DTF Cyber Podcast

Cyber Podcast

Damian, Troy, and Fern break down the week’s biggest hacks, breaches, and zero-days with zero corporate filter. Expect strong opinions, dark humor, and actionable intel from three pros who’ve been in the trenches. New episodes drop when the news is too wild to ignore.

  1. 8 Ways to Jumpstart Your Cybersecurity Career in 2026 | #DTF032

    6D AGO

    8 Ways to Jumpstart Your Cybersecurity Career in 2026 | #DTF032

    2026 is here, and the cybersecurity job market is evolving. Whether you are trying to break into the industry or land your next senior role, the playbook has changed. In this episode of the DTF Cyber Podcast, Fern and Troy are joined by Gary Perkins (CISO at CISO Global) to break down 8 actionable steps you can take right now to jumpstart your career. From building public red team projects to mastering new attack toolchains like the Flipper Zero, we cover the technical and soft skills that hiring managers actually look for. We also dive into why networking is your #1 asset, how to contribute to open source projects, and why "learning to script" is non-negotiable for modern security pros. 🚀 In this episode, we cover: Why you need a public GitHub portfolio (even if you aren't a dev). How to legally perform "hunts" in your current job to gain experience. The difference between "scripting" and "developing" and why Python/Bash helps. Why reading non-cyber books can actually make you a better CISO. 👇 Jump to the 8 Career Hacks: 00:00:00 - Intro: Welcome back to 2026! 00:01:02 - Meet Gary Perkins, CISO at CISO Global 00:07:43 - #1: Build One Public Red Team Project Quarterly 00:14:00 - #2: Master a New Attack Toolchain (Flipper Zero, Bloodhound, etc.) 00:21:16 - #3: Contribute to Open Source Security Projects 00:29:16 - #4: Perform a Weekly Hunt in a Real Environment 00:43:35 - #5: Learn to Script Your Own Tools (Python & Bash) 00:51:18 - #6: Network Like Your Career Depends On It 01:02:17 - #7: Read a Non-Cyber Book (The Phoenix Project, Leaders Eat Last) 01:07:42 - #8: Teach Something Publicly 01:16:20 - Bonus Resource: The Threat Intelligence Support Unit (TISU) Cohort 📚 Resources & Mentions: Book: The Phoenix Project Book: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek Organization: Threat Intelligence Support Unit (TISU) - Free Cybersecurity Cohort https://www.eventcreate.com/e/tisu8 Connect with the Guest: Gary Perkins (CISO Global) https://www.linkedin.com/in/perkinsgary/ Subscribe for more no-nonsense cyber insights! #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #CareerAdvice #RedTeam #BlueTeam #CISO #TechCareers #2026 http://cyberpodcast.net Spotify: http://spotify.cyberpodcast.net Apple: http://apple.cyberpodcast.net X: https://x.com/dtfcyberpodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/dtfcyberpodcast/ Linkedin: DTF: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dtf-cyber-podcast/ Damian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianchung/ Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosovotroy/ Fern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernrojasaz/ Business Inquiries: dtf at cyberpodcast dot net Everything here is our personal hot takes — not our employers, not the vendors we roast, not legal advice. Just three idiots with mics trying to keep you from getting pwned.

    1h 18m
  2. 2026 Cyber Predictions: AI Agents, Record Ransomware & Deepfake Disasters | DTF#031

