DISCARDED: Tales From the Threat Research Trenches

Proofpoint
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DISCARDED: Tales from the Threat Research Trenches is a podcast for security practitioners, intelligence analysts, and threat hunters looking to learn more about the threat behaviors and attack patterns. Each episode you’ll hear real world insights from our researchers about the latest trends in malware, threat actors, TTPs, and more.Welcome to DISCARDED

  1. 4D AGO

    TrustConnect RAT: Inside a Vibe-Coded Malware Ecosystem

    Send us fan mail! Hello to all our Cyber Pals! Host Selena Larson and co-host, Tim Kromphardt, chat with Tommy Madjar, Senior Threat Researcher from Proofpoint, to unpack one of the strangest malware investigations of the year: TrustConnect RAT. What started as a seemingly legitimate remote management tool quickly unraveled into a bizarre, fast-evolving ecosystem of “vibe-coded” malware. TrustConnect masqueraded as a polished RMM platform—complete with fake testimonials, inflated customer counts, and even an extended validation (EV) code-signing certificate to appear trustworthy. But beneath the surface? Sloppy AI-generated web panels, exposed administrative pages, and a backend that literally labeled infected machines as “victims.” Tommy walks through how the team discovered the malware, why attackers are increasingly building their own fake RMM platforms instead of abusing legitimate ones, and how the use of EV certificates helped the malware evade detection across security tools.  The conversation also dives into: The explosion of legitimate RMM abuse in cybercrime How AI-assisted “vibe coding” is lowering the barrier to entry for malware development The surprising operational security failures that exposed both the malware author and their customers Connections to past crimeware activity and possible ties to known actors The rapid evolution of the “Connect” malware family, including newly spotted variants How Proofpoint disrupted the operation by working with partners to revoke certificates and take down infrastructure Along the way, the team explores a broader theme: what happens when threat actors move fast with AI—but don’t fully understand security fundamentals?  Resources Mentioned: https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/dont-trustconnect-its-a-rat For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.   Subscribe & Follow: Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

    43 min

  2. FEB 26

    AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: Malware Research in the Age of LLMs

    Send us fan mail! Hello to all our Cyber Pals! Host Selena Larson and co-host, Sarah Sabotka, chat with Kyle Cucci, and Dr. Chris Wakelin, Threat Researchers from Proofpoint. They unpack how artificial intelligence is shaping modern malware analysis and detection workflows.  The conversation explores how large language models are already embedded in day-to-day security operations—from accelerating rule creation and tooling development to helping analysts quickly interpret complex malware behavior. Drawing on real-world examples from the team’s work, the episode highlights both the promise and the limitations of AI in cybersecurity. Chris and Kyle share how AI can streamline tedious reverse-engineering tasks, compare malware variants, and surface insights faster—while emphasizing the ongoing need for expert validation, thoughtful prompting, and a human-in-the-loop approach to ensure accuracy and reliability. We also discuss: Practical ways AI is used today to support malware reverse engineering and detection development Prompting strategies that help reduce hallucinations and improve analysis outcomes The role of MCP (model context protocol) and emerging agentic AI concepts in security tooling Indicators and characteristics of AI-assisted malware development Real-world examples of prompt injection attempts within malicious code Whether AI-generated malware meaningfully changes defender workflows or primarily increases speed and scale How defenders and threat actors alike are leveraging the same AI capabilities across the threat landscapeUltimately, this episode offers a balanced look at AI’s growing influence in cybersecurity—showing how intelligent tools can amplify analyst effectiveness while reinforcing that expertise and critical thinking remain central to effective malware defense.

