Show Notes
What if cybersecurity training could be as engaging as your favorite game? In this episode, Simeon Kakpovi, founder of the KC7 Foundation, shares how his gamified approach is changing lives and reshaping the cybersecurity pipeline by making cybersecurity education accessible.
From his journey as a threat hunter to building a free online game that teaches real-world blue team skills, Simeon joins Ron to show how creativity and inclusion can unlock potential in unexpected places. Plus, listen to the remarkable story about how a watchmaker with no cyber background landed a dream job at Microsoft—all thanks to KC7.
Impactful Moments
00:00 - Introduction
01:11 - The evolution of cybersecurity
03:03 - Cybersecurity Mergers & Acquisitions
05:38 - Meet our guest: Simeon Kakpovi of KC7 Foundation
06:00 - KC7 wins “Team of the Year” at the SANS DMAs
8:43 - Founding the KC7 Foundation
10:00 - Lessons from Lockheed Martin’s Cyber Analyst Challenge
11:46 - How KC7 gamifies real-world cybersecurity
14:52 - Bringing KC7 to high school and middle school students
16:52 - Expanding access to cybersecurity careers
25:09 - A watchmaker’s journey to Microsoft
34:00 - How to get started with KC7
Links
Connect with our guest, Simeon Kakpovi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kakpovi/
Check out the Cybersecurity M&A Roundup Article here: https://www.securityweek.com/cybersecurity-ma-roundup-37-deals-announced-in-december-2024/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
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