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Diving into the foundations of cybersecurity certification, Professor JRod delivers an insightful exploration of CompTIA Security+ Chapter 1, revealing why this certification might actually be more approachable than many believe. Unlike many entry-level IT courses, Security+ builds upon concepts from A+ and Network+, creating a natural progression for those following CompTIA's certification path. For career-changers considering jumping straight to Security+, this episode provides valuable perspective on the assumed knowledge and preparation needed.

The heart of this episode focuses on security controls – the safeguards and countermeasures organizations implement to protect their information systems. Professor JRod methodically breaks down the five functional categories: preventive controls that stop incidents before they occur, detective controls that identify security breaches, corrective controls that remediate problems, deterrent controls that discourage inappropriate behavior, and compensating controls that provide alternatives when primary controls aren't feasible. He also highlights the often-overlooked sixth category: directive controls that guide and influence secure behavior through policies and procedures.

Beyond technical concepts, Professor J-Rod emphasizes the organizational structures that support effective security implementation. From the strategic oversight of the CISO to the hands-on work of security engineers and analysts, each role contributes uniquely to the protection of organizational assets. Perhaps most importantly, he stresses that communication skills form the foundation of successful IT security work – a lesson learned early in his career that continues to shape his approach to teaching. The episode concludes with practical application through scenario-based questions that reinforce key concepts, preparing listeners for both certification exams and real-world security challenges.

Looking to boost your cybersecurity knowledge and prepare for Security+ certification? Follow Professor J-Rod on TikTok for visual explanations of these concepts and join us next time as we continue our exploration of CompTIA Security+ with Chapter 2.

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If you want to help me with my research please e-mail me.
Professorjrod@gmail.com

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Art By Sarah/Desmond
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Little chacha Productions

Juan Rodriguez can be reached at
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@Prof_JRod
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Professor JRod makes a triumphant return to Technology Tap after a year-long hiatus, bringing listeners up to speed on his personal journey and diving straight into Security Plus 701 fundamentals. Having completed his doctorate and subsequently focusing on his health—resulting in an impressive 50-pound weight loss—he reconnects with his audience with the same passion and expertise that made his podcast popular.

The heart of this comeback episode centers on essential cybersecurity concepts, beginning with the CIA triad (confidentiality, integrity, availability) that forms the foundation of information security. Professor J-Rod expertly breaks down complex frameworks including NIST, ISO/IEC standards, and compliance-driven approaches like HIPAA and GDPR, explaining how organizations should select frameworks based on their specific industry requirements.

With his trademark clear explanations, he walks listeners through the process of gap analysis—a methodical approach to identifying differences between current security postures and desired standards. The episode then transitions to a comprehensive overview of access control models, including Discretionary, Mandatory, Role-Based, Attribute-Based, and Rule-Based controls, each illustrated with practical examples that bring abstract concepts to life.

What sets this episode apart is the interactive element, as Professor JRod concludes with practice questions that challenge listeners to apply their newly acquired knowledge. This practical approach bridges the gap between theory and real-world implementation, making complex security concepts accessible to professionals and students alike. Whether you're preparing for certification or simply expanding your cybersecurity knowledge, this return episode delivers valuable insights from an educator who clearly missed sharing his expertise with his audience.

Support the show

If you want to help me with my research please e-mail me.
Professorjrod@gmail.com

If you want to join my question/answer zoom class e-mail me at
Professorjrod@gmail.com

Art By Sarah/Desmond
Music by Joakim Karud
Little chacha Productions

Juan Rodriguez can be reached at
TikTok @ProfessorJrod
ProfessorJRod@gmail.com
@Prof_JRod
Instagram ProfessorJRod

Send us a text

Ever wondered how one of the largest telecommunications companies fell victim to a major cyberattack? Join us as cybersecurity students Alexis Severo and Aaron Kispe unravel the infamous Verizon hack of 2016. We kick off our discussion with an insightful look into Verizon's sprawling history and multifaceted services, shedding light on why this tech giant became such a lucrative target for cybercriminals. Discover the gripping narrative of how attackers infiltrated Verizon's enterprise client portal, leading to the unauthorized sale of customer data on the dark web. We'll also cover the chilling aftermath, including a second security flaw that further compromised user accounts by altering email forwarding settings.

