Cybersecurity Today Espionage and Intelligence - What Cybersecurity Professionals Can Learn
Nov 28, 2025
Neil Bisson, a retired intelligence officer, shares insights on human intelligence recruitment and building rapport. David Shipley, CEO of Beauceron Security and phishing expert, discusses the rise of AI in social engineering tactics. They explore the psychological vulnerabilities that cyber attackers exploit, comparing phishing to intelligence operations. Listeners gain practical advice on fostering awareness, applying empathy, and recognizing deception in cybersecurity. Ethical considerations in intelligence work are also highlighted, emphasizing the importance of continuous education.
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Episode notes
People, Not Code, Are The Primary Risk
- Most major breaches rely heavily on social engineering rather than purely technical exploits.
- Skilled humans trick skilled humans, making people the primary cybersecurity vulnerability.
Recruitment Starts With A Compliment
- Neil demonstrates recruitment by opening with compliment and mirroring to build rapport.
- He says recruiters look for suitability, access, and motivation when evaluating a potential source.
AI Turns Shotgun Phishing Into Sniper Attacks
- Phishing uses scale and low risk while human intelligence uses targeted, higher-risk 'sniper' approaches.
- AI narrows that gap by enabling scalable, high-fidelity personalization.
