How a Game Turned a Watchmaker into a Cybersecurity Pro with Simeon Kakpovi

Hacker Valley Studio

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/

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