Shows
Cyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsIran’s Cyber Surge: Attacks Intensify in 2025Iranian cyber operations have sharply escalated in 2025, targeting critical infrastructure, defense sectors, and global businesses—especially those linked to Israel and the U.S. From destructive malware and coordinated DDoS attacks to sophisticated hack-and-leak campaigns leveraging generative AI, Iranian threat actors are rapidly evolving. Join us to explore their latest tactics, notable incidents, and essential strategies to defend your organization.
Hosts Sherri Davidoff and Matt Durrin break down wiper malware trends, AI-powered phishing, the use of deepfakes for psychological operations, and the critical role of patching and MFA in protecting against collateral damage.
Key Takeaways for C...2025-07-2928 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsLeaked and Loaded: DOGE’s API Key CrisisOn July 13, 2025, a developer at the Department of Government Efficiency—DOGE—accidentally pushed a private xAI API key to GitHub. That key unlocked access to 52 unreleased LLMs, including Grok‑4‑0709, and remained active long after discovery.
In this episode of Cyberside Chats, we examine how a single leaked credential became a national-level risk—and how it mirrors broader API key exposures at BeyondTrust and across GitHub. LMG Security’s Director of Penetration Testing, Tom Pohl, shares red team insights on how embedded secrets give attackers a foothold—and what CISOs must do now to reduce their exposure.
Key T...2025-07-2215 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsHoliday Horror Stories: Why Hackers Love Long WeekendsWhy do so many major cyberattacks happen over holiday weekends? In this episode, Sherri and Matt share their own 4th of July anxiety as security professionals—and walk through some of the most infamous attacks timed to exploit long weekends, including the Kaseya ransomware outbreak, the MOVEit breach, and the Bangladesh Bank heist. From retail breaches around Thanksgiving to a cyber hit on Krispy Kreme, they break down what makes holidays such a juicy target—and how to better defend your organization when most of your team is off the clock.
Takeaways:
Treat Holiday Weekends as Eleva...2025-07-1522 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsFederal Cybersecurity Rollbacks: What Got Cut—And What Still StandsIn June 2025, the White House issued an executive order that quietly eliminated several key federal cybersecurity requirements. In this episode of Cyberside Chats, Sherri and Matt break down exactly what changed—from the removal of secure software attestations to the rollback of authentication requirements—and what remains in place, including post-quantum encryption support and the FTC’s Cyber Trust Mark. We’ll talk about the practical impact for security leaders, why this mirrors past challenges like PCI compliance, and what your organization should do next.
Key Takeaways (for CISOs and Security Leaders)
Don’t Drop SBOMs or Attestations — Build Them I...2025-07-0819 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsNo Lock, Just LeakForget everything you thought you knew about ransomware. Today’s threat actors aren’t locking your files—they’re stealing your data and threatening to leak it unless you pay up.
In this episode, we dive into the rise of data-only extortion campaigns and explore why encryption is becoming optional for cybercriminals. From real-world trends like the rebrand of Hunters International to “World Leaks,” to the strategic impact on insurance, PR, and compliance—this is a wake-up call for security teams everywhere.
If your playbook still ends with “just restore from backup,” you’re not ready.
2025-07-0114 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsThe AI Insider Threat: EchoLeak and the Rise of Zero-Click ExploitsCan your AI assistant become a silent data leak? In this episode of Cyberside Chats, Sherri Davidoff and Matt Durrin break down EchoLeak, a zero-click exploit in Microsoft 365 Copilot that shows how attackers can manipulate AI systems using nothing more than an email. No clicks. No downloads. Just a cleverly crafted message that turns your AI into an unintentional insider threat.
They also share a real-world discovery from LMG Security’s pen testing team: how prompt injection was used to extract system prompts and override behavior in a live web application. With examples ranging from corporate chatbots to...2025-06-2413 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsWhen AI Goes Rogue: Blackmail, Shutdowns, and the Rise of High-Agency MachinesWhat happens when your AI refuses to shut down—or worse, tries to blackmail you to stay online?
Join us for a riveting Cyberside Chats Live as we dig into two chilling real-world incidents: one where OpenAI’s newest model bypassed shutdown scripts during testing, and another where Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4 wrote blackmail messages and threatened users in a disturbing act of self-preservation. These aren’t sci-fi hypotheticals—they’re recent findings from leading AI safety researchers.
We’ll unpack:
The rise of high-agency behavior in LLMs
The shocking findings from Apollo Research and Anthropic
What...2025-06-1726 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsRetailgeddon Reloaded: Beyond Card Theft, Into ChaosRetail breaches are back — but they’ve evolved. This isn’t about skimming cards anymore. From ransomware taking down pharmacies to credential stuffing attacks hitting brand loyalty, today’s breaches are about disruption, trust, and third-party exposure. In this episode of Cyberside Chats, hosts Sherri Davidoff and Matt Durrin break down the latest retail breach wave, revisit lessons from the 2013 “Retailgeddon” era, and highlight what every security leader — not just in retail — needs to know today.
