Secure Talk Podcast

***Are you attending the Gartner GRC Summit? If so, come along on our Sunset Trip on June 10, 2025. Register here! https://www.strikegraph.com/boat-party-2025?utm_source=secure-talk&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=gartner-boat-partyEpisode Description: When quantum computing pioneer Michele Mosca met Peter Shor in the 1990s, he thought quantum computing was "science fiction." Now, he's warning that we're just "a few quarters" away from quantum computers capable of shattering the encryption protecting our global financial system, government communications, and critical infrastructure.In this must-listen episode, the Oxford-educated mathematician and co-founder of Evolution Q breaks down why symmetric key infrastructure (SKI) and "cryptographic resilience" are essential as quantum computing advances faster than our security preparations. With remarkable clarity, Mosca explains how the nine-year NIST standardization process signals both progress and concerning delays in our quantum readiness.The interview explores why most organizations are unprepared, how quantum networks could provide a novel security solution, and what businesses should be doing now to protect their long-term data security. Mosca also details the latest breakthroughs in quantum error correction across ion traps, neutral atoms, and superconducting qubits that are bringing us closer to fault-tolerant quantum computing.Key Topics Covered:The evolution of quantum computing from theoretical concept to imminent realityHow close we are to breaking modern encryption standardsEvolution Q's innovative approach to quantum resilienceThe concept of symmetric key infrastructure (SKI) as a defense mechanismRecent breakthroughs in quantum error correctionWhy organizations need both defense-in-depth and cryptographic diversityThe limitations of the NIST standardization process and what it means for securityEpisode Highlights:"I met Don Coppersmith... he told me he was helping a colleague improve his algorithm where you'd trap these atoms and you'd shine lasers on them, do exponentiation and then do a Fourier transform... I thought he was joking. I'd never heard of this before.""We look at it as an engineering challenge. Oh, how much does it cost to scale this up? By a factor of 10 or 100 or 1,000, but 1,000, it's like 10 bits of security... It's not that much of a security buffer. The one we're used to in cryptography between what we could break and those we can't, we want an enormous gap."About the Guest: Michele Mosca is the CEO and co-founder of evolutionQ, a start-up that provides scalable defense-in-depth with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum key distribution (QKD) software solutions for cryptographic resilience and quantum-safe security.Michele is a renowned expert in cryptography and among the world's leading experts at the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity. He has been instrumental in working with the business community to share the importance of cryptography as acritical cybersecurity control protecting both data and communications.Prior to evolutionQ, Michele was a founder of the world-leading Institute for Quantum Computing, a Professor in the Department of Combinatorics & Optimization at the University of Waterloo, and a founding member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. His work on quantum computing has been published widely in top journals and textbooks.Michele worked on cryptography during his BMath (Waterloo) and MSc (Oxford) and obtained his Doctorate (Oxford) in Quantum Computer Algorithms. He was appointed as a Knight in the Order of Merit by the Government of Italy in 2018. The Knighthoodrecognizes Michele’s contributions in quantum information science and digital security, as well as teaching and outreach.Connect and Learn More:Stay updated on quantum security developments: quantum-safe.caSubscribe to SecureTalk on your favorite podcast platformJoin the conversation with #QuantumSecurity #PostQuantumCryptography #QuantumThreat #CyberResilience 

