastating cyberattacks originate from well-known coding flaws. This episode examines classic vulnerabilities including buffer overflows, SQL injection, and other input-related attacks. We explain how these issues arise, what they allow attackers to do, and how to defend against them using secure coding, bounds checking, input validation, and…

1
OWASP Top 10 Threats and Controls 10:59

8d ago10:59

10:59

The OWASP Top 10 is a widely recognized list of the most critical security risks to web applications. In this episode, we walk through each entry—from injection and broken authentication to cross-site scripting, insecure deserialization, and insufficient logging. You'll learn how these vulnerabilities occur, the business impact they can have, and t…

1
Input Validation and Output Encoding 11:11

8d ago11:11

11:11

User input is one of the most common vectors for exploitation in modern applications. In this episode, we focus on two critical programming techniques: input validation and output encoding. We explain how to validate input to ensure it meets expected formats and prevents attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). We also explore how…

1
Secure Design and Secure Coding Guidelines 11:49

8d ago11:49

11:49

Secure applications start with secure design. In this episode, we explore how to incorporate security into architecture and code from the very beginning. Topics include threat modeling, input validation, secure defaults, and fail-safe mechanisms. We also cover secure coding practices that prevent common vulnerabilities such as injection, buffer ove…

1
Waterfall vs. Agile vs. DevOps Approaches 10:36

8d ago10:36

10:36

Development methodologies have a direct impact on how security is integrated into software projects. This episode compares three major approaches—Waterfall, Agile, and DevOps—and how each handles risk, testing, and control. You'll learn the strengths and challenges of each model, including change management, documentation, and time-to-delivery. We …

1
Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Models 10:41

8d ago10:41

10:41

Secure software doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of disciplined development practices. This episode explores common Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) models, including waterfall, spiral, and V-model, and how they structure phases such as requirements, design, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance. We also discuss where and how …

1
Security Operations Center (SOC) Best Practices 10:45

8d ago10:45

10:45

The Security Operations Center (SOC) is the nerve center of cybersecurity monitoring and incident response. In this episode, we explore SOC roles, responsibilities, staffing models, tools, and key performance indicators. We discuss shift scheduling, escalation paths, use cases, and integration with threat intelligence feeds. You'll also learn about…

1
Personnel Security Controls and Separation of Duties 10:39

8d ago10:39

10:39

People are at the heart of every security program—and also one of its greatest vulnerabilities. In this episode, we examine personnel security controls that mitigate human-based risks. Topics include background checks, onboarding protocols, security training, acceptable use policies, and ongoing behavior monitoring. We also explore separation of du…

1
Physical Security Operations: Locks, Guards, Cameras 11:41

8d ago11:41

11:41

Cybersecurity extends into the physical world, where threats like unauthorized access, theft, and sabotage can bypass digital defenses. In this episode, we explore physical security operations, including the use of barriers, locks, access control systems, security guards, surveillance cameras, and visitor management. We also cover how physical secu…

1
Malware Analysis and Containment 11:30

8d ago11:30

11:30

Understanding malware is essential for effective defense. This episode explores how security teams analyze and contain malicious software, including viruses, worms, ransomware, and trojans. We break down static and dynamic analysis techniques, sandboxing environments, signature development, and reverse engineering basics. You'll also learn how to c…

1
Insider Threat Identification and Mitigation 11:06

8d ago11:06

11:06

Not all threats come from the outside. Insider threats—whether malicious or accidental—pose a significant risk to organizational security. In this episode, we examine how to identify, monitor, and respond to threats from employees, contractors, or partners with legitimate access. We discuss behavioral indicators, user activity monitoring, data loss…

1
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) 11:48

8d ago11:48

11:48

Endpoints remain a primary target for cyberattacks, and protecting them requires more than traditional antivirus solutions. This episode explores Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), a modern approach to securing laptops, desktops, servers, and mobile devices. We explain how EDR tools provide real-time monitoring, behavioral analysis, threat hunt…

1
Secure Disposal and Media Sanitization 10:49

8d ago10:49

10:49

Data doesn’t disappear just because you delete it. In this episode, we focus on how to securely dispose of media and sanitize storage devices to prevent data recovery. We cover techniques such as overwriting, degaussing, cryptographic erasure, and physical destruction, as well as when and how to apply each. You’ll also learn about documentation req…

1
Change Control and Approval Processes 11:17

8d ago11:17

11:17

Security isn’t just about stopping bad changes—it’s about managing all changes effectively. In this episode, we examine the formal process of change control: how to submit change requests, perform impact assessments, obtain approvals, test in controlled environments, and document results. We also cover the importance of change advisory boards (CABs…

1
Patch Management and Configuration Control 11:08

8d ago11:08

11:08

Unpatched systems are one of the leading causes of successful cyberattacks. In this episode, we explore the role of patch management and configuration control in maintaining secure and reliable systems. We explain how to evaluate patches, schedule deployments, and monitor success. You'll also learn how to track configuration baselines, control chan…

1
Business Continuity Testing and Tabletop Exercises 11:34

8d ago11:34

11:34

Plans are only useful if they’re tested. In this episode, we explore the various methods for testing business continuity and disaster recovery plans—including walkthroughs, simulations, functional tests, and tabletop exercises. We discuss how to design tests, involve key stakeholders, and evaluate performance without disrupting operations. You’ll l…

1
Disaster Recovery Planning: RTO, RPO 10:53

8d ago10:53

10:53

When disaster strikes, organizations must restore operations quickly—and with minimal data loss. This episode focuses on Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP), particularly the metrics used to guide recovery strategies: Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO). We explain how to define recovery priorities, select appropriate back…

