Cybersecurity Today

Cybersecurity Today: The Rise of Living Off the Land Strategies & More

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today's Month in Review, host Jim Love is joined by Laura Payne from White Tuque and David Shipley from Beauceron Security. They discuss several pressing cybersecurity issues, including the growing threat of 'living off the land' strategies where attackers use legitimate software to stay undetected, the risks associated with public Wi-Fi and QR codes, and the recent breaches involving Oracle's E-Business Suite and SonicWall's management devices. The panel also reflects on the often conflicting cybersecurity advice circulating today and emphasizes the importance of nuanced communication in security practices. Plus, find out who wins the 'Stinky' award for cybersecurity blunders and what you can do to stay safe. Special thanks to Meter for supporting this podcast. Tune in for a deep dive into these crucial cybersecurity topics and more.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:19 Welcome and Guest Introductions 00:50 Unique Coffee Partnership 02:27 Living Off the Land: Cybersecurity Tactics 04:33 Social Engineering and AI Threats 13:51 The Role of Social Media in Cyber Fraud 20:05 Microsoft's New Teams Feature: A Security Risk? 26:39 Oracle Vulnerability and Enterprise Security 27:26 Patching Core Systems: Challenges and Necessities 28:12 Clop Ransomware: A Persistent Threat 29:09 University Data Breaches: The Case of U Penn 30:18 Security Culture and Leadership Accountability 33:49 Debunking Security Myths: Juice Jacking and QR Codes 39:15 Public WiFi and VPNs: Proceed with Caution 41:18 The Importance of Effective Cybersecurity Communication 48:33 SonicWall Security Concerns and the Stinkies Awards 51:13 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Future Episodes

In this episode of 'Cybersecurity Today,' host Jim Love discusses several significant cybersecurity issues. Highlights include a maximum severity vulnerability in React Server Components dubbed React2Shell (CVE-2025-55182), a recently patched Windows shortcut flaw by Microsoft, and new attacks using the Evilginx phishing platform in schools. Additionally, the show explores a long-running campaign by 'Shady Panda,' which used browser extensions to harvest data, and an unexpected failure by Google's AI tool that led to the deletion of a developer's hard drive. The episode also thanks Meter for their continued support.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:48 React Vulnerability: React2Shell 03:13 Microsoft's Long-Standing Shortcut Flaw 04:50 Evilginx: Bypassing MFA in Education 06:59 Shady Panda's Malicious Extensions 09:13 Google's AI Mishap: Developer's Hard Drive Wiped 11:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode of Cybersecurity Today, hosted by Jim Love, delves into various cybersecurity threats and latest news. Topics include 'living off the land' attacks using Microsoft's native utilities, spoofing Calendly invites for phishing Google and Meta credentials, a significant breach at the University of Pennsylvania linked to Oracle E-Business Suite vulnerabilities, and findings on AI jailbreaks tied to syntactic patterns by researchers from MIT, Northeastern University, and Meta. The episode emphasizes the ongoing challenges and evolving strategies in cybersecurity.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:43 Living Off the Land Attacks Explained 03:41 Fake Calendly Invites and Phishing Campaigns 05:47 Oracle Breach and Its Implications 07:55 AI Jailbreaks and Syntax Hacking 11:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host David Shipley discusses a range of pressing cybersecurity issues. Topics include the surge in QR code parking scams, with recent cases in Monaco, Ottawa, and across Europe; an Australian man sentenced for evil twin WiFi attacks targeting travelers; the shutdown of the Code Red emergency notification system due to ransomware; and critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft Teams' guest access feature. Shipley also examines the newly launched hacklore.org website aiming to debunk cybersecurity myths, while critiquing its dismissal of real-world threats. Stay informed on how criminals exploit simple deception, human assumptions, and technology lapses to perpetrate fraud and data breaches.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:21 Hack Lore vs. Real Cyber Threats 03:45 QR Code Parking Scams 07:24 Evil Twin WiFi Attacks 09:43 Ransomware Attack on Code Red 11:44 Microsoft Teams Security Flaw 15:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Intersection of Espionage Techniques and Cybersecurity Threats

This episode explores the parallels between espionage and cybersecurity, particularly focusing on social engineering tactics used in both domains. Hosted by Jim Love, the podcast features insights from Neil Bisson, a retired intelligence officer from CSIS, and David Shipley, CEO of Beauceron Security. They discuss the vulnerabilities in human behavior that can be exploited, the similarity between human intelligence operations and phishing attacks, and how AI is transforming the landscape of social engineering. Practical advice on recognizing and mitigating these threats is also provided. The episode underscores the importance of empathy, skepticism, and continuous education in defending against sophisticated cyber threats.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:25 Linking Espionage and Cybersecurity 01:06 The Role of Social Engineering in Cyber Attacks 02:25 Guest Introductions: Neil Bisson and David Shipley 03:24 Recruitment Tactics in Intelligence 05:56 Phishing vs. Intelligence Recruitment 07:48 AI's Role in Modern Social Engineering 10:45 Building Trust and Rapport in Intelligence 16:19 Ethical Considerations in Intelligence Work 20:01 Future of Cybersecurity and Social Engineering 24:31 The Art of Subtle Manipulation 26:01 Clandestine Tactics and Voluntary Information 26:24 Incremental Trust Building 26:46 Psychological Manipulation and Cult Recruitment 27:34 Human Connection and Vulnerability 28:53 AI and Social Engineering 30:25 The Threat of AI in Recruitment 33:20 Emotional Manipulation in Espionage 36:19 Defending Against Manipulation 38:12 Empathy and Information as Defense 45:49 Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement

