Security by Default

Joseph Carson

Security by Default is a cybersecurity podcast hosted by Joseph Carson, a renowned ethical hacker and security expert. Each episode dives into the latest security trends, real-world threats, and practical advice for staying safe in the digital world. With insightful interviews and clear explanations, Joseph makes complex topics accessible for both IT professionals and curious listeners alike.

  1. Inside the Digital Battlefield: Cybersecurity in Geopolitical Conflicts with Chris Kubecka

    MAR 17

    Inside the Digital Battlefield: Cybersecurity in Geopolitical Conflicts with Chris Kubecka

    Join Joseph Carson in this insightful episode as he interviews cybersecurity expert Chris Kubecka. They discuss critical infrastructure security, cyber warfare, geopolitical risks, and the evolving landscape of digital threats, providing valuable lessons for cybersecurity professionals and policymakers. Key Topics Cybersecurity in critical infrastructure Geopolitical cyber threats and hybrid warfare Evolving landscape of digital threats and resilience Sound bites "GPS jamming has been a massive challenge." "Digital Empires: China, Europe, and the US." "Radio communications are a vital fallback." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Chris Kubecka01:37 Cybersecurity Challenges in Critical Infrastructure03:37 Evolving Nature of Cyber Threats05:45 The Role of Drones in Modern Warfare07:25 Hybrid Warfare and Global Diplomacy10:10 The Shift in Global Cybersecurity Dynamics12:18 The Importance of International Cooperation14:33 Privacy and Ethics in Cybersecurity16:50 Historical Context and Regional Cooperation18:55 Cyber Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure22:04 Personal Experiences in Estonia24:10 Geopolitical Tensions and Cybersecurity25:52 Challenges in Maritime Connectivity28:16 Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities30:22 The Role of Radio in Authoritarian Regimes33:43 International Maritime Law and Cybersecurity37:46 Recent Projects and Activism in Cybersecurity39:51 Staying Informed in a Rapidly Changing Landscape Resources Chris Kubecka's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskubecka/ Field Tested: How to Hack a Modern Dictatorship with AI - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7F4XYZ

    45 min
  2. How Gamification and Community Help Beginners Break Into Cloud and AI Security

    MAR 3

    How Gamification and Community Help Beginners Break Into Cloud and AI Security

    In this episode of the Security by Default podcast, host Joe Carson speaks with Ian Austin, co-founder of Pwned Labs, about his journey in cybersecurity, the evolution of learning in the field, and the challenges of Cloud and AI security. Ian shares insights on transitioning into cybersecurity roles, the importance of community engagement, and the need for continuous learning in an ever-evolving industry. They discuss the significance of gamification in training and the current trends in cloud security, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and collaboration. Key Takeaways Ian Austin is a co-founder of Pwned Labs, specializing in cloud and AI security training.His journey in cybersecurity began with help desk roles and evolved into penetration testing.Creating content is a great way to learn and contribute to the community.Cloud security presents unique challenges that require ongoing education and adaptation.Gamification in training enhances engagement but should not overshadow practical learning.Community involvement is crucial for personal and professional growth in cybersecurity.Transitioning into security roles can be done from various backgrounds, including sysadmin and help desk.Continuous learning is essential in the fast-paced cybersecurity landscape.Mentorship can significantly impact career development and confidence.Cloud security is a growing field with increasing demand for skilled professionals. sound bites "Learning is a great way to learn." "Community is a powerful thing." "Cloud is hard to secure." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:40 Ian Austin's Journey in Cybersecurity 06:40 Transitioning into Security Roles 10:54 Evolution of Learning in Cybersecurity 16:19 The Importance of Community in Learning 22:58 Challenges in Cloud Security 28:46 Staying Updated in the Cybersecurity Field Resources: https://pwnedlabs.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-austin/

