In this gripping episode of the Cyber Distortion Podcast, we sit down with Ricoh Danielson — a former U.S. Army Combat Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, national security expert, and digital forensics specialist. With a career that bridges the battlefield and the digital frontlines, Ricoh brings a rare and powerful perspective on the evolving threats to our national security and critical infrastructure. From his firsthand experiences in war zones to his current role as a VCISO and digital forensic expert, Ricoh shares stories that are as eye-opening as they are inspiring. We dive into the real-world challenges facing the nation today — from protecting our energy grids and communication systems to defending against cyber threats that target both the public and private sectors. Ricoh also recounts some of his most intense moments in service, revealing what it takes to operate in high-stakes environments, both overseas and in high-profile courtrooms. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in cybersecurity, national defense, or the human element behind protecting our digital and physical worlds. Jason Popillion is a CISSP and serves as a CIO/CTO of a SaaS company and Kevin Pentecost is a CISSP, CISM, CEH, CPT, MPCS, MCSE, CCA, ITIL-F and serves as the Information Security Director for a Manufacturing company. Citations & Helpful Links: National Security Agency (NSA) Cybersecurity: The NSA provides resources aimed at preventing and eradicating cyber threats to U.S. national security systems, with a focus on the Defense Industrial Base and the enhancement of U.S. weapons' security. https://www.nsa.gov/cybersecurity/ Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3): DC3 offers integrated services including cyber training, digital and multimedia forensics, and vulnerability disclosure, supporting law enforcement and counterintelligence efforts. https://csrc.nist.gov/ • SANS Institute: A renowned organization specializing in information security and cybersecurity training, offering courses on topics like cyber and network defenses, penetration testing, incident response, and digital forensics. https://www.sans.org/ https://www.dc3.mil/ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Computer Security Resource Center: NIST's CSRC provides access to cybersecurity and information security-related projects, publications, and news, supporting government, industry, and academic efforts in securing information systems. https://csrc.nist.gov/ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Free Cybersecurity Services and Tools: CISA has curated a database of free cybersecurity services and tools to help organizations reduce cybersecurity risks across U.S. critical infrastructure sectors. https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/... For listeners interested in connecting with Ricoh Danielson or learning more about his work: Official Website: Ricoh's personal website offers insights into his background, services, and expertise. https://www.ricohd.us/ Contact Page: To reach out to Ricoh directly, visit his contact page where you can send a message or inquiry. https://www.ricohd.us/contact Instagram: Follow Ricoh on Instagram for updates and insights related to cybersecurity and his professional endeavors. / ricoh_danielson_ These resources provide a comprehensive starting point for those interested in delving deeper into the fields of national security and digital forensics.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related