But the conversation doesn't stop at just recounting the breach. We dive deep into actionable strategies to bolster your data security practices and prevent such breaches in the future. From enhancing system monitoring with cutting-edge security information and event management systems to implementing role-based access control and vetting third-party vendors, Alexis and Aaron break down the essentials. Reflecting on lessons learned, we underscore the critical importance of security alert emails and balancing convenience with robust safeguard measures. Plus, stay tuned as we discuss the valuable insights from Verizon's annual data breach investigations report—a must-read for any organization looking to shore up its defenses. Don't miss this eye-opening episode packed with expert advice and real-world lessons in cybersecurity.

Support the show

If you want to help me with my research please e-mail me.
Professorjrod@gmail.com

If you want to join my question/answer zoom class e-mail me at
Professorjrod@gmail.com

Art By Sarah/Desmond
Music by Joakim Karud
Little chacha Productions

Juan Rodriguez can be reached at
TikTok @ProfessorJrod
ProfessorJRod@gmail.com
@Prof_JRod
Instagram ProfessorJRod

Send us a text

What happens when the very agency responsible for safeguarding government personnel data becomes the target of an unprecedented cyber attack? Join us on this riveting episode of Technology Tap as we unravel the intricacies of the infamous Office of Personnel Management (OPM) breach. I'm Professor JRod, guiding you through a special summer series episode where we dissect the 2013 cyber intrusion that compromised sensitive federal employee information. With former Navy personnel Michelle, Wesley, and Oksana shedding light on the timeline and implications, this episode offers a rare, personal glimpse into the far-reaching impact of such a breach.

Listen to Michelle recount her firsthand experience as a victim of the OPM breach and learn how hackers infiltrated the OPM's networks, remaining undetected for months. Discover the alarming vulnerabilities in governmental cybersecurity practices that led to the eventual resignation of OPM Director Katherine Archuleta. Through engaging conversations and detailed analysis, this episode emphasizes the critical need for proactive threat detection and robust data protection measures, making it an essential listen for anyone concerned with the security of personal information in our digital age.

Support the show

If you want to help me with my research please e-mail me.
Professorjrod@gmail.com

If you want to join my question/answer zoom class e-mail me at
Professorjrod@gmail.com

Art By Sarah/Desmond
Music by Joakim Karud
Little chacha Productions

Juan Rodriguez can be reached at
TikTok @ProfessorJrod
ProfessorJRod@gmail.com
@Prof_JRod
Instagram ProfessorJRod

Send us a text

Ready to ace the new CompTIA Network Plus exam, N10-009? Discover the game-changing updates and crucial differences from the N10-008, and learn how to sharpen your skills on modern tech like SD-WAN, 5G, and cloud architecture. We'll guide you through the exam's enhanced focus on practical troubleshooting and real-world scenarios. Plus, get insider tips and recommended resources to ensure you’re studying smart with the most current materials and hands-on experience. We're also celebrating our students' recent successes with their Security Plus exams, offering motivation to keep you driven and determined.

In another exciting segment, we reflect on our popular Spanish-language episode that resonated with a younger audience, promising future episodes in English to widen our reach. By revisiting key topics like the new network exam and rapid spanning tree protocols, we ensure that all our listeners can benefit from the insights shared. Join us for an engaging and informative discussion designed to keep you ahead in the fast-evolving world of networking and certification. This episode is packed with valuable content you won't want to miss!

Support the show

If you want to help me with my research please e-mail me.
Professorjrod@gmail.com

If you want to join my question/answer zoom class e-mail me at
Professorjrod@gmail.com

Art By Sarah/Desmond
Music by Joakim Karud
Little chacha Productions

Juan Rodriguez can be reached at
TikTok @ProfessorJrod
ProfessorJRod@gmail.com
@Prof_JRod
Instagram ProfessorJRod

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How secure is your information online? In our new episode of Taf Technology, we delve into cybersecurity in Latin America through the experiences of two exceptional students: Viviana Rodas from Paraguay and Jimmy Navarro from Guatemala. They share with us how cybersecurity is perceived and managed in their countries, the cultural and educational differences with the United States and the challenges they face in their academic and professional path.