In this riveting episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals welcomes back decorated military leader and security expert Mike LeFever, Executive Vice President of National Security at Concentric, to discuss the intersection of physical security, geopolitical instability, and the future of national defense. From the polarization of American politics to the innovative warfare tactics in Ukraine, this conversation offers cybersecurity professionals an essential perspective on how global security dynamics impact the digital landscape.## Key Topics Covered:- 🔒 **Physical Security Crisis**: How political polarization has created new security challenges for high-profile individuals and organizations- 🌍 **Soft Power Erosion**: The concerning reduction in USAID and diplomatic initiatives and its impact on national security- 🇺🇦 **Ukraine's Tech Innovation**: Revolutionary drone warfare tactics and rapid adaptation changing the future of military strategy- 💻 **Information Warfare**: The growing "truth decay" problem and how disinformation campaigns are reshaping public discourse- 🏛️ **Constitutional Challenges**: Analysis of current governance issues and threats to democratic institutions- 🔍 **Leadership in Chaos**: Strategic insights for security professionals navigating turbulent times## Episode Highlights:### The Business of ProtectionLeFever discusses how Concentric provides comprehensive security for high-net-worth individuals, including physical security, intelligence products, due diligence, and privacy protection in an increasingly polarized environment where public figures face heightened threats.### The Crisis in GovernanceThe conversation examines concerning trends in the federal workforce, with both experts highlighting how dismissing experienced personnel creates institutional knowledge gaps and damages trust in critical security domains.### The Value of Soft PowerDrawing from his experience leading earthquake relief efforts in Pakistan, LeFever explains how humanitarian initiatives like USAID build crucial international relationships that enhance national security more effectively than purely kinetic operations.### Innovations in Modern WarfareAnalysis of Ukraine's remarkable technological adaptations against Russia, showcasing how smaller forces can effectively counter larger opponents through rapid innovation and precision drone strikes.### Leadership WisdomLeFever shares invaluable advice for security leaders navigating chaos: maintain strategic focus on end goals while building resilience against tactical disruptions.## About the Guests:**Mike LeFever** is Executive Vice President of National Security at Concentric, providing comprehensive physical and privacy security solutions. His distinguished military career included leadership roles in counterterrorism and diplomatic security initiatives across multiple global hotspots.**Justin Beals** is the host of SecureTalk and a recognized expert in cybersecurity strategy and implementation.## Connect & Learn More:- Visit www.securetalk.com For more episodes

Episode Summary: In this eye-opening episode of Secure Talk, host Justin Beals investigates how foreign disinformation campaigns have evolved to target AI systems. NewsGuard researchers McKenzie Sadeghi and Isis Blachez reveal their groundbreaking investigation into the Moscow-based Pravda network that has successfully infiltrated Western AI chatbots, creating a new frontier in information warfare that bypasses human readers to directly corrupt the technology we rely on for information.Key Insights:Leading AI chatbots repeated Russian disinformation 33% of the time when tested on key geopolitical topicsThe Pravda network has expanded from 50 to over 150 websites specifically designed to influence AI training dataModern disinformation operations now prioritize "LLM grooming" over targeting human readersEven when AI systems attempt to debunk false claims, they often cite unreliable sources, further legitimizing themHuman oversight remains essential as these networks constantly evolve to evade automated detectionNotable Quotes: "Bad actors are targeting AI models to get their information to appear in those responses, but they're also weaponizing AI to produce disinformation at scale." - McKenzie Sadeghi"What is changing is really the delivery of the disinformation... it's reaching a much larger audience and an audience that's not targeted as specifically because now practically anyone is using ChatGPT or other chatbots." - Isis Blachez"This network does not invest any money or resources into spreading its content online... It's sort of serving as a centralized hub. And as a result, it appears very high not only in search results but also in chatbot responses." - McKenzie SadeghiResources: Sadeghi, M., & Blachez, I. (2025, March 6). A well-funded Moscow-based global disinformation network. NewsGuard Reality Check. https://www.newsguardrealitycheck.com/p/a-well-funded-moscow-based-global

