Upcoming Event: Balancing Mental Health in Cybersecurity – Join Our December Session with Patrick Kelley

Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data; it’s about protecting people—ourselves included. At Léargas Security, we know firsthand the weight of constant threats, the ever-evolving landscape of cyber risks, and the toll it can take on the mental well-being of those in the trenches. That’s why we’re proud to have our own Patrick Kelley speaking at the ISC2 Saskatchewan Chapter event, focusing on Mental Health in Cybersecurity: Balancing the Scales.

Join us on December 5th, 2024, at 6:00 PM CST for an open discussion about the unique mental health challenges facing cybersecurity professionals today. Patrick will cover essential strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and creating a culture that supports resilience.

This is a session you won’t want to miss. Special thanks to the ISC2 Saskatchewan board members—TJ Odugbesan, Milton Calnek, Imran Khan, Dallas Bobryk, Sean McKim, and Dr. Kayode Alawonde—for making this conversation possible.

Register here: https://lnkd.in/g76H8HUG
Let’s redefine what it means to be strong in cybersecurity.

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Cybersecurity Beyond the Screen: Patrick Kelley’s Journey on the After 40 Podcast

“Cybersecurity is more than just tech; it’s about resilience and adaptability,” shares Patrick Kelley, CEO of Léargas Security, in a candid conversation with Dr. Deborah Heiser on the After 40 Podcast. Patrick’s path in cybersecurity—spanning over three decades—has been defined by a relentless commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructures and a deep respect for the psychological toll that comes with defending against constantly evolving threats.

The Heart of Cybersecurity

On the podcast, Patrick dives into what makes cybersecurity both demanding and fulfilling. “You’re not just protecting networks—you’re protecting people,” he explains. In an industry where threats don’t take breaks, cybersecurity becomes more than a career; it’s a calling. Patrick emphasizes that it’s a field where success requires resilience and adaptability, where yesterday’s approaches won’t work for tomorrow’s problems.

The Human Element in Cybersecurity

Patrick brings a unique perspective to the field, especially as a leader who’s experienced the pressures and rewards of cybersecurity after 40. He speaks openly about the reality of burnout and the toll cybersecurity can take on mental health. “Staying mentally strong is just as important as staying technically sharp,” he shares. In an industry notorious for high stress, Patrick underscores the importance of mental resilience, which has helped him balance the demands of his role while staying mission-driven.

Thriving Through Change

Adaptability, Patrick explains, is the cornerstone of success in cybersecurity. As CEO of Léargas Security, he leads with a mindset of continuous growth and curiosity. “If you’re comfortable, you’re not growing,” he notes. This philosophy fuels the innovative approach at Léargas, where cutting-edge security solutions are guided by a commitment to integrity and impact.

Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

For those new to cybersecurity or considering a career change, Patrick’s message is clear: “There’s a place for anyone willing to learn and adapt.” He encourages individuals to bring their unique strengths to the field, regardless of age or background, and to find purpose in the work that protects our digital and physical worlds.

Patrick’s conversation with Dr. Heiser is a reminder that cybersecurity is about more than technology. It’s about people—those dedicated to learning, evolving, and safeguarding what matters most.

Listen to the full episode on the After 40 Podcast for more insights from Patrick Kelley on cybersecurity, mental health, and building a fulfilling, purpose-driven career in this dynamic field.

Listen Here

1BusinessWorld welcomes Patrick Kelley to speak about Mental Health and Burnout Prevention

Cybersecurity professionals operate in an environment where the stakes are high, the hours are long, and the demands are relentless. At Léargas Security, we understand that mental health in this field requires just as much attention as technical skills and knowledge. With cyber threats evolving and resources often stretched thin, burnout, imposter syndrome, and concentration issues have become common struggles for those in cybersecurity.

In an upcoming talk at 1BusinessWorld’s event on Mental Health in Cybersecurity, Léargas Security CEO Patrick Kelley will explore the unique mental health challenges cybersecurity professionals face and provide actionable solutions to promote resilience in this demanding industry.

