Shared Security Tom Eston, Scott Wright, Kevin Johnson

In Episode 330 Tom, Scott, and Kevin discuss the new features for iPhones and Android phones designed to warn users about secret trackers, possibly aiding in identifying stalkers. The hosts discuss Apple and Google's collaboration on a technology called DOLT (Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers), aiming to improve user privacy by detecting Bluetooth trackers like Tiles and AirTags. They also highlight the findings from the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), discussing key statistics on company breaches, the average time to remediate vulnerabilities, the rise in ransomware and extortion cases, third-party risks, and the negligible impact of AI on current threats. Additionally, the segment touches on human-related incidents' significant role in breaches. The episode concludes with the announcement of new Shared Security Podcast stickers.

In this first-ever in-person recording of Shared Security, Tom and Kevin, along with special guest Matt Johansen from Reddit, discuss their experience at the RSA conference in San Francisco, including their walk-through of 'enhanced security' and the humorous misunderstanding that ensued. The conversation moves to the ubiquity of AI and machine learning buzzwords at the conference, questioning the genuine impact versus hype, and the saturation of AI claims among vendors. They explore the real-world applications of AI, how it's currently being utilized in cybersecurity, and its potential to assist smaller security teams and raise the 'cybersecurity poverty line.' The discussion also touches on the false positives in AI-driven security tools and the nuanced benefits of AI in improving English proficiency globally, which could indirectly assist cybercriminals.

In episode 328, Tom and Kevin discuss two major cybersecurity and privacy news stories. The first topic covers the FCC issuing fines to major US wireless carriers for sharing users' real-time location data, totaling nearly $200 million. They express surprise and skepticism over the carriers' actions and deliberate on whether the fines would be impactful or merely seen as the cost of doing business. The second topic revolves around Google's announcement that it prevented 2.28 million malicious apps from reaching the Play Store in 2023, marking a significant effort towards enhancing platform security. The discussion includes insights on the effectiveness of Google's policies, the potential need for more transparency, and the broader implications of policy enforcement in the tech industry.

In episode 327 Tom, Scott, and Kevin discuss the findings from Mandiant's M-Trends 2024 report, highlighting a significant rise in traditional vulnerability exploitation by attackers while observing a decline in phishing. Despite phishing's decreased prevalence, it remains the second most popular method for gaining initial network access. Discussions include the impact of high-profile vulnerabilities and the potential reasons behind the shift in cyberattack tactics. The episode also explores the challenges of maintaining online privacy within relationships, especially when one partner prioritizes privacy more than the other. Tips on fostering understanding and cooperation on privacy and security practices within a relationship are also covered.

In this episode Erin Gallagher, cybersecurity awareness lead at Fastly, discusses her journey into the field of security awareness and her unique approach to enhancing cybersecurity within tech companies. Erin shares her unconventional path from a communication major to leading security awareness programs at IBM and a large insurance company, before joining Fastly. She highlights the challenges and strategies of tailoring security training to diverse roles within tech companies, emphasizing the importance of role-based training over traditional methods like phishing simulations. Erin also tackles the critical role of communication skills in security awareness, the need for empathetic engagement with employees, and the importance of demonstrating the value of security awareness programs, especially in uncertain economic times. The episode also touches on Erin's success in engaging with all levels of staff, including executives, and her thoughts on the future of security awareness in the tech industry.

In episode 325, Tom and Kevin discuss a significant backdoor threat that nearly compromised Linux systems globally, stemming from an infiltration into an open-source project called XZ Utils by attackers who gained commit access and inserted a backdoor. The episode further delves into a cybersecurity incident where hackers stole 340,000 social security numbers from a government consulting firm, emphasizing the implications and broader concerns related to data security in government contractors and the inefficacy of response mechanisms. Additionally, the hosts explore the negative influences of marketing in the cybersecurity industry, particularly following significant security breaches.