A Federal Security & Compliance career is a very rewarding career - we get the honor and privilege of protecting some of the most guarded assets of our great country. However, it doesn’t come without a cost. We often take the brunt of the beating when it comes to the regulations that are impeding innovation.
Join federal security professional Max Aulakh as he distills the challenges facing our career field, pulling back the curtain on culture, emerging technical knowledge, ATOs, CMMC and various federal cyber frameworks.
Each episode is jam-packed with powerful information to cut through the noise. We will break down tools, tips and techniques to help you get better and to quickly get through the federal accreditation processes. It doesn’t matter what type of systems or technology you are dealing with, if you have heard of or are familiar with terms like STIGS, SAP, SAR, FedRAMP, and ConMON or newer terms like cATO, Big Bang, OSCAL, CMMC and SBOMs - we will break it all down.
CMMC in a Day? NtelSec’s “Enclave” Approach to Fast-Track Compliance
Send us a text In this episode of the Reckless Compliance podcast, Max talks with Justin Paquette from NtelSec about a bold idea: helping small contractors achieve “CMMC in a day” by working inside a pre-secured enclave—CUI Vault—instead of overhauling their entire enterprise. Justin explains how NtelSec’s government collaboration platform SectorNet (which recently achieved FedRAMP Readiness) informed the commercial offering, and why treating the provider as a cloud service (CSP)—not a manage...
21 Jul 2025
Valid Eval’s FedRAMP Journey: Lessons in Scaling, Security, and Government Partnerships
Send us a text Description: In this episode of the Reckless Compliance podcast, Max is joined by the CTO of Valid Eval, who shares the journey of achieving FedRAMP Ready status and securing an IATO from NASA. From early career work on advanced defense systems to building a SaaS platform that streamlines proposal evaluation for government agencies, this episode dives deep into the realities of navigating federal compliance. The conversation highlights strategic investments in Kubernetes and o...
14 Apr 2025
CMMC Compliance Insights with Swimlane's Head of GRC, Jack Rumsey
Send us a text In this episode of the Reckless Compliance podcast, Max is joined by Jack Rumsey, Head of GRC at Swimlane. Jack shares his journey of navigating the world of compliance as Swimlane grows its presence in the federal market. The discussion covers Swimlane’s move toward CMMC Level 1, the challenges of balancing federal compliance with commercial certifications like SOC 2 and ISO, and the complexities of managing government systems. Jack also explains Swimlane’s experience with GRC...
Send us a text Welcome to this episode of the Reckless Compliance podcast, brought to you by Ignyte, where we share our expertise on cyber risk and help you navigate the complexities of federal compliance. I am your host, Max Aulakh. Our guest today is Aaron Bray, co-founder of Phylum, a company specializing in securing software supply chains. We discuss: What is an SBOM? Understanding the Software Bill of Materials and its role in risk managementOpen-source security risks: How third-party...
24 Feb 2025
NSA's Secret Weapon for Small Business FedRAMP and CMMC Security
Welcome to this episode of the Reckless Compliance podcast, brought to you by Ignyte, where we explore cyber risk and compliance in the defense sector. I am your host, Max Aulakh. Today’s guest is Rose, an NSA liaison specializing in cybersecurity collaboration. Topics we discuss: The NSA’s cybersecurity mission and its role in protecting the defense industrial base (DIB)NSA’s free cybersecurity services for small businesses, including threat intelligence collaboration, attack surface managem...
12 Aug 2024
DIBCAC Assessments: Lessons from Belcan's Chief Security and Data Officer, Matt King
Long Description: In this episode, Max is joined by Matt King, Chief Security and Data Officer at Belcan. Matt shares his story of transitioning from Anthem to Belcan, where he has been instrumental in building a security program to meet the stringent requirements of federal compliance. The conversation dives into the DIBCAC assessment process, the challenges of implementing NIST 800-171 controls, the importance of limiting scope, and strategies for pushing back on government requirement...
14 May 2024
FedRAMP Equivalency Memo with GRC Analyst, Michael Rasmussen
Max Aulakh and Michael Rasmussen, GRC analyst and CEO of GRC Report, discuss the recent FedRAMP Equivalency Memo released by the DoD in January 2024. They go into depth about the memo, what is involved, the requirements, as well as how this directly effects the CSP.
Topics we discuss:
What is FedRAMP, and who is it for?
How long has FedRAMP been around?
Challenges with FedRAMP
What is Equivalency, and why is it important?
Is Equivalency a good or bad thing?
What type of firms is the FedRAMP Equivalency Memo applicable to?
Max Aulakh Bio:
Max is the CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a Data Security and Compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.
