CyberCode Academy episodes:

• May 19, 2026Course 34 - Cybersecurity Kill Chain | Episode 2: Active Reconnaissance and Weaponization Strategies

  In this lesson, you’ll learn about: Active Reconnaissance and Weaponization in the Cyber Kill Chain1. Transition: From Recon to Action

  • After passive recon, attackers move to:
    • Active Reconnaissance → direct interaction
    • Then → Weaponization → building attack tools

  👉 This is the shift from:

  • Collecting information → Preparing the attack

  2. Active Reconnaissance (Deep Target Profiling)🔹 Definition

  • Directly interacting with the target system to gather:
    • Technical details
    • Human-related intelligence

  🔹 Technical Techniques

  • Port Scanning & Fingerprinting
    • Tools:
      • Nmap
      • Zenmap
    • Discover:
      • Open ports
      • Running services
      • Operating system

  • Web Application Analysis
    • Tools:
      • Burp Suite
      • OWASP ZAP
    • Identify:
      • Hidden endpoints
      • Admin panels
      • Vulnerabilities

  🔹 Non-Technical Techniques

  • Social engineering using:
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook

  • Build:
    • Spear-phishing attacks
      • Highly targeted emails/messages
      • Based on real employee data

  3. Weaponization Phase🔹 Definition

  • Building the attack payload based on gathered intel

  👉 Important:

  • No interaction with the victim yet
  • Happens entirely on the attacker’s side

  4. Why Reconnaissance Matters Here

  • Good recon → precise payload
  • Poor recon → failed attack

  👉 Example:

  • If attacker knows:
    • OS version
    • Open ports
    • Installed software

  ➡️ They can craft:

  • A payload that fits perfectly

  5. Payload Concepts (High-Level)

  • A payload is:
    • Code designed to run on the target system

  🔹 Common Strategy

  • Use outbound connections:
    • Reverse TCP / HTTPS

  👉 Why?

  • Firewalls usually:
    • Block incoming connections
    • Allow outgoing connections

  6. Tools Used in Weaponization🔹 Payload Generation

  • Metasploit
    • Create executable payloads

  🔹 Evasion Techniques

  • Unicorn
    • Generates:
      • PowerShell-based payloads
      • Less suspicious than executables

  7. Key Differences Between the Two PhasesPhaseGoalInteractionActive ReconGather detailed target dataYesWeaponizationBuild attack payloadNoKey Takeaways

  • Active recon provides deep technical insight
  • Weaponization turns that insight into attack capability
  • Tools like Nmap and Burp reveal weaknesses
  • Payloads are tailored based on real target data
  • Outbound connections are commonly abused to bypass firewalls

  
  
  You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
  https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy

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• May 18, 2026Course 34 - Cybersecurity Kill Chain | Episode 1: Reconnaissance and Footprinting Fundamentals

  In this lesson, you’ll learn about: reconnaissance in the Cyber Kill Chain1. What is Reconnaissance?

  • Reconnaissance is the first phase of the Cyber Kill Chain
  • It focuses on:
    • Gathering information about a target

  👉 Why it matters:

  • It forms the foundation of the entire attack
  • Poor recon = weak attack
  • Strong recon = precise targeting

  2. Passive Reconnaissance (Footprinting)🔹 Definition

  • Collecting information without directly interacting with the target

  👉 Low risk of detection🔹 Common Techniques🌐 Network Information Gathering

  • Tools like:
    • whois → domain ownership & contacts
    • nslookup → DNS & IP mapping

  🔍 Search Engines & Specialized Platforms

  • Shodan
  • Censys

  Used to find:

  • Open ports
  • Running services
  • Technologies used

  👥 Social Media Intelligence (OSINT)

  • LinkedIn
    • Employee roles
    • Tech stack hints
  • Facebook
    • Personal interests
    • Behavior patterns

  👉 Useful for:

  • Phishing attacks
  • Social engineering

  🗑️ Physical Recon (Dumpster Diving)

  • Searching discarded materials for:
    • Passwords
    • Internal documents
    • Configurations