In this episode, the host addresses a previous mistake in naming a company involved in a breach, correcting SitusAMC for Ascensus, and extends apologies. Key topics include US banks assessing a breach fallout from financial tech vendor SitusAMC, ransomware group CioP targeting Broadcom through Oracle's vulnerabilities, a new malware campaign hiding in Blender 3D models named SteelC, supply chain attacks in the JavaScript ecosystem through NPM packages with Shai-Hulud malware, and a phishing scam using lookalike domains to deceive Microsoft account holders. Listeners are reminded to manually type URLs to avoid phishing scams, and are informed about the Thanksgiving weekend schedule change.

00:00 Introduction and Apology 01:26 Cybersecurity Headlines 02:13 US Banks Data Theft Incident 03:44 Broadcom and Oracle ERP Breach 05:29 Blender Malware Campaign 07:45 Shai-Hulud NPM Package Attack 09:41 Phishing Campaign Targeting Microsoft Accounts 11:39 Final Thoughts and Thanksgiving Wishes

In today's episode of Cybersecurity Today, hosted by Jim Love, several major cybersecurity incidents are discussed. US banks are assessing the impact of a security breach at SitusAMC, where the ALFV ransomware group claimed to have stolen three terabytes of data. CIOP has targeted Broadcom through Oracle's E-Business Suite vulnerabilities. A new malware campaign hides inside Blender 3D models, exploiting the auto-run feature to deploy Steel C malware. The JavaScript ecosystem faces a supply chain attack from the Shai-Hulud malware compromising 500 NPM packages. Additionally, a phishing campaign leveraging visual deception with look-alike domains is targeting Microsoft account holders. The show is brought to you by Meter, which provides integrated networking solutions.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:21 US Banks Data Theft Incident 02:24 Broadcom and Oracle ERP Breach 04:09 Blender Files Supply Chain Attack 06:24 NPM Packages Compromised 08:21 Phishing Campaign Targeting Microsoft Accounts 10:19 Conclusion and Sponsor Message

In this episode, host David Shipley discusses some of the most pressing issues in cybersecurity today. Checkout.com refuses to pay a ransom to cyber extortion group Shiny Hunters and instead donates to cybersecurity research. The U.S. SEC ends its long-standing case against SolarWinds and their CISO Tim Brown, highlighting ongoing debates about cybersecurity accountability. Additionally, the FCC reverses cybersecurity mandates originally set after the Salt Typhoon hacks, drawing criticism and raising questions about national security preparedness. The episode emphasizes the critical role of policy and regulation in affecting cybersecurity outcomes and encourages the tech community to participate actively in shaping better laws and frameworks.

Cybersecurity Today would like to thank Meter for their support in bringing you this podcast. Meter delivers a complete networking stack, wired, wireless and cellular in one integrated solution that's built for performance and scale.

You can find them at Meter.com/cst

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:51 Checkout.com Refuses Ransom and Supports Cyber Research 04:10 SEC Ends Case Against SolarWinds and CISO 08:36 FCC Reverses Cybersecurity Mandates 12:22 The Importance of Policy in Cybersecurity 14:42 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host Jim Love welcomes retired intelligence officer Neil Bisson and regular guest David Shipley for an in-depth discussion on current cybersecurity threats facing both Canada and the US. They explore the roles of major state actors like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea in cyber espionage and sabotage, alongside the motivations driving such activities. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by corporations and critical infrastructure, the importance of understanding motivations behind cyber attacks, and the need for greater cooperation between the private sector and intelligence agencies. The episode also highlights the crucial steps individuals and organizations should take to protect themselves in this rapidly evolving cyber landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:40 Meet Neil Bisson: A Retired Intelligence Officer 02:43 The Evolution of Intelligence Collection 04:29 The Role of Big Data in Modern Espionage 06:30 Corporate Espionage and Technological Advancements 11:45 National Security Threats and Private Sector Vulnerabilities 16:42 Global Players in Cybersecurity Threats 21:44 The Overlooked Cyber Capabilities of India 23:58 State-Sponsored Cybercrime: A Symbiotic Relationship 24:50 Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities 25:32 Cyber Attacks and International Relations 27:54 The Role of Intelligence Agencies 33:58 The Huawei Controversy 37:18 Balancing National Security and Economic Interests 41:55 The Future of Cybersecurity 45:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host Jim Love discusses several major cybersecurity events. CloudFlare faced significant outages affecting major platforms like Amazon and YouTube, along with continued issues for Microsoft 365 users. NordVPN warned of a surge in fake shopping websites as Black Friday approaches, with phishing attempts climbing 36% between August and October. An AI transcription tool caused a privacy breach at an Ontario hospital, leading to a privacy probe. Finally, Salesforce is investigating a data theft wave linked to Gainsight, illustrating the risks of OAuth token misuse. The episode is supported by Meter, a network infrastructure provider.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:44 CloudFlare Outages and Their Impact 02:34 Surge in Fake Shopping Websites 04:56 AI Privacy Breach at Ontario Hospital 08:41 Salesforce Data Theft Investigation 11:26 Conclusion and Sponsor Message