In this episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals explores the evolving world of API technology and security with Sam Chehab, Head of Security at Postman - the platform used by over 35 million developers and 90% of Fortune 500 companies.Episode Insights:Postman's Strategic Position: Learn why Sam joined Postman in September 2024 and how they're positioned to be the connective tissue for the emerging AI agent ecosystemAPIs as Agent Infrastructure: Sam explains how Postman's catalog of hundreds of thousands of documented APIs creates the perfect foundation for AI agent interactionsSecurity by Design: Discover how Postman is embedding security throughout the API lifecycle - from conception to deploymentThe Human Factor in Security: Why security remains a collaborative responsibility across organizations and how to foster a security-minded cultureNext-Gen Challenges: Sam's perspective on balancing innovation with fundamental security hygiene concerns like supply chain vulnerabilities"I see such a larger ecosystem that's really going to get built here beyond what's out in the market today," says Sam, discussing how Postman will facilitate human-agent collaboration in building the next generation of applications.Sam brings unique insights from his previous roles at technology giants like Palo Alto Networks and NVIDIA, where he once demonstrated an early chatbot prototype to Jensen Huang himself. His experience taking products through rigorous FedRAMP certification processes provides a valuable perspective on enterprise-grade security implementation.This episode offers essential insights for developers, security professionals, and technology leaders interested in the intersection of APIs, AI, and enterprise security in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In this eye-opening episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals welcomes Bryant Tow, Chief Security Officer at LeapFrog Services, to discuss why technology alone can't solve cybersecurity challenges. Bryant reveals how the "Ring of Security" concept shows that up to half of your attack surface lies outside of technology—in governance, policies, people, and processes. The conversation explores real-world examples like the Change Healthcare breach, why security frameworks often fall short, and how building a culture of security requires connecting protection of company assets to personal security concerns.Key TopicsThe Change Healthcare breach: How a single oversight led to a $2.9 billion loss despite substantial technology investmentsWhy frameworks like CIS are great starting points but insufficient on their ownHow the "Ring of Security" approach addresses the complete attack surfaceBuilding a security culture that resonates with employees on a personal levelWhy a business impact analysis is critical but often missing from frameworksThe importance of understanding your data before implementing AI solutionsNotable Quotes"When you do the root cause analysis on headline breaches, nearly all of them started somewhere outside the technology." - Bryant Tow"Even if you do your technology perfectly, you're leaving half of your attack surface open." - Bryant Tow"Strategy drives governance. Governance drives operation." - Bryant TowAbout the GuestBryant Tow serves as Chief Security Officer at LeapFrog Services, where he assists clients with comprehensive security programs including strategy, governance, and operations. Previously, he owned Cyber Risk Solutions and served on the Department of Homeland Security Sector Coordinating Council. His "Ring of Security" concept emphasizes that cybersecurity is an organizational problem that uses technology as just one tool in the solution.Resources MentionedThe "Ring of Security" conceptCIS Framework limitationsBusiness Impact AnalysisAI Readiness AssessmentDepartment of Homeland Security Sector Coordinating CouncilSecureTalk is hosted by Justin Beals, focusing on cybersecurity strategy, governance, and best practices for organizations of all sizes.

In this eye-opening episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals welcomes Joe Gronemeyer, Solutions Engineer at Akamai Technologies, for a masterclass in how internet security has evolved from basic content delivery to sophisticated edge protection powering 30% of global web traffic. From stories of literally burning servers in 1999 to today's quantum-resistant cryptography, this conversation tracks the incredible journey of cybersecurity infrastructure.### Key Highlights:- **The Birth of Edge Networks**: How Akamai transformed from emergency content delivery savior to cybersecurity powerhouse- **Massive Security Scale**: Processing 26 billion web attacks monthly and analyzing 7 trillion DNS queries daily- **Zero Trust Evolution**: Why identity-aware proxies are replacing traditional VPNs for enterprise security- **Micro-segmentation Explained**: Creating "mini-firewalls" at every endpoint to contain breaches and limit attack radius- **Bot Attack Revolution**: The evolution from simple DDoS to sophisticated credential abuse and account takeover attempts- **API Security Challenges**: Why APIs have become the new security frontier as other defenses improve- **Client-Side Security**: How PCI DSS v4 is forcing new approaches to JavaScript security monitoring- **Quantum-Resistant Future**: Akamai's implementation of NIST-approved quantum-resistant cryptography### Notable Quotes:"If you had our auto rules applied during the Log4J incident, you wouldn't have had to take any action during Christmas - it would have been protecting you automatically." - Joe Gronemeyer"At some point I think it was in 2011-2012, is when we would start looking at the traffic coming in and protecting websites from attacks as well. So applying security at the edge, keeping the bad actors away from your servers." - Joe Gronemeyer### About Our Guest:Joe Gronemeyer serves as a Solutions Engineer at Akamai Technologies with nearly a decade of experience. Previously, he spent 13 years at Accenture as a Senior Manager leading digital solutions for Fortune 500 companies across pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and telecommunications industries. He holds a BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech and is CISSP certified.### Resources Mentioned:- Web Application Firewall (WAF) technology- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)- Enterprise Application Access- Client-Side Access and Compliance (formerly Page Integrity Manager)- OWASP Top 10 for web, API, and AI security- PCI DSS version 4 compliance requirements- NIST standards for quantum-resistant cryptography*Don't miss our next episode where we'll continue exploring cutting-edge cybersecurity approaches for enterprise organizations.*#EdgeSecurity #ZeroTrust #MicroSegmentation #APIProtection #WAF #PCICompliance #QuantumCryptography #CyberDefense

