🛡️ Kyle H.

PhishCloud Inc.

Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder

Project Moon Hut Foundation

Kyle Hurst is a seasoned Technology Leader with over 20 years of experience in solution architecture, enterprise architecture, and systems integration. With a proven track record of delivering strategic technology solutions and driving growth, Kyle's expertise encompasses a wide range of industries. His proficiency in core technologies such as ERP, DevOps, Enterprise Integrations, Digital, Cloud, AI, and Analytics has enabled him to deliver innovative solutions to clients.

Known for his ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, Kyle provides thought leadership and excels in building robust and scalable infrastructures. He has a knack for developing cutting-edge AI solutions and automating processes to enhance performance and efficiency. 

Kyle's passion for technology extends beyond the conventional. His skillset includes deciphering complex attack vectors and developing real-time threat assessment systems to mitigate cybersecurity risks. He leverages emerging technologies such as AI and analytics to improve security measures and reduce vulnerabilities.

In addition to his technical acumen, Kyle excels in fostering strong client relationships and is regarded as a trusted business partner. He has a proven track record of exceeding expectations and delivering results in every aspect of his work.

Advisor

Amazon.com

The center of excellence is a team that focuses on working with Amazon business units, both established and start-up oriented, and helps them build a robust business strategy that reduces waste, leverages cost effective talent for transactional labor that drives key information for strategic decisions to key personnel.

GO Center of Excellence Manager

Developing solutions to complete the Webstore solution offering to key clients to include business growth, fulfillment and customer service solutions.

Sr Account Manager

Manage operational activities and business growth opportunities in the operations area for Amazon's enterprise class partners.

Account Manger - Operations & CS

Working with the fulfilment aspect of the Amazon / Target.com relationship.  Driving multi-million dollar projects around operational improvements and customer contact reduction projects.

Supply Chain Manager - Target Account

Expeditors International

designed EDI and XML system solutions to mirror real world needs.  Specialized in international logistics (customs documentation, bills of lading, shipping data) flowing in real time with the movement of freight.

System Architect

CTO & Co-Founder at PhishCloud Inc.

A visionary entrepreneur who specializes in disruptive technologies.  During 17 years at Amazon Kyle helped multiple businesses, subsidiaries, and Amazon organizations solve complex problems and redefine best in class for their space.  Most recently as the CTO of PhishCloud, he is re-defining the Cybersecurity space, focusing on people and building tools to help them see attacks that are hidden under the surface of the internet.  Using machine learning, cloud computing, and multi-layered data visualization, PhishCloud is doing things today that weren't realistic five years ago and making them a seamless part of navigating the internet today.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is over, but the threats aren’t. Timothy Burns, our VP of Sales, dives into the “what’s next” of phishing protection: a strategy that keeps your team ready year-round. 

Learn why continuous defense isn’t just a best practice—it’s the only way to stay ahead. Explore how to empower your team to handle real threats, streamline SecOps, and stay one step ahead. 💻🛡

🛡️ Kyle Hurst

Open article: Awareness Is Just the Start - Taking Action Against Rising Phishing Threats by phishcloud.com

Awareness Is Just the Start - Taking Action Against Rising Phishing Threats

Remember rewinding VHS tapes? Nostalgia is great, but outdated tech isn’t. The same goes for cybersecurity—are you stuck in the past?

I recently visited a friend’s man-cave and stumbled upon a wall of VHS tapes and DVDs—meticulously organized like Blockbuster was making a comeback. It got me thinking: while nostalgia has its charm, clinging to outdated tech is more trouble than it’s worth.

Take cybersecurity, for example. Some companies are still using tools designed for the internet of a decade ago. Back then, most cyber threats were email-based, and updating your antivirus software once a month was cutting-edge. Today? Phishing attacks are everywhere—social media, cloud platforms, messaging apps—and traditional tools just can’t keep up.

The irony? We can get instant spellcheck for a typo, but detecting a phishing attack can take weeks or months. One costs you a little embarrassment; the other could cost your business everything.

It’s time for a smarter approach: real-time, on-demand protection. Think of it like the streaming service of cybersecurity—ready when you are, wherever you are.

Are your defenses still stuck in the VHS era? Discover how the future of cybersecurity looks—and why convenience doesn’t have to come at the expense of security.

👉 Read the full blog here:  https://lnkd.in/gcNdvbTF

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Think big cybersecurity is protecting you? Think again. 🚨 Most are selling recycled solutions under flashy labels, ignoring real cyber threats. Check out my latest article to see why it’s time for CISOs to demand real innovation, not just 'AI wrappers.'