Discover how cybercriminals take advantage of users' lax attitude towards data protection, especially on social networks like Facebook. From a beauty pageant hack in Guatemala to incidents in Colombia and Argentina, our stories reveal the importance of taking online security seriously. Additionally, we discuss how phishing tools and ransomware attacks, such as the recent attack on Claro, demonstrate the need to invest in cybersecurity.

Finally, we reflect on the importance of preventive measures and emergency response strategies in companies. We talked about the need to have backups, identify problems quickly and avoid complacency on the part of large corporations. This episode is a wake-up call to everyone, from students to professionals, about the

Support the show

If you want to help me with my research please e-mail me.
Professorjrod@gmail.com

If you want to join my question/answer zoom class e-mail me at
Professorjrod@gmail.com

Art By Sarah/Desmond
Music by Joakim Karud
Little chacha Productions

Juan Rodriguez can be reached at
TikTok @ProfessorJrod
ProfessorJRod@gmail.com
@Prof_JRod
Instagram ProfessorJRod

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Discover how CompTIA's rebranded Tech Plus certification is revolutionizing IT education! Join me, Professor J Rod, as I reflect on my journey of earning a doctorate and how this new, more accessible certification is a game-changer for career changers and newcomers to the IT field. We'll explore who stands to benefit the most from Tech Plus, from professionals needing a broad understanding of IT to those looking to boost their job performance with enhanced tech skills. This episode offers valuable insights into the significant implications of this certification rebranding on career progression and IT education.

Ready to tackle one of the hottest debates in career development? We'll dissect the ongoing discussion about the value of certifications versus degrees in the job market. Drawing from my background in psychology, I even propose a mixed-method study to compare the career trajectories and earnings between degree holders and those with certifications alone. Plus, learn how advanced degrees, like a master's, can elevate your career prospects and earnings, especially in IT. We'll wrap up by emphasizing personal responsibility and dedication in exam preparation, and I'll share heartfelt thanks to our production team and listeners. Tune in for an episode packed with practical advice and encouragement to achieve your professional goals!

Support the show

If you want to help me with my research please e-mail me.
Professorjrod@gmail.com

If you want to join my question/answer zoom class e-mail me at
Professorjrod@gmail.com

Art By Sarah/Desmond
Music by Joakim Karud
Little chacha Productions

Juan Rodriguez can be reached at
TikTok @ProfessorJrod
ProfessorJRod@gmail.com
@Prof_JRod
Instagram ProfessorJRod

Send us a text

Ever wondered how podcasting could revolutionize education? Join me, Dr. J-Rod, as I share my extraordinary journey from Professor to PhD holder, exploring the transformative power of podcasting in higher education. This episode chronicles my academic adventure, marked by intense challenges, self-doubt, and the thrilling discovery of podcasting's potential as an educational tool. Listen in as I recount my dissertation process, featuring interviews and surveys with experts in the field, and unveil my ambitions to publish journal articles and present at conferences. Plus, get inspired by my commitment to culturally relevant teaching and community support, all stemming from my humble Brooklyn roots.

But that's not all! Tune in for a sneak peek into our exciting summer series spotlighting my students' captivating case studies on real-world hacking incidents. Stay updated with the latest CompTIA certification changes, including the transition from Security Plus 601 to 701 and the revamp of ITF Plus to Tech Plus. Learn about the new Data Plus and Data Sys Plus certifications and my plans to grow my TikTok following for live IT Q&A sessions. With a renewed dedication to regular podcasting post-PhD, I aim to foster a thriving community. Close out the episode with a heartfelt thank you to the incredible contributors like Sarah and Joe Kim, who made this journey possible, and find out how you can connect with me, Dr. J-Rod, for further engagement.

Support the show

If you want to help me with my research please e-mail me.
Professorjrod@gmail.com

If you want to join my question/answer zoom class e-mail me at
Professorjrod@gmail.com

Art By Sarah/Desmond
Music by Joakim Karud
Little chacha Productions

Juan Rodriguez can be reached at
TikTok @ProfessorJrod
ProfessorJRod@gmail.com
@Prof_JRod
Instagram ProfessorJRod