#CyberChats

It’s back-to-school season, and #CyberChats is kicking things off with a special guest: 2025 MCTA CTE Teacher of the Year, Robin Burns! From making cybersecurity feel like a puzzle instead of a textbook, to supporting students in the fast-paced Cyber Feud competition, she’s teaching the next generation how to think differently – like strategists, problem-solvers, and even opponents.

In this episode, we dive into the idea of adversarial thinking – what it means, why it matters, and how it helps students in the classroom, in competitions, and in life. Whether you’re a cyber student or just curious about the world of cybersecurity, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on how today’s learners are preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: ⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast⁠

Topics discussed: adversarial thinking, back to school, cyber challenges, cyber learning

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What happens when schools are targeted by a cyberattack? In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the nationwide hack of PowerSchool, which impacted 60 million students and 10 million educators.

We explore what happened, how the breach was possible, and the kinds of information that were exposed.

Plus: We look at the legal fallout, PowerSchool’s response, and how to make sure your school is properly protecting itself.

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Topics discussed: data privacy, PowerSchool, cybersecurity, data protection.

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Welcome to Cyber Pulse episode 13!

Welcome to a special episode of Cyber Pulse. Today we don't have a guest for you - instead we are focusing on the Tea Dating app leak. We'll discuss what happened, why it was uniquely bad, and what you can do to protect yourself going forward. Let's get started!

In this episode we talk about data privacy, the Forensic Aspects of the Tea leak, User Impact & Legal Fallout, Implications for Other Apps, What Tea Did Right (and Wrong), What Was Exposed, Why the Tea Leak is Unique, How to Protect Yourself Going Forward

Sources used: Hackread, Digital Watch Observatory, Security Affairs, FOX 7 Austin, CPO Magazine, Security Affairs, The New Yorker, The Washington Post

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Send us your questions and episode suggestions at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/community/cyberpulse-questions-suggestions.html

In this episode, we talk with cybersecurity students and recent grads from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) about their paths into cyber, balancing work and school, and how hands-on learning—like competitions, virtual labs, and real-world projects—is shaping their careers.

They share tips, experiences, and advice for anyone looking to break into the field or level up through experiential learning.

🎧 Don’t miss this inside look at what it takes to become job-ready in cybersecurity!

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Topics discussed: cybersecurity education, experiential learning, capture the flag (CTF) events

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What happens when your DNA gets hacked? In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the 2023 cyberattack on 23andMe — one of the biggest genetic data breaches ever.

We break down how it happened (spoiler: reused passwords), why it matters (even if you never signed up), and how your DNA could still be out there... years later.

Plus: We unpack the $30 million lawsuit, the company’s bankruptcy, and how to protect your data now.

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Topics discussed: data privacy, 23andMe, cybersecurity, data protection.

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In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with Greg Sisson, COO of CI-Discern and former CISO for the U.S. Department of Energy, for an engaging conversation on navigating a cybersecurity career across government and industry.

Greg shares lessons from nearly 40 years in public service before transitioning into the private sector with EY and eventually launching his own firm. Greg breaks down what it really means to lead in cybersecurity—whether you’re in uniform, in government, or in the boardroom. We dive into the differences between working in public vs. private cybersecurity, the lessons learned from both, and how young professionals can find their footing in a field that never stops evolving.

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at:
https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Topics discussed: energy, cybersecurity, leadership, private sector, public sector, career pivots, underrated cyber skills

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Over 1 million Android devices—from smart TVs to phones—have been silently hijacked by a powerful malware network called BadBox. In this episode of #CyberChats, Kennedy and James break down what happened, how cybercriminals are using infected devices to make money and hide online, and why the FBI is sounding the alarm.

Learn how to spot shady tech, protect your device, and avoid the traps of fake apps. It’s a must-listen for every digital native.

Have a suggestion for our next topic? Email us at [email protected]

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Welcome to the #CyberChats Summer Series! In this episode, #CyberChats host Kennedy (Taylor) Tibbetts and Cyber Pulse host James Walsh team up to kick off our Summer Series! Each month, we’ll dive into a major cyber incident, breaking down what happened, how it happened, and the lessons learned. Tune in to meet your hosts, learn about the series, and get ready for some deep dives into real-world cyber stories!

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Follow us on Instagram @ncfcyber

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We're on break for a few more weeks - check back on June 19th for our first episode of the summer! For now, listen to this conversation we had last fall with Tina Williams-Koroma, Serial Entrepreneur and Founder/CEO of TCecure and CyDeploy!

During this discussion, you'll hear about vital cybersecurity tips we must implement now, Tina’s background as a cybersecurity expert and licensed attorney, and how businesses can leverage CySkills, a data driven approach to protecting assets and customers from a cyber attack. Kennedy also asks Tina about her passion for empowering youth, whether growing technology is exciting or concerning as a cyber professional, and the need for cybersecurity legislation.

Register for #CyberChats' Cyber Challenges below to compete individually or join a team, and look for your name on the leaderboard. For more practice, register for MetaCTF's free monthly Flash CTF.

Topics discussed: cybersecurity training, AI, cybersecurity tips, cybersecurity and data privacy laws, entrepreneurship.

Tools and resources mentioned:

https://github.com/scipag/vulscan

https://502project.org

https://www.cyskills.com

Register here for the NCF’s FREE challenges with MetaCTF:
https://metactf.com/join/cyberchats

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

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We're on break! We'll be back on June 19th for our first episode of the summer, so until then, take a listen to this conversation we had with Dr. Anmol Agarwal, which is still relevant today.

Could Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) be both a help and a major hindrance? We asked Dr. Anmol Agarwal, AI/ML Security Researcher, what she thinks!

During this discussion, Dr. Agarwal provides great insight into machine learning algorithms, how AI/ML is being used by attackers, and whether AI/ML is helping or hurting our nation's security. Kennedy also asks Dr. Agarwal about her role as a security researcher and how our listeners (you!) could specialize in security research!

Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast

Topics discussed: AI, ML, 5G networks, quantum computing, quantum hacking, deepfakes, data poisoning, cybercriminals, security, cybersecurity.

Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5