As cyber threats evolve, so must the strategies to prevent them. In this episode, Samuel Brown—CEO of PacketX and retired U.S. Army CW4—shares mission-critical insights on risk mitigation, layered security, and why backups and plans on paper aren't enough. From ransomware recovery to real-world network defense, this conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons for AppSec professionals and business leaders alike.

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Chapters:
00:00 – What Real Risk Mitigation Requires
00:55 – Meet Samuel Brown: CEO of PacketX & U.S. Army Veteran
02:43 – Risk Identification, Tiering, and Business Impact
04:28 – Ransomware Lessons: Why Tested Backups Matter
07:01 – Data vs. Devices: Smart Prioritization Decisions
08:13 – Ransomware Response: Steps to Contain and Recover
09:44 – Real-World Example: Website Compromise and Layered Security
11:14 – MFA and Role-Based Access: Core to Risk Reduction
13:47 – CAC Cards & Military Insights on Access Control
16:44 – Firewalls, Segmentation & Vendor Diversity
20:42 – Patch Management: Fixing Without Rebreaking
23:58 – Least Privilege: Why Admin Rights Are Dangerous
26:33 – Why Small Businesses Are Easy Targets
28:27 – Simple Risk Monitoring Tips for Any Company
30:43 – Best & Worst Advice in Cybersecurity
32:47 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Subscribe

What You’ll Learn:
- How to build a real, tested risk mitigation plan
- Why backups fail without proper testing
- Critical layers of defense: from firewalls to user training
- How military cybersecurity practices apply to private business
- The one mindset that can prevent massive breaches

📺 Watch Next:
▶️ Secrets of AppSec Champions Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR-uH0PJFszFcbMJ29AfAcWIJAPbBJaC7
▶️ Our Customers’ Success Stories & Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR-uH0PJFszHDC0p6CBEvccqx1uNx8fpT&si=SUI6d31ResR51434
▶️ OWASP Top 10 LLM is Dead: Here's Why: https://youtu.be/Wet1tkt1eAw?si=NTUef42qt1WzcHbn
▶️ Mend.io Product Overview Demo: https://youtu.be/HfZ3uK-Eg5c
▶️ The Truth Behind Successful Security Operations Centers (SOC): https://youtu.be/XMlrxoIJVXg

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📜 Disclaimer:
This video is for educational purposes only. Mend.io is not responsible for any security decisions made based on this content.

#Cybersecurity #RiskMitigation #AppSec #Infosec

Mend.io, formerly known as Whitesource, has over a decade of experience helping global organizations build world-class AppSec programs that reduce risk and accelerate development - using tools built into the technologies that software and security teams already love. Our automated technology protects organizations from supply chain and malicious package attacks, vulnerabilities in open source and custom code, and open-source license risks. With a proven track record of successfully meeting complex and large-scale application security needs, Mend.io is the go-to technology for the world’s most demanding development and security teams. The company has more than 1,000 customers, including 25 percent of the Fortune 100, and manages Renovate, the open source automated dependency update project. For more information, visit www.mend.io, the Mend.io blog, and Mend.io on LinkedIn and Twitter.