    33 min
  3. Cracking Passwords and the Future of Passwords with Evil Mog

    FEB 17

    Cracking Passwords and the Future of Passwords with Evil Mog

    In this episode of the Security by Default podcast, host Joe Carson welcomes Evil Mog, an expert in password cracking and cybersecurity. They discuss the importance of Hacker Jeopardy in making cybersecurity fun, the ongoing challenges with passwords, and the evolving role of AI in password cracking. The conversation also touches on incident response, the significance of documentation, and the future trends in cybersecurity, including the shift towards passwordless authentication and the impact of AI on both attackers and defenders. Takeaways Hacker Jeopardy is a fun way to engage with cybersecurity.Teaching others helps reinforce your own knowledge.Passwords will remain a necessary evil in security.AI is enhancing password cracking methodologies.Documentation is crucial in incident response.The cost of hacking is increasing due to advanced techniques.Collaboration between red and blue teams is essential.Insider threats are on the rise in cybersecurity.Password management is fundamentally an asset management issue.Future trends indicate a shift towards passwordless authentication. Sound bites "Teaching helps you learn better." "Security is about enabling the business." "The cost of hacking is rising." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Evil Mog and Hacker Jeopardy02:37 The Importance of Community and Teaching in Cybersecurity05:22 Password Security: The Louvre Incident07:59 The Evolution of Authentication Methods10:35 Challenges in Asset Management and Password Management13:15 Operational Technology (OT) Security Challenges15:53 The Role of Documentation in Cybersecurity18:42 AI in Cybersecurity: Automation and Password Recovery21:52 AI in Password Cracking24:56 Enhancing Human Capabilities with AI27:18 The Evolution of Cybercrime30:02 Trends and Predictions for Cybersecurity34:41 Collaboration in Cybersecurity37:24 The Future of Cybercrime and AI40:59 Connecting with Evil Mog

    42 min
  4. Exploring Identity Security Trends with Charles Chase

    FEB 3

    Exploring Identity Security Trends with Charles Chase

    In this episode of the Security by Default podcast, host Joe Carson speaks with Charles Chase about his journey into the cybersecurity field, focusing on identity security and privilege access management. They discuss the evolving trends in identity security, the importance of maintaining identity hygiene, and the impact of regulations like NIST 2 and DORA on organizational practices. The conversation also covers the shift towards passwordless security, the role of AI in identity management, and resources for those looking to enter the field. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of identities in business and society. Takeaways Charles Chase fell into cybersecurity from a military background.The importance of understanding what you don't know in identity security.Organizations often have dormant accounts that pose security risks.Regulatory bodies are pushing organizations to improve their identity security practices.The shift towards passwordless security is gaining momentum.AI is becoming a valuable tool in identity management.Identity hygiene is crucial for reducing risks in organizations.The commoditization of identity solutions allows smaller businesses to implement security measures.Engaging with customers is key to understanding their unique identity security needs.The future of identity management is focused on user experience and automation. Sound bites "What do I not know?" "It's a learning tool." "It's a fun industry." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:47 Charles Chase's Journey into Cybersecurity02:22 Trends in Identity Security and Best Practices05:54 Understanding Dormant Accounts and Their Risks09:54 The Shift Towards Passwordless Security12:45 The Role of AI in Identity Management18:35 The Importance of Digital Identity in Society26:45 Resources for Entering the Identity Space30:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Keywords cybersecurity, identity security, privilege access management, trends, best practices, passwordless security, AI in identity management, regulatory impact, identity hygiene, resources for cybersecurity

    30 min
  5. From Prosecutor to CSO: Joe Sullivan on Cybersecurity Leadership, Crisis, and Resilience

    JAN 6

    From Prosecutor to CSO: Joe Sullivan on Cybersecurity Leadership, Crisis, and Resilience