The Pressure Cooker: Understanding Cybersecurity’s Mental Health Crisis

The field of cybersecurity is unforgiving, with constant threats and a lack of “clock-out” time. Many teams report feeling understaffed and under-resourced, an issue underscored by studies from ISACA and Huntress. This environment puts professionals in a high-stress “pressure cooker,” where continuous work without adequate support can quickly lead to burnout. Léargas Security emphasizes the need for organizations to recognize these challenges and invest in mental health resources as a priority, not an afterthought.

Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Self-Doubt

Imposter syndrome is a persistent issue for many cybersecurity professionals, often pushing them to overwork in an attempt to prove their worth. Despite their accomplishments, professionals can experience a sense of inadequacy, which only adds to their stress. Kelley will discuss how imposter syndrome manifests in cybersecurity and share strategies to counter self-doubt, encouraging a focus on achievements and building confidence within the field.

Sleep and Concentration: Addressing Essential Needs

Cybersecurity’s 24/7 nature means irregular hours, late-night emergencies, and high-stress deadlines. This lifestyle often leads to sleep deprivation, impacting focus, decision-making, and mental clarity. Léargas Security advocates for practical strategies to combat sleep issues, such as maintaining a consistent schedule, creating a conducive sleep environment, and managing alcohol intake. Addressing sleep deprivation is essential for enhancing focus and resilience in a demanding industry.

Building Resilience: Effective Coping Mechanisms

To navigate the unique pressures of cybersecurity, professionals need strong coping strategies. Kelley will highlight the importance of setting boundaries, taking scheduled breaks, and fostering a culture of peer support. By prioritizing mental health, cybersecurity professionals can build resilience, reducing burnout and promoting long-term effectiveness.

Join Léargas Security at the Mental Health in Cybersecurity Event

Addressing mental health in cybersecurity is vital for the longevity and success of professionals and organizations alike. Léargas Security invites you to learn more at 1BusinessWorld’s Mental Health in Cybersecurity event, where Patrick Kelley will share insights and practical steps to balance the scales and protect mental well-being in the cybersecurity industry.

Exciting News: Léargas Security Launches Instagram Account!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Instagram account, perfectly timed with the unveiling of our brand-new website and significant updates to our Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform! As we embark on this digital journey, we invite you to join us in celebrating our commitment to keeping your digital world secure.
 
A Fresh Look and Enhanced Features
Our new website is designed to provide you with a seamless experience. With an intuitive layout and easy navigation, you’ll find valuable resources, insights, and updates about our cybersecurity solutions. This redesign reflects our dedication to transparency and accessibility in an ever-evolving industry.
But that’s not all! We’ve also made major enhancements to the Léargas platform, which now offers advanced threat detection, advanced search features, streamlined incident response, and improved user experience. These updates are designed to help businesses stay one step ahead of cyber threats.
 
Why Instagram?
Social media is an essential part of modern communication, and we’re excited to connect with you in new ways! Our Instagram account will feature:
  • Real-time Updates: Stay informed about the latest features and updates to our XDR platform.
  • Cybersecurity Tips: Practical advice to help you safeguard your digital assets.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Content: Get a glimpse into our company culture and the talented team dedicated to your security.
  • Engaging Community: Join discussions, ask questions, and share your thoughts on cybersecurity trends.
 
Join Us on This Journey
We believe that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and by following us on Instagram, you’ll become part of a community that prioritizes safety and knowledge. Together, we can navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and empower each other to make informed decisions.
 
Follow Us!
To stay updated on our journey, give us a follow @Leargassecurity.
 
We can’t wait to connect with you and share our insights. Here’s to a safer digital future!

Léargas XDR: Elevating Canada’s Critical Infrastructure Cyber Resilience

In alignment with Canada’s Cyber Security Readiness Goals (CRGs), the Léargas XDR platform combines advanced network forensics with embedded Zeek capabilities, enhancing CI defenses against sophisticated threats. This integration equips CI operators with powerful, in-depth visibility into network activities across IT, OT, and ICS environments, supporting the CRGs’ pillars for detection, response, and governance.