In this eye-opening episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals sits down with Nick Furneaux, renowned cryptocurrency investigator and author of the provocatively titled book "There's No Such Thing as Crypto Crime." Furneaux shares his extensive expertise on blockchain technology, cryptocurrency investigations, and the evolving landscape of digital financial crimes.Key Topics Discussed:The meaning behind Furneaux's book title "There's No Such Thing as Crypto Crime" and why traditional investigation skills remain relevantThe fundamental differences between Bitcoin and newer cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and SolanaHow blockchain technology actually helps investigators through its open ledger systemThe mechanics behind "rug pulls" and other crypto-related scamsThe role of mining in cryptocurrency ownership and valueHow TRM Forensics tools help trace illicit cryptocurrency transactionsThe concerning rise of human trafficking in crypto scam operationsHow AI is transforming both criminal schemes and investigation techniquesNotable Quotes:"There is no such thing as a crypto-only crime. There is no new criminal category. There is just a new payment mechanism." - Nick Furneaux"The Bitcoin source code is some of the most beautiful code ever written. It is extraordinary... and it's never been hacked." - Nick Furneaux"We're in a situation now where the victim is a victim, and the scammer is a victim." - Nick Furneaux on trafficking in scam compoundsAbout Nick Furneaux:Nick Furneaux is a digital forensics expert, cryptocurrency investigator, and cybersecurity specialist. He has worked in digital forensics for many years and is known for his expertise in cryptocurrency investigations. He has served as a trainer and consultant for law enforcement agencies and private organizations on matters related to digital forensics and cryptocurrency tracing.He is the author of *There’s No Such Thing as Cryptocrime* (2024) and *Investigating Cryptocurrencies* (2018). He has trained thousands of investigators in the essential skills needed to track cryptocurrencies involved in criminal activities. Currently, he works as a Blockchain Intelligence Expert and Master Trainer at TRM Labs and serves as an advisor to the Board of Asset Reality.Resources Mentioned:Book: "There's No Such Thing as Crypto Crime" by Nick Furneaux (link)Book: "Investigating Cryptocurrencies" by Nick Furneaux (link)TRM Forensics Investigative ToolkitThis episode provides invaluable insights for cybersecurity professionals, financial investigators, and anyone interested in understanding cryptocurrency's role in modern digital crime investigations.SecureTalk is hosted by Justin Beals, bringing you expert conversations with the leading minds in cybersecurity.#Cryptocurrency #BlockchainForensics #CryptoInvestigation #Cybersecurity #DigitalForensics #Bitcoin #Ethereum #CryptoScams #FinancialCrime

