
Paul's Security Weekly (Audio)
For the latest in computer security news, hacking, and research! We sit around, drink beer, and talk security. Our show will feature technical segments that show you how to use the latest tools and techniques. Special guests appear on the show to enlighten us and change your perspective on information security. Note: This is only Paul's Security Weekly, a 2-hour show recorded once per week.
Latest episodes

Dec 27, 2023 • 44min
Interview with Dr. Whitfield Diffie - PSW Vault
Dr. Diffie is a pioneer of public-key cryptography and was VP of Information Security and Cryptography at ICANN. He is author of "Privacy on the Line: The Politics of Wiretapping and Encryption". Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/vault-psw-6

Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 52min
Supply Chain & Firmware Security - Xeno Kovah - PSW #811
AI generated description fun: "As the glasses are filled and the mood lightens, our veteran guests, each with a legendary tale or two tucked under their virtual belts, embark on a journey through the complex landscape of supply chain security. These old dogs share war stories, anecdotes, and hard-earned wisdom about the evolving challenges and threats that have shaped their illustrious careers. From the early days of computing to the present era of interconnected systems, our panelists delve into the intricacies of securing the supply chain. Expect insights on the timeless art of social engineering, the ever-expanding attack surface, and the unforeseen vulnerabilities that emerge when least expected." Talking points: Define the different areas of supply chains * Hardware * Firmware / Low-Level Software * Operating systems and applications * Software you develop yourself Open-source software supply chains have interesting problems Detecting supply chain issues Who is responsible for supply chain security? Firmware security is a deeply technical topic that's hard to get started in. In this episode of Below the Surface, Xeno will discuss some past work in firmware security, and how he has organized resources such as a low level timeline (with over 300 talks), and free MOOC classes, to help teach people about firmware security. Segment Resources: https://ost2.fyi https://darkmentor.com/timeline.html This segment is sponsored by Eclypsium. Visit https://securityweekly.com/eclypsium to learn more about them! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-811

Dec 14, 2023 • 2h 57min
Embracing AI - Alex Sharpe - PSW #810
Mr. Sharpe is a long-time (+30 years) Cybersecurity, Governance, and Digital Transformation expert with real-world operational experience. Mr. Sharpe has run business units and has influenced national policy. He has spent much of his career helping corporations and government agencies create value while mitigating cyber risk. This gives him a pragmatic understanding of the delicate balance between Business realities, Cybersecurity, and Operational Effectiveness. He began his career at NSA, moving into the Management Consulting ranks building practices at Booz Allen and KPMG. He subsequently co-founded two firms with successful exits, including the Hackett Group (NASDAQ HCKT). He has participated in over 20 M&A transactions. He has delivered to clients in over 20 countries on 6 continents. Analyzing firmware with EMBA, TinyXML, and the ugly supply chain, ignoring vulnerabilities that allow attackers to turn off your vehicle, Android lock screen bypass and running water, LogoFAIL updates, and the confusing severity, you still haven’t patched Log4Shell, the password is 123456, and an amazing Bluetooth hack that affects you! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-810

Dec 6, 2023 • 3h 7min
Holiday Extravaganza - Supply Chain, Hardware Hacking, Vulnerabilities, News - PSW #809
Join the Security Weekly crew in a riveting podcast episode where they delve into the fascinating realm of hardware hacking. Picture a dimly lit room resonating with the nostalgic hum of vintage computers, as our hosts explore the latest techniques using hardware, software, and firmware. Whether you're attempting to hack a specific device or crafting a custom creation to achieve a particular goal, this episode covers it all. Discover the intricacies of hardware hacking, including discussions on the tools and devices, such as the Flipper Zero. Uncover the reasons why alternatives might be superior in certain cases, yet explore the nuances of why the Flipper Zero has garnered a mixed reputation. In the midst of the Security News segment, the hosts tackle pressing topics, from the challenges of changing default passwords to the Flipper Zero, the absence of CVEs, deceptive "new" tools, the BIOS logo attack vector, secrets in a $15 router, the quirks of AI, and the intriguing Spectre based on linear address masking. With a blend of humor, mischief, and expert insights, this episode takes you on a journey through the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, reflecting on ethics, vulnerability disclosure practices, and the importance of collaboration in securing the digital frontier. Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-809

Nov 30, 2023 • 2h 59min
AI & LLMs - Josh More, Matthew Carpenter - PSW #808
What will the future bring with respect to AI and LLMs? Josh has spent some time thinking about this and brings us some great resources. We'll discuss how to get students involved with AI in a safe and ethical manner. How can we use AI to teach people about cybersecurity? What tools are available and where do they fit into our educational systems that must change and adapt to the times? Join us for a fun discussion on what the future looks like with AI and the youth of today. Segment Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/103FLvNRSwBhq-WgCbuykMvweT6lKf2lAASuP8OuuKIw/edit#heading=h.3inodmot2b77 Our good friend Matt Carpenter joins us to share his thoughts on what's going on in the world of AI and LLMs. Matt is also a hacker specializing in hardware and the crew has some amazing hardware hacking topics to discuss (as usual). Segment Resources: https://garymarcus.substack.com/p/has-sam-altman-gone-full-gary-marcus We navigate through dangerous cyber terrain, examining real-world examples like the WebP library and the Curl vulnerability. Critical issues in Zyxel firewalls will also be unmasked as we shed light on the urgency of improving vulnerability reporting and cataloging and addressing the often-overlooked problem of overclassifying harmless software bugs. We then shifted gears to tackle the tricky subject of software vulnerability identification, focusing on a specific CVE that sparked intriguing debates. Learn why pinpointing the source of the vulnerability is vital to effective SBOMs. The journey doesn't end there - we'll uncover a newly discovered Bluetooth vulnerability, aptly named 'BLUFFS', and discuss its potential for exploitation, along with the ingenious solutions proposed by the researchers who unearthed it. Brace yourself for a riveting finale as we delve into Akamai's recent research on DVR and router attacks, explore the risks of GPS spoofing, and discuss the importance of detection mechanisms. We'll also scrutinize the stereotype of hackers in pop culture, address the importance of handling vulnerabilities in software, and highlight the pressing issue of ransomware targeting healthcare. So buckle up and join us for this critical exploration into the world of software vulnerabilities as we decode the complexities and debunk some security myths. Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-808

Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 1min
Interview with Brian Snow - PSW Vault
Brian Snow spent his first 20 years at NSA doing and directing research that developed cryptographic components and secure systems. Many cryptographic systems serving the U.S. government and military use his algorithms; they provide capabilities not previously available and span a range from nuclear command and control to tactical radios for the battlefield. He created and managed NSA's Secure Systems Design division in the 1980s. He has many patents, awards, and honors attesting to his creativity. Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/vault-psw-5

Nov 16, 2023 • 2h 51min
3 Layers of App Security to Keep Hackers Out, Let Customers In - Aviad Mizrachi - PSW #807
Attackers pursue the shortest path to achieve their goals in your app. With a tri-layered security architecture, you can force hackers to crawl through a triathlon in your app. What’s in the three layers, to detect attacks sooner, slow attackers down, and stop them fast? Let’s take a journey across the three layers and discuss how to gain control of user permissions, secure your cloud computing, and keep your customers and their users safe. Segment description coming soon! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-807

Nov 9, 2023 • 2h 57min
Testing AI Before It Comes To Get You - Austin Carson - PSW #806
Austin spends the majority of his time thinking about ways to abuse LLMs, the impact of the attacks, and the effects on society. He brings a truly unique perspective to the way to use, attack, and verify output from AI LLM models. Whether you are just learning the ins and outs of LLMs or you were an early adopter, this segment is for you! In the security news: do people still use mainframes? IoT and firmware security, Apple Find my-, Bluetooth is the gift that keeps on giving, to hackers that is, and more! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-806

Nov 2, 2023 • 3h 6min
Trustworthy AI for National Security - Kathleen Fisher - PSW #805
AI/ML is providing significant benefits in a wide range of application domains but also provides adversaries with a new attack surface. Learn about DARPA's efforts to help evaluate AI/ML and work towards a trust model that will allow us to use these valuable tools safely. Segment Resources: Identifying and Mitigating the Security Risks of Generative AI paper (co-authored by Kathleen): https://arxiv.org/abs/2308.14840 DARPA’s AI Forward, which will include AI Exploration opportunities and resource material: https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/ai-forward I2O webpage, important to include because this hosts links to many of the programs Dr. Fisher will discuss: https://www.darpa.mil/i2o In the Security News: If an exploit falls in the forest do I still need to patch?, Reflections on trusting trust: the source code revealed, prompt injection in your resume, iPhones be updating, a deep dive into vulnerable kernel drivers and wiping SPI flash, cheap to exploit software, to ransom or steal?, oh OAuth, Florida man, door bell shenanigans, don’t pay the ransom, the White House and AI, and quantum teleportation via measurement-induced entanglement. All that and more on this episode of Paul’s Security Weekly! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-805

Oct 26, 2023 • 2h 58min
VSCode Vulnerabilities - Thomas Chauchefoin, Paul Gerste - PSW #804
For the Security News, we officially welcome Bill Swearingen to our expert panel of PSW hosts, and discuss the news including hacking shenanigans, QNAP, recovering crypto currency, Android malware, and more! Then in a pre-recorded segment: Sonar Vulnerability Researchers Thomas Chauchefoin and Paul Gerste conducted research on the security of Visual Studio Code — the most popular code editor out there — which was presented at DEF CON 31 in August. The pair uncovered a few ways for attackers to gain code execution on a victim's computer if they clicked on a specially crafted link or opened a malicious folder in Visual Studio Code, bypassing existing mitigations like Workspace Trust. Developers tend to trust their IDEs and do not expect such security issues to exist. As developers have access to source code and production systems, they make for very interesting targets for threat actors. Important to note is that the security concepts that the two are able to demonstrate apply not just to Visual Studio Code, but to most other code editors. This is also the story of how the researchers got an unexpected $30,000 bounty from Microsoft for these bugs, by mistake! Segment Resources: BLOG POSTS Securing Developer Tools: Argument Injection in Visual Studio Code (https://www.sonarsource.com/blog/securing-developer-tools-argument-injection-in-vscode/) Securing Developer Tools: Git Integrations (https://www.sonarsource.com/blog/securing-developer-tools-git-integrations/) CVEs CVE-2023-36742 (https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2023-36742) CVE-2022-30129 (https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/advisory/CVE-2022-30129) CVE-2021-43891 (https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/advisory/CVE-2021-43891) Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/securityweekly Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secweekly Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw-804