Cybersecurity Today

Jim Love
undefined
May 30, 2025 • 14min

Cybersecurity Today: Hijacker Scams, Ransomware Attacks, and Summer Travel Threats

  In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host Jim Love covers critical updates in the world of cyber threats. The FBI warns of hijackers posing as IT support to infiltrate law firms, a Wisconsin city reveals a ransomware attack affecting 67,000 residents, and a Texas city refuses to pay a ransom, risking the public release of sensitive data. The episode also highlights the 3-2-1-1-0 backup strategy as a defense against ransomware and reports on sophisticated scams targeting summer travelers. Additionally, Jim previews tomorrow’s discussion on scammers targeting vulnerable groups. 00:00 Introduction and Headlines 00:29 FBI Warns of IT Support Scams Targeting Law Firms 03:18 Ransomware Attack on Sheboygan, Wisconsin 05:24 Texas City Refuses Ransom Payment 07:05 Understanding the 3-2-1-1-0 Backup Strategy 09:37 Summer Travel Scams on the Rise 12:55 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
undefined
May 28, 2025 • 12min

Phishing Scams, DNS Hijacking, and Cybersecurity Leadership Shakeup

  In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host Jim Love explores the intricacies behind phishing emails that cleverly spoof Microsoft addresses, making many fall for scams despite appearing legitimate. Love emphasizes the need for a stringent 'zero trust' approach to counter these advanced tactics. Additionally, the episode delves into the activities of the hacking group Hazy Hawk, which exploits misconfigured DNS records to hijack trusted domains and propagate malware. Organizations are warned about the importance of regular DNS audits to prevent such attacks. The episode also covers the alarming wave of departures at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), raising concerns over the agency's effectiveness amid increasing cyber threats. In another segment, Love discusses a sophisticated fraud operation out of Hanoi, where perpetrators manipulated X's Creator Revenue Sharing Program to siphon funds through fraudulent engagement metrics. The need for built-in fraud prevention mechanisms in digital reward systems is stressed. The episode concludes with a call for listener feedback and support. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:27 Phishing Scams: Authentic-Looking Emails 02:58 DNS Misconfigurations and Hazy Hawk 05:36 CISA Leadership Exodus 08:16 X's Creator Revenue Sharing Fraud 10:56 Conclusion and Contact Information
undefined
May 26, 2025 • 10min

Unraveling Cyber Threats: Ransomware, Kidnapping, and Record-Breaking DDoS Attacks

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host David Shipley dives into several alarming cyber incidents. The show starts with Nova Scotia Power's confirmation of a ransomware attack that forced the shutdown of customer-facing systems and led to data being published on the dark web. The company decided not to pay the ransom, adhering to law enforcement guidance and sanctions laws. A shocking case in New York follows, involving a crypto investor charged with kidnapping and torturing a man to obtain his Bitcoin wallet password. The next segment highlights a record-setting DDoS botnet, Aisuru, which performed a test attack that peaked at 6.3 terabits per second, posing a disproportionate threat to online retailers. The final story covers Microsoft's controversial AI feature, Recall, which takes screenshots every three seconds and raises significant privacy concerns. The episode underscores the growing need for robust cybersecurity measures and effective legislation. 00:00 Introduction and Headlines 00:30 Nova Scotia Power Ransomware Attack 02:57 Ransomware Trends and Statistics 03:51 Operation End Game: A Global Win Against Ransomware 04:25 Crypto Investor's Shocking Crime 05:57 Record-Breaking DDoS Botnet 07:36 Microsoft's Controversial AI Feature Recall 09:10 Conclusion and Sign-Off
undefined
May 24, 2025 • 55min

From English Literature to Cybersecurity: A Journey Through Blockchain and Security

LINKS:  https://distrust.co/software.html - Software page with OSS software Linux distro: https://codeberg.org/stagex/stagex Milksad vulnerability:  https://milksad.info/ In this episode of Cybersecurity Today on the Weekend, host Jim Love engages in a captivating discussion with Anton Livaja  from Distrust. Anton shares his unique career transition from obtaining a BA in English literature at York University to delving into cybersecurity and tech. Anton recounts how he initially entered the tech field through a startup and quickly embraced programming and automation. The conversation covers Anton's interest in Bitcoin and blockchain technology, including the importance of stablecoins, and the frequent hacking incidents in the crypto space. Anton explains the intricacies of blockchain security, emphasizing the critical role of managing cryptographic keys. The dialogue also explores advanced security methodologies like full source bootstrapping and deterministic builds, and Anton elaborates on the significance of creating open-source software for enhanced security. As the discussion concludes, Anton highlights the need for continual curiosity, teamwork, and purpose-driven work in the cybersecurity field. 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Today 00:17 Anton's Journey from Literature to Cybersecurity 01:08 First Foray into Programming and Automation 02:35 Blockchain and Its Real-World Applications 04:36 Security Challenges in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency 13:21 The Rise of Insider Threats and Social Engineering 16:40 Advanced Security Measures and Supply Chain Attacks 22:36 The Importance of Deterministic Builds and Full Source Bootstrapping 29:35 Making Open Source Software Accessible 31:29 Blockchain and Supply Chain Traceability 33:34 Ensuring Software Integrity and Security 38:20 The Role of AI in Code Review 40:37 The Milksad Incident 46:33 Introducing Distrust and Its Mission 52:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
undefined
May 23, 2025 • 11min

