In this conversation, Matt O’Neill and Jason Shafferman discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, focusing on trends from 2025 and predictions for 2026. They explore the growing importance of supply chain management, the shift in attack vectors towards identity risks, and the ongoing threat of ransomware. The discussion also highlights the challenges of identity and access management, the role of backups in resilience, and the risks associated with third-party dependencies. Looking ahead, they consider the implications of AI and quantum computing on cybersecurity. The conversation wraps up on a lighter note, with Matt and Jason sharing their perspectives on the NFL season, offering predictions on playoff contenders and standout teams.

Takeaways

• Supply chain management has gained visibility post-COVID.
• Identity risks have become a major concern for organizations.
• Ransomware continues to be a significant threat.
• Compromised credentials are a common issue on the dark web.
• Organizations need to focus on backup strategies for recovery.
• Third-party dependencies pose risks to cybersecurity.
• AI will introduce new attack surfaces.
• The market for identity management lacks a clear leader.
• Ransomware monetization has shifted due to insurance coverage.
• The future of cybersecurity will be shaped by emerging technologies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Trends

02:52 The Evolution of Supply Chain Management

03:36 Shifts in Cyber Attack Vectors

07:46 Ransomware: Current Trends and Future Predictions

10:01 Identity and Access Management Challenges

12:44 The Role of Backups in Ransomware Recovery

15:08 Third-Party Risks and Cloud Dependencies

21:36 Emerging Threats: AI and Quantum Computing

24:24 Sports Predictions and Closing Thoughts

About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio 

This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

In this episode of Detonation Point presented by Elastio, Matt O’Neill and Costas Kourmpoglou delve into the complexities of ransomware and organizational resilience. They discuss the evolution of ransomware tactics, the business model behind it, and the role of cryptocurrency in facilitating these attacks. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding initial access points, the cultural challenges within organizations, and the need for effective training and awareness. They also explore the implications of cyber insurance, the significance of backup strategies, and the future landscape of cybersecurity.

Takeaways

• Ransomware has evolved into a lucrative business model.
• Initial access is often gained through credential reuse and social engineering.
• Organizational culture plays a crucial role in cybersecurity effectiveness.
• Training must be tailored and meaningful to be effective.
• Cybersecurity should be integrated into the overall business strategy.
• Backup strategies need to be robust and regularly tested.
• Dual extortion tactics are becoming more common among threat actors.
• Cyber insurance policies are evolving in response to ransomware threats.
• Organizations often struggle with the cultural aspects of cybersecurity.
• Resilience planning must involve all levels of the organization.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

1:25 Understanding Cyber Risk and Ransomware

05:17 Ransomware as a Business Model

07:25 The Role of Cryptocurrency in Ransomware

10:16 Cyber Insurance and Ransomware Payments

13:07 Initial Access and Vulnerabilities

15:36 Cultural Challenges in Cybersecurity

18:01 Empowering Employees in Cybersecurity

20:55 C-Suite Attitudes Towards Cybersecurity

23:14 Current Threat Vectors and Best Practices

26:33 Lateral Movement and Backup Strategies

27:24 The Evolution of Ransomware Tactics

29:15 The Dilemma of Paying Ransom

30:47 Focusing on Resilience and Business Continuity

33:08 The Importance of Reporting Breaches

34:27 Addressing Breach Fatigue

34:49 Key Strategies for Minimizing Cybersecurity Impact

37:29 The Reality of Resilience Planning

40:28 Cultural Challenges in Cybersecurity

41:47 The Future of Cybersecurity and Ransomware

44:47 Optimism in Cybersecurity Culture

About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio 

This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

In this episode of Detonation Point presented by Elastio, Matt O’Neill interviews Chase Clowser, a former Secret Service agent who transitioned from Division I football to tactical operations and K-9 handling before specializing in complex cyber investigations, including ransomware and money laundering. The conversation delves into the challenges of cyber crime, the importance of collaboration across borders, and the role of AI in criminal activities. Chase emphasizes the need for continuous training and mentorship in the field, as well as the importance of data in investigations. He also provides valuable advice for small and mid-sized businesses on how to protect themselves from cyber threats. The episode concludes with insights on the transition from government work to the private sector and the skills that are transferable between the two.

Takeaways

Chase Clowser specialized in cyber investigations, focusing on ransomware and money laundering.

Collaboration across borders is crucial in law enforcement.

Data plays a significant role in successful investigations.

Continuous training and mentorship are essential in cyber investigations.

AI is being leveraged by criminals to enhance their operations.

Small to midsized businesses need to take cybersecurity seriously.

The mindset of 'it's not a matter of if, it's when’ is important for businesses.

Building a strong network is crucial for success in the private sector.