  3. Active Reconnaissance🔹 Definition

  • Direct interaction with the target system

  👉 Higher risk of detection🔹 Common Techniques📡 Ping Sweeps

  • Identify:
    • Live hosts on a network

  🔎 Port Scanning & Fingerprinting

  • Tool:
    • Nmap

  Used to detect:

  • Open ports (e.g., SSH, FTP, VNC)
  • Operating system details

  4. Passive vs Active ReconTypeInteractionRisk LevelExamplePassiveNoLowShodan, LinkedInActiveYesHighNmap scan5. Why Reconnaissance is Critical

  • Builds a complete target profile
  • Identifies:
    • Weak points
    • Entry points
  • Makes later stages:
    • Faster
    • More effective

  Key Takeaways

  • Recon = information gathering phase
  • Passive recon is stealthy and preferred
  • Active recon is powerful but detectable
  • Tools like Shodan and Nmap reveal technical exposure
  • Social media provides human attack vectors

  Big PictureReconnaissance is where attackers:👉 Move from guessing → knowing

  • Instead of blind attacks
  • They perform data-driven targetin

  
  
  You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
  https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy

  ...more

  

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• May 17, 2026Course 33 - Static Analysis for Reverse Engineering | Episode 5: Register Fundamentals, Graphical Analysis, and the Easy Peasy Solution

  In this lesson, you’ll learn about: cracking 64-bit software and understanding architectural differences1. Transition from 32-bit to 64-bit🔹 Register Naming Changes

  • 32-bit:
    • EAX, EBX, ECX
  • 64-bit:
    • RAX, RBX, RCX

  🔹 New Registers

  • Additional registers introduced:
    • R8 → R15

  👉 These give you:

  • More space for data handling
  • More efficient execution

  2. Key Difference: Parameter Passing🔹 32-bit Systems

  • Arguments passed via:
    • Stack

  🔹 64-bit Systems

  • Arguments passed via:
    • Registers (faster & cleaner)

  🔹 Common Calling Convention (Important)

  • First parameters usually go into:
    • RCX
    • RDX
    • R8
    • R9

  👉 This changes how you:

  • Trace function calls
  • Identify input comparisons

  3. Identifying a 64-bit Binary

  • Use tools like:
    • Detect It Easy
  • Look for:
    • PE64 format

  4. Practical Analysis WorkflowUsing:

  • x64dbg

  🔹 Step 1: Find Key Strings

  • Search for:
    • “Wrong password”
    • “Access denied”

  👉 Leads you to:

  • Validation functions

  🔹 Step 2: Use Graph View (CFG)**

  • Press:
    • G
  • This shows:
    • Decision branches
    • Logic flow

  🔹 Step 3: Locate Decision Points

  • Identify:
    • Comparisons (CMP)
    • Conditional jumps (JE, JNE, etc.)

  🔹 Step 4: Trace Credentials**

  • Follow:
    • Register values (NOT stack like before)

  👉 Look inside:

  • RCX / RDX / R8 / R9

  5. “Fishing” for Credentials

  • Track how input is compared against:
    • Hardcoded values
    • Stored strings

  👉 Often you’ll find:

  • Correct username/password directly in registers

  6. Essential x64dbg Graph Shortcuts🔹 Navigation & Simulation

  • Enter
    • Follow a branch
  • - (Minus)
    • Go back

  🔹 Synchronization

  • S key
    • Return to origin of graph

  🔹 Trace Recording

  • Highlights:
    • Actual execution path

  👉 Helps you see:

  • What REALLY happens during runtime

  Key Takeaways

  • 64-bit = new registers + new workflow
  • Parameters are passed via registers, not stack
  • CFG makes logic easier to understand
  • Credential checks are still:
    • Comparisons + jumps
  • Core cracking logic remains the same

  Big InsightEven though architecture evolved:👉 The mindset didn’t changeYou’re still:

  • Finding comparisons
  • Tracking inputs
  • Understanding branches

  Mental Model Upgrade

  • 32-bit thinking:
    • “Check the stack”
  • 64-bit thinking:
    • “Check the registers first”