    In this episode of the Security by Default podcast, host Joseph Carson interviews Joe Sullivan, a prominent figure in cybersecurity. They discuss Joe's journey from a federal prosecutor to the Chief Security Officer at Facebook, exploring the challenges and expectations in transitioning from government to private sector roles. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the impact of ransomware, and the importance of crisis management and preparedness. Joe shares valuable lessons for aspiring security executives and highlights the significance of understanding technology in leadership roles. The episode concludes with Joe's current projects, including his nonprofit initiative, Ukraine Friends, which provides laptops to children affected by the war in Ukraine. Takeaways Security is possible for everyone.Joe Sullivan's journey reflects a unique path into cybersecurity.Transitioning from government to private sector presents challenges.Understanding corporate culture is crucial for success.Measuring success in cybersecurity requires clear metrics.Ransomware has fundamentally changed the cybersecurity landscape.Security leaders are increasingly reporting to CEOs.Crisis management is essential for organizational resilience.Aspiring security executives should focus on business understanding.Giving back to the community is a vital part of the cybersecurity profession. Sound bites "Security is possible for everyone.""I got an MBA through osmosis.""The expectations were so high." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Security by Default Podcast01:02 Joe Sullivan's Journey into Cybersecurity05:10 Transition from Government to Private Sector11:06 Navigating the Corporate Landscape15:48 Measuring Success in Security20:04 The Impact of Ransomware on Cybersecurity28:01 The Evolving Role of Security Leaders30:57 Understanding Business Strategy in Security32:59 Risk Management and Business Partnership33:52 Navigating Technology Risks35:54 The Race for AI Innovation38:03 Crisis Management and Preparedness39:59 Building Resilience in Security Teams42:16 The Importance of Response Training44:10 Lessons from Emergency Services47:41 Community Impact through Technology Additional Resources: https://www.joesullivansecurity.com/about https://ukrainefriends.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesu11ivan/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Sullivan_(cybersecurity)

    48 min
  6. Laughing with Cyber - A Standup Comedy Special with Ian

    2025-12-23

    Laughing with Cyber - A Standup Comedy Special with Ian

    In this episode of the Security by Default podcast, host Joseph Carson welcomes Ian Murphy, a cybersecurity expert and stand-up comedian. They discuss Ian's unconventional journey into cybersecurity, his experiences at the MOD and Symantec, and his transition to self-employment and comedy. Ian shares insights on the importance of storytelling in both cybersecurity awareness and comedy, as well as navigating online criticism and audience interactions. The conversation highlights the need for humor in serious industries and the value of real human connections. Takeaways Ian's journey into cybersecurity was unplanned and unconventional.The importance of storytelling in both cybersecurity and comedy.Self-employment offers freedom but comes with challenges.Humor can be a powerful tool in serious industries.Navigating online criticism requires thick skin and perspective.Comedy is subjective, and not everyone will appreciate it.Real human interactions are essential in today's digital age.Learning from experiences is crucial for growth in any field.Networking and peer relationships are vital for success.Life is better when you find joy and laughter in everyday situations. Titles From Cybersecurity to Comedy: Ian Murphy's Journey The Power of Storytelling in Cybersecurity and Comedy Sound bites "I wanted to be a footballer." "Comedy is subjective." "You need to grow the fuck up." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:56 Ian's Origin Story and Journey into Cybersecurity06:29 Experiences at MOD and Symantec10:44 Transitioning to Self-Employment and Freedom14:27 The Switch to Stand-Up Comedy22:05 The Impact of Humor in Cybersecurity Awareness30:06 Audience Feedback and Social Media Interaction31:54 The Power of Audience Engagement34:49 Navigating Controversy in Comedy37:43 The Art of Timing and Response40:47 Comedy as a Reflection of Life43:44 The Evolution of Comedy and Storytelling49:53 Learning and Growth Through Comedy53:50 Connecting with the Audience

    57 min

About

Security by Default is a cybersecurity podcast hosted by Joseph Carson, a renowned ethical hacker and security expert. Each episode dives into the latest security trends, real-world threats, and practical advice for staying safe in the digital world. With insightful interviews and clear explanations, Joseph makes complex topics accessible for both IT professionals and curious listeners alike.