Selling oneself is a key skill in both law enforcement and private sector roles.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chase Clowser’s Background

02:52 Transitioning from Football to Law Enforcement

05:14 Becoming a Canine Handler

07:38 Diving into Cyber Investigations

10:20 The Role of Money Laundering in Cyber Crime

13:36 Challenges of Cross-Border Collaborations in Law Enforcement

17:01 Leveraging Data in Criminal Investigations

19:15 The Role of Analytics in Complex Cases

21:57 Training and Mentorship in Cyber Investigations

24:53 Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

30:16 The Evolving Threat Landscape

32:57 Cybersecurity for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

35:54 Transitioning from Public to Private Sector

About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio 

This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

In this new episode of Detonation Point presented by Elastio, Matt O'Neill interviews JJ Parma, a former Navy SEAL, discussing the impact of AI on public safety, the evolution of technology in military operations, and the challenges of leadership transitions. JJ shares insights from his extensive military career, highlighting cultural differences within the SEAL teams and the rapid advancements in technology post-9/11. The discussion also delves into the ethical implications of AI, the importance of human oversight in technology, and the need for proactive measures in public safety, particularly regarding drone technology and weapons detection systems. JJ emphasizes the role of healthcare and other industries in adopting new security technologies to protect civilians.

Takeaways

AI will make a material difference in public safety.

Cultural differences exist between East Coast and West Coast SEAL teams.

Transitioning from enlisted to officer presents unique challenges.

Technology in the SEAL teams has evolved significantly post-9/11.

Drones are a major concern for public safety.

AI can enhance weapons detection and prevent violence.

The ethical implications of AI are critical to consider.

Implementation of new technology can be hindered by bureaucracy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI and Public Safety

01:00 JJ Parma's Background and Naval Career

02:39 Cultural Differences Between East and West Coast SEAL Teams

11:02 Leadership Transition from Enlisted to Officer

13:33 Technological Evolution in the SEAL Teams

19:55 Drones and Their Impact on Public Safety

24:20 Concerns About Countering Drone Threats

27:39 The Financial Constraints of Security Operations

30:51 AI in Security: Challenges and Opportunities

34:06 The Role of Technology in Preventing Violence

39:35 The Ethical Use of AI in Security

44:15 Implementation Challenges of Security Technology

50:10 Adoption of Security Technology Across Industries

About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio 

This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

In this episode of Detonation Point presented by Elastio, Matt O’Neill and journalist Geoff White discuss North Korea’s cybercrime activity, including the “supernote” counterfeit scheme and large crypto thefts. They cover how money laundering enables cybercrime, why stolen crypto is difficult to recover, the rise of ransomware, and the pandemic-driven surge in scams. They emphasize the need for stronger coordination between financial institutions, the private sector, and law enforcement.

Takeaways

North Korea carries out advanced cybercrime, including counterfeiting and hacking.

A Supernote shows its ability to make near-perfect fake U.S. currency.

Geoff White moved into cybercrime reporting as digital crime expanded.

Money laundering underpins most cybercriminal activity.

Stolen crypto is hard to recover.

Ransomware expanded quickly through affiliate models.

Scam victims often face skepticism.

Pandemic-era online activity drove fraud growth.

Cross-sector cooperation is essential.

Resources

About Geoff White

• Website
• Books
  • Rinsed
  • The Lazarus Heist
  • Crime Dot Com
• Podcasts 
  • The Lazarus Heist
  • Cyber Hack: The Lazarus Heist Season Two Trailer
  • The Dark Web

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Cybercrime and North Korea

01:36

The Supernote: North Korea's Counterfeiting Operations

05:11

Transitioning from Journalism to Cybercrime Investigation

07:35

The Role of Money Laundering in Cybercrime

09:53

Cryptocurrency: A Double-Edged Sword for Criminals

13:34

The Evolving Landscape of Cybercrime and Regulation

17:03

North Korea's Collaboration with Russian Cybercriminals

20:32

Innovative Cases in Money Laundering and Cybercrime

26:00

The Rise of Next-Gen Fraud

29:43

The Interplay of Cyber Crime and Money Laundering

31:31

Victim Perspectives and Law Enforcement Challenges

38:12

The Role of Private Sector in Combating Scams

39:31

Ransomware: The Evolving Threat

47:52

Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio 

This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

In this compelling multi-generational episode of Detonation Point presented by Elastio, host Matt O’Neill and guest host Sarah O’Neill interview their father and grandfather Jim O’Neill about his Secret Service career beginning in the 1970s. Jim shares stories from early check-forgery investigations, the realities of protection before modern security technology, and memorable moments from the Reagan detail. Matt contrasts those experiences with today’s cyber-driven investigative environment, the challenges of staffing, social media’s impact on threat work, and how the job has evolved. The episode blends history, humor, and practical advice for anyone considering a career in federal law enforcement.

Takeaways

• Early Secret Service investigations were fast, high-volume, and built heavily on street work and informants.
• Protection in the 1970s lacked today’s technology - no metal detectors, fewer protectees, and long campaign rotations.
• Relationship-building with local police was essential then and remains critical today.
• Jim’s memorable stories include undercover mishaps, evacuations involving major celebrities, and driving Reagan and Sinatra through Hoboken.
• Modern Secret Service work is dominated by cyber-enabled financial crime, digital forensics, and social-media-driven protective intelligence.
• Retention is harder today due to extensive travel, quality-of-life issues, and competitive opportunities at other agencies.
• Technology fluency is now a core requirement; most investigations involve digital footprints.
• Best career advice: check your ego, value your teammates, invest early in TSP, and know where the best bathrooms are on advance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Detonation Point

01:14 Jim O'Neill's Early Career and Path to the Secret Service

05:05 Teaching Experiences and Challenges

08:42 Transition to Federal Law Enforcement

09:28 Training at FLETC vs. Secret Service School

13:02 Early Cases and Investigative Work in the Secret Service

21