  
  
  You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
  https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy

  ...more

  

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• May 16, 2026Course 33 - Static Analysis for Reverse Engineering | Episode 4: Static Analysis and Software Patching in x64dbg

  In this lesson, you’ll learn about: applying static analysis and patching to modify software behavior1. Core ConceptThis episode demonstrates how to use x64dbg with the xAnalyzer plugin to:

  • Analyze program logic without constant execution
  • Identify and modify key instructions
  • Alter how a program enforces trial limitations

  2. Locating Critical Logic

  • Search for meaningful strings like:
    • "trial period remaining"
  • This helps you:
    • Jump directly to the function responsible for:
      • License checks
      • Expiration logic

  3. Visualizing Program Flow

  • Use the graph view (CFG) to:
    • Understand decision paths clearly
  • Identify key instructions like:
    • JG (Jump if Greater)

  👉 This instruction acts as:

  • A decision gate between:
    • Trial still valid
    • Trial expired

  4. Understanding the Logic Behind the Trial

  • The program calculates remaining time using:
    • A fixed value (e.g., 1E in hex = 30 days)
  • It performs:
    • A subtraction between:
      • Current date
      • Allowed trial duration

  5. The Patching Idea (High-Level)

  • Instead of changing logic flow, the approach modifies:
    • The data value controlling the limit
  • Example concept:
    • Increasing the maximum allowed duration
    • Results in a longer trial period

  6. Validation Step

  • After modification:
    • Save the updated binary
    • Run the program
  • Confirm:
    • Trial duration has increased
    • Behavior matches expectations

  Key Takeaways

  • Static analysis helps you pinpoint critical logic
  • CFG visualization simplifies complex branching decisions
  • Trial systems often rely on:
    • Simple arithmetic checks
  • Small changes in values can significantly affect behavior
  • Always verify changes through testing

  Big PictureThis workflow shows how reverse engineers:

  • Break down program logic
  • Identify control points
  • Modify behavior with precision

  
  
  You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
  https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy

  ...more

  

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• May 15, 2026Course 33 - Static Analysis for Reverse Engineering | Episode 3: Graphical Reverse Engineering with x64dbg

  In this lesson, you’ll learn about: graphical static analysis and Control Flow Graphs (CFGs)Review AnswerWhen analyzing a Control Flow Graph (CFG) in x64dbg with the xAnalyzer plugin:🔹 What Green and Red Arrows Represent

  • Green arrows
    • Represent the successful condition (TRUE branch)
    • The path taken when a comparison or condition is met
  • Red arrows
    • Represent the failed condition (FALSE branch)
    • The path taken when the condition is not met

  🔹 How They Help in Reverse EngineeringAfter a comparison instruction (like CMP):

  • The program evaluates a condition (e.g., JE, JNE, JG, etc.)
  • The CFG visually splits into:
    • ✅ Green path → correct condition
    • ❌ Red path → incorrect condition

  🔹 Practical Use (Cracking / Analysis)These arrows allow you to:

  • Quickly identify:
    • Which branch leads to:
      • “Access Granted”
      • “Access Denied”
  • Focus on:
    • The green path to understand:
      • What makes the input valid
  • Or manipulate:
    • The execution flow (e.g., forcing a jump)

  🔹 Simple ExampleAfter a serial key check:

  • If key is correct:
    • → Program follows green arrow
    • → Shows success message
  • If key is wrong:
    • → Program follows red arrow
    • → Shows error message

  🎯 Key InsightCFG colors turn complex assembly into a visual decision map:

  • Green = “This condition passed”
  • Red = “This condition failed”

  👉 This makes it much easier to:

  • Track logic
  • Identify validation points
  • Reverse engineer faster and smarter

  
  
  You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
  https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy

  ...more

  

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• May 14, 2026Course 33 - Static Analysis for Reverse Engineering | Episode 2: Tool Setup, xAnalyzer Integration, and Database Maintenance

  In this lesson, you’ll learn about: setting up a reverse engineering lab and enhancing x64dbg with plugins1. Essential Tools for Your LabTo build a solid analysis environment, you need:🔹 Core Tools

