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“They Can’t All Be Winners”

In this episode of the Defensive Security Podcast, hosts Jerry Bell and Andrew Kalat explore several pressing cybersecurity topics as of October 2024. The discussion begins by addressing the rapid increase in vulnerability exploitation speeds, with a highlight that 70% of exploitable flaws in 2023 were zero-days, now being exploited within just five days. They stress the importance of effective patch management and prioritization tactics using tools like the CISA KEV list and Tenable’s Viper score. The episode also touches on the evolving nature of automated and targeted exploits, the critical role of timely patching, and the balance between production disruptions and security risks. The conversation broadens to include evolving endpoint security challenges, ransomware trends, and the need for vigilance in adapting to new threats. Additionally, the hosts discuss innovative ways to counter sophisticated attacks, such as leveraging more secure token-based authentication methods over SMS-based MFA. Lastly, the episode delves into how North Korean IT operatives infiltrate companies to steal sensitive data, the implications for remote work, and the importance of robust identity verification processes in hiring. Throughout, the focus remains on adapting to the dynamic threat landscape and continuous reassessment of security strategies.