    12/24/2025

    2026 Cyber Predictions: AI Agents, Record Ransomware & Deepfake Disasters | DTF#031

    Is 2026 the year AI takes over everything—including the crimes? 🤖💸 In the final episode of 2025, Damian and Troy break down their Top 8 Cyber Predictions for 2026. From AI agents executing 90% of breaches to ransomware payouts potentially hitting half a billion dollars, the future of cybersecurity is moving fast. We also discuss the "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" threat, why your LinkedIn profile picture might already be a lie, and the new $150k entry-level salary standard. Plus, we’re ending the year with a GIVEAWAY! 🎁 Drop your 2026 prediction in the comments—for every 10 predictions we receive, we’re picking a winner for some exclusive (and secret) DTF Cyber swag. In this episode, we cover: Why AI agents (not humans) will be behind 9 out of 10 breaches. The terrifying potential for a $500M ransomware payout. How deepfakes will finally cause a major real-world crisis. "AI Laundering": The new frontier for cleaning dirty crypto. Why entry-level cyber jobs are hitting $150k salaries (and the catch). 🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered cybersecurity insights! ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Intro: Did AI change the world in 2025? 01:58 – Prediction #1: 90% of breaches will be executed by AI Agents. 07:40 – Prediction #2: Ransomware payouts will break records ($500M?!). 15:15 – Prediction #3: Identity becomes the central pillar (Passkeys backfire?). 20:00 – Prediction #4: A deepfake event will hit major global news. 24:45 – Prediction #5: "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" goes mainstream. 28:40 – Prediction #6: Mandatory AI Agent audits for federal contractors. 32:30 – Prediction #7: "AI Laundering" becomes the new money laundering. 38:15 – Prediction #8: Entry-level AI Cyber jobs will start at $150k. 45:00 – Bonus Prediction: The consolidation of massive data analytics. 47:00 – GIVEAWAY DETAILS: How to win exclusive swag! #CyberSecurity #AIPredictions #Ransomware #Deepfakes #TechTrends2026 #InfoSec #Podcast #DTFCyber #AI

    49 min
  3. The Ultimate Cybersecurity Gift Guide (Under $100, $200 & Unlimited) #DTF030

    12/17/2025

    The Ultimate Cybersecurity Gift Guide (Under $100, $200 & Unlimited) #DTF030

    The 2025 Cyber Christmas List That Actually Gets You Hired Happy holidays, nerds! Your mom just spent $79 on a “hacker hoodie” that says “Trust Me” in Comic Sans… …while real juniors are out here making six figures with a $29 Yubikey and a Raspberry Pi. In Episode 30, Damian, Troy & Fern save your Christmas with the only cyber gifts worth buying in 2025: • Under $50 stocking stuffers that turn into paychecks • $50–$150 tools that get you interviews • $150–$300 big wins that scream “I’m serious” • Free gifts that slap harder than anything paid • And the absolute coal you should burn before anyone unwraps it Timestamps 00:00 Intro: The "Hacker Hoodie" 01:37 Why "Hacker" Clothing is Bad OpSec 06:01 The Worst Gifts: "Hacking for Dummies" 08:59 Beware of Knockoff Tools & Malware 12:15 Danger: Pre-loaded Hacking USBs 13:49 Best Gifts Under $100 14:00 Book Rec: The Hardware Hacker 14:20 YubiKeys for MFA 16:21 Lockpicking Sets & Physical Pen Testing 21:42 USB Rubber Ducky 23:25 USB Data Blockers (Juice Jacking Protection) 25:05 RFID Blocking Wallets 28:06 Raspberry Pi Projects (Honeypots & VPNs) 28:45 Best Gifts $100 - $200 30:30 Packet Squirrel: Man-in-the-Middle Attacks 34:20 Flipper Zero: Radio Frequencies & Rolling Codes 39:34 Certifications: Security+ & Network+ 44:24 Cloud Credits & AI Subscriptions 46:26 Unlimited Budget Gifts 47:25 Black Hat & DefCon Tickets 48:14 Mac vs. Windows vs. Linux for Hacking 51:53 Giveaway: The "Hacker" Hoodie 57:58 Holiday Security Warning Giveaway: Comment your dream (or worst) cyber gift — we’ll randomly pick one subscriber for a genuine “hacker” hoodie (minimum 10 comments). Everything here is our personal hot takes — not our employers, not legal advice. Just three idiots with mics trying to keep you from bad gifts. — Damian, Troy & Fern DTF Cyber Podcast #CyberGifts #Christmas2025 #CyberSecurity #Infosec #Career http://cyberpodcast.net Spotify: http://spotify.cyberpodcast.net Apple: http://apple.cyberpodcast.net X: https://x.com/dtfcyberpodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/dtfcyberpodcast/ Linkedin: DTF: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dtf-cyber-podcast/ Damian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianchung/ Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosovotroy/ Fern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernrojasaz/ Business Inquiries: dtf at cyberpodcast dot net Everything here is our personal hot takes — not our employers, not the vendors we roast, not legal advice. Just three idiots with mics trying to keep you from getting pwned.