    50 min

  3. FEB 10

    Snowball Learning: Getting Real About Cybersecurity Training

    Send us fan mail! Hello to all our Cyber Pals! Host Selena Larson and co-host, Sarah Sabotka, chat with Dr. Bob Hausmann, Lead Cognitive Scientist of Human Risk Management at Proofpoint. They have a timely conversation on whether cybersecurity training actually works and what it takes to make it effective. They unpack why traditional annual training and phishing simulations often fall short, and how insights from cognitive psychology can help organizations design awareness programs that truly change behavior. Drawing on Dr. Bob’s recent research, the conversation explores just-in-time nudges, microlearning, and how understanding attention, memory, and emotion can make security guidance more actionable in the moments that matter most. In this episode, they cover: Why once-a-year security training shows little impact on real-world behavior How just-in-time nudges work and where they fit into security awareness programs The role of cognitive load, attention, and repetition in learning and memory How amygdala hijack and emotional manipulation factor into phishing success Why foundational knowledge is critical for nudges to be effective The difference between education-driven nudges and punitive approaches to training Practical ways organizations can design training that fits into everyday workflows This episode offers a research-backed, human-centered look at security awareness—showing why better outcomes depend less on blaming users and more on designing training that works with the brain, not against it. Resources Mentioned: https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/security-awareness-training/cybersecurity-nudges-cautionary-tale For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.   Subscribe & Follow: Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

    42 min

  4. JAN 29

    Emerging Threats in 2026: Inside Proofpoint’s Detection Playbook

    Send us fan mail! Hello to all our Cyber Pals! Host Selena Larson and co-host, Tim Kromphardt, chat with Rich Gonzalez, Director of Emerging Threats at Proofpoint, to kick off 2026 with a behind-the-scenes look at how emerging threats are detected, tracked, and turned into real-world protections for defenders. They explore what it really takes to keep pace with an always-on threat landscape, from rapid response to newly released proof-of-concepts, to why certain vulnerabilities like Log4j continue to dominate attacker activity years later. The conversation also digs into alert fatigue, the realities of SOC burnout, and where automation and AI can genuinely help versus where trust, accuracy, and human judgment still matter most. In this episode, they cover: How Proofpoint’s Emerging Threats team monitors global attacker behavior and delivers fast, high-confidence detectionsWhat happens behind the scenes when a proof-of-concept drops (especially during holidays)Why some CVEs remain “evergreen” targets and never truly go awayThe balance between speed and accuracy in rule writing without overwhelming SOC teamsWhere AI and machine learning are being used today to reduce tedious work and improve triageThe risks of over-automation, hallucinations, and untrusted intelligence in security workflowsWhat’s coming in 2026, including more frequent rule releases and more detection coverage This episode offers a candid, practitioner-driven view of modern threat detection—highlighting why adaptability, transparency, and human expertise remain essential as defenders head into 2026.

    45 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    Operation EndOfYear: New Malware, Popular Tactics, and Where AI Is Taking Us

    Send us fan mail! Hello to all our Cyber Elves! Host Selena Larson chats with Daniel Blackford, Vice President of Threat Research at Proofpoint, for an end-of-year look at how the cyber threat landscape evolved—and what defenders should be preparing for in 2026. They reflect on how the second half of 2025 brought meaningful shifts in attacker behavior, with familiar techniques becoming more professionalized and new malware emerging alongside identity-focused attacks. The conversation also explores why attribution is getting harder, how law enforcement disruptions are reshaping cybercrime ecosystems, and where AI is genuinely helping defenders versus introducing new risks. In this episode, they cover: How attacker tactics “proliferated” in 2025 rather than fully reinvented The return of new malware families alongside loaders and backdoors Why identity, social engineering, and legitimate tools (RMMs, device code phishing) remain top attack vectors The real-world impact of law enforcement takedowns like Operation Endgame How shared tooling and services are blurring attribution across threat actors Practical, no-hype perspectives on AI, machine learning, and defender workflows What organizations should focus on now to stay resilient in 2026 This episode offers a grounded, experience-driven perspective on what actually mattered in 2025—and why strong fundamentals, layered defenses, and adaptability remain the best preparation for whatever comes next. Resources Mentioned: https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/remote-access-real-cargo-cybercriminals-targeting-trucking-and-logistics https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/operation-endgame-quakes-rhadamanthys https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/security-brief-venomrat-defanged https://assets.recordedfuture.com/insikt-report-pdfs/2025/cta-ru-2025-1022.pdf https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/lee_2025_ai_critical_thinking_survey.pdf For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.   Subscribe & Follow: Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

    57 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Ho-Ho-Hold Up—Is That Message Real? Bad Santas Are Sending Seasonal Scams

