Episode 03: Breaches, Mastering the Fundamentals and How to Stop Arming The Adversary with Knowledge

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In this episode, my co-host Xavier and I welcome David Rushmer. David is our new head of threat research for Blackpoint, and also the head of our new Adversary Pursuit Group, similar to a skunkworks unit. We talk with David about some of the cool detection techniques coming out and dig into his background coming from large-scale cyber analytics, where he built out and maintained a large-scale cyber defensive platform for quite a number of years. David then talks about moving over to the defensive side of things and how to have an utter mastery in anything, you need to first get well versed in the fundamentals, which may include a few internships along the way.

We also have a great talk with David about how we are teaching technologies to think about security and be the heroes of their own organization. Finally, we discuss the importance of genericizing your public-facing job openings, especially when dealing with security, infrastructure, or IT jobs.

Prior to joining Blackpoint, David Rushmer started his career in developing and operating large scale analytical platforms aimed at providing cyber defense. Over the following decade, that focus shifted to defensive research and operations, most notably at Cylance and Blackberry, although he expressed his enjoyment exploring both sides of the industry. What is consistent though is his passion for being hands-on with new and emerging technologies.  

“When you start talking to people who are passionate about what they do, and it aligns with your own interests, you can’t help but to get excited,” Rushmer shared when asked about joining Blackpoint Cyber. “The more I spoke to the team at Blackpoint, the more I realized that this is a group of people who take pride in what they do, and it made me want to be a part of it. While I am impressed with the products and services they offer, I am even more impressed with the drive for innovation shown by their leaders.” 

Rushmer brings with him a wealth of expertise in threat research within the cybersecurity industry. As Director of Threat Research for Blackpoint Cyber, he will be working on building strategic plans to provide threat intelligence, analyze emerging attack vectors, and support the continued development of Blackpoint’s proprietary cyber ecosystem of security products. In this role, Rushmer will work closely with the company’s Engineering, Product, and 24/7 SOC teams to deliver comprehensive threat reports, communicate new adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and develop an engaging way to help partners understand the frequent changes in the threat landscape. 

Blackpoint Cyber does the fighting for you, but ever wish you could get closer to the action? Hear all the details firsthand at our podcast, The Unfair Fight. Listen to monthly episodes where Founder & CEO, Jon Murchison, VP of Threat Operations, Xavier Salinas, and Director of Threat Research, David Rushmer, get real and talk all things cybersecurity and more.

Tune in now or check out our other episodes!