
Three Buddy Problem
The Three Buddy Problem is a popular Security Conversations podcast that goes beyond industry talking points to discuss what others won’t -- nation-state malware, attribution, cyberwar, ethics, privacy, and the messy realities of securing computers and corporate networks.
Hosted by three veteran security pros -- journalist Ryan Naraine and malware paleontologists Costin Raiu and Juan Andres Guerrero-Saade -- the weekly show attracts a highly engaged audience of security researchers, corporate defenders, CISOs, and policymakers.
Connect with Ryan on Twitter (Open DMs).
Latest episodes

43 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 53min
Signalgate and ID management hiccups, PuzzleMaker and Chrome 0days, Lab Dookhtegan returns
The podcast dives into the risks of using Signal for sensitive communications, highlighting its vulnerabilities and ethical dilemmas. There's speculation about Kaspersky's 'Operation Forum Troll' and discussions on mysterious APT campaigns. The return of Lab Dookhtegan sparks conversations about hack-and-leak strategies related to Iranian cyber operations. The hosts also debate the implications of lifting sanctions on Tornado Cash, touching on privacy concerns and cryptocurrency regulation. Expect humor and light-hearted tech banter throughout!

32 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 56min
China exposing Taiwan hacks, Paragon spyware and WhatsApp exploits, CISA budget cuts
Katie Moussouris, CEO of Luta Security and a pioneer in vulnerability disclosure, joins the conversation to shed light on crucial cybersecurity topics. They delve into China's recent exposure of Taiwan's APT actors and the implications of naming such entities. The discussion also covers the troubling rise of spyware, particularly relating to Paragon and WhatsApp. With a nod to the fragmented exploit markets, Moussouris highlights the urgent need for budget support for CISA amidst tightening financial constraints, emphasizing the broader impacts on cybersecurity.

Mar 14, 2025 • 2h 6min
A half-dozen Microsoft zero-days, Juniper router backdoors, advanced bootkit hunting
This discussion dives into a trove of Microsoft zero-day vulnerabilities and Apple's security flaws in iOS. The hosts explore the implications of AI competition, particularly around OpenAI's stance on foreign AI technologies. They also dissect Juniper router backdoors and the challenges of detecting UEFI bootkits. In the crypto realm, the dangers of MEV sandwich attacks come to light, highlighting the chaotic dynamics of decentralized finance. Finally, they touch on the pressing issue of press freedom, spotlighting the challenges faced by journalists amid governmental pressures.

57 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 40min
Revisiting the Lamberts, i-Soon indictments, VMware zero-days
Explore the humorous challenges of cybersecurity naming conventions and the significance of International Women's Day in Eastern Europe. Dive into the complexities of U.S.-Russia cyber operations, the layered dynamics of political messaging, and the unique identifiers of the Blue Lambert malware. Discover the implications of recent VMware vulnerabilities and the ethical dilemmas surrounding state-sponsored hacking linked to private contractors. Conclude with a look at Apple's shift in spyware notifications and the alarming lessons from a massive cryptocurrency hack.

40 snips
Mar 1, 2025 • 1h 53min
Lazarus ByBit $1.4B heist was supply chain attack on developer
Dive into the thrilling world of cybersecurity as experts discuss the art of bug hunting, highlighting the mental resilience needed in the face of setbacks. Explore the shocking $1.4 billion Bybit heist linked to the Lazarus Group, examining the mechanics of supply chain attacks. The impact of AI on vulnerability discovery sparks debate on the balance of technology and human storytelling. Ethics in exploiting vulnerabilities and the changing U.S. cyber policy landscape are also key topics, revealing the complex interplay between security, privacy, and global dynamics.

32 snips
Feb 23, 2025 • 2h 7min
North Korea's biggest ever crypto heist: $1.4B stolen from Bybit
Dive into the staggering $1.4 billion Bybit heist, orchestrated by North Korea's Lazarus Group, raising serious questions about cryptocurrency security. The turmoil leads to humorous discussions on power outages and AI privacy policies. Explore Microsoft’s breakthrough in quantum computing and the implications of AI-driven privacy erosion. Discover how historical financial crimes relate to today's crypto dilemmas and hear about the challenges of detection in the face of evolving cyber threats. It’s a rollercoaster of tech, security, and geopolitical intrigue!

17 snips
Feb 15, 2025 • 1h 25min
An 'extremely sophisticated' iPhone hack; Google flags major AMD microcode bug
Discover the astonishing hack that bypasses iPhone's USB Restricted Mode, unveiling complexities in smartphone security. Learn about a severe AMD microcode vulnerability that poses risks to cloud providers. The discussion dives into the challenges of defending against escalating cyber threats, including atrocious phishing campaigns by Russian actors. With a lighthearted twist, explore the importance of fitness in tech and celebrate the unsung heroes keeping us safe in cybersecurity. Tune in for a mix of critical insights and amusing anecdotes!

16 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 2h 23min
Unpacking the UK government's secret iCloud backdoor demand
The UK government's secret demand for a backdoor into iCloud has sparked a heated debate over privacy and government overreach. The conversation dives into how modern surveillance shifts towards cloud data harvesting, complicating user privacy. Apple's response to these demands is scrutinized in light of its ethical stance on encryption. Additionally, the podcast discusses the rise of mercenary hacking and the implications of social media on political elections, revealing how influencers can be unknowingly enlisted for political propaganda.

14 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 2h 20min
Inside the DeepSeek AI existential crisis, Chinese 'backdoor' in medical devices
Delve into the existential controversies surrounding DeepSeek AI as it competes with established models like OpenAI. Explore the troubling privacy issues and geopolitical implications tied to its Chinese origins. The discussion shifts to alarming backdoor vulnerabilities in medical devices, exposing serious risks in healthcare. Unpack the constant threats from phishing attacks targeting influencers and the VPN industry's innovative solutions against censorship. Lastly, uncover the challenges in cybersecurity regulations and the ethical dilemmas in handling sensitive information.

13 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 49min
Death of the CSRB, zero-days storms at the edge, Juniper router backdoors
Dennis Fisher, a prominent cybersecurity journalist, fills in as guest host for a riveting discussion with experts Juan Andres Guerrero-Saade and Costin Raiu. They tackle the disbanding of the Cyber Safety Review Board and its significant implications. The conversation dives into the flood of exploits targeted at Ivanti and SonicWall devices and recent findings about Juniper router backdoors. Challenges in coordinating disclosures and the complexities of nation-state attack landscapes, particularly involving Chinese threat actors, underscore the urgent need for innovative cybersecurity solutions.