Welcome back for Season 2! We kickoff with a graduating senior from Rensselaer Polytechnic University as she transitions from academic research to industry applications in the world of cybersecurity.
In this episode, we sit down with Shoshana Sugerman, to explore her journey from classroom to conference room. We delve into Shoshana's work on Grover's algorithm for quantum-enhanced threat detection and her experiences during a summer internship at Cisco.
Shoshana offers advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, emphasizing the importance of networking, asking questions, and embracing failures as learning opportunities.
Episode Links:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoshanasugerman/
Resources Mentioned in Interview:
- ISC2 Congress Presentation to Brian & Shoshana’s presentation - https://www.isc2.org/Insights/2024/10/ISC2Congress-Generative-AI-for-Cybersecurity-Awareness-Training
- Quantum Paper: https://news.rpi.edu/2025/03/03/rensselaer-cybersecurity-collaboratory-researchers-break-new-ground-quantum-security
- Generative AI Article: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/generative-ai-security-training/
- Computer Coach Generative AI: Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Benefits, Limitations, & Skills for the Workforce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7WqRrIPcYk
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Simply Secured Podcast
00:34 Meet Shoshanna Sugarman
02:46 Shoshanna's Journey into Cybersecurity
05:17 AI and Security Awareness Training
07:32 The Role of Human Oversight in AI
13:27 Generative AI in Education
16:14 Exploring Quantum Computing
21:15 Internship Experience at Cisco
25:32 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Students
29:18 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
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Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquiggan
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancissp
Website: https://jamesmcquiggan.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cissp
Email: James@jamesmcquiggan.com
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Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
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Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.com
YouTube Title Graphic: London Company
Video Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)
Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements
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Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
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