    59 min
  4. Your Google Account Just Got Hacked – And You Didn’t Click Anything

    12/09/2025

    Your Google Account Just Got Hacked – And You Didn’t Click Anything

    2.5 billion daily account-takeover attempts. That’s one every 34 microseconds. Damian, Troy & Fern go full send-it mode on the 2025 ATO playbook: SIM swaps, session-token theft, MFA fatigue bombing, rogue QR codes, deep-fake family scams, and the OAuth tokens you granted in 2017 that are still wide open. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 05:20 – SIM swaps & losing your phone number in minutes 09:40 – Why password resets are useless (session tokens survive) 14:20 – MFA fatigue / push-notification bombing 19:10 – OAuth & old third-party app tokens nobody revokes 24:30 – Rogue QR codes at restaurants & hotels 30:15 – Enterprise reality – weekly O365 token theft 37:40 – Non-human identities & service-account sprawl 44:50 – Passkeys in 2026 – will increase ATO risk if misconfigured 51:00 – Public Wi-Fi, juice jacking & QR code myths 58:00 – Closing thoughts Discord (coming soon) #AccountTakeover #SIMSwap #MFAFatigue #CyberSecurity #Infosec #ZeroTrust https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/scam-alert/grandparent-scams-get-more-sophisticated https://newsroom.servicenow.com/press-releases/details/2025/ServiceNow-to-Expand-Security-Portfolio-With-Acquisition-of-Vezas-Leading-AI-native-Identity-Security-Platform/default.aspx https://thehackernews.com/2025/04/customer-account-takeovers-multi.html https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/identity-threat-detection-and-response-itdr http://cyberpodcast.net Spotify: http://spotify.cyberpodcast.net Apple: http://apple.cyberpodcast.net X: https://x.com/dtfcyberpodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/dtfcyberpodcast/ Linkedin: DTF: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dtf-cyber-podcast/ Damian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianchung/ Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosovotroy/ Fern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernrojasaz/ Business Inquiries: dtf at cyberpodcast dot net Everything here is our personal hot takes — not our employers, not the vendors we roast, not legal advice. Just three idiots with mics trying to keep you from getting pwned.

    1h 4m
  5. AI Just Hacked the World With Almost No Humans Involved

    11/27/2025

    AI Just Hacked the World With Almost No Humans Involved

    Anthropic’s new report is a wake-up call: hackers turned Claude into a near-autonomous espionage agent that handled 90% of the attack chain by itself. The future is officially here… and it’s terrifying. We go deep on how they did it, why current defenses are cooked, and what defenders need to do yesterday. Timestamps 00:00 – The scariest line Anthropic has ever published 01:17 – “Set it and forget it” – the new AI attack paradigm 04:04 – Breaking attacks into tiny, undetectable chunks 13:48 – Attackers flipped the script: 90% AI, 10% human 17:26 – Why defense has to 10x its speed right now 27:11 – SOC automation, log nightmares & the data problem nobody’s solved 33:18 – Thousands of API calls/sec + AI writing its own evasion logic 40:31 – Regulation debate: should frontier models be locked down? 51:38 – Back to basics… but the basics just changed forever 55:21 – Raw reactions: “Is this even real?” 58:09 – The silver lining (yes, there is one) 01:03:13 – When’s the next one coming? Like if this freaked you out, comment your biggest fear for 2026, and smash subscribe — the AI cyber war just started. #AICyberAttack #ClaudeAI #Cybersecurity #AgenticAI # infosec http://cyberpodcast.net Spotify: http://spotify.cyberpodcast.net Apple: http://apple.cyberpodcast.net X: https://x.com/dtfcyberpodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/dtfcyberpodcast/ Linkedin: DTF: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dtf-cyber-podcast/ Damian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianchung/ Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosovotroy/ Fern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernrojasaz/ Business Inquiries: dtf at cyberpodcast dot net