1
Evidence Acquisition and Preservation 11:00

8d ago11:00

11:00

The reliability of evidence hinges on how it’s handled. In this episode, we dive deeper into the principles and techniques for acquiring and preserving digital evidence. Topics include imaging storage media, capturing memory dumps, recording live sessions, and documenting every step in the collection process. We also address how to avoid contaminat…

1
Digital Forensics and Chain of Custody 11:01

8d ago11:01

11:01

Preserving and analyzing digital evidence requires precision, consistency, and legal awareness. This episode explores the fundamentals of digital forensics—from identifying and collecting evidence to maintaining a documented chain of custody. We discuss volatile data acquisition, imaging tools, hashing for integrity verification, and timeline recon…

1
Incident Management: Preparation and Response 11:04

8d ago11:04

11:04

Incidents are inevitable, and how you respond can determine the scale of impact. In this episode, we walk through the phases of incident management—preparation, identification, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned. We explain how to build an incident response plan, assemble a response team, and establish escalation protocols. You…

1
Logging, Event Correlation, and SIEM 10:17

8d ago10:17

10:17

Capturing events is only the beginning—making sense of them is where the real value lies. This episode covers how organizations collect, normalize, and correlate logs from various systems and devices using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms. We discuss the components of a SIEM, alert tuning, and the use of correlation rules …

1
Daily Operations: Procedures, Monitoring, Checklists 11:16

8d ago11:16

11:16

Security operations are built on consistency, structure, and clear documentation. In this episode, we explore the daily tasks that keep cybersecurity programs running—such as log reviews, system checks, user access reviews, and patch verification. We explain how operational procedures and checklists reduce errors, promote accountability, and stream…

1
Assessing Third-Party and Vendor Risk 11:14

8d ago11:14

11:14

Vendors and service providers often have privileged access to your data and systems—making them a potential weak link. This episode focuses on third-party risk management, including how to evaluate a vendor's security posture before and after engagement. We cover due diligence checklists, contract clauses, security questionnaires, and ongoing monit…

1
Continuous Monitoring and Feedback Loops 11:43

8d ago11:43

11:43

Security is not a one-time event—it’s a continuous process. In this episode, we explore how continuous monitoring helps organizations detect changes, uncover risks, and maintain compliance in dynamic environments. We discuss how to implement automated data collection, baseline comparison, and event correlation across networks, endpoints, cloud serv…

1
Metrics and KPIs for Security Performance 10:58

8d ago10:58

10:58

What gets measured gets managed—and security is no exception. This episode focuses on security metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that help organizations evaluate the effectiveness of their controls and programs. We cover types of metrics (operational, compliance, risk-based), how to design meaningful KPIs, and how to avoid common pitfal…

1
Reporting Assessment Results Effectively 11:06

8d ago11:06

11:06

The value of a security assessment is only realized when the results are communicated clearly. In this episode, we discuss how to structure, write, and deliver effective reports for vulnerability scans, penetration tests, audits, and more. You'll learn how to prioritize findings by risk, provide context for business stakeholders, and recommend acti…

1
Threat Hunting and Red Team Exercises 11:08

8d ago11:08

11:08

Proactive threat hunting involves searching for signs of compromise that automated tools may miss. In this episode, we explain how threat hunters use hypothesis-driven analysis, threat intelligence, and behavioral indicators to uncover hidden risks. We also explore red team exercises—simulated attacks designed to test detection and response capabil…

1
Log Analysis for Forensics and Compliance 11:09

8d ago11:09

11:09

Logs are a goldmine of insight—but only if you know how to analyze them effectively. This episode dives into log collection, normalization, and correlation to support both forensic investigations and compliance reporting. We cover log sources such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, servers, applications, and cloud services, as well as how to identify anomalies…

1
Compliance Auditing and Evidence Collection 10:43

8d ago10:43

10:43

Audits provide assurance that an organization is following its security policies and regulatory obligations. In this episode, we explore how compliance audits are structured, conducted, and evaluated. You’ll learn how to collect evidence, prepare audit trails, manage interviews, and handle audit scope creep. We also cover the role of internal vs. e…

1
Risk Assessment and Gap Analysis 11:19

8d ago11:19

11:19

Risk assessments help prioritize security controls by identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating threats, and estimating potential impacts. In this episode, we break down how to conduct both qualitative and quantitative assessments, including risk matrix construction, asset valuation, and likelihood estimation. We also explain gap analysis—comparing c…

1
Test Coverage and Measurement 11:03

8d ago11:03

11:03

How do you know your security testing is thorough? In this episode, we examine test coverage metrics and how they help evaluate the effectiveness and completeness of assessments. We explain different forms of coverage—such as code path coverage, requirement coverage, and risk-based coverage—and how to map test cases to threat models and control obj…

1
Security Test Data and Environment Management 11:17

8d ago11:17

11:17

Security testing requires careful control over both the test environment and the data used within it. In this episode, we explore how to create and manage dedicated testing environments that accurately simulate production systems without risking real assets. We cover the importance of data masking, synthetic data generation, and environment segment…

1
Code Review and Static/Dynamic Testing 10:38

8d ago10:38

10:38

Code is a frequent source of vulnerabilities, and reviewing it is essential for secure software development. In this episode, we discuss secure code review techniques—both manual and tool-assisted. We explain how static application security testing (SAST) scans source code before runtime, while dynamic application security testing (DAST) analyzes b…

1
Security Control Testing: Manual vs. Automated 10:58

8d ago10:58

10:58

Security controls are only effective if they’re working as designed. In this episode, we explore how to test those controls using both manual and automated methods. We compare control validation techniques such as checklists, code reviews, synthetic transactions, vulnerability scanners, and red team exercises. You’ll learn when human judgment is ne…