  • x64dbg
    • Main debugger for static & dynamic analysis
  • Detect It Easy (DIE)
    • Identifies:
      • Packers
      • Compilers
      • File signatures

  🔹 Best Practice

  • Organize tools in:
    • Dedicated folders (e.g., C:\RE_Lab\Tools)

  👉 Keeps workflow clean and efficient2. Enhancing x64dbg with xAnalyzer Plugin

  • Plugin:
    • xAnalyzer

  🔹 What xAnalyzer Does

  • Converts raw assembly into:
    • Readable function calls
    • Identified parameters
    • Clear subroutine structures

  🔹 Why It’s Powerful

  • Transforms:
    • Complex mnemonics → understandable logic

  🔹 Installation Steps (Conceptual)

  • Place plugin in:
    • x32 plugins folder
    • x64 plugins folder

  👉 Enables analysis in both architectures3. Optimizing xAnalyzer Settings🔹 Problem

  • Large binaries may cause:
    • Crashes
    • Slow analysis

  🔹 Solution

  • Enable only:
    • Necessary analysis features
  • Disable:
    • Heavy/unused options

  👉 Improves stability and performance4. Manual Analysis Techniques🔹 When to Use

  • Large or complex programs

  🔹 Approach

  • Analyze:
    • Specific functions
    • Targeted code blocks

  👉 More control, less system strain5. Database (DB) Folder Maintenance🔹 What It Stores

  • Breakpoints
  • Bookmarks
  • Comments/annotations

  🔹 Why Clean It

  • Prevent:
    • Conflicts
    • Clutter from old projects

  🔹 Action

  • Clear DB folder for:
    • Fresh analysis sessions

  6. Using Documentation for Deeper Understanding🔹 Combine Tools + Docs

  • Use:
    • xAnalyzer annotations
    • MSDN

  🔹 Example

  • Function: MessageBox
  • Understand:
    • Parameters
    • Return values

  👉 Bridges gap between:

  • Assembly → real-world function behavior

  Key Takeaways

  • Build a clean lab with x64dbg + DIE
  • xAnalyzer makes assembly readable and structured
  • Optimize settings to avoid crashes
  • Use manual analysis for large binaries
  • Clean DB folder for fresh workflows
  • Combine debugger insights with official documentation

  Big PictureWith this setup, you now have a professional reverse engineering lab:

  • Efficient toolchain
  • Enhanced readability of assembly
  • Stable environment for large binaries
  • Ability to interpret real program logic

  
  
  You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
  https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy

  ...more

  

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• May 13, 2026Course 33 - Static Analysis for Reverse Engineering | Episode 1: Static Analysis and Graphical Visualization in x64dbg

  In this lesson, you’ll learn about: static vs dynamic analysis and visual debugging with x64dbg1. Static vs Dynamic Analysis🔹 Static Analysis
  

  • Analyze program without executing it
  • Focus on:
    • Code structure
    • Assembly instructions
    • Logic flow

  🔹 Dynamic Analysis
  

  • Execute the program
  • Observe:
    • Runtime behavior
    • Memory changes
    • Real-time execution

  👉 Both are essential for reverse engineering2. Using x64dbg
  

  • A powerful debugger that supports:
    • Static analysis
    • Dynamic analysis

  🔹 Key Strength
  

  • Combines both approaches in one tool

  3. Graphical Representation of Code🔹 Visual Graph View
  

  • Displays:
    • Execution paths
    • Branching logic

  🔹 Example
  

  • Condition check:
    • ✔ True → “Good” message
    • ❌ False → “Bad” message

  👉 Makes complex assembly easier to understand4. Why This Matters
  

  • Helps identify:
    • Key decision points
    • Critical branches
    • Program logic

  🔹 Benefits
  

  • Faster understanding of binaries
  • Easier reverse engineering
  • Better preparation for deeper analysis

  Key Takeaways
  

  • Static analysis = no execution
  • Dynamic analysis = runtime observation
  • x64dbg supports both
  • Graph view simplifies complex code paths
  • Visual debugging is essential for beginners