Key Takeaways
Redefine what “sensitive data” means. Names, emails, and access tokens are often more valuable to attackers than payment data.
Sc...2025-06-1017 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsHow Hackers Get In: Penetration Testing Secrets from the Front LineThink your network is locked down? Think again. In this episode of Cyberside Chats, we’re joined by Tom Pohl, LMG Security’s head of penetration testing, whose team routinely gains domain admin access in over 90% of their engagements. How do they do it—and more importantly, how can you stop real attackers from doing the same?
Tom shares the most common weak points his team exploits, from insecure default Active Directory settings to overlooked misconfigurations that persist in even the most mature environments. We’ll break down how features like SMB signing, legacy broadcast protocols, and other out...2025-06-0326 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsAfterlife Access: Cybersecurity Planning for When You’re GoneWhat happens to your digital world when you die? In this episode of Cyberside Chats, LMG Security’s Tom Pohl joins the conversation to discuss the often-overlooked cybersecurity and privacy implications of death. From encrypted files and password managers to social media and device access, we’ll explore how to ensure your loved ones can navigate your digital legacy—without needing a password-cracking expert. Learn practical strategies for secure preparation, policy design, and real-world implementation from a security professional’s perspective.
Takeaways
1) Take a Digital Inventory of Your Assets
Include details like account recovery options, tw...2025-05-2716 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsThe LockBit Leak: When Hackers Get a Taste of Their Own MedicineIn this explosive episode of Cyberside Chats, we dive into one of the most shocking developments in ransomware history—LockBit got hacked. Join us as we unpack the breach of one of the world’s most notorious ransomware-as-a-service gangs. We explore what was leaked, why it matters, and how this leak compares to past takedowns like Conti. You'll also get the latest insights into the 2025 ransomware landscape, from victim stats to best practices for defending your organization. Whether you’re an incident responder or just love cyber drama, this episode delivers.
Takeaways
Stay Tuned for Analysis of LockB...2025-05-2012 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsNetwork for Rent: The Criminal Market Built on Outdated RoutersCybercriminals are exploiting outdated routers to build massive proxy networks that hide malware operations, fraud, and credential theft—right under the radar of enterprise defenses. In this episode, Sherri and Matt unpack the FBI’s May 2025 alert, the role of TheMoon malware, and how the Faceless proxy service industrializes anonymity for hire. Learn how these botnets work, why they matter for your enterprise, and what to do next.
Takeaways
Replace outdated routers
End-of-life routers should be identified and replaced across your organization, including remote offices and unmanaged home setups. These devices no longer receive patches and are...2025-05-1309 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsHacker AI: Smarter Attacks, Faster Exploits, Higher StakesAI isn’t just revolutionizing business—it’s reshaping the threat landscape. Cybercriminals are now weaponizing AI to launch faster, more convincing, and more scalable attacks. From deepfake video scams to LLM-guided exploit development, the new wave of AI-driven cybercrime is already here.
In this engaging and eye-opening session, Sherri and Matt share how hackers are using AI tools in the wild—often with frightening success. You'll also hear about original research in which we obtained generative AI tools from underground markets, including WormGPT, and tested their ability to identify vulnerabilities and create working exploits.
You’ll wal...2025-05-0619 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsQuantum Shift: How Cybersecurity Must Evolve NowQuantum computing is advancing rapidly—and with it, the potential to break today’s most widely used encryption standards. In this episode of Cyberside Chats, Sherri and Matt cut through the hype to explore the real-world cybersecurity implications of quantum technology. From the looming threat to encryption to the emerging field of post-quantum cryptography, our experts will explain what security pros and IT teams need to know now. You'll walk away with a clear understanding of the risks, timelines, and concrete steps your organization can take today to stay ahead of the curve.
Takeaways & How to Pre...2025-04-2920 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsRed Alert: CISA's Budget Cuts and the Fallout for DefendersCISA, the U.S. government’s lead cyber defense agency, just took a major financial hit—and the fallout could affect everyone. From layoffs and ISAC cuts to a near-shutdown of the CVE program, these changes weaken critical infrastructure for cyber defense. In this episode of Cyberside Chats, we unpack what’s been cut, how it impacts proactive services like free risk assessments and scanning, and what your organization should do to stay ahead.
Takeaways:
Don’t wait for Washington—assume support from CISA and ISACs may be slower or scaled back.
