Cybersecurity Guide

Randy Pestana is a national security and cybersecurity expert who serves as Director of National Security Policy and Strategic Engagement at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy. His experience spans defense policy, regional security cooperation, cybersecurity strategy, and U.S. engagement with international partners.
In this episode, Pestana discusses Florida International University’s cybersecurity ecosystem, including technical degrees, cyber policy, threat intelligence, risk management, workforce development, and hands-on learning opportunities. He also advises students to choose a cybersecurity pathway that matches their interests, build practical experience, and develop meaningful professional relationships.

Dr. David Maimon is a professor of criminal justice and criminology at Georgia State University and director of its Evidence-Based Cybersecurity Research Group. His research explores cybercrime, online fraud, offender behavior, threat intelligence, and evidence-based approaches to cybersecurity policy and prevention.
In this episode, Dr. Maimon discusses his transition from traditional criminology research to evidence-based cybersecurity, focusing on cybercrime prevention, offender behavior, fraud ecosystems, and the effectiveness of security policies and interventions.
He also highlights Georgia State University’s interdisciplinary cybersecurity pathways and advises students to develop curiosity, critical thinking, AI literacy, and skills spanning technology, data analysis, policy, and human behavior.
Find more episode details at Cybersecurity Guide.

Dr. Jonathan Graham is a professor at Norfolk State University specializing in cybersecurity, digital forensics, intrusion detection, machine learning, and information assurance. With extensive experience in cybersecurity education and research, he helps prepare students for technical careers in cyber defense, government, industry, and applied research.
Graham discusses the importance of strong technical foundations, hands-on labs, digital forensics, AI and machine learning, and understanding human behavior in cybersecurity.
Find more info about this episode on Cybersecurity Guide.

Dr. Saltuk Karahan, a clinical associate professor and deputy director at Old Dominion University’s (ODU) School of Cybersecurity, whose interdisciplinary background spans systems engineering, computer science, international security studies, cyber policy, cyber war, and information/disinformation.
In this episode, Karahan explains that cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary field requiring not only technical expertise but also strong communication, leadership, risk management, policy awareness, and understanding of human behavior.
The interview also highlights Old Dominion University’s broad cybersecurity programs and his advice that students build depth in one area while staying adaptable, strategic, and committed to lifelong learning.

Learn more at CybersecurityGuide.

Dr. Arthur Carter is a professor of information systems at Radford University and chair of the Department of Accounting, Finance, and Information Systems.
With a background spanning mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering work with the Navy, business information technology, and cybersecurity education, Dr. Carter brings a practical, multidisciplinary perspective to preparing students for both technical and management-focused cybersecurity careers.
Dr. Carter discusses the difference between technical cybersecurity roles and cybersecurity management roles, emphasizing that students should explore their interests, strengths, and long-term goals before choosing a pathway.
The conversation also highlights Radford University’s multidisciplinary cybersecurity programs, online certificate options, and student outreach efforts, with the key takeaway that cybersecurity offers many possible career directions, from hands-on technical work to policy, risk, management, and leadership.
A full transcript of this episode is on Cybersecurity Guide.