Open article: False Promises, Real Money: How Big Cyber Plays the CISO Game by phishcloud.com

False Promises, Real Money: How Big Cyber Plays the CISO Game

Happy Saturday, everyone! 🌞

As we head into the weekend, the election results are on many minds. It might feel like half the country is disappointed and the other half is satisfied – but if we’re honest with ourselves, the reality is likely more nuanced.

It’s probably closer to this:

15% of us are feeling genuinely upset, processing what the results might mean for the future.
Another 15% are thrilled, feeling hopeful about what lies ahead.
And then there’s the 70% – the quiet majority who aren’t too focused on the immediate outcome and trust that things will settle over time.
In today’s connected world, it’s easy to believe that every opinion is amplified and every issue is polarizing. But for most of us, life carries on, and we’ve adapted to change over the years – sometimes even thriving through it. We’re resilient by nature, and that strength doesn’t come from leaders or government. It’s something we each have inside.

As we look toward the weekend, maybe the best thing we can all do is step back, recharge, and focus on what matters. Remember, there’s only one force – however you may define it – that truly knows the big plan. And it isn’t in any office or political position.

So let’s use this time to reset. Let’s take a break, check in with ourselves, and connect with those we care about. Come Monday, we can approach the week with a fresh perspective, ready to keep moving forward. Have a restful, reflective weekend, everyone! ✌️

If your anti-phishing plan starts and ends with "Don’t click that," congrats—you just lost $4.88M.

Phishing isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of laughably bad emails asking for your bank details. Today’s phishing attacks are slick, convincing, and designed to bypass your defenses entirely. And if your response strategy is just telling employees, “Don’t click that,” you’re practically handing hackers the keys to your network.

The numbers don’t lie. Phishing now costs organizations an average of $4.88 million per breach, thanks to credential theft, ransomware, and malware delivery. But here’s the kicker—it’s not just about who might click a phishing email. It’s about real-time visibility into who did click, what they clicked, and how to stop the damage before it snowballs.

Traditional defenses, like phishing simulations, were great for a time. But in a world where attackers exploit everything from email to social media, those tools fall short. The result? Businesses are left blind to the threats unfolding right under their noses.

Want to know what it takes to go from reactive to proactive in phishing prevention? I dive into how organizations can rethink their strategies and protect their teams against today’s threats.

🔗 Read more here:

Open article: The Rising Tide of Cyber Threats: Phishing at the Forefront by phishcloud.com

The Rising Tide of Cyber Threats: Phishing at the Forefront

Happy Thanksgiving, folks! 🦃🍂

Let me ask you something: when was the last time you sat down and thought about what you're thankful for? Not just the "I'm glad coffee exists" level (though, yes, let's be real, coffee deserves a medal ☕), but the deep stuff. The stuff that gets you through the day, the week, the year.

Here’s the trick to finding hope—even when life feels like it’s playing dodgeball with your happiness. It’s called gratitude. (And no, that’s not some hippie-dippie, kumbaya nonsense. Stay with me.)

The truth is, our brains are like that one friend who only remembers the bad parts of a vacation. 🧠 “Remember when it rained and the Wi-Fi sucked?” Yeah, thanks, Chad. But here’s the kicker: when you make a habit of being thankful, you shut Chad up. Gratitude shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what’s right.

🎯 Big bills? Sure, but maybe you’ve got a roof over your head.
🎯 Crazy family? (Looking at you, Uncle Larry.) But hey, at least you’ve got people to share a meal with—even if it involves dodging a political debate. 🗳️🥧
🎯 Work stress? It means you’ve got a job, or maybe the skills to find something better.

Now, I’m not saying you ignore the hard stuff. Life’s tough, and sometimes it feels like it just went 12 rounds with you in the ring. 🥊 But when you stack your troubles against the good things—the really important stuff—you realize that the scale isn’t as tipped as you thought. And suddenly, you’ve got hope. ✨

So today, whether you're in the U.S. celebrating Thanksgiving or somewhere else wondering why Americans are so obsessed with pumpkin pie, take a moment. (Seriously, pumpkin pie, though? It’s like dessert trying to be soup. 🥧😂)

Think about what you’re thankful for. Big things, small things, whatever comes to mind. Write it down. Say it out loud. Share it with someone. Or just sit quietly and let it sink in.

Because when gratitude shows up, hope isn’t far behind. 💡

From me to you: Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for reading. Thanks for being here. And if you’re about to dive into a mountain of turkey and mashed potatoes, go ahead and add “elastic waistbands” to your gratitude list. 🥴🍗

Cheers! 🥂

Here’s a shocker: that phishing simulation might be doing more harm than good to your security team.