  Big PictureWith x64dbg, you start thinking like a reverse engineer:
  

  • Understand logic before execution
  • Visualize how programs make decisions
  • Prepare for advanced debugging and cracking techniques

  
  
  
  You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
  https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy

  ...more

  

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• May 12, 2026Course 32 - Checkpoint CCSA R80 | Episode 12: Managing Processes, Web Ports, and System Backups

  In this lesson, you’ll learn about: Check Point R80 services, WebUI access control, and system backup management1. Core Check Point ProcessesIn Check Point R80, the management server depends on several critical background services.🔹 Key Daemons

  • CPM
    • Main management service
    • Handles SmartConsole operations
  • FWM
    • Manages communication with SmartConsole
    • Directly affects administrator connectivity
  • CPD
    • Generic system daemon
    • Supports multiple internal services

  🔹 Process Monitoring Tool

  • cpwd_admin list

  👉 Shows all running Check Point processes🔹 Critical Insight

  • If FWM stops:
    • SmartConsole disconnects immediately
    • Admin cannot manage policies

  2. Web UI Access and SSL Port Management

  • Gaia Web Interface uses HTTPS by default (port 443)

  🔹 Viewing Current Port

  • show web ssl-port

  🔹 Changing the Port

  • set web ssl-port

  Example:

  • 6783 (custom secure port)

  🔹 Why Change It?

  • Bypass:
    • Firewall restrictions
    • Network filters blocking 443

  👉 Ensures continued admin access in restricted networks3. Gaia System Backups

  • Backups are essential for recovery and rollback

  🔹 Backup Methods

  • Web UI backup
  • CLI backup

  🔹 CLI Command

  • add backup local

  🔹 Scheduling Backups

  • Daily backups
  • Weekly backups

  🔹 Verification Commands

  • show backup status

  🔹 What You Can See

  • Backup success/failure
  • Stored backup files list

  4. System Recovery ValueBackups allow you to restore:

  • Firewall policies
  • Network configuration
  • System settings
  • Management database

  Key Takeaways

  • R80 depends on core services like CPM, FWM, and CPD
  • Stopping FWM breaks SmartConsole connectivity
  • WebUI port can be customized for accessibility
  • CLI provides full control over system access and backup
  • Regular backups are critical for disaster recovery

  Big PictureWith Check Point R80, you now understand:

  • Internal architecture of management services
  • How web access is controlled and customized
  • How to protect and restore system configurations

  
  
  You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
  https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy

  ...more

  

  ---

• May 11, 2026Course 32 - Checkpoint CCSA R80 | Episode 11: Managing and Troubleshooting Check Point Gaia via the Command Line Interface

  In this lesson, you’ll learn about: Gaia CLI administration, troubleshooting, and system recovery in Check Point R801. CLI Access and Navigation

  • In Check Point Gaia, administrators manage gateways via CLI

  🔹 Access Methods

  • Console (physical access)
  • SSH remote access
  • SmartConsole integration

  🔹 Productivity Shortcuts

  • Tab → auto-complete commands
  • Enter → execute
  • Space → paginate output
  • Q → quit long outputs

  🔹 Network Configuration

  • View and modify:
    • IP addresses
    • MTU settings

  🔹 Critical Step

  • save config
    • Ensures changes persist after reboot

  2. Configuration Locking System🔹 Concept

  • Only one administrator can edit at a time

  🔹 Tool

  • show config-lock

  🔹 What it shows

  • Who currently holds write access

  🔹 Recovery Option

  • Lock override (if admin is disconnected)

  👉 Prevents conflicting configuration changes3. Emergency Policy Recovery

  • Command:
    • fw unload local

  🔹 Purpose

  • Removes broken or corrupted policy locally

  🔹 Use Case

  • When gateway loses connectivity due to bad policy

  👉 Restores management access quickly4. System Monitoring with CPView

  • Tool:
    • CPView

  🔹 What It Tracks

  • CPU usage
  • Memory consumption
  • Network traffic
  • Security blades

  🔹 Advanced Feature

  • Historical data (~30 days)