Max Aulakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaulakh/)
Ignyte Assurance Platform Website (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/)
Resources:
FedRAMP Equivalency Memo (https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/Library/FEDRAMP-EquivalencyCloudServiceProviders.pdf)
15 Apr 2024
Use of Artificial Intelligence for NIST Controls Responses - Perspective from Air Force ISSM
Max Aulakh and Uliya Sparks, an ISSM at SAF Mission Partners Environment, discuss the potential of AI in federal compliance. They explore ISSMs' challenges, including managing multiple systems and navigating complex policies like NIST and FedRAMP. Uliya highlights the slow adoption of AI due to concerns about data sensitivity and job displacement, stressing the need for human expertise in validating AI-generated responses.
Topics we discuss:
Artificial Intelligence in context of Control Responses
Tool limitations and how we as humans can address them
Bringing awareness of our work to a younger generation
Max Aulakh Bio:
Max is the CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a Data Security and Compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.
Max Aulakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaulakh/)
Ignyte Assurance Platform Website (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/)
1 Apr 2024
Control Inheritance vs. Reciprocity
In this episode, Max discusses the fundamental concepts of Control Inheritance and System Reciprocity, highlighting their differences, applications, and importance in the realms of cybersecurity and organizational governance. This topic ties in closely with his recent LinkedIn post about the need for a credit system for security work being done within different parts of the DoD. (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maxaulakh_save-time-and-steps-with-ignytes-control-activity-7171830301625675777-SXIM?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop)
Topics Covered
Control Inheritance:
Definition and significance in cybersecurity.
Examples of control inheritance, such as identity management systems.
Utilization of control catalogs, like NIST's 800-53, for formal control inheritance.
System Reciprocity:
Explanation of reciprocity agreements between organizations.
Distinction between Authority to Connect (ATC) and Authority to Operate (ATO).
Intersection of Inheritance and Reciprocity:
Clarification of the relationship between control inheritance and reciprocity processes.
Ensuring compliance with controls and agreements for establishing reciprocity.
Common misconceptions and reasons for conflating inheritance with reciprocity.
Resources
Control Inheritance Blog (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/blog/product-updates/save-time-and-steps-with-ignytes-control-inheritance-automation/)
RMF Process and Reciprocal Agreements (https://www.doncio.navy.mil/Filehandler.ashx?id=18360)
DISA Connection Approval Process for Authority to Connect (https://public.cyber.mil/connect/faq-connection-approval/)
DISN Connect Process Guide (https://dl.dod.cyber.mil/wp-content/uploads/connect/CPG/ConnProcGuide.html)
Max Aulakh Bio:
Max is the Managing DIrector of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a Data Security and Compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.
Max Aulakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaulakh/)
Ignyte Assurance Platform Website (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/)
18 Mar 2024
Enclaves in the Era of CMMC with Reuben Patton
Max Aulakh invites Reuben Patton to discuss the implementation of enclaves in the context of CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification). Reuben, with his experience in both the classified sector and cybersecurity, provides insights on how enclaves, traditionally used in classified environments, are now being applied to manage CMMC requirements. He dives into strategies for handling Operational Technology and Research & Development in relation to CMMC, discussing the challenges and considerations of incorporating these areas into compliance frameworks. The conversation also touches on the practicalities and complexities of managing enclaves, offering valuable guidance for organizations navigating CMMC compliance.
Topics we discuss:
Understanding Enclaves
Enclaves in Operational Technology
Strategic Implementation of Enclaves
Max Aulakh Bio:
Max is the CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a Data Security and Compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.
Max Aulakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaulakh/)
Ignyte Assurance Platform Website (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/)
4 Mar 2024
U.S. vs European Operation Public Sector Cyber Compliance with Joseph Keenan - CISO Airbus
In this episode, we explore how global entities can serve the US and European governments. Joseph Keenan, Global Head of Security and CISO at Airbus OneWeb breaks down some challenges and provides insight into managing CMMC, Security strategy, FedRAMP while selling Commercial Off-the-shelf products into the defense market . This episode focuses on the stressors of an international company in the age of CMMC as well as dives into the differences between the US and European operations that he is experiencing in his current role.
Topics we discuss:
What is it like to manage US public sector compliance when your organization is distributed?
Stressors of an international company in the age of CMMC
How do you manage GDPR?
What are the notable differences between the US and European Operations?
Max Aulakh Bio:
Max is the CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a Data Security and Compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.
