
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

19 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 60min
Inside the PlugX malware removal operation, CISA takes victory lap and another Fortinet 0day
Discover the bold efforts of French intelligence in combating the PlugX malware through sovereign disinfections. CISA highlights progress with a new cybersecurity Executive Order, despite skepticism about real change. The podcast dives into critical vulnerabilities like the Fortinet zero-day, and debates the implications of TikTok bans on data privacy. Plus, hear about the evolving tactics of cybercriminals amid geopolitical tensions and the call for global cybersecurity collaboration to tackle these threats effectively.

11 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 48min
Hijacking .gov backdoors, Ivanti 0days and a Samsung 0-click vuln
The podcast dives into the troubling rise of Ivanti zero-day vulnerabilities, highlighting their constant exploitation. China's unusual reactions to cyber attribution are explored, alongside Japan's concerns over hacking incidents. The hosts discuss a shocking zero-click vulnerability found in Samsung devices, and the intense cyber warfare between Ukrainian hackers and Russian ISPs. They also touch on the implications of advanced technologies like quantum computing and the resilience of the cybersecurity community in facing these challenges.

32 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 1h 49min
US Treasury hacked via BeyondTrust, MISP and the threat actor naming mess
Discover the chaos surrounding threat actor naming conventions and the push for a standardization via MISP. Dive into the breach of BeyondTrust that compromised the US Treasury, illustrating the urgent need for improved cybersecurity. Unpack the emergence of the XDR33 CIA Hive malware variant and explore its low detection rates. With insights into the distrust surrounding corporate cybersecurity pledges, the discussion emphasizes accountability and transparency in the face of escalating threats.

9 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 1h 53min
Palo Alto network edge device backdoor, Cyberhaven browser extension hack, 2024 research highlights
Delve into the stealthy backdoor found in Palo Alto's network edge devices and the broader implications of the Cyberhaven browser extension hack. Explore the dangers of deepfake technology and its potential misuse in cyber threats. The discussion covers the pressing issues of browser extension security, phishing risks, and insider threats in today's landscape. Additionally, they highlight significant cybersecurity research from 2024, emphasizing the evolving tactics of state-sponsored cyber operations and the need for vigilance against increasing vulnerabilities.

11 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 59min
US government's VPN advice, dropping bombs on ransomware gangs
The podcast dives into the controversial U.S. government VPN recommendations and their risks, including potential backdoor access. It uncovers the ethical implications of spyware like NoviSpy used against activists in Serbia. The discussion on Mossad's clever tactics with ransomware exposes the murky depths of cyber warfare. Additionally, it highlights critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the challenge of navigating international cooperation amidst an evolving threat landscape. Funny anecdotes and personal updates keep the tone light and engaging.

16 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 2h 14min
Surveillance economics, Turla and Careto, and the AI screenshots nobody asked for
Dive into the fraught intersection of technology and democracy, as discussions reveal TikTok's potential to sway elections and amplify misinformation. Explore the dark underbelly of cyber operations with insights into Turla's manipulative tactics and Careto's latest hacking efforts. The ethical ramifications of surveillance capitalism and the covert data capture on macOS raise eyebrows. Plus, a glance at quantum computing’s role in security challenges and the complexities of cyber warfare add layers to this riveting conversation.

7 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 1h 47min
Inside the Turla Playbook: Hijacking APTs and fourth-party espionage
Dive into the intriguing world of cyber espionage as experts unravel the tactics of Russia's Turla APT, including its surprising theft from Pakistani networks. Discover the complexities of threat attribution and the challenges of identifying cyber actors. The episode also scrutinizes the concerning rise of spyware in Russia and the implications of supply chain vulnerabilities in Web3 technologies. On a more political note, explore the alarming election interference in Romania fueled by misinformation and social media dynamics.

4 snips
Nov 30, 2024 • 1h 19min
Volexity’s Steven Adair on Russian Wi-Fi hacks, memory forensics, appliance 0days and network inspectability
Steven Adair, the founder of Volexity and a cybersecurity expert, shares insights on crucial topics in the field. He discusses innovative approaches to memory forensics, emphasizing their importance in incident response. The conversation dives into Volexity's discoveries regarding Wi-Fi hacks and the complexities of EDR systems. Adair also addresses the rise of professional ransomware attacks, highlighting a recent Firefox zero-day and the emergence of a Linux bootkit. His expertise sheds light on significant vulnerabilities and the urgent need for robust network security.

Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
Sid Trivedi on the RSA Innovation Sandbox $5 million investment gambit
In this conversation, Sid Trivedi, a partner at Foundation Capital specializing in early-stage cybersecurity investments, discusses the RSA Innovation Sandbox's new $5 million investment requirement for finalists. He highlights red-flag concerns regarding pro-rata rights and ethical dilemmas facing CISOs involved with startups. The dialogue also delves into the challenges of funding seed-stage companies in a platform-driven market, while reflecting on the complex relationships between venture capitalists and groundbreaking innovations in cybersecurity.

12 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 1h 28min
Russian APT weaponized nearby Wi-Fi networks in DC, new macOS zero-days, DOJ v Chrome
Join security experts Juan Andres Guerrero-Saade from SentinelLabs and Costin Raiu from Kaspersky as they dive into the fascinating world of cyber threats. They discuss alarming tactics used by Russian APTs to exploit nearby Wi-Fi networks and the urgent need for better Wi-Fi security measures. The conversation also covers the DOJ's push to break up Google and the implications for cybersecurity. They touch on the challenges of data sharing across sectors and the transformative impact of AI on coding practices, revealing both opportunities and risks.