  👉 Used for performance analysis + troubleshooting5. Shell Environments🔹 CLISH (Default Shell)

  • Safe, structured CLI
  • Used for standard configuration

  🔹 Expert Mode

  • Full Linux root access
  • Advanced troubleshooting

  🔹 Security

  • Requires separate password setup

  👉 Use carefully — powerful but riskyKey Takeaways

  • Gaia CLI is the primary admin interface for gateways
  • Configuration locks prevent conflicting changes
  • fw unload local is a critical recovery tool
  • CPView provides deep system visibility
  • CLISH is safe; Expert Mode is powerful but low-level

  Big PictureWith Check Point Gaia, you gain:

  • Full control over gateway configuration
  • Strong safety mechanisms for multi-admin environments
  • Emergency recovery tools for broken policies
  • Deep system-level monitoring and diagnostics

  
  
  You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
  https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy

  ...more

  

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• May 10, 2026Course 32 - Checkpoint CCSA R80 | Episode 10: VPN Implementation, Tunnel Management, and Advanced Security Monitoring

  In this lesson, you’ll learn about: VPN management, real-time monitoring, and event correlation in Check Point R801. IPsec Site-to-Site VPN (Full Implementation)

  • In Check Point R80, VPNs secure communication between networks over the internet

  🔹 Core Components

  • Enable IPsec on gateways
  • Define:
    • VPN Communities (Star / Mesh)
    • VPN Domains (protected networks)

  🔹 Advanced Control

  • Link Selection
    • Choose which interface/IP is used for VPN peering

  👉 Useful for:

  • Multi-ISP setups
  • Redundancy and routing control

  2. VPN Tunnel Management (CLI Tool)

  • Use:
    • vpn tu

  🔹 Capabilities

  • View active tunnels
  • Inspect:
    • Phase 1 (IKE)
    • Phase 2 (IPsec)

  🔹 Advanced Action

  • Manually delete:
    • Security Associations (SAs)

  👉 Helps in:

  • Troubleshooting stuck or broken tunnels

  3. Real-Time Monitoring with SmartView Monitor

  • Use:
    • SmartView Monitor

  🔹 What You Can Track

  • Gateway status
  • CPU and performance
  • Traffic statistics

  🔹 With Monitoring Blade Enabled

  • Top destinations
  • Traffic distribution
  • Packet sizes

  👉 Gives live visibility into network behavior4. Suspicious Activity Monitoring (SAM)🔹 Purpose

  • Immediate response to threats

  🔹 How It Works

  • Create temporary blocking rules:
    • IP addresses
    • Services

  🔹 Key Advantage

  • No need to:
    • Modify policy
    • Install changes

  👉 Perfect for:

  • Emergency threat mitigation

  5. SmartEvent (Correlation & Automation)

  • Central analysis tool:
    • SmartEvent

  🔹 What It Does

  • Correlates logs from:
    • Multiple gateways

  🔹 Detects

  • Attack patterns
  • Security outbreaks

  6. SmartEvent Setup🔹 Components

  • SmartEvent Server
  • Correlation Unit

  🔹 Interface

  • Web-based:
    • SmartView

  👉 Enables remote monitoring7. Automated Responses🔹 Examples

  • Send email alerts
  • Block attacker IP automatically

  🔹 Benefit

  • Faster incident response
  • Reduced manual effort

  Key Takeaways

  • VPN setup includes communities, domains, and link selection
  • vpn tu is essential for deep VPN troubleshooting
  • SmartView Monitor provides real-time performance insights
  • SAM enables instant threat blocking without policy install
  • SmartEvent correlates logs across the entire network
  • Automation improves response time and security

  Big PictureWith these tools in Check Point R80, you now operate like a SOC-level engineer:

  • Build and troubleshoot VPN tunnels
  • Monitor infrastructure in real time
  • React instantly to live threats
  • Correlate events across multiple systems
  • Automate security responses

  
  
  You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
  https://linktr.ee/cybercode_academy

  ...more

  

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