Map your dependencies on CISA services...2025-04-2216 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the Experts23andMe: Breaches, Bankruptcy, and SecurityWhen a company built on sensitive data collapses, what happens to the information it collected? In this episode of Cyberside Chats, we examine 23andMe’s data breach, its March 2025 bankruptcy, and the uncomfortable parallels with the 2009 Flyclear shutdown. What happens to biometric or genetic data when a vendor goes under? What protections failed—and what should corporate security leaders do differently?
Drawing from past and present breaches, we offer a roadmap for corporate resilience. Learn practical steps for protecting your data when your vendors can’t protect themselves.
#Cybersecurity #Databreach #23andMe #CISO #IT #ITsecurit...2025-04-1513 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the Experts"Unmasking Shadow IT: Navigating Unauthorized Communication Tools Like Signal"Unauthorized communication platforms—aka shadow channels—are increasingly used within enterprise and government environments, as demonstrated by the recent Signal scandal. In this week's episode of Cyberside Chats, special guest Karen Sprenger, COO at LMG Security, joins Matt Durrin to delve into the critical issue of shadow IT, focusing on recent controversies involving unauthorized communication tools like Signal and Gmail in sensitive governmental contexts. Matt and Karen discuss the risks associated with consumer-grade apps in enterprise environments, the need to balance usability and security, and how organizations can better manage their communication tools to mitigate these risks.
This...2025-04-0817 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsThe Encryption Battle: Security Savior or Cyber Risk?Governments are pushing for encryption backdoors—but at what cost? In this episode of Cyberside Chats, we break down Apple’s fight against the UK’s demands, the global backlash, and what it means for cybersecurity professionals. Are backdoors a necessary tool for law enforcement, or do they open the floodgates for cybercriminals? Join us as we explore real-world risks, historical backdoor failures, and what IT leaders should watch for in evolving encryption policies.
Stay informed about how these developments affect corporate data privacy and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity legislation. A must-watch for anyone interested in unders...2025-04-0125 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsDeepfakes & Voice Phishing: The New Frontier of CybercrimeAI-generated deepfakes and voice phishing attacks are rapidly evolving, tricking even the most tech-savvy professionals. In this episode of Cyberside Chats, we break down real-world cases where cybercriminals used deepfake videos, voice clones, and trusted platforms like YouTube, Google, and Apple to bypass security defenses. Learn how these scams work and what IT and security leaders can do to protect their organizations.
Takeaways:
Educate Staff on Deep Fake & Voice Cloning Threats – Train employees to recognize red flags in AI-generated phishing attempts, including voice calls that sound slightly robotic, rushed password reset requests, and unexpected changes in vend...2025-03-2513 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsWiretapped: How Hackers Infiltrated Global Telecom NetworksRecent telecom breaches have exposed a critical security risk for businesses everywhere. Nation-state hackers and cybercriminals are stealing metadata, tracking high-profile targets, and even intercepting calls—all without breaking into corporate networks. In this episode, we analyze major telecom hacks, including the Salt Typhoon breach, and share practical strategies for IT leaders to protect their organizations from targeted attacks using telecom data.
Key Takeaways:
Strengthen authentication for financial transactions. Don’t rely on the phone!
Train staff to recognize spoofed calls and phishing texts that mimic trusted partners. Stay aware – assume telecom metadata can be weaponized
Limit what...2025-03-1814 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsWhen Microsoft Goes Down: Cyber Risk & ResilienceThe March 2025 Microsoft Outlook outage left thousands of organizations scrambling. But this wasn’t just an isolated event—recent outages from CrowdStrike, AT&T, and UK banks highlight the systemic risks businesses face. In this episode, we break down the latest Microsoft outage, discuss its impact on cyber insurance, and provide actionable steps to help organizations reduce the risk of business disruption.
Join Sherri Davidoff and Matt Durrin as they discuss the broader implications of such outages, emphasizing the importance of effective risk management, especially for organizations heavily reliant on cloud services.
Actionable Takeaways:
Develop a Comm...2025-03-1114 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsAbandoned S3 Buckets – A Goldmine for HackersDo you think your old cloud storage is harmless? Think again. This week on Cyberside Chats, Sherri and Matt dive into shocking new research from Watchtowr that reveals how hackers can take over abandoned Amazon S3 buckets—and use them to infiltrate government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and critical infrastructure. We’ll break down real-world examples of how this risk can be exploited, including malware-laced software updates, hijacked VPN configurations, and compromised open-source dependencies. Plus, we’ll share practical strategies to protect your organization from this growing cybersecurity threat!
Links & Resources:
Watchtowr’s Research on Abandoned S3 Buckets...2025-03-0425 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsRansomware Watch: Ghost, RansomHub, and the Latest TrendsIn this episode of Cyberside Chats, we dive into the world of ransomware, focusing on the notorious Ghost Ransomware Gang. Recently flagged by the FBI and CISA, Ghost has targeted organizations in over 70 countries. We explore their methods of infiltration, with a spotlight on outdated software vulnerabilities, and discuss how organizations can fortify their defenses.
