In this episode of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast, host Sherrod DeGrippo is live from Black Hat 2025 with a special lineup of Microsoft security leaders and researchers.
First, Sherrod sits down with Tom Gallagher, VP of Engineering and head of the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC). Tom shares how his team works with researchers worldwide, why responsible disclosure matters, and how programs like Zero Day Quest (ZDQ) are shaping the future of vulnerability research in cloud and AI security. He also announced the next iteration of ZTQ with $5 million up for grabs.
Next, Sherrod is joined by Eric Baller (Senior Security Researcher) and Eric Olson (Principal Security Researcher) to unpack the fast-changing ransomware landscape. From dwell time collapsing from weeks to minutes, to the growing role of access brokers, they explore how attackers operate as organized ecosystems and how defenders can respond.
Finally, Sherrod welcomes Travis Schack (Principal Security Researcher) alongside Eric Olson to examine the mechanics of social engineering. They discuss how attackers exploit urgency, trust, and human curiosity, why AI is supercharging phishing campaigns, and how defenders can fight back with both training and technology.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How MSRC partners with researchers across 59 countries to protect customers
- Why Zero Day Quest is accelerating vulnerability discovery in cloud and AI
- How ransomware dwell times have shrunk from days to under an hour
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