Show Summary:

Mudita Khurana — Tech Lead at Airbnb and the person who always says, “I got this”

No Password Required Season 7: Episode 6 - Mudita Khurana

Mudita Khurana is a Tech Lead for Automated Tooling and Vulnerability Management at Airbnb, where she focuses on building modular, scalable security systems in an era of rapidly evolving AI threats. Before Airbnb, she spent nearly a decade in security roles across Accenture, Meta, and PwC, making bold career pivots along the way, including turning down a PwC return offer to join Facebook's product security team.

In this episode, Mudita shares her journey from a family of doctors in India to Carnegie Mellon and into the heart of Big Tech security. She discusses what it means to thrive as a non-traditional engineer in a deeply technical field, why she stepped back from management to get closer to the work, and how she thinks about building security tooling that won't be obsolete in three months.

Jack Clabby and co-host Kayley Melton, recording live from Tampa B-Sides at the University of South Florida, talk with Mudita about imposter syndrome, AI's curveballs for security teams, leadership without a leadership title, and the importance of community in staying on top of a field that never stops moving. She also reflects on what great mentorship looks like early in a career and why clarity, ownership, and consistency are the leadership qualities she keeps coming back to.

In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Mudita firmly plants her flag in the Harry Potter universe as Hermione, explains why Deadpool doesn't qualify as a superhero, debates gym vs. nature as a reset strategy, and reveals her dream remote work base: a high-altitude Buddhist mountain town in the Himalayas.

Follow Mudita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muditakhurana/

In this episode:

• Mudita shares her unconventional path into cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of mentorship and curiosity (0:25 - 1:37)
• The significance of mentorship, especially Vandana Verma, in her career development (2:26 - 4:00)
• Transition from management to technical IC roles and why staying close to technical work matters (9:29 - 10:23)
• The influence of her education at Carnegie Mellon and how it broadened her problem-solving skills (6:23 - 7:41)
• Navigating imposter syndrome and embracing challenges as growth opportunities (3:26 - 5:29)
• How AI is changing cybersecurity strategies—building modular, layered systems for agility (15:31 - 16:26)
• The importance of community, trust, and consensus in cybersecurity decision-making (17:06 - 17:47)
• Mudita’s favorite places for remote work and balancing planning with spontaneity in travel (23:01 - 24:13)
• Her personal approach to wellness, exercise, and resets during busy days (21:32 - 22:36)
• Her unique perspective on superhero characters, favorite places, and cultural roots (18:54 - 19:36, 25:19 - 26:21)

Timestamp Highlights:

• (00:25) Mudita's 10-year journey into cybersecurity starting from India
• (02:26) Mentorship’s critical role in her growth and her admiration for Vandana Verma
• (09:29) Transition from management back to technical roles and why staying close to the work matters
• (15:31) How AI fosters layered, modular security systems for faster adaptation
• (17:06) The importance of community and trusted information sources in security
• (21:32) Reset routines—gym versus nature hikes—and staying grounded during busy days
• (25:19) Leh, Ladakh: Mudita’s ideal remote work location nestled in Himalayan beauty

Resources & Links:

• Vandana Verma - Influential mentor in cybersecurity
• ThreatLocker - Supporter of this podcast
• Cyber Florida – The Mother Ship

Madeline Sedgwick — Cyber Threat Analyst at Palo Alto Networks and a DUUUUVALLL lifer

No Password Required Season 7: Episode 5 – Madeline Sedgwick

Madeline Sedgwick is a Cyber threat Researcher and Threat Analyst at Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, specializing in nation-state cyber activity, covert infrastructure, and cyber intelligence analysis. Before entering the private sector, she spent six years in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence specialist, helping support some of the earliest cyber operations under United States Cyber Command.

In this episode, Madeline shares her journey from joining the Navy to becoming one of the first certified cyber targeteers supporting offensive cyber operations. She discusses the realities of tracking covert threat actor infrastructure, why defenders must understand adversary behavior beyond alerts and signatures, and how intelligence analysis helps uncover the bigger picture behind cyber campaigns.


Jack Clabby and co-host Sarina Gandy talk with Madeline about fusion analysis, cyber warfare, leadership, and the challenges of translating highly technical investigations into actionable insights for government and industry leaders. She also reflects on the importance of humility in leadership, mentoring, and learning to navigate high-pressure situations with confidence and curiosity.


In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Madeline debates cybersecurity in the Star Wars universe, explains her Weird Al Yankovic Dragon Con costume, reflects on her time playing bass in a metal band, and proudly shares why Jacksonville, Florida, will always be home.

