CyberWire Daily

Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman of RSA Conference and expert in cybersecurity, chats with Ann Johnson. They dive into the intricate planning of the world’s largest cybersecurity conference, touching on unique themes and even a surprise llama on the expo floor. Hugh reflects on his journey from applying mathematics to enhancing cybersecurity and emphasizes the industry's growing relevance. He shares personal stories about family and the humor in cybersecurity challenges, fostering an optimistic outlook for the future of the field.

Pattie Dillon, a Product Manager in Anti-Fraud Solutions at SpyCloud, recounts her inspiring journey from homemaker to cybersecurity professional. She shares her expertise in identity verification and how she tackled the challenges of money laundering. Pattie highlights the potential of underground data to combat online fraud and emphasizes the importance of privacy in tech solutions. Her belief that taking risks is essential echoes throughout, motivating listeners to embrace new opportunities in their careers.

Justin Tiplitsky, Director of Red Team at Adobe, and Ivan Koshkin, Senior Detection Engineer at Adobe, discuss the powerful concept of purple teaming in cybersecurity. They explore how red and blue teams collaborate to proactively identify and mitigate threats. Real-world scenarios illustrate the continuous learning that strengthens defenses. The duo emphasizes the importance of communication and agility, especially with evolving tech like artificial intelligence, along with key advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Deepen Desai, Chief Security Officer and EVP of Cyber and AI Engineering at Zscaler, dives into the latest activities of the Mustang Panda group. He reveals the new arsenal, including advanced backdoors like TONEINS and tools for stealthy surveillance. Discussions include their phishing tactics and the development of custom keyloggers, PAKLOG and CorKLOG. Desai emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive defense strategy and the role of AI in both cyberattacks and cybersecurity measures, highlighting the ongoing battle against sophisticated threats.

In this conversation, Jeffrey Wheatman, Cyber Risk Expert at Black Kite, shares insights on critical cybersecurity challenges. He emphasizes the dangers of silent breaches and the threat posed by AI in revealing sensitive information. The discussion touches on Operation Endgame's impact on cybercriminal networks and the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, especially regarding privacy. Wheatman also addresses the complexities of third-party risk management and the complications faced by hackers in navigating event participation amid current travel concerns.

David Holmes, CTO for Application Security at Imperva, shares his expertise on the surge of AI in bot attacks. The conversation dives into the dismantling of Lumma's malicious infrastructure and the alarming rise in automated attacks. Holmes highlights critical vulnerabilities, like those affecting Lexmark printers, and discusses the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. He emphasizes the pressing need for enhanced security measures and the role of AI in combating these sophisticated threats. Tune in for insights that every cybersecurity enthusiast won't want to miss!

Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer at ThreatLocker, dives into the concept of zero trust and the deliberate simplicity of fundamental controls. He discusses how token theft and phishing can circumvent traditional security measures like MFA, allowing attackers easy access to critical systems. The conversation also highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal tactics, particularly in targeting logistics and healthcare sectors. Allen underscores the need for organizations to adopt proactive endpoint protection and implement a 'deny by default' approach to enhance cybersecurity.

Chris Novak, Vice President of Global Cybersecurity Solutions at Verizon, discusses the newly signed Take It Down Act targeting non-consensual intimate images and its implications for free expression. He highlights the alarming rise in ransomware and exploitation of vulnerabilities, especially affecting small businesses. The conversation also touches on the urgent need for patching critical vulnerabilities and the broader challenges facing the cybersecurity workforce, stressing the importance of data-driven analysis in understanding global breaches.

Ian Tien, CEO of Mattermost, discusses the recent Ministry of Justice breach, emphasizing the critical need for collaborative cybersecurity efforts. He sheds light on emerging threats like the Pupkin Stealer malware and its implications for data protection. Tien also stresses the importance of secure communication in critical infrastructures and how ethical hacking can bolster defenses against cybercrime. The conversation highlights the urgency of proactive measures to safeguard personal data in an increasingly digital landscape.

Dive into a fascinating journey from childhood puppet shows to a career in cybersecurity. Discover how early ambitions shaped a unique path in television and tech. Learn about the importance of mentorship and kindness in leadership. Hear about the challenges of team dynamics and the tough choices leaders face to maintain respect. It's a tale of creativity, resilience, and growth, mixing fun anecdotes with valuable life lessons.