Embedded Zeek for Network Forensics
Zeek, embedded in Léargas XDR, provides high-fidelity network traffic analysis, capturing, categorizing, and correlating event data. This functionality is essential for CI operators facing complex, state-sponsored and ransomware threats, as Zeek offers layer-by-layer inspection of network traffic. Zeek’s robust protocol analysis generates rich logs that detail communication flows, behaviors, and patterns, making it ideal for:

  • Real-Time Threat Detection: Léargas XDR continuously processes Zeek’s data to detect anomalies, malware patterns, and threat behaviors associated with TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) identified by frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK.
  • Incident Investigation and Response: Zeek-generated logs provide detailed forensics that support rapid incident analysis. The ability to drill down into packet-level data allows security teams to identify lateral movement, pinpoint initial compromise, and map out the full scope of an attack.
  • Compliance and Data Governance: Network data logs support compliance with CRG mandates on privacy leadership and data governance, providing a clear record of all network communications and aiding in regulatory audits.

Léargas XDR’s Integrated Approach
Beyond Zeek, Léargas XDR enhances CRG-aligned capabilities through AI-driven monitoring, centralized log storage, and automated response actions. These components provide Canadian CI operators with a scalable, adaptable solution that streamlines the achievement of CRGs, including effective threat detection, cross-sector resilience, and enhanced governance.

By embedding Zeek into its platform, Léargas XDR not only meets but exceeds CRG recommendations, establishing a fortified defense mechanism essential for Canada’s critical infrastructure.

Securing America’s Critical Infrastructure: How Our Platform Aligns with CISA’s Strategy to Combat PRC Cyber Threats

With CISA and the FBI under heightened scrutiny from Congress to protect critical infrastructure, the stakes have never been higher in securing U.S. networks from nation-state threats like ‘Salt Typhoon.’ This Chinese-linked threat actor has targeted major telecom providers, underscoring vulnerabilities in the very communications infrastructure that underpins both daily life and national security.

Here is how we can help.

Our security platform is uniquely positioned to help critical infrastructure owners and operators meet this urgent call to action. Below, we detail how our platform’s capabilities align with CISA’s strategic priorities in the face of PRC-backed cyber activities.

1. Comprehensive Threat Intelligence and Anomaly Detection
The ability to detect early indicators of advanced persistent threats (APTs) is central to thwarting actors like Salt Typhoon. Our platform leverages AI-driven threat intelligence, enabling real-time analysis of data from global feeds and local monitoring to identify unusual activity patterns. This continuous, automated surveillance is vital to intercepting espionage attempts and mitigating network infiltration risks—a capability that complements CISA’s request for proactive defense mechanisms across critical sectors.

2. Vulnerability Management and Patch Coordination
Given that Salt Typhoon has exploited vulnerabilities within major telecom systems, regular, prioritized vulnerability management is essential. Our platform provides a robust patching protocol that proactively identifies and remediates vulnerabilities across infrastructure before they’re exploited. In line with CISA’s directive, this capability bolsters cyber resilience by ensuring critical systems remain fortified against evolving threats.

3. Endpoint Protection and User Access Control
Nation-state actors often gain access through compromised credentials. Our platform’s endpoint protection and multifactor authentication capabilities ensure that only verified personnel can access sensitive systems. We prevent unauthorized access, which is particularly critical for sectors vulnerable to espionage, such as telecommunications. This aligns with CISA’s push to enhance access control and minimize exposure to potential intelligence gathering.

4. Incident Response and Forensic Capabilities
CISA’s formation of an “emergency team” in response to Salt Typhoon highlights the need for coordinated incident response. Our platform’s robust incident response framework facilitates swift analysis and containment of threats, minimizing downtime and exposure. Coupled with forensic capabilities, it enables a thorough investigation, supporting stakeholders in understanding and mitigating the impacts of breaches.

5. Security Awareness and Compliance
A core tenet of CISA’s mission is to educate infrastructure operators about risks. Our platform provides tailored security training modules and compliance monitoring tools that support adherence to national standards, such as those recommended by CISA. By equipping teams with up-to-date knowledge on evolving tactics from actors like Salt Typhoon, we help enhance cyber vigilance across every user and endpoint.

6. Network Traffic Analysis and Anomaly Detection
Salt Typhoon’s alleged ability to reroute internet traffic showcases the need for robust network traffic analysis. Our platform’s in-depth traffic monitoring allows detection of suspicious redirection attempts and anomalies that could indicate interception or espionage activities. Through real-time alerting and automatic responses, we provide an additional layer of security to combat interference in communications, ensuring data integrity and reliability.

