What’s this all about

Cyber Mixology, my personal blog about Cyber Security, Leadership, Mixology, and more. I’m Steve Edwards (call me sedward5), a husband, father, n00b, and the Director of Detection and Response Engineering at Expel. Previously I worked at Attentive Mobile, Cisco Secure, Duo Security, and Eastern Michigan University. I blog from time to time and use this site as a reference for myself.

What I’m mixing up

See posts across all of the interests of my the Chief Cyber Mixologist. Typically I like to post about my thoughts and experiences as a neurodivergent people leader working in cyber security. I also enjoy making craft cocktails, I post recipes of my own as well is some classics that I like to make for myself. Take a look in the header for topics in a specific category or take a look below at my most recent posts.

Recent Home

image from Winning Teams: Lessons for Security Leaders from Tim Baker

Winning Teams: Lessons for Security Leaders from Tim Baker

Why Security Leaders Should Rethink Team Performance Directors in managed detection and response (MDR) roles face a balancing act. Some engineers and managers are seasoned experts with deep technical chops. Others are new, still learning the craft. The challenge isn’t just technical—it’s cultural, relational, and operational. That’s where Tim Baker’s Winning Teams: The Eight Characteristics of …
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image from Craft Cola and Bourbon: A DIY Take on a Classic

Craft Cola and Bourbon: A DIY Take on a Classic

Why Make Your Own Cola? Store-bought cola is consistent—but making your own gives you control. You can dial up the spice, tone down the sweetness, or adjust for citrus bite. And if you’re already a fan of brands like Branch Distillery’s Bourbon & Cola, this lets you tailor that flavor experience to your exact taste.
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image from Vibe Coding Lifesaving Technology for ~Fun~ and ~Profit~

Vibe Coding Lifesaving Technology for ~Fun~ and ~Profit~

What is Vibe Coding, Anyway? If you haven’t heard the term yet, vibe coding is the modern art of building software with the help of AI — without worrying too much about traditional engineering processes like careful planning, architecture diagrams, or best practices. It’s coding by feel. It’s making things that work, fast, using AI as your co-pilot (or honestly, your chauffeur). …
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image from Smoky Aviation Twist: Mezcal & Lime Edition

Smoky Aviation Twist: Mezcal & Lime Edition

A Twist on a Classic If you’re holding lime and mezcal instead of the classic lemon and gin, you’re in for a cocktail experiment that could either surprise you in a good way or require some tweaking. Let’s break down how these substitutions might play out. Understanding the Classic Aviation The traditional Aviation is known for its balanced blend of:
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image from Potion of Booze Cocktail – A NetHack-Inspired Libation

Potion of Booze Cocktail – A NetHack-Inspired Libation

Quaffing the Potion of Booze in NetHack In NetHack, drinking an unidentified potion is always a gamble. If you’re lucky, it’s healing. If you’re not, well… You feel somewhat dizzy. That’s the classic message when you drink a Potion of Booze—a dungeon staple that can confuse your character but also cure blindness or make dwarves a bit more friendly. Given NetHack’s roguelike …
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