What is the ‘8th Layer’?

In the field of information technology, there is a concept called the 'OSI Model'. It describes seven abstract 'layers' which computers use to communicate across networks. From the physical/electrical (layer 1) to the visual/interactive (layer 7), it is a useful tool for considering the technical aspects of a network - but when thinking in terms of security, the OSI model neglects the most crucial factor:

The humans behind the machines.

We are the '8th Layer’

About Perry Carpenter

Perry Carpenter is the author of two books Transformational Security Awareness: What Neuroscientists, Storytellers, and Marketers Can Teach Us About Driving Secure Behaviors and The Security Culture Playbook: An Executive Guide To Reducing Risk and Developing Your Human Defense Layer. He's also the creator and host of the "8th Layer Insights" podcast and currently serves as Chief Evangelist and Strategy Officer for KnowBe4, the world's most popular security awareness and simulated phishing platform.

Previously, Perry led multiple security and human behavior-related research areas at Gartner Research. Perry earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, a Master of Science in Information Assurance (MSIA) from Norwich University in Vermont and is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO).

Perry's work has been featured by:

 

Our Flagship Podcast

8th Layer Insights

Get ready for a deep dive into what cybersecurity professionals often refer to as the "8th Layer" of security: HUMANS. This podcast is a multidisciplinary exploration into how the complexities of human nature affect security and risk. Author, security researcher, and behavior science enthusiast Perry Carpenter taps experts for their insights and illumination. Topics include cybersecurity, psychology, behavior science, communication, leadership, and more.

Find Out More
Featured
Ep. 20: Creativity for Non-Creatives
Ep. 20: Creativity for Non-Creatives
Ep. 19: The Next Evolution of Security Awareness
Ep. 19: The Next Evolution of Security Awareness
Ep. 18: Fun and Games: Lock Picking, Capture the Flag Contests, Simulations, and More
Ep. 18: Fun and Games: Lock Picking, Capture the Flag Contests, Simulations, and More
Ep. 17: World's Greatest Con – A Conversation with Brian Brushwood
Ep. 17: World's Greatest Con – A Conversation with Brian Brushwood
Ep. 16: Security is Alive
Ep. 16: Security is Alive
Ep. 15: How to Fool The White House -- A conversation with James Linton (aka The Email Prankster)
Ep. 15: How to Fool The White House -- A conversation with James Linton (aka The Email Prankster)
Ep. 14: Bridging the Cyber Skills Gap
Ep. 14: Bridging the Cyber Skills Gap
Ep. 13: Technology & the Law of Unintended Consequences
Ep. 13: Technology & the Law of Unintended Consequences
Ep. 12: You're Listening to "The Dark Stream"
Ep. 12: You're Listening to "The Dark Stream"

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Reviews of 8th Layer Insights

  • Informative, Educational, & Inspirational

    Perry Carpenter does it again! The author of two awesome books (they’re on Amazon) he provides incredible insights in security culture, human behaviors and what it takes to secure your organization and personal lives! This is worth an hour of your time whenever it is released! You won’t be disappointed! That and his sound guy Carl is a good source of laughs!!

    - JRMScooter (04/25/2022)

  • Edutainment at its best!

    Disclaimer: I am not a podcast person. I simply can not put full focus on a topic I am trying to learn more about while completing another important task that requires precision and accuracy. Therefore, since I cram a lot into a day, I bypass them all together. But Perry’s book, “Transformational Security Awareness" is my bible so I had to find out what his podcast was all about.

    From the very beginning the man captivates you with his wit, humorous skits, soothing yet authoritative voice and timely and in-depth topic coverage to get you thinking and laughing. Im still not a “podcast person." But I am certainly not missing ONE episode of 8th Layer Insights.


    -TNTnAZ (08/31/2021)

  • It’s Radio Lab for InfoSec professionals

    If you’re responsible for promoting security best practices, this is podcast lands in the “MUST LISTEN TO” bucket. If you’re interested in “why people do what they do” part of information security, then this is the podcast for you.

    Perry has a gentle approach and has a way of breaking down complex ideas so that they can be easily understood. Perry and his expert colleagues shows us that there’s more to information security than technical controls.

    - Ferdman (06/01/2021)

  • DE...LIGHTFUL

    This is a breath of fresh air! I checked out the Security is Alive episode and absolutely love this. I struggle with educational podcast with my improv comedy adhd brain but the fake interviews are exactly what I need. Super fun way to get informed. Will be changing my passwords today.


    - Kai Bobbi (03/16/2022)

  • Surprisingly Interactive and Fun!

    Listened to episode “Embrace an Attacker Mindset to Improve Security”. Love the music and feel of this show! Your voice is radio worthy and perfect for podcasting.

    This episode taught me about getting into the mind of an attacker and how that feels. An interesting flip of perspective. The music keeps the engagement and holds my attention throughout. The sounds and interactive scenes had me in suspense! Great guests as well with invaluable information.

    Thank you for publishing this content to expand our minds to the many possibilities. Recommend this to anyone who is interested in cyber security and learning about the behavior and psychology surrounding it.

    - Jerome Shaw (08/31/2021)

  • New Show Off to a Great Start

    I've only listened to a few episodes of this new podcast, but so far, it's great. I'm not a cyber security professional, but the insights into basic human perception and behavior are applicable everywhere. Fascinating stuff.

    - Jedi Wannabi (08/31/2021)