Follow Madeline on Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mesedgwick/

Chapters:

02:10 Intro-Madeline Sedgwick

09:00 The Role of Cybersecurity in National Security

12:08 Understanding Covert Networks and Threat Intelligence

14:52 Fusion Analysis in Cybersecurity

18:04 The Importance of Distinguishing Threats

20:52 Challenges in Cybersecurity Response

23:58 Briefing Decision Makers on Cyber Threats

27:52 Understanding Adversary Intent and Risk Communication

30:12 Leadership Lessons from the Navy

34:33 The Importance of Mentorship in Career Development

37:30 The Lifestyle Polygraph: A Fun Twist on Cybersecurity

41:04 Embracing Creativity and Personal Expression

45:50 Pride in Roots: The Jacksonville Connection

No Password Required: No Password Required: Next Gen - Ep. 2 - Tim Kircher

From Freshman Stress to Cyber Success: Formula 1, Pickleball, and hacking in Real life

In this episode of No Password Required: Next Gen, Yazzel Corona interviews Tim Kircher, a cybersecurity student at USF and member of the Security Operations Center Apprenticeship Program at Cyber Florida. Tim shares how his fascination with technology first sparked his interest in cybersecurity.

From networking advice and navigating the chaos of a cybersecurity education, Tim keeps it real, giving us all the tips about what it takes to get started successfully in the field. He talks about why communication skills matter just as much as technical ability in the age of AI and automation, and how taking things “one day at a time” helped shape his journey.

Outside of cyber mode, Tim is a huge pickleball and Formula 1 fan, leading to fun conversations about cyber pit crews, movie hacking scenes, and why Mercedes would absolutely be his dream team.

From defensive cyber operations to teamwork and leadership, Tim’s story is all about staying curious, building connections, and finding your path in cybersecurity.

Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-kircher/

Chapters:

00:00 — Introduction

00:30 — Discovering Cybersecurity

00:54 — Advice for Freshman Cybersecurity Students

01:47 — Formula 1 & Cybersecurity

02:10 — Which F1 Team Would Be Vulnerable?

02:28 — Building the Ultimate Cybersecurity Pit Crew

03:01 — Hollywood Hacking vs. Real-Life Hacking

03:22 — Final Advice for Future Cybersecurity Professionals

04:01 — Toasting to the Future

Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-kircher/

Presented by ThreatLocker

Fagan Afandiyev — Elite Cybersecurity Competitor and Legendary Whitehatter

No Password Required: Breakout Room: Episode 1 — Fagan Afandiyev

Fagan Afandiyev is a cybersecurity student at the University of South Florida and a member of the CyberHerd competition team, known for his strategic mindset and passion for solving complex challenges. From competing in international robotics competitions to discovering cybersecurity through hands-on platforms, Fagan has built his skills through curiosity, persistence, and a love for problem solving.

Fagan shares how competitions, community, and continuous learning shaped his journey into cybersecurity. He walks through his growth within USF’s cyber community, and how that led to a penetration testing internship at Microsoft.

He also offers insight into the mindset needed to succeed in cybersecurity, encouraging others to embrace challenges, learn through failure, and find enjoyment in the process.

Follow Fagan on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fagan-afandi/

Presented by ThreatLocker

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Passion

3:02 Journey to Cyber Herd and University Life

06:12 Internship at Microsoft and Career Aspirations

08:59 Hackathon Experience and Community Engagement

12:39 Behind the Scenes of Cyber Competitions

14:30 Overcoming Challenges in Cyber Competitions

18:00 Gratitude and Mentorship in Cybersecurity

Cynthia Wyre —Project Manager at Rapid7 and the Queen of Cyber Media

No Password Required Season 7: Episode 4 - Cynthia Wyre

Cynthia Wyre is a Senior Strategic Engagement Project Manager at Rapid7, where she helps connect academic research and industry. Her path into cybersecurity innovation was untraditional, moving from healthcare and construction project management into vulnerability research and academic partnerships.

Cynthia reflects on how she applied for a role she did not think she was qualified for, why professionals of all backgrounds belong in cyber, and how project management skills can open unexpected doors.

Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and K. Melton of the Cognitive Security Institute welcome Cynthia live from CyberBay 2026 in Tampa for a conversation about research, resilience, and relationship-building in cybersecurity. Cynthia explains Rapid7’s partnership with USF and Cyber Florida, including her efforts to support research around SOC analyst training and burnout, and the future of cyber education.

Throughout the conversation, Cynthia highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and helping people see that cybersecurity is not limited to one path or one type of person.

The episode wraps with the Lifestyle Polygraph, where Cynthia reveals how she would work a room full of strangers and how she won a costume contest moments before meeting rapper Young Gravy. She also earns a crown of her own, officially joining the No Password Required fantasy cybersecurity squad as Queen of the Podcast.

Follow Cynthia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiawyre/

Presented by ThreatLocker

Follow ThreatLocker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/threatlockerinc/posts/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:15 From Aspiring Physical Therapist to Project Manager

03:50 Transitioning from Construction to Cybersecurity

05:12 Applying for the Rapid7 Role and Overcoming Self-Doubt

10:25 Academic Partnerships with USF and Cyber Florida

12:56 Leaning into Discomfort and Personal Growth

20:15 The Role of Marching Band and Education in Cynthia’s Life

24:25 A Memorable Encounter with a Music Industry Entertainer Yung Gravy

28:00 Lifestyle Polygraph and Fun Personal Questions

37:40 Crowning Cynthia as Queen of the Podcast

Madhav Nakar — AI Security Researcher and Documentarian of Spirituality and Play

No Password Required Season 7: Episode 3 - Madhav Nakar

Madhav Nakar is a Security Researcher at BeyondTrust specializing in identity threats, endpoint security, and cloud attack paths. With a background in theoretical mathematics, his current research focuses on analyzing attacker behavior to build practical systems of detection.

