From stealing servers to saving lives: Working in red teaming | Jim Broome

Get your FREE Cybersecurity Salary Guide:https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastJim Broome of Direct Defense has been doing red teaming since before it became a term — back when a "pentest" meant $25,000, no questions asked and walking out with a server under your arm. In this episode, Jim shares wild stories from decades of ethical hacking, including breaking into major tech companies, causing a cardiac event during a physical penetration test, and why he believes soft skills trump technical knowledge for aspiring red teamers. Learn why most companies aren't ready for red teaming, how to transition into cybersecurity from unexpected fields like education or event planning, and what it really takes to succeed in offensive security.0:00 - Intro to legendary red teamer Jim Broome1:00 - Cybersecurity Salary Guide2:58 - From BBS and ham radio to cybersecurity7:07 - Evolution from network admin to red teaming12:02 - GPS hacking and testing inflight entertainment systems15:31 - Hiring teachers and event planners as ethical hackers23:36 - Breaking into Symantec and stealing servers in the 90s28:33 - Physical pentest causes cardiac event34:06 - When companies should (and shouldn't) hire red teams39:44 - Why red teaming is "a punch in the mouth"44:09 - How AI is changing offensive and defensive security48:12 - Essential skills for aspiring red teamers50:39 - The groundskeeper who got domain admin52:18 - Best career advice: Be humbleView Cyber Work Podcast transcripts and additional episodes:https://www.infosecinstitute.com/podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastAbout InfosecInfosec's mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ's security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.