Cybersecurity Threats and Breaches: Critical Updates and Insights

  In this episode of Cybersecurity today, host Jim Love reports on various critical cyber threats and data breaches. A newly discovered flaw in Windows Server 2025 allows attackers to seize full domain control, referred to by researchers as the 'bad successor' exploit. Government messaging app Telem Message, a customized version of Signal, was hacked, exposing sensitive communications of over 60 officials, leading to its shutdown. Microsoft disrupted the global Luma Stealer malware operation, which had infected nearly 400,000 computers. Coinbase suffered a major data breach affecting over 69,000 customers due to an insider compromise. Additionally, hackers distributed a malicious version of the KeyPass password manager, embedding it with malware to steal data and deploy ransomware. Jim Love encourages listeners to stay vigilant and download software only from official sources. He teases an upcoming interview with a knowledgeable guest working on open-source solutions to cybersecurity issues. 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity News 00:36 Windows Server 2025 Vulnerability 03:09 Telem Messages Hack Scandal 05:37 Microsoft Disrupts Luma Malware 07:29 Coinbase Breach Details 08:54 Malicious Password Manager Alert 10:55 Conclusion and Upcoming Interview
undefined
6 snips
May 21, 2025 • 10min

Microsoft Emergency Patch, Pwn2Own Berlin 2025 Highlights, and Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

An urgent Microsoft patch addresses BitLocker issues affecting users after a recent update. Pwn2Own Berlin 2025 showcases hackers breaching key systems for big rewards. Concerns arise over hidden communication hardware in Chinese solar equipment, posing risks to the power grid. The FBI warns about new AI-generated phishing attacks that evade standard defenses. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau faces backlash for stepping back from regulating data brokers, leaving privacy advocates unsettled.
undefined
May 17, 2025 • 57min

The Monthly Cybersecurity Review: Data Breaches, Ransomware, and Critical Infrastructure

In this episode of 'Cybersecurity Today', host Jim Love is joined by panelists Laura Payne from White Tuque and David Shipley from Beauceron Security to review significant cybersecurity events over the past month. The discussion covers various impactful stories such as the disappearance of a professor, a data breach at Hertz, and government officials using a commercial app during a conflict. They dive deep into the ransomware attack on PowerSchool and its implications for K-12 schools in North America. The conversation also highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructures, including the food supply chain and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Finally, the panel touches upon the progression towards post-quantum encryption by major tech companies like AWS and Google, signaling advancements in securing future technologies. 00:00 Introduction and Panelist Welcome 00:20 Major Cybersecurity Incidents of the Month 02:04 PowerSchool Data Breach Analysis 04:11 Ransomware and Double Extortion Tactics 12:20 4chan Security Breach and Its Implications 16:31 Hertz Data Loss and Retail Cybersecurity 17:44 Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Regulation 27:03 The Importance of CVE Database 27:54 Debate on Vulnerability Scoring 30:17 Open Source Software and Geopolitical Risks 31:43 The Evolution and Challenges of Open Source 37:17 The Need for Software Regulation 46:50 Signal Gate and Compliance Issues 54:08 Post-Quantum Cryptography 56:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
undefined
May 16, 2025 • 8min

Cybersecurity Updates: Major Ransomware Attacks Thwarted and Illegal Marketplaces Shut Down

In this episode, Jim Love discusses significant cybersecurity events including Coinbase's refusal to pay a $20 million ransom after a data breach, Broadcom's patch for VMware tools vulnerabilities, and Telegram's shutdown of two illegal marketplaces handling $35 billion in transactions. The episode also covers the Co-op’s preemptive measures to thwart a ransomware attack and the broader implications for cybersecurity in retail. Experts urge organizations to be prepared with strategic playbooks for potential cyber-attacks. 00:00 Introduction and Headlines 00:26 Telegram's $35 Billion Black Market Shutdown 01:59 Broadcom Patches VMware Tools Vulnerability 03:20 Coinbase Ransom Refusal and Data Breach 04:57 Co-op's Ransomware Defense Strategy 07:36 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
undefined
May 14, 2025 • 9min

Mark's and Spencer Data Breach, Vulnerable Routers, Fortinet Exploits, and New Ransomware Threats

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host Jim Love covers recent cybersecurity incidents including a data breach at Mark's and Spencer, the FBI's alert on outdated routers being exploited, and critical Fortinet vulnerabilities actively used in attacks. Additionally, the episode discusses a researcher’s proof of concept showing how ransomware can be embedded directly into a CPU, bypassing traditional security measures. Listeners are urged to stay vigilant and implement necessary security patches and updates. 00:00 Breaking News: Marks and Spencer Data Breach 01:37 FBI Alert: Outdated Routers at Risk 03:43 Fortinet Zero-Day Vulnerability 05:46 Ransomware Embedded in CPUs: A New Threat 08:13 Conclusion and Contact Information
undefined
May 12, 2025 • 8min

Cyber Threats Target HR, AI Tools, and Critical Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Update

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host David Shipley covers a range of cyber threats including the Venom Spider malware targeting HR professionals, the emergence of the Noodlofile info stealer disguised as an AI video generator, and misinformation campaigns amid the India-Pakistan conflict. Additionally, the episode discusses warnings from U.S. agencies about cyberattacks on the oil and gas sector, and highlights a recent interview with whistleblower Daniel Brules about security lapses at the National Labor Relations Board. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:33 Venom Spider Targets HR Professionals 02:12 Fake AI Video Generators and Noodlofile Malware 03:41 Misinformation Amid India-Pakistan Conflict 05:40 US Oil and Gas Infrastructure Under Threat 07:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app