Learning How to Learn: Mastering the Cyber Fundamentals with Rich Greene

Hacker Valley Studio

The real edge in cybersecurity isn’t found in new tools, it’s built through timeless fundamentals and a mindset that never stops learning.

In this episode, Ron sits down with Rich Greene, Senior Solutions Engineer and Instructor at SANS Institute, to uncover how true cyber value starts with skills, curiosity, and mindset. Rich shares his remarkable story of surviving a battlefield injury, retraining his brain, and how that journey shaped his approach to mastering cybersecurity. Together, they connect real-world lessons like the recent Discord breach to the core truth that even advanced systems depend on people who master the basics.

Impactful Moments
00:00 - Introduction
02:00 - Discord breach and third-party risk
05:00 - Meet Rich Greene from SANS
06:00 - The power of mastering fundamentals
07:00 - Learning how to learn
08:30 - Rich’s story of rebuilding his memory
11:00 - Forcing the brain to grow stronger
12:00 - Top skills that get you paid
14:00 - Skills that lead to fulfillment
16:00 - Fundamentals that fuel long-term success
17:00 - The OSI model decoded
20:00 - Why operating systems matter
21:00 - Security operations fundamentals
23:00 - Why cloud is the #1 must-learn skill
25:00 - Final advice: sharpen your fundamentals

Links
Connect with our Rich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/secgreene/

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