Welcome to NextGen Cyber, the monthly podcast from the U.S. Cyber Range at Virginia Tech. Join us as we explore essential skills, innovative training, and industry insights with leaders, educators, and students. We cover everything from hands-on learning and certification pathways to mentorship and career development. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or an experienced professional looking to guide new talent, NextGen Cyber is a resource for navigating the evolving field of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is about more than technology. It’s about people, problem-solving, communication, and understanding the world we’re working to protect.
In this episode of NextGen Cyber: The Future of Cybersecurity, host Shannon Beck sits down with Hart Rossman of Amazon Security to explore the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the skills that matter most for the next generation of professionals.
From cloud security and leadership to AI-assisted development and unconventional career paths, Hart shares insights from his career and explains why technical expertise is only part of the equation. He also discusses the importance of mentorship, interdisciplinary learning, and how building an app with his daughter through AI-assisted coding reinforced the value of clear communication and creative problem-solving.
Whether you’re a student exploring cybersecurity, an educator guiding future professionals, or someone considering a career in the field, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the many pathways into cybersecurity and why diverse backgrounds and experiences matter.
27 Mar 2026
The Strategy Behind Capture the Flag
What does it take to succeed in a Capture the Flag competition?
In this episode, we go inside the world of CTFs from both the competitor and challenge designer perspective. From strategy and team dynamics to challenge design and career pathways, we break down what makes CTFs such a powerful tool for learning cybersecurity and preparing for the workforce.
19 Feb 2026
AP Cybersecurity and the Path Forward
We're joined by Dane Brown, an AP Cybersecurity Reader and cybersecurity professor at the United States Naval Academy, and Andy Tucker of the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program to discuss the development of AP Cybersecurity and its role in preparing students for what comes next.
28 Jan 2026
Scaling Cyber Ranges for Real-World Readiness
In this episode, we talk about how people actually build cyber readiness through practice, repetition, and learning in environments where it is okay to try, fail, and try again. The conversation focuses on what helps learners build confidence and practical skills over time, beyond just tools or theory.
Guest Jessica Gulick (Katzcy / U.S. Cyber Games) joins the discussion to share insights from her experience working across education, cyber ranges, and competition-based learning.
28 Nov 2025
Staying Safe and Smart Online
Kristi Rice and Jake Goodwin discuss internet safety in schools with Shannon Beck, exploring how students navigate digital life and how early lessons connect to cybersecurity awareness in this interview.
31 Oct 2025
Cybersecurity Challenges That Shape Voter Confidence
Host Shannon Beck interviews Jeremy Epstein about cybersecurity challenges in election technology, emphasizing public trust, education, and workforce development to protect the integrity of democratic processes.
30 Sept 2025
People First in Cyber Hiring
Prescient CEO Jack McKenna discusses the importance of communication, curiosity, and people skills in cybersecurity hiring, emphasizing that these traits can help graduates stand out and build successful careers in this interview.
27 Aug 2025
Building Better Cyber Curriculum
Dr. Joe Adams, a cybersecurity education expert, shares how effective curriculum, not just technology, builds successful cyber ranges and practical skills for students.
30 Jun 2025
Where Hands-On Meets Hometown
Jeff Johnston, Program Director, describes launching a cybersecurity program at North Georgia Technical College, emphasizing hands-on learning and its impact on student engagement and employability in this interview.
6 May 2025
From Mainframes to the Cloud
Virginia Tech’s Randy Marchany reflects on 50 years in tech, from Unix sysadmin days to shaping the U.S. Cyber Range. Hear how a hacker incident launched his cybersecurity journey, why hands-on learning matters more than ever, and how AI and operational tech are reshaping the future. A must-listen for educators, students, and anyone passionate about cyber defense and digital resilience.
14 Apr 2025
From Cyber Student to Career Ready
Discover how hands-on cybersecurity education is shaping the next generation of cyber professionals. In this episode of NextGen Cyber, University of Virginia student Bogdan Antonenko shares how using the Cyber Range has transformed his computer science studies. From learning Linux basics to excelling in Capture the Flag competitions, Bogdan dives into real-world cybersecurity skills, teamwork, and what it takes to stand out in the tech industry. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone interested in cybersecurity careers, experiential learning, and the future of cyber defense.
1 Mar 2025
Scaling Cyber Education Statewide
How do you scale cybersecurity education across an entire state? In this episode of Next Gen Cyber: The Future of Cybersecurity, host Becky Freemal sits down with Jack Seuss (VP of IT & CIO, UMBC) and Laura Mateczun (Director of Cybersecurity Initiatives, UMBC) to explore Maryland’s groundbreaking approach to cybersecurity training. Learn how the state partnered with Virginia Tech’s U.S. Cyber Range to provide hands-on learning opportunities for K-12, community colleges, and universities, all while keeping costs low and accessibility high.
24 Jan 2025
Adapting Cybersecurity Education for Modern Students
Jim Tippey, Department Chair of IT and Cybersecurity for Excelsior University joins us to discuss how hands-on learning, flexible education, and ethical considerations are shaping the future of cybersecurity. Discover how non-traditional learners and working professionals are gaining the skills needed to tackle real-world challenges, and learn how industry and academia are collaborating to address the cybersecurity workforce gap.
20 Dec 2024
Scaling Cybersecurity Education for the Next Generation with the U.S. Cyber Range
Join us as we dive into the inspiring story behind the U.S. Cyber Range with David Raymond, Associate VP for Security and Identity at Virginia Tech. Learn how this groundbreaking platform is transforming cybersecurity education, empowering educators, and equipping students with the skills to tackle real-world challenges. From its Virginia roots to nationwide impact, discover how the U.S. Cyber Range is shaping the future of cybersecurity learning.
1 Nov 2024
Safeguarding Elections and Internships that Matter
On this episode of NextGen Cyber, we welcome Angela Orebaugh, Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, to discuss the Virginia Cyber Navigator Internship Program and the impact of hands-on cybersecurity education. Learn how students are gaining real-world skills to safeguard election security and exploring unique career paths in public service. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone interested in the future of cybersecurity.
22 Oct 2024
Bridging the Cybersecurity Talent Gap
In this episode of the "NextGen Cyber" podcast, we sit down with Pat McShea, Program Manager for Cyber Mission Operations at CACI.
Pat shares his insights on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and emphasizes the critical role of soft skills like communication and problem-solving in the field. He believes these skills often outweigh technical expertise, especially for new graduates. "It's not necessarily what you learn; it's that you learn," says Pat, highlighting the need for adaptability in our fast-changing environment.
This conversation is especially timely as organizations continue to face a talent gap in cybersecurity, underscoring the need to nurture both soft skills and technical training in future professionals. Tune in for valuable insights that could shape your career in cybersecurity!
Who has been a guest on NextGen Cyber: The future of cybersecurity
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Shannon Beck
Jeremy Epstein
Jack McKenna
Dr Joe Adams
Jeff Johnston
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
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Quality
37
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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