Open article: The Phishing Simulation Illusion: Why Your Security Training Isn’t as Effective as You Think by phishcloud.com

The Phishing Simulation Illusion: Why Your Security Training Isn’t as Effective as You Think

Phishing attackers called. ‘Thanks for using SEGs, it makes our job so easy!’ If your email defenses are stuck in 2010, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Learn why real-time protection is a game-changer. 🔒👇

Open article: Zero-Day Threats and SEGs: Why You Need Real-Time Phishing Protection by phishcloud.com

Zero-Day Threats and SEGs: Why You Need Real-Time Phishing Protection

Every time I refresh my news feed, I cringe at having to scroll past all the job listings.

Why is there even a jobs tab?! 🤦‍♂️

Uncover the Paradox of Cyber Maturity - The Human Element is Key! Dive into our latest blog to explore how as security systems evolve, so does the criticality of human behavior in cybersecurity. Discover why traditional training isn't enough and what innovative solutions are reshaping our defenses. Read More -> https://lnkd.in/guiYyYeX

In an era where organizations ascend the ladder of cybersecurity sophistication, a surprising truth emerges: the more advanced our systems become, the more they reveal a glaring vulnerability - the human factor. Imagine climbing a mountain of digital security where each step up in technology unveils a new challenge at the human level. The higher you go, the more you realize that the real fortress of your defense isn't just in the code or the hardware, but in the minds and actions of the people behind the screens.

As we navigate this complex landscape, we've started to question the effectiveness of traditional cybersecurity training. Is it truly preparing us for the cunning traps laid by modern cyber attackers? Or are we merely equipping our teams with outdated maps for a territory that's ever-changing?

Ever tried using an umbrella with holes in it? Sure, it’s technically still an umbrella, but you’re definitely going to get wet! Compliance in cybersecurity is similar—it’s a solid start, but on its own, it leaves some pretty big gaps. 

Compliance is like a “zone defense” strategy, providing coverage in designated areas. But here’s the catch: if that defense isn’t adaptable, attackers slip through the cracks. In today’s fast-paced cyber landscape, sticking to compliance checklists without adaptability is like standing under that leaky umbrella while a storm rages on.

To really close these compliance gaps, we need more than just checkboxes and policies. True cybersecurity requires a proactive approach that continuously evolves with threats. It means fostering a security-first culture where everyone plays a role, beyond just meeting compliance standards. 

At PhishCloud Inc., we help organizations go beyond compliance with reality-based training, real-time insights, and adaptive threat intelligence. It’s not about leaving your team out in the rain—it’s about building an umbrella that actually keeps you dry.

Want to know how to upgrade your cybersecurity “umbrella”? 🌧️ Head to our website and read the full blog to discover how we’re closing compliance gaps with a proactive, culture-driven approach.

Open article: Closing the Compliance Gaps: A Proactive Approach to Cybersecurity by phishcloud.com

Closing the Compliance Gaps: A Proactive Approach to Cybersecurity

A 'trusted' link in the subject line? That's like finding a 'secure' treasure map in a spam folder! 🏴‍☠️ PhishCloud Inc.’s the real deal—because simulations don’t stop real attacks. ⚔️

"The phishing emails feature a link, in the subject line, which leads to a Google Apps Script page. On the page, users will find a deceptive URL that includes scrip.google.com.  The URL claims to be a “secure and trusted” payment service. Because the URL overtly appears legitimate, it may deceive users into potentially disclosing sensitive information.  Should employees fall victim to this email-based scam, risks to organizations include the exposure of sensitive data, the fraudulent transfer of funds, and operational disruption, among other things."

These attacks are advanced, evasive and sophisticated.  Training, alone, will not protect your employees and your company from these attacks.  It's time for change!  It's time for PhishCloud Inc.

It's time to check out PhishCloud Phish360°—the cutting-edge, real-time defense solution designed to protect your business from these sophisticated threats. PhishCloud Phish360° delivers a comprehensive, real-time phishing defense solution designed to protect the modern workplace.

PhishCloud gives your security team the real-time visibility and control they need to see and block phishing attacks your employees see. And with real-time metrics, you no longer need to rely on simulations and reporting to understand your phishing risk.

PhishCloud arms employees with the tools they need to clearly spot and avoid phishing attacks, across all digital platforms – not just email – letting them Click With Confidence.

And PhishCloud delivers reality-based training that imparts real knowledge, not just awareness.

Sound too good to be true? Give us 15 minutes to show you the power of PhishCloud Inc.

www.phishcloud.com

https://lnkd.in/dBHYQ2PZ

In compliance terms, the Titanic had enough lifeboats. But when disaster struck, the checklist wasn’t enough. Are you a ‘Titanic CISO’?