    1h 3m
  6. 60+ Cybersecurity Tools Per Company: Fix Tool Sprawl Chaos Now

    11/17/2025

    60+ Cybersecurity Tools Per Company: Fix Tool Sprawl Chaos Now

    The average company now runs 60+ cybersecurity tools — more apps than most people have on their phone. Is this making us safer… or just creating chaos, alert fatigue, and million-dollar shelf ware? In this episode, Damian, Troy, and Fern rip apart the tool sprawl epidemic: why CISOs are drowning in overlapping platforms, how 7% of IT budget became the “standard,” when best-of-breed actually beats single-vendor, and how to start consolidating before you go insane. Real talk from three practitioners who’ve lived the nightmare. Timestamps (short & sweet edition) 00:00 – 60+ tools per company… are we actually safer? 03:17 – The 7% of IT budget “rule” – is it enough? 06:21 – Cybersecurity isn’t insurance, it’s risk mitigation 11:05 – Shelfware nightmare: tools bought, never used 14:30 – Single-vendor vs best-of-breed debate 28:40 – The shiny new toy problem every CISO faces 36:20 – Analyst alert fatigue is real 40:05 – Best-of-breed wins when tools actually talk 47:36 – You need a 3–5 year roadmap (even if you won’t be there) 49:02 – AI wasn’t on anyone’s 5-year plan… now what? 51:09 – Pro tips for CISOs & analysts 54:35 – Wrap-up & see you next week! Subscribe so you never miss the raw truth about cybersecurity. 🔔 Turn on notifications – new episode every Monday! 💬 Comment: How many security tools does YOUR org actually use? #Cybersecurity #ToolSprawl #CybersecurityTools #CISO #BestOfBreed #SecurityConsolidation #DTFCyberPodcast Linkedin: Damian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianchung/ Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosovotroy/ Fern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernrojasaz/ Business Inquiries: dtf at cyberpodcast dot net

    54 min
  7. CEO Teams Scam EXPOSED: $106M Louvre Heist Used Password ‘louvre’

    11/10/2025

    CEO Teams Scam EXPOSED: $106M Louvre Heist Used Password ‘louvre’

    In this eye-opening episode of the DTF Cyber Podcast, hosts Damian, Troy, and Fern tackle the theme of trust in cybersecurity. From external hackers spoofing CEOs in Microsoft Teams to incident response firms secretly double-dipping in ransomware negotiations, and a shocking $106M heist at the Louvre enabled by the password “louvre,” the crew explores real-world threats and defenses. Plus, tips on security training, OSINT risks, mental health in cyber, and protecting against title fraud. Whether you’re in security or just curious, this episode reminds us: trust but verify—or pay the price. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Microsoft Teams Spoofing Vulnerability Exposed 04:30 – Process Over Tech: Training for Wire Fraud & Deepfakes 08:00 – Data & Identity: Top CISO Concerns 15:32 – CEO Outreach? Double-Check the Source 17:31 – Gamified Training: Making Awareness Stick 20:06 – Why Annual Training Fails—Go Quarterly 26:34 – Instincts Matter: If It Feels Off, Verify 28:18 – IR Brokers Gone Rogue: Representing Both Sides 39:49 – Vetting Vendors & Diversifying Suppliers 42:31 – White-Collar Crime Triggers & Mental Health Support 46:04 – If There’s Money, Expect Cheaters 47:28 – The Louvre Heist: Bucket Trucks & Weak Passwords 50:06 – Camera Password “Louvre” Since 2014 52:10 – Complacency Kills: Beyond Default Passwords 01:07:13 – Title Fraud Scams: Lock Your House & Car Titles 01:10:05 – AI-Fueled Fraud in the Digital Age 01:12:35 – Threat Spectrum: External to Insider Risks 01:15:11 – Pro Tip: Ask a Security Expert—Don’t Guess Subscribe for unfiltered cyber insights every week. 🔔 Enable notifications—don’t miss an episode! 💬 Comment below: Ever spot a spoofed message in Teams? Share your story! #Cybersecurity #DTFCyberPodcast #MicrosoftTeams #Ransomware #LouvreHeist #TrustButVerify #InsiderThreats #SecurityTraining Articles: https://thehackernews.com/2025/11/microsoft-teams-bugs-let-attackers.html https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/11/fbi-arrests-ransomware-clean-up-experts-for-planting-ransomware/?utm_campaign=dhtwitter&utm_content=%3Cmedia_url%3E&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter https://cybernews.com/news/louvre-password-heist/ Linkedin: Damian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianchung/ Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosovotroy/ Fern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernrojasaz/ Business Inquiries: dtf at cyberpodcast dot net