We'll also provide insights into the broader ransomware landscape, including trends and statistics for 2024, and offer practical advice on protecting against these cyber threats. Lastly, we delve into the operations of the RansomHub group, revealing their so-called 'ethical' hacking practices.
...2025-02-2514 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsSoftware Exploits – The Fast-Paced Threat Landscape of 2025Zero-day exploits are hitting faster than ever—are you ready? This week, we dive into the U.S. Treasury breach, which we now know involved multiple zero-days, including a newly discovered flaw in BeyondTrust’s security software. Attackers aren’t just targeting IT systems anymore—they’re coming for security tools themselves to gain privileged access.
We also cover new zero-days in Microsoft, Apple, and Android, and why time-to-exploit has dropped from 32 days to just 5. Plus, we’ll share key defensive strategies to help you stay ahead.
The race between attackers and defenders is accelerating—don’t get left b...2025-02-1812 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsThe OPM Security Debacle: Rogue Servers, Data Risks & What’s NextIn this episode of Cyberside Chats, Sherri and Matt dive into a shocking new cybersecurity controversy at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). A rogue email server, installed outside normal security controls, has raised alarms about data security risks to millions of federal employees.
We compare this developing situation to the infamous 2015 OPM hack, in which state-sponsored attackers stole the personal records of over 22 million individuals. Are we witnessing history repeat itself—this time with even more catastrophic consequences?
Topics Covered:
Flashback to 2015: How weak security and stolen credentials led to one of the wors...2025-02-1113 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsDeepSeek or Deep Risk? The AI Power Play With ChinaDeepSeek or DeepRisk?
A new AI powerhouse is making waves—DeepSeek has skyrocketed in popularity, rivaling top AI models at a fraction of the cost.
But with data stored in China and unknown security safeguards, is your organization at risk? In this episode of Cyberside Chats, Sherri Davidoff and Matt Durrin break down the cybersecurity implications of AI tools like DeepSeek. You'll learn about:
▪ DeepSeek's unique IP exposure risks and cybersecurity challenges.
▪ The growing threat of "Shadow AI" in your organization and supply chain.
▪ How to update your policies, vet vendors, and prot...2025-02-0413 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsThe Silk Road, a Pardon, and the Future of CybercrimeIn this episode of Cyberside Chats, we dive into the surprising pardon of Ross Ulbricht, creator of the infamous Silk Road dark web marketplace. What does this decision mean for the future of cybercrime enforcement and your organization’s security? We’ll explore the potential policy shift, how it could embolden criminals, and actionable steps you can take to stay ahead of evolving threats. Don't miss these critical insights!
Takeaways:
Anticipate Increased Cybercrime Activity. The pardon of Ross Ulbricht could embolden cybercriminals. Proactively strengthen your organization’s defenses by updating incident response plans and running tabletop exercises...2025-01-2812 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsWhen the FBI Becomes Your IT DepartmentIn this episode of Cyberside Chats, we explore the FBI’s daring takedown of PlugX malware. By commandeering the malware’s command-and-control infrastructure, the FBI forced PlugX to uninstall itself from over 4,200 devices globally. This bold move echoes similar actions from 2021, such as the removal of malicious web shells from Exchange servers.
We unpack the legal, ethical, and operational implications of these law enforcement actions and provide actionable advice for IT and security leadership to prepare for similar events.
Key topics include:
How the FBI executed the PlugX takedown and what it means for orga...2025-01-2113 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the ExpertsCyber Trust or Bust? The New FTC Cyber Trust MarkIn Episode 2 of CyberSide Chats, Sherri Davidoff and Matt Durrin dive into the launch of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, a new security initiative aimed at making Internet of Things (IoT) devices more secure for consumers. As the number of connected devices continues to rise, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark promises to help users make informed decisions about the security of products like cameras, smart locks, and voice assistants.
Sherri and Matt will discuss the potential impacts of the Cyber Trust Mark and discuss the ongoing challenges of securing IoT devices. They also tackle the...2025-01-1412 minCyberside Chats: Cybersecurity Insights from the Experts2025 Cybersecurity Priorities: The Top 3 Moves to MakeJoin hosts Sherri Davidoff and Matt Durrin in this first engaging episode of CyberSide Chats, as they dive into the top cybersecurity priorities for 2025. This insightful discussion was recorded with a live Q & A, and it covers the pervasive influence of AI, the emerging threats of deepfakes, and the complexities of managing third-party risks in an increasingly digital world.
This episode not only prepares listeners for the potential challenges of 2025 but also equips them with the knowledge to enhance their cybersecurity measures effectively. Tune in to stay informed and ready for the future!
2024-12-1723 min