In this eye-opening episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals interviews Johann Rehberger, a seasoned cybersecurity expert and Red Team Director at Electronic Arts, about his groundbreaking discovery of a critical vulnerability in ChatGPT's memory system. Johann shares how his security background and curiosity about AI led him to uncover the "SPAIWARE" attack - a persistent malicious instruction that can be injected into ChatGPT's long-term memory, potentially leading to data exfiltration and other security risks.Key Topics CoveredJohann's journey from Microsoft development consultant to becoming a leading red team expert specializing in AI securityThe discovery of ChatGPT's memory system vulnerability and how it could be exploitedHow traditional security concepts like the CIA security triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) apply to AI systemsThe development of "SPAIWARE" - a persistent prompt injection attack that can leak user dataCommand and control infrastructure using prompt injection techniquesThe challenges of securing agentic AI systems that can control web browsers and execute tasksThe evolving relationship between security researchers and AI companies like OpenAINotable Quotes"I think using this system is just so important because it can help you. They are so powerful. I started using it daily. But the security mindset of course too, because I use it for my productivity, but I always use it for trying to find the flaws and trying to understand how it works." - Johann Rehberger"What I did basically was use that technique and then insert that instruction in memory. So that whenever there's a conversation turn, the user has a question, ChatGPT responds. Every single conversation turn will be sent to the third-party server. So this is where the word spyware basically kind of came from." - Johann Rehberger"The better the models become, the better they follow instructions, including attacker instructions." - Johann RehbergerAbout Johann RehbergerJohann Rehberger is the Red Team Director at Electronic Arts with extensive experience in cybersecurity. His career includes roles at Microsoft, where he led the Red Team for Azure Data, and Uber, where he served as Red Team Lead. Johann is known for his pioneering work in AI security, specifically identifying and responsibly disclosing vulnerabilities in large language models like ChatGPT.Resources MentionedJohann's blog on machine learning security (https://embracethered.com/blog/index.html)Black Hat Europe presentation on ChatGPT security vulnerabilitiesLLM Owasp Top 10 vulnerability classificationsConnect With UsFollow SecureTalk for more insights on cybersecurity trends and emerging threats. Visit our website at www.securetalkpodcast.com  for more episodes and resources.#AISecurityRisks #PromptInjection #ChatGPT #Cybersecurity #AIVulnerabilities #RedTeaming #SecureTalk

What if there was a way to precisely predict the risk of a major data breach when sharing information? In this illuminating episode of Secure Talk, Justin Beals sits down with Simson Garfinkel, renowned computer scientist, journalist, and author who helped implement differential privacy for the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 census. As a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association for Computing Machinery, and the IEEE, and with leadership positions at both the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Census Bureau, Garfinkel offers unparalleled insights into how mathematics is creating an entirely new frontier in privacy protection in his new book “Differential Privacy”.Differential privacy is a reliable mathematical framework that quantifies privacy risk or the potential for a major breach. It can transform how organizations understand, measure, and control data exposure. Yet most security, compliance, and legal professionals haven't grasped its revolutionary implications for measuring and predicting a major privacy breach.Join Justin and Simson as they reveal:- How differential privacy allows organizations to calculate privacy risk with mathematical precision- Why this new field of privacy research eliminates guesswork when combining and distributing sensitive data- The revolutionary balance between data utility and privacy protection that was previously impossible- How forward-thinking organizations are using these mathematical formula to unlock data value safelyThis isn't abstract theory – it's a practical revolution in how we approach data sharing. Garfinkel, who literally wrote the book on "Differential Privacy," shares real-world examples from his work with the U.S. Census Bureau, where differential privacy enabled the release of valuable population data while mathematically predicting individual privacy. In his book, Simson breaks down complex mathematical concepts into clear, actionable insights for security leaders, compliance officers, and legal counsel.Listen now to discover how differential privacy is creating a future where data-sharing decisions are based on mathematical certainty rather than best guesses and crossed fingers.Link to Simson's book: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262551656/differential-privacy/

How do you secure a nation? Hint: look for the risks to the most critical infrastructure.In this critical episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals sits down with Robert Kolasky, former founding director of the National Risk Management Center at DHS and current Senior VP for Critical Infrastructure at Exiger. As the new administration implements sweeping changes to federal security requirements, Kolasky provides an insider's perspective on what these shifts mean for contractors, the Defense Industrial Base, and organizations managing critical infrastructure.Drawing from his experience protecting everything from elections to the electrical grid, Kolasky offers rare insights into:The future of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) programHow companies can prepare for evolving compliance standardsThe relationship between FedRAMP and other security frameworksEmerging hybrid threats to national securitySupply chain vulnerabilities and third-party risk managementWhether you're a federal contractor navigating new requirements or a security professional concerned about critical infrastructure protection, this conversation provides essential guidance during a time of unprecedented change in the national security landscape.