    Send us fan mail! Happy Holidays to all our Cyber Pals! Host Selena Larson, and co-guest ho-ho-ho hosts, Tim Kromphardt & Sarah Sabotka unwrap the surprising (and sometimes clever) ways cybercriminals use seasonal themes to trick both consumers and enterprises. From fake party invites and too-good-to-be-true discounts to holiday-flavored malware and RMM delivery, the team breaks down how threat actors capitalize on increased spending, lower vigilance, and year-end business pressure. They share real examples—like “free Christmas tree” scams, fake travel itineraries, smishing campaigns, and even malware hidden behind a Christmas caroling invitation. You’ll also hear: 🎁 Why holiday-themed lures work so well 🎁 How scammers tailor their tactics to shifting consumer behavior  🎁 The rise of SMS scams, malvertising, and SEO-poisoned shopping searches  🎁 What enterprises should watch for as employees mix work and personal activity  🎁 Why energy drinks are (shockingly) a hot commodity in cargo theft schemes  🎁 Practical tips to stay safe—whether you’re holiday shopping or closing year-end invoices Before you head off for vacation, join us for a fun, insightful, and very festive breakdown of the seasonal threats that might be landing under your digital tree this year. For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website. Subscribe & Follow: Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

    34 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    From Toasters to Botnets: Securing Everyday IoT

    Send us fan mail! Hello to all our Cyber Squirrels! Host Selena Larson, and guest host, Tim Kromphardt sit down with Tony Robinson — Senior Security Research Engineer and “rule magician” from Proofpoint’s Emerging Threats team. Tony shares the story behind IoT Hunter, an open-source tool he created to automate writing detection rules for Internet of Things (IoT) vulnerabilities. From routers and smart cameras to industrial control systems, Tony breaks down how IoT Hunter helps researchers and defenders cover hundreds of CVEs — from long-forgotten exploits to newly discovered zero-days. The trio dives into: Why IoT devices remain a major attack vector for threat actors and botnets What kinds of vulnerabilities IoT Hunter detects (and how it’s not AI) The surprising persistence of outdated frameworks like Boa HTTPd Real-world examples of IoT exploitation — from ransomware via smart cameras to botnets made of toasters Practical steps anyone can take to secure home and small business devices This episode uncovers the risks and realities behind our increasingly connected world — and how automation and community collaboration are helping defenders keep up. Resources Mentioned: community.emergingthreats.net https://community.emergingthreats.net/t/iot-hunter-public-release/3024 https://community.emergingthreats.net/t/cybersecurity-awareness-month-iot-and-soho-devices/3095 For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.   Subscribe & Follow: Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

    38 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    Elect More Hackers: Tech Skills for Real-World Change

    Send us fan mail! Hello to all our Cyber Squirrels! Can hackers make great public servants?  Host Selena Larson, and co-guest hosts, Sarah Sabotka and Tim Kromphardt sit down with Andrew Brandt, Founder and Executive Director of Elect More Hackers — a nonprofit on a mission to get more cybersecurity and tech-minded thinkers into elected office. Together, they explore how hackers and technologists can bring their problem-solving mindset into civic life — from teaching digital safety at local libraries to advising lawmakers on cyber hygiene, data privacy, and AI policy. Andrew unpacks why infosec professionals are uniquely equipped to tackle systemic issues like the “enshittification” of online platforms, the right-to-repair movement, and the privacy nightmare of “smart” cars. The conversation dives into the surprising cybersecurity gaps in government, how social engineering and lobbying overlap, and why civic engagement shouldn’t stop at voting. You’ll also hear how even small acts — like community outreach or helping shape local school tech policies — can lead to smarter, safer public systems. Whether you’re a hacker or a policy nerd this episode will inspire you to plug in locally, build trust, and maybe even run for office yourself. 🎙️ Tune in to learn: Why hackers and technologists make great problem-solvers in politics How policies like right-to-repair and data privacy affect everyone Practical ways cybersecurity professionals can engage civically — even without running for office Think civic engagement isn’t for you? Think again — this conversation shows how even small actions from tech-minded thinkers can create big change. Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Learn more: electmorehackers.com For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.   Subscribe & Follow: Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

    55 min
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About

DISCARDED: Tales from the Threat Research Trenches is a podcast for security practitioners, intelligence analysts, and threat hunters looking to learn more about the threat behaviors and attack patterns. Each episode you’ll hear real world insights from our researchers about the latest trends in malware, threat actors, TTPs, and more.Welcome to DISCARDED

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