Penetration Testing Expert | Deviant Ollam | Ep. 363

15 snips

Aug 2, 2025

Deviant Ollam, a renowned physical penetration testing specialist and lock-picking expert, shares fascinating insights into security vulnerabilities. He contrasts Hollywood's portrayal of infiltration with real-life tactics and discusses the evolution of hacking culture. Listeners learn about the history of safe design influenced by past events, as well as the complexities of safe cracking during the Cold War. Ollam also highlights surprising findings from penetration tests at various facilities, emphasizing the importance of proactive employee engagement in security.

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INSIGHT

Physical Pen Testing Is About Disguise

Physical penetration testing often relies more on blending in than on high-tech tools.
Many successful breaches happen by appearing as legitimate personnel with plausible cover stories.

ANECDOTE

First Major Physical Pen Test

Deviant's first major client was a law firm where he bypassed a locked door instead of waiting for a locksmith.
This breakthrough led to word-of-mouth growth in his physical penetration testing career.

INSIGHT

Radiographic Safe Lock Imaging

Intelligence services used radioactive isotopes and radiographic film to image safe lock mechanisms clandestinely.
This advanced method allowed undetected entry into locked safes during the Cold War era.

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