

Defensive Security Podcast - Malware, Hacking, Cyber Security & Infosec
Jerry Bell and Andrew Kalat
Defensive Security is a weekly information security podcast which reviews recent high profile cyber security breaches, data breaches, malware infections and intrusions to identify lessons that we can learn and apply to the organizations we protect.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 7, 2026 • 49min
Defensive Security Podcast Episode 335
Want to be the first to hear our episodes each week? Become a Patreon donor here.
Links to this week’s stories:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/webrat-malware-spread-via-fake-vulnerability-exploits-on-github/
https://cybersecuritynews.com/mongobleed-poc-exploit-mongodb/
https://cybersecuritynews.com/fortigate-firewall-vulnerability/
https://cybersecuritynews.com/oracle-e-business-suite-hack/

11 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 7min
Defensive Security Podcast Episode 334
Most parked domains are now delivering malicious content, sparking discussions on effective mitigation strategies. Device code phishing re-emerges, allowing attackers to exploit Microsoft 365 accounts through low-bar tools. Amazon uncovers a suspicious keystroke delay that signals potential remote access interference. The risks of remote hiring, particularly with North Korean contractors, are examined alongside the challenges posed by AI-generated proofs of concept in cybersecurity. Lastly, a serious zero-day vulnerability in Cisco email appliances highlights pressing defensive priorities.

Dec 20, 2025 • 1h 12min
Defensive Security Podcast Episode 333
Dive into the alarming 700% rise in hypervisor ransomware and discover why these systems are prime targets. Learn about critical vulnerabilities, such as the React deserialization issue and Log4Shell's lingering presence. Hear tips on improving security through authentication and segmentation, plus the discussion on the dangers of AI coding tools. The need for cautious AI adoption is emphasized, along with how to secure LLMs against manipulation. Overall, a mix of pressing threats and practical security advice awaits!

Dec 13, 2025 • 1h 2min
Defensive Security Podcast Episode 332
Want to be the first to hear our episodes each week? Become a Patreon donor here.
Links to this week’s stories:
https://www.darkreading.com/cyberattacks-data-breaches/advanced-security-phishing-tactics
https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/28/posthog_shaihulud/?td=keepreading / https://posthog.com/blog/nov-24-shai-hulud-attack-post-mortem
https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/27/scattered_lapsus_hunters_zendesk/
https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/25/akira_ransomware_acquisitions
Browser extensions pushed malware to 4.3M Chrome, Edge users • The Register

Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 10min
Defensive Security Podcast Episode 331B
Reposting Episode 331 due to the wrong mp3 attached to the original.
Want to be the first to hear our episodes each week? Become a Patreon donor here.
Links to this week’s stories:
https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/unc6040-proactive-hardening-recommendations
https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/13/chinese_spies_claude_attacks/ / https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/anthropic-claims-of-claude-ai-automated-cyberattacks-met-with-doubt/
https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/14/selfreplicating_supplychain_attack_poisons_150k/
https://cyberscoop.com/fortinet-delayed-disclosure-exploited-vulnerability/
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/piecing-together-the-puzzle-a-qilin-ransomware-investigation/
Repo
Want to be the first to hear our episodes each week? Become a Patreon donor here.
Links to this week’s stories:
https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/unc6040-proactive-hardening-recommendations
https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/13/chinese_spies_claude_attacks/ / https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/anthropic-claims-of-claude-ai-automated-cyberattacks-met-with-doubt/
https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/14/selfreplicating_supplychain_attack_poisons_150k/
https://cyberscoop.com/fortinet-delayed-disclosure-exploited-vulnerability/
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/piecing-together-the-puzzle-a-qilin-ransomware-investigation/

6 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
Defensive Security Podcast Episode 330
A recent ransomware incident in Nevada highlights concerning detection and forensic challenges. The discussion reveals how AI is being tested by threat actors, raising alarms about automated lateral movement and internal vulnerabilities. The hosts emphasize the critical need for foundational security practices, reframing priorities amid AI hype. They also delve into the urgency of monitoring supply chain risks and remind listeners not to overlook basic threats like credential theft and phishing. The realities of CISO burnout spark a candid conversation on leadership accountability and budget constraints.

Nov 13, 2025 • 60min
Defensive Security Podcast Episode 329
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BaNujBx62Y
Want to be the first to hear our episodes each week? Become a Patreon donor here.
Links to this week’s stories:
https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/03/mit_sloan_updates_ai_ransomware_paper/
https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/29/ey_exposes_4tb_sql_database/
https://www.darkreading.com/cyber-risk/zombie-projects-rise-again-undermine-security
https://www.darkreading.com/cloud-security/cloud-outages-highlight-need-resilient-secure-infrastructure-recovery

Nov 3, 2025 • 54min
Defensive Security Podcast Episode 328
Want to be the first to hear our episodes each week? Become a Patreon donor here.
Links we discuss this week:
https://thehackernews.com/2025/10/self-spreading-glassworm-infects-vs.html?m=1
https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/artificial-intelligence-security-risks-ey-report/803490/
https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/ai-augment-security-identity-soc/803608/
https://www.darkreading.com/cyber-risk/best-end-user-security-awareness-programs-arent-about-awareness-anymore
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-now-exploiting-critical-windows-server-wsus-flaw-in-attacks/

Oct 27, 2025 • 1h
Defensive Security Podcast Episode 327
Want to be the first to hear our episodes each week? Become a Patreon donor here.
Links to this week’s stories:
https://www.cybersecurity-insiders.com/how-ai-will-shape-the-future-of-cyber-defense-a-one-three-and-five-year-outlook/
https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2025/10/15/f5-big-ip-data-breach/
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/fake-lastpass-bitwarden-breach-alerts-lead-to-pc-hijacks/
https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2025/10/16/mddr-2025/
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/19/global-cyber-attack-russian-hack-solarwinds-stress-health

Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 7min
Defensive Security Podcast Episode 326
Want to be the first to hear our episodes each week? Become a Patreon donor here.
Here are the stories we discuss this week:
https://cybersecuritynews.com/hackers-actively-compromising-databases/
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-target-university-hr-employees-in-payroll-pirate-attacks/
https://securityaffairs.com/183154/security/threat-actors-steal-firewall-configs-impacting-all-sonicwall-cloud-backup-users.html
https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/07/gen_ai_shadow_it_secrets/
https://thehackernews.com/2025/10/from-phishing-to-malware-ai-becomes.html?m=1
https://databreaches.net/2025/10/12/from-sizzle-to-drizzle-to-fizzle-the-massive-data-leak-that-wasnt/