Max Aulakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaulakh/)
Ignyte Assurance Platform Website (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/)
19 Feb 2024
The Role of a Chief Legal Officer with Steven Dimirsky
The podcast features Steve Demersky, the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Legal Officer at 1010 Data. He discusses the importance of legal and compliance officers in the cybersecurity and risk management field. Data privacy is a major concern for SaaS companies, and they need to ensure they are handling client data safely and in compliance with regulations. The podcast also touches on the use of SOC audits and the need for credible auditors who can identify and address organizational flaws.
Topics we discuss:
Role of Legal at 1010 Data
Risk Management
SaaS Security Compliance
Supplier Risk
Certifications & External Attestations
Improving SOC 2, FedRAMP and similar compliance initiatives
Max's Bio
Max is the CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a Data Security and Compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.
Max Aulakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaulakh/)
Ignyte Assurance Platform Website (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/)
12 Feb 2024
Max Discusses Authorization Boundaries with Naveed Mirza from Okta
Our guest today is Naveed Mirza, Senior Solutions Arcitect at Okta. This episode focuses on the importance of authorization boundaries and how to not only understand them but how to develop them. Naveed shares his background as a government contractor supporting the U S Marine Corps, highlighting the transferable skills and experiences that have prepared him for his role as SSA at Okta.
Topics we discuss:
Authorization boundary
What is it, why is it important? How can it help?
Can a boundary establishment exercise be harmful when it comes to DevSecOps?
What all goes into it developing a boundary?
Complex boundaries and its relationship to Systems of Systems thinking
Max Aulakh Bio:
Max is the CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a Data Security and Compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.
Max Aulakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaulakh/)
Ignyte Assurance Platform Website (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/)
5 Feb 2024
CMMC and DIBCAC Audit Journey w/Anthony Fisic (CISO) from Battelle
Our guest today is Anthony Fisic, Chief Information Security Officer at Battelle, who conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. This podcast episode focuses on federal compliance's impact on defense industry businesses. Anthony shares his background in law enforcement and military service, highlighting the transferable skills and experiences that have prepared him for his role as CISO at Battelle.
The DIBCAC Audit Journey
General Process from CISO Perspective
Strategic Shifts internally
Preparing from a leadership perspective
How Anthony prepared his team
Impact on Team Members
Some challenges faced
CISOs looking to prepare
Thoughts on new rules (Rev 3 of NIST 800-171)
Key Takeaways
LinkedIn Bio
Max is the CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a Data Security and Compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.
Max Aulakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaulakh/)
Ignyte Assurance Platform Website (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/)
29 Jan 2024
DCSA Authorization Official - Alex Hubert - ATO in a Day - Is it real?
Alexander Hubert talks about his journey to becoming an authorization official in the public sector. He explains how he transitioned from being a weatherman in the Air Force to becoming an IT guy and then delves into his interest in cybersecurity. Alex shares that he has worked various positions within the risk management framework, including information assurance manager and security controls assessor. As an AO, his role is to accept risk on behalf of the government and determine the suitability of systems on the network. He also discusses the mission of his organization, the Department of Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), which focuses on investigations, counterintelligence, and industrial and cybersecurity.
Topics we discuss:
Alexander's background
What does DCSA do? What is the mission of the org?
Role of AO versus a general cyber security practitioner
Getting to consistency & clarity in assessments
Key takeaways
Max's Bio
Max is the CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a Data Security and Compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.
Max Aulakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaulakh/)
Ignyte Assurance Platform Website (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/)
8 Jan 2024
Public Sector Compliance Terminology 101
Welcome to the first episode of the Reckless Compliance podcast, brought to you by Ignyte, In this episode, Max gives a high-level overview of the different key compliance terminology that will be discussed on the podcast. He provides context, definitions, and use cases.
Topics we discuss:
Private Sector Defense Industrial Base
Cloud Service Providers
Public Sector Divisions of software companies
Federal Agencies
DoD/Armed Services
Intelligence Agencies
Max Aulakh Bio:
Max is the CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a Data Security and Compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.
Max Aulakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaulakh/)
Ignyte Assurance Platform Website (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/)
4 Jan 2024
Welcome to Reckless Compliance - Meet Your Host Max Aulakh
Welcome to episode zero of the Reckless Compliance Podcast, brought to you by Ignyte Assurance Platform, where we discover the unintended consequences of compliance. I am your host, Max Aulakh.
In this inaugural episode, we cover the following topics:
Overview of topics that will be covered in the podcast
Overview of the goals of the podcast
Max’s promise to listeners and subscribers
Max Aulakh Bio:
Max is the CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a Data Security and Compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.
Max Aulakh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaulakh/)
Ignyte Assurance Platform Website (https://www.ignyteplatform.com/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
37
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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