Getting a start in cybersecurity has never been easy — but for today’s aspiring pen testers, the entry barriers are even higher than they were a decade ago. In this conversation, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli sit down with Greg Hatcher and John Stigerwalt from White Knight Labs to unpack why they decided to flip the script on entry-level offensive security training.

Greg, a former Army Special Operations communicator, and John, who got his break as a self-taught hacker, agree that the traditional path — expensive certifications and theoretical labs — doesn’t reflect the reality of the work. That’s why White Knight Labs is launching the Entry Level Pen Tester (ELPT) program. The idea is straightforward: make high-quality, practical training accessible to anyone, anywhere.

Unlike other courses that focus purely on the technical side, the ELPT emphasizes the full skill set a junior pen tester needs. This means not just breaking into systems, but learning how to write clear reports, communicate effectively with clients, and operate as part of a real engagement team. John explains that even the best technical find is worthless if it’s not explained properly or delivered with clear guidance for fixing the issue.

Greg points out that the team culture at White Knight Labs borrows from his Special Forces days — small, specialized teams where each individual goes deep on a specific domain but works in tight coordination with others. Their goal for trainees mirrors this: to develop focused, practical skills while understanding how their piece fits into bigger, complex attack scenarios.

Affordability and global access are key parts of the mission. The team wants the ELPT to open doors for people who might not have thousands to spend on training. By combining hands-on labs, in-depth modules, real-world scenarios, and a tough final exam, they aim to ensure that passing the ELPT means you’re truly job-ready.

For anyone considering a start in offensive security, this episode is a glimpse into a program designed to create more than just hackers — it’s building adaptable, communicative professionals ready to hit the ground running.

Learn more about White Knight Labs: https://itspm.ag/white-knight-labs-vukr

Guests:

John Stigerwalt | Founder at White Knight Labs | Red Team Operations Leader | https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-stigerwalt-90a9b4110/

Greg Hatcher | Founder at White Knight Labs | SOF veteran | Red Team | https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryhatcher2/

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Keywords: sean martin, marco ciappelli, greg hatcher, john stigerwalt, cybersecurity, pentesting, training, certification, whiteknightlabs, hacking, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast

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Resources

Visit the White Knight Labs Website to learn more: https://itspm.ag/white-knight-labs-vukr

Learn more and catch more stories from White Knight Labs on ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/white-knight-labs

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In this Random and Unscripted episode, Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin connect the dots between AI, robotics, connected systems, and human behavior. How do machines reshape society—and how do we reshape ourselves in response? A conversation born from their latest articles.

This Random and Unscripted episode is exactly what the title promises—a raw, thoughtful exchange between Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin, sparked by their most recent written reflections.

The starting point? Two timely articles.

Sean unpacks the complexity of securing connected environments—what happens when devices, vehicles, sensors, and platforms become part of something bigger? It’s no longer about protecting individual elements, but understanding how they operate as “systems of systems”—intertwined, dynamic, and vulnerable.

Meanwhile, Marco revisits Robbie, Isaac Asimov’s iconic robot story, to explore how our relationship with technology evolves over time. What felt like distant science fiction in the 1980s now hits closer to home, as AI simulates understanding, machines mimic empathy, and humans blur the lines between organic and artificial.

The discussion drifts from cybersecurity to human psychology, questioning how interacting with AI reshapes society—and whether our own behavior starts reflecting the technology we create.

Machines are learning, systems are growing more complex, and somewhere along the way, humanity is changing too. Stay random. Stay curious.

⸻ 🔹 KEYWORDS: Random and Unscripted, AI, Robotics, Generative AI, System Security, Connected Systems, Asimov, Human-Machine Interaction, Technology and Society, Autonomous Systems, AI Ethics, Cybersecurity Conversations

Hosts links:

📌 Marco Ciappelli: https://www.marcociappelli.com
📌 Sean Martin: https://www.seanmartin.com