In today’s cybersecurity world, compliance is only the starting line—it’s necessary, but it’s not enough to truly protect against evolving threats. I’ve had hundreds of conversations with CISOs who fall into two camps: those with technical, hands-on experience facing real-world threats, and those who come from Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) roles, focused on aligning with policies and industry standards.

Both types of CISOs bring value. But in a world of unprecedented cyber chaos, those who see beyond the checklist and embrace adaptive cybersecurity strategies are better prepared to lead.

Are you relying on lifeboats, or are you ready to navigate unpredictable waters?

Read more in my latest blog on the real difference between technical and compliance CISOs, and what it means for adaptive cybersecurity strategies.

Open article: Are You a Technical CISO or a Compliance CISO? by phishcloud.com

Are You a Technical CISO or a Compliance CISO?

Imagine knowing the next move before the threat even appears. 🧠⚾ Cybersecurity needs Reggie Jackson-level foresight—are we ready to swing?

In baseball, Reggie Jackson could predict pitches with uncanny accuracy, reading the subtle cues that hinted at what was coming next. That foresight gave him a powerful edge at the plate. Now, imagine if we could apply that same skill to cybersecurity—seeing cyber threats forming before they even reach us.

Right now, most defenses react after an attack has already hit, leaving teams scrambling to contain damage rather than stopping it. But what if we could shift from defense to anticipation, creating a cybersecurity culture where people, tech, and training come together to spot threats before they materialize? It’s a proactive approach that’s built on more than just software—it's a mindset.

In my latest blog, I explore what it takes to go from reacting to predicting cyber threats. From cultivating real vigilance to leveraging the right tech, this is about evolving our defenses to match the modern landscape. Click through to discover how shifting to anticipation could change the game in cybersecurity.

https://lnkd.in/gQ8s-tw2

#Cybersecurity #CyberThreats #PhishingProtection #ProactiveDefense #ForesightInSecurity

Open article: Don't Strike Out on Cyber Threats: The Power of Predictive Security by phishcloud.com

Don't Strike Out on Cyber Threats: The Power of Predictive Security

🧹 I was dusting off an old blog, and it hit me: A year later, we’re STILL doing the same dumb shit. Bruce Lee knew it, and it’s true in cybersecurity too.

Open article: The Myth of Security Awareness: Are You Practicing Bruce Lee Moves or Just Watching His Movies? by phishcloud.com

The Myth of Security Awareness: Are You Practicing Bruce Lee Moves or Just Watching His Movies?

We’ve solved spelling and navigation, yet cybersecurity training is still stuck in the 90s. Why? Because comfort zones are killing innovation.

https://lnkd.in/gJZwsQFv

Why is it that attackers innovate at lightning speed, but our defenses seem stuck in quicksand? We’ve mastered tools like autocorrect to fix spelling errors and GPS to navigate seamlessly, yet cybersecurity still leans on outdated methods like checking email headers or spotting misspelled words to stop phishing.

The reality is, the cybersecurity industry has become far too comfortable. Legacy tools with shiny new interfaces dominate the market, while innovative solutions are sidelined as “too risky” or “unproven.” And let’s be honest—training programs aren’t much better. A coat of gamification or a funny cartoon won’t fix a mindset problem. Until organizations take cybersecurity training seriously and build a culture of awareness, employees will always see it as a distraction, not a defense.

And then there’s OT security—the silent giant of vulnerabilities. These critical systems power our infrastructure, yet they remain dangerously underfunded and overlooked. Attackers see this gap clearly, and they’re exploiting it faster than the industry can respond.

So, what’s the cost of staying in our comfort zones? The answer isn’t just lost data—it’s lost trust, lost opportunities, and sometimes, life-and-death consequences.

Curious how we can break the cycle? Join me as I dive into exploring why clinging to the familiar is putting organizations at risk and what needs to change.

Unwrapping holiday gifts? 🎁 Always a joy.
Unwrapping wrapped links? 🚨 That’s a fast pass to Hackerville.

Here’s the deal: link-wrapping might look like it’s keeping you safe, but it’s really just hiding the destination. Hackers love this because the less you see, the easier it is to trick you. It’s like wrapping a time bomb and calling it a holiday surprise.

Don’t let this fancy nonsense fool you. If you don’t know where a link leads, you’re walking into a trap. This season, give yourself the gift of visibility and skip the wrapped-up phishing mess.

Unwrap the truth about link-wrapping and protect yourself the smart way:

Open article: The Wrapping Problem in Cybersecurity: Why Link-Wrapping Isn’t the Answer by phishcloud.com

The Wrapping Problem in Cybersecurity: Why Link-Wrapping Isn’t the Answer

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