Adventures of Alice & Bob

Today, Marc and James welcome Brooke Denney, a rising star in cybersecurity who brings a dynamic, cloud-first perspective to the ever-evolving industry. Brooke shares her inspiring journey from aspiring veterinarian to accomplished security engineer, offering insights into the fascinating world of AI-powered phishing, modern security challenges, and safeguarding critical infrastructure. As a senior information security engineer and a dedicated member of the Ohio Cyber Reserve, Brooke provides a unique and expert view on the evolution of attack chains, the importance of supply chain security, and the transformative future of cybersecurity education.

In this episode, Marc and James plunge into the world of identity security with DJ Morimanno. From his early days pf dumpster diving for computer parts to becoming a powerhouse Director of Identity and Access Management Technologies, DJ’s cybersecurity journey is what legends are made of. They dig deep into the evolution of identity security, the pivotal role of human behavior in staying cyber-safe, and how quantum computing could revolutionize the future of identity protection.

In today's episode, host James welcomes Anna Aslanishvili, the visionary founder and CEO of Pine Risk Management. Anna takes us behind the scenes of high-stakes security assessments, from testing executive protection during a CEO's morning jog to uncovering faulty panic buttons—and even dealing with the threat of mailed anthrax. With captivating stories and expert insights, Anna reveals how pushing the limits in real-world scenarios leads to safer environments for everyone.

Today, Marc and James have the pleasure of sitting down with Omar Aviles, a seasoned expert in DFIR, threat hunting, and malware analysis. Omar takes us on a journey through his early days of dismantling computers out of sheer curiosity to the high-stakes world of battling ransomware in real-time. He delves into the growing dangers of corporate espionage, nation-state attacks, and the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Throughout the conversation, Omar’s passion for protecting the digital world shines brightly, as he shares his favorite hacking techniques, insights on hunting and neutralizing threats, and invaluable advice for those looking to break into the cybersecurity field.

This episode follows the fascinating journey of Gary Bowser, a tech industry veteran whose life has been shaped by his passion for hacking and modding. From his early days tinkering with Texas Instruments computers to becoming a key figure in the controversial world of game console hacking, Gary's story is one of innovation, legal battles, and personal redemption.Host James Maude explores Gary's evolution from a curious teenager to a prominent figure in the modding community, culminating in a high-profile legal case brought by Nintendo. Gary candidly shares his experiences, including his arrest in the Dominican Republic, his challenging time in the US prison system during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the eventual resolution of his case.

In this episode, Greg Pickett takes Marc on a thrilling journey from his early days of war dialing and hacking a bank (complete with hiding under a desk to avoid detection!) to exposing credential misuse on bulletin boards and uncovering a massive security breach tied to the Chinese military—all while tackling the challenges of corporate security and internal politics.

In this episode, Marc engages in an eye-opening conversation with Robert RSnake Hansen, a true legend in the cybersecurity realm. RSnake takes us on a journey through his transformation from a mischievous hacker to a revered security expert, revealing the high-stakes moments that defined his career. He dives deep into his experience with the groundbreaking Hack the Pentagon program, where his relentless pursuit of vulnerabilities nearly landed him in prison. But the tension doesn’t stop there—RSnake also recounts a terrifying encounter with a cartel that wrongly believed he was the mastermind behind the infamous dark web site, Silk Road. With unfiltered honesty, RSnake shares his thoughts on the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, the rise of bug bounties, and the delicate balance between safeguarding security and preserving privacy in our increasingly digital society.

In today's episode, James and Marc explore the devastating ransomware attack that crippled the Town of Truckee, shutting down phones, internet, and critical data access behind the town's firewall. With special guests Chris Hardy and Logan McDonald, you'll gain an insider's perspective on the relentless challenges they faced, the innovative strategies they used for recovery, and a surprising twist—the unique dress code of the Town of Truckee. Don't miss this captivating discussion on cybersecurity, resilience, and community spirit.

Over its 11 years in publication, the BeyondTrust Microsoft Vulnerabilities Report has been downloaded over 16,000 times, aiding thousands in enhancing their cyber defenses with detailed data analysis and expert insights. This year's report not only examines 2023 Microsoft vulnerabilities but also evaluates their use in identity-based attacks, highlights significant CVEs (9.0+ CVSS scores), and discusses mitigation strategies.In this special Alice & Bob episode, James is joined by top cybersecurity experts and report commentators Paula Januszkiewicz, Terry Cutler, Eliza-May Austin, and Sami Laiho. They discuss the report's findings, share their experiences with vulnerabilities, and explore the future of Microsoft security and AI.

This week, Marc Maiffret sits down with Mark Weatherford to discuss his role in responding to the Moonlight Maze incident, one of the first major cyber espionage operations targeting U.S. government systems in the late 1990s. Mark talks about how Moonlight Maze highlighted significant vulnerabilities and reshaped cybersecurity strategies within the government and beyond. Mark also discusses broader topics in cybersecurity, the evolution of cyber threats, and the impact and security challenges AI is bringing to the table.