In this episode, Madhav shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his first experience witnessing a nation-state attack unfold in real time from his seat in a SOC. He explains how mathematical thinking sharpens security strategy and why strong research is rooted in exploration, not predetermined outcomes.

Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, joined by co-host Kayley Melton of the Cognitive Security Institute, welcomes Madhav for a conversation on modern cyber defense. From AI-driven attacks and agentic systems to privilege escalation risks in role-based access environments, Madhav breaks down what teams are getting wrong about AI and why defending against AI increasingly requires AI-powered tools.

The conversation turns to Madhav’s philosophy of “serious play,” where curiosity, experimentation, and failure fuel better research and resilience. He also shares insights from his spiritual and philosophy project, The Fire of Knowing, exploring consciousness and belief through a neutral lens.

In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Madhav pitches a cybersecurity documentary, debates growth versus comfort, and reflects public dancing experiments.

Follow Madhav Nakar here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhav-nakar/

Follow "The Fire of Knowing" on Instagram and Youtube!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction with Kayley and Jack

08:08 Transition from Theoretical Math to Cybersecurity

16:13 Exploring Spiritual Traditions and Madhav’s Documentary

19:48 The Intersection of Art and Science in Content Creation

25:20 The Lifestyle Polygraph: Challenging Perspectives on Security

No Password Required: Next Gen – Ep. 1 - Michelle McAveety

Michelle McAveety- Cyber Competitions, Crowd Surfing & Main-Character Energy

Welcome to our new spinoff series, No Password Required: Next Generation. Where we go behind the scenes and interview up-and-coming young professionals in cybersecurity!

Whether you’re trying to figure out your career path, looking for a little inspiration, or just want to have a laugh while learning about the industry, this show is for you.

Real stories. Real journeys. Next Gen Cyber.

About this episode:

Michelle McAveety is a Computer Engineering and Math student at USF and the Team Captain of the CyberHerd, the university’s cybersecurity competition team.

We get into the chaos and adrenaline of competition life, what it’s like leading in a high-pressure cyber environment, and how she balances it all without losing herself. Spoiler: the answer includes crocheting, blasting heavy metal, going to concerts, and possibly crowd surfing if the vibe is right.

Michelle also drops some real advice opening up about the pressure to compare yourself in competitive fields and why staying grounded and focused on your own path is the real win.

Follow Michelles journey on linked in! https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcaveety/

Chapters:

00:39 - Who is Michelle?

00:54- Being in Cyberherd

01:38- Hobbies that bring Michelle Joy!

02:51- Comparison and Growth

Sue Serna - Social Media Security and Governance Leader and Lover of All Beagles

No Password Required Season 7: Episode 2 - Sue Serna

Sue Serna is the CEO and Founder of Serna Social and the former head of global social media at Cargill. She brings more than two decades of experience at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and security.

In this episode, she shares her journey from business reporter to leading her own consultancy serving companies around the world on social media strategy.

Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A, joined by guest co-host Rex Wilson of Cyber Florida, welcomes Sue for a candid discussion about the realities of enterprise social media. From managing more than 150 Facebook pages for a single company, to navigating internal politics, agency relationships, and regulatory pressure, Sue explains why social media is far from “free” and why most organizations still under-resource it.

Sue dives deep into the gap between social media teams and cybersecurity departments. She outlines how personal account compromises can escalate into enterprise-level incidents, why governance frameworks matter, and how large organizations can regain control of sprawling digital footprints. Drawing from real-world examples, she argues that social media must be treated like finance or HR, a core business function requiring structure, ownership, and accountability.

The episode wraps with the Lifestyle Polygraph, where Sue reveals her love of Apollo-era space history, debates iconic Philadelphia traditions, and imagines what magical talent her beagle would bring to Hogwarts.

Follow Sue at SernaSocial.com or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueserna/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and First Impressions

02:45 The Evolving Role of Social Media in Corporations

04:58 Transitioning from Journalism to Social Media

11:11 Building Social Media from Scratch

13:00 Becoming a CEO and Founder

16:28 The Importance of Networking

16:54 Bridging the Gap Between Social Media and Cybersecurity

20:51 Real-World Social Media Security Incidents

28:35 Navigating Internal Conflicts in Social Media

30:32 The Lifestyle Polygraph Begins

31:17 Nerd Things That Expose Sue: Space and Harry Potter!

35:16 Sue’s Love For Beagles

37:50 Wreckless Intern or Overconfident Executive?

40:42 Hogwarts and Magical Beagles