Big thanks to ThreatLocker for sponsoring my trip to Black Hat 2025. To start your free trial with ThreatLocker please use the following link: https://www.threatlocker.com/davidbombal
In this interview from Black Hat 2025, David Bombal sits down with two cybersecurity legends: David Cowen (Digital Forensics Expert) and Evan Anderson (Red Team Operator and Tool Builder). They give an unfiltered look at the real world of hacking, forensics, and career-building in cybersecurity.
What we'll cover:
• How the SolarWinds hack was discovered with never-before-heard forensics insight
• Real-world red teaming using HVAC exploits, USB pivots, and AWS chaos
• The Oculus vs. Carmack lawsuit story from the expert who worked the case
• How to start your career in cybersecurity, even without a degree
• What the CCDC program is and why it leads to 3 job offers instantly
• How AI is changing the game for hackers and defenders alike
// David Cowen’s SOCIALS //
SANS Profile: https://www.sans.org/profiles/david-cowen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcowen/
X: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcowen/
// Evan Anderson SOCIALS //
Offensive Context: https://blog.offensivecontext.com/author/evan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syndrowm/
GitHub: https://github.com/syndrowm
// Website REFERENCE //
https://www.nationalccdc.org/
https://www.sans.org/emea
https://ctftime.org/
https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/
// YouTube Channel REFERENCE //
13Cubed: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy8ntxFEudOCRZYT1f7ya9Q
// David Cowen’s Books REFERENCE //
Computer Forensics:
US: https://amzn.to/47yeH70
UK: https://amzn.to/460ErGs
Hacking Exposed Computer Forensics: Secrets and Solutions
US: https://amzn.to/4mYevCW
UK: https://amzn.to/46q07NH
Hacking Exposed Computer Forensics: Secrets and Solutions:
US: https://amzn.to/4mT3T8k
UK: https://amzn.to/4m8zaCS
// David's SOCIAL //
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/usKSyzb
X: https://www.twitter.com/davidbombal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbombal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbombal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidbombal.co
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@davidbombal
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidbombal
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3f6k6gERfuriI96efWWLQQ
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/davidbombal
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-bombal/id1466865532
// MY STUFF //
https://www.amazon.com/shop/davidbombal
// SPONSORS //
Interested in sponsoring my videos? Reach out to my team here: sponsors@davidbombal.com
// Menu //
0:00 - Coming up
0:49 - Intro
01:13 - Sponsored Section
01:29 - (AWS) Amazon Web Services
03:04 - David Cowen’s Background
03:46 - Evan Anderson’s Background
05:18 - Advice for young people To Get A Job In this Space
05:56 - The Solar Winds Hack?
10:43 - Finding a needle in a Haystack
11:08 - The Oculus Story
13:00 - Evan in Red Teaming
15:55 - Advice To Younger self
16:51 - Recommended Courses
19:42 - Importance of Networking
20:19 - Recommended Certifications
24:13 - Is AI Taking All The Jobs ?
24:57 - Connect With David & Evan online
25:12 - Conclusion & Outro
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Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only.
#blackhat #cybersecurity #digitalforensics