    1h 16m
  8. Do You Need Cybersecurity Certs for a 6-Figure Job? #DTF025

    11/03/2025

    Do You Need Cybersecurity Certs for a 6-Figure Job? #DTF025

    Dive into the wild world of cybersecurity certifications on this episode of the DTF Cyber Podcast! Hosts Damien, Troy, and Fern break down whether certs are the golden ticket to a six-figure cyber career, or if passion, experience, and networking matter more. From entry-level tips like CompTIA Security+ to gold standards like CISSP, they share real talk on getting hired, avoiding burnout, and building a standout resume in today's tough job market. Perfect for newbies, mid-career pros, or anyone pivoting into cyber. 🔥 Key Topics: Do you really need certs to break into cyber? Best beginner certs vs. advanced ones The power of home labs, side projects, and networking Avoiding the "cert collector" trap Mid-career advice for layoffs and upskilling 🚀 Subscribe for more raw cyber insights, hit the bell for notifications, and drop your cert stories in the comments! Email us at dtf@cyberpodcast.net or connect on LinkedIn. Timestamps: 00:00 - From data breaches to six-figure hacker-hunter dreams 03:15 - Fern's confession 06:24 - Continuing education like doctors – Do you need certs to start? 08:03 - No "one cert" guarantees a job – Stand out with initiative 11:08 - Chasing money vs. passion: Burnout risks in cyber 15:35 - "Love your job, never work a day" – Finding your cyber niche 18:19 - New grads: Focus on certs, experience, or networking first? 19:29 - Damien's hiring advice: Internships over Ivy League degrees 22:31 - Entry-level picks: CompTIA Security+, CEH – Show initiative 23:28 - Home labs & side projects: Build and talk about them! 29:33 - Python scripting: The invaluable skill that lands big roles 32:31 - Mid-career: CISSP for screening, but tailor to your path 36:15 - Avoid silos: Broaden skills in big vs. small companies 38:35 - SANS certs: Pricey but powerful 40:14 - Retention: Invest in training, build culture 46:36 - Beat AI resume scanners: Network to bypass bots 50:21 - Salary expectations & red flags in job apps 53:23 - Late-career: Network trumps certs 54:04 - Final tips: Local meetups, be bold, ask for what you want 58:05 - Pro networking hack: 59:27 - Magic tricks as icebreakers? #Cybersecurity #Certs #CISSP #SecurityPlus #CyberCareer #DTFPodcast Linkedin: Damian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianchung/ Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosovotroy/ Fern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernrojasaz/ Business Inquiries: dtf at cyberpodcast dot net

    1h 2m

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About

Damian, Troy, and Fern break down the week’s biggest hacks, breaches, and zero-days with zero corporate filter. Expect strong opinions, dark humor, and actionable intel from three pros who’ve been in the trenches. New episodes drop when the news is too wild to ignore.