The 443 - Security Simplified

Secplicity

Get inside the minds of leading white-hat hackers and security researchers. Each week, we’ll educate and entertain you by breaking down and simplifying the latest cybersecurity headlines and trends. Using our special blend of expertise, wit, and cynicism, we’ll turn complex security concepts into easily understood and actionable insights.

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386 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes386

Newest first

Jan 31, 2023 · 49 min
CISA Warns of Weaponized RMM Software
On today's episode, we cover a recent Department of Justice operation that resulted in taking down a major ransomware organization. After that, we cover two recent publications from CISA, the first on malicious use of legitimate RRM software and the second giving guidance to K-12 on how to address cybersecurity concerns.
Jan 23, 2023 · 46 min
Report Roundup
This week on the podcast, we cover key findings from three individual reports published last week. In the first report we'll dive into the world of blockchain analysis looking for illicit transactions. In the second report, we'll cover the state of SMB security. The final report includes a discussion of overall financial crime involving stolen payment card information.
Jan 17, 2023 · 39 min
The RCE Vulnerability That Wasn’t
This week on the podcast we cover a recently-disclosed vulnerability in the popular JavaScript library JsonWebToken. After that, we give an update to weaponizing ChatGPT, the currently free Artificial Intelligence chat bot that has made waves since it's release in November. We round out the episode with a wave farewell to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 and what the end of extended support means for businesses.
Jan 10, 2023 · 45 min
Reviving a Dead Botnet
This week on the podcast we cover a recent analysis by Mandiant on a Russia-based APT using a decade old botnet to deliver new attacks. Before that, we cover an update from LastPass about their most recent breach as well as the 200 million Twitter accounts leaked last week.
Jan 3, 2023 · 32 min
Q3 2022 Internet Security Report
This week on the podcast we discuss key findings from the WatchGuard Threat Lab's Q3 2022 Internet Security Report. We'll cover everything from the top malware threats to the latest network attack trends targeting small and midsize enterprises globally and give practical defensive tips that anyone can use to keep their organizations safe. [PowerPress]
Dec 20, 2022 · 47 min
2023 Security Predictions
It's that time of year for us to discuss the WatchGuard Threat Lab's 2023 cyber security predictions! On this episode, we will cover the six predictions plus another two that didn't make the cut as well as some defensive strategies to try and help stop them from coming true.
Dec 13, 2022 · 50 min
Apple’s New Privacy Expansion
This week on the podcast, we cover Apple's latest announcement of expanded privacy and security features for their users. Before that, we cover a major breach in the Android ecosystem followed by a new Internet Explorer (yes, that still exists) 0-day vulnerability.
Dec 6, 2022 · 44 min
Hacking Hyundai
On this week's episode, we cover the latest in car hacking, this time involving a vulnerability that could have given remote attackers full control over certain Hyundai models' doors, lights and engine. After that, we discuss the latest breach impacting a major password management app and how it's different from previous ones we've seen. We end with a discussion on the latest 'custom security solution' vendor selling spyware tools for profit.
Nov 29, 2022 · 35 min
CISA Incident Response Learnings
On today's episode we cover a pair of alerts from the Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA), one detailing the tools, tactics and procedures from a prolific ransomware organization and another walking through a recent incident response engagement CISA completed with a federal agency. Before that though, we learn about what happens when you use a software component that hasn't received updates in 17 years.
Nov 21, 2022 · 37 min
Attack Surface Management
This week on the podcast we dive into the world of attack surface management. We discuss what your attack surface is made up of including some areas you may not have thought of and then cover the best ways to reduce and ultimately protect it.
Nov 14, 2022 · 42 min
2022 Cybersecurity Predictions Recap
This week on the podcast we take a look back at our 2022 cybersecurity predictions and give ourselves a grading on how well we did. From cyber insurance to space hacks, we'll cover each of the 6 predictions we made last December and discuss why we think they did or did not come to fruition. As mentioned on the episode, several WatchGuard employees are participating in "Mo-vember" to raise awareness and contributions for men's health charities. Check out our page, and Corey's amazing mustache, at - https://nl.movember.com/en/team/2435885
Nov 7, 2022 · 43 min
Why OpenSSL Downgraded Their Vulnerability
On this episode we cover the much anticipated OpenSSL vulnerabilities that were disclosed and patched on November 1st and why the 6 year streak of no critical issues continues. After that, we dive back in to election security and the hacking activity that could have the most impact. We end with an update from Apple on their security program and making vulnerability research more accessible.
Oct 31, 2022 · 38 min
CISA’s Cybersecurity Performance Goals
This week on the podcast we cover CISA's freshly-released Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs) designed to help smaller organizations bridge the gap between frameworks and practical implementation. After that, we discuss a new bill working its way through the US Senate designed to address open source software security risks. Finally, we end with a research post from Microsoft on the evolution of an interesting malware campaign.
Oct 26, 2022 · 31 min
Ransomware TTPs Deep Dive
This week on the podcast, we cover another remote code execution vulnerability that looks extremely concerning on the surface but might be less serious in reality. After that, we cover two research articles by Microsoft on ransomware campaigns including defensive takeaways for all organizations.
Oct 17, 2022 · 35 min
Cyber Energy Star
This week on the podcast we cover a proposed program from the White House to create an Energy Star-like label for cybersecurity in consumer products. Before that, we cover two other updates from the federal government including a new open source tool from CISA and the latest reincarnation of Privacy Shield.
Oct 12, 2022 · 1 hr 30 min
Q2 Threats and Guilty CSOs
This week on the podcast, we focus on highlighting WatchGuard's Q2 Internet Security Report, covering the latest threat trends and what you can do to avoid them. However, we also pack in our security news segment, with an Optus breach update from an Australian IT and security expert and WatchGuard Partner, the latest on the UBER CSO trial, and a warning about the recent zero day Exchange exploit that some call ProxyNotShell. This week's episode is a long one, so grab a fresh coffee and listen during a long walk or drive.
Oct 3, 2022 · 50 min
Optus Opts Out of PII Protection
This week on the podcast, we cover an Optus data breach that could affect over 10 million Australian customers, and what they should do to protect themselves. We highlight a new malware-as-a-service (MaaS) information stealer that lowers the cost and technical bar for cybercriminals. Finally, we end with some good news about how the FBI was able to catch and arrest an ex-NSA insider trying to sell sensitive national security data to a supposed Russian adversary. Or watch the video version here.
Sep 27, 2022 · 45 min
An Uber Hack
This week on the podcast, we cover Uber's most recent security incident and the alleged individual behind it. After that, we dive into the world of gas station operational technology and potential security weaknesses in one tool. Finally, we end with a chat about the FBI CISO Academy and how the FBI as a whole is trying to reshape relationships with the private sector.
Sep 14, 2022 · 47 min
Are CISOs Legally Accountable for Security?
This week on the podcast we cover a court case that is attempting to hold the ex-CISO of a popular tech company accountable for their actions involving a data breach dating back to 2016. Before that though, we dive in to a novel command and control (C2) method as well as the latest commoditization of a sophisticated cyber attack technique.
Sep 6, 2022 · 30 min
A Day in the Life of a Malware Analyst
This week on the podcast we sit down with Ryan Estes, a malware analyst on the WatchGauard Threat Lab team, to discuss what it takes to rapidly differentiate malware from goodware. In this interview, we discuss what it takes to get in to malware analytics, popular tools to help with the task, and resources anyone can follow to build up skills.