Moving Forward with CISA’s Vision
CISA’s recent “China Threat Snapshot” calls for an empowered, informed, and cyber-resilient America. Our platform offers the technical depth and agility needed to help organizations achieve the cybersecurity resilience that CISA envisions. As we continue to innovate and adapt to the challenges of today’s threat landscape, we remain committed to supporting our nation’s critical infrastructure in identifying, mitigating, and responding to sophisticated cyber threats.

Exciting Updates in Léargas XDR v0.1.0-beta.5!

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Léargas XDR version v0.1.0-beta.5, which includes several new features, enhancements, and performance improvements designed to optimize your experience and streamline your security operations. Here’s what you can expect in this version:

New Features

  • Search Filter Pinning
    Users can now pin filters to persist across multiple dashboards, ensuring continuity and efficiency in multi-dash data analysis.
  • Save Your Searches
    Save frequently used queries for quick and easy retrieval, making your data exploration faster than ever.
  • New CloudTrail Dashboard
    A dedicated AWS CloudTrail dashboard that offers robust monitoring tools, helping you stay on top of your cloud resource management and performance insights.
  • New Azure Dashboard
    Our Azure dashboard provides detailed analytics and monitoring of cloud resources, enhancing operational insights.
  • Bulk Filter Operations
    Gain comprehensive control over filtering strategies with bulk operations, such as disabling or removing multiple filters with a single click.
  • Free Text/Lucene Searches
    Enhanced search functionality allows users to streamline complex queries into actionable data faster.

Enhanced Features

  • Improved AI Enrichment
    AI-powered insights are now more customizable, delivering deep analysis and improved contextual data understanding across various fields.
  • Enhanced Filtering
    Advanced custom field selection and filtering options make data exploration more flexible and intuitive.
  • Top Field Values
    Quickly prioritize critical data with fast access to top field results based on the selected scope.
  • Context Menus
    Context menu options now offer better workflow integration, improving your operational efficiency and saving valuable time during routine tasks.

Revamped Dashboards

  • Improved Microsoft 365 Dashboard
    The Microsoft 365 dashboard has been optimized to deliver more comprehensive insights, helping you streamline monitoring and increase productivity.
  • Improved Windows Dashboard
    We’ve deepened insights and enhanced interactivity on the Windows dashboard to simplify system monitoring.
  • Improved Overview Dashboard
    A completely revamped overview dashboard offers smoother navigation and a more intuitive user experience.

Other Key Enhancements

  • Timeline Improvements
    Timeline charts have been upgraded for greater precision and accuracy in visual data representation.
  • Infinite Scroll
    Our Artifact Explorer now includes infinite scrolling, allowing continuous browsing of large datasets without interruption.
  • Collapsible Details
    Table details are now collapsible, creating a smoother data viewing experience and making complex reports easier to navigate.

With these new capabilities and improvements, Léargas XDR aims to provide you with the most powerful tools for comprehensive security management and insights. Stay tuned for the full release and further updates!

Securing Critical Infrastructure with Léargas: A Game-Changer in Cybersecurity

In today’s digital age, safeguarding critical infrastructure is more crucial than ever. However, many organizations are grappling with cybersecurity challenges due to limited budgets, insufficient staffing, and outdated solutions. Enter Léargas-a comprehensive SaaS cybersecurity platform designed to address these pressing issues and revolutionize how critical infrastructure is protected.

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Patrick Kelley to Speak at IAEC IT Fall Conference 2024

Patrick Kelley, CEO of Leargas Security, will be a featured speaker at the IAEC IT Fall Conference, hosted by the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. The event is set for October 8-9, 2024, at The Rewind by Hilton in West Des Moines, Iowa. The conference brings together IT and cybersecurity leaders to tackle the pressing challenges in protecting critical infrastructure within the energy sector.

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Léargas Returns to NASCAR Xfinity Series with Driver Ryan Vargas!

This past weekend was an exciting one for Léargas Security as we were proud to see our brand represented in the NASCAR Xfinity Series by driver Ryan Vargas. After a challenging year for the Mike Harmon Racing (MHR) #74 team, Ryan had the opportunity to get back behind the wheel at Kansas Speedway-showcasing both his racing skills and our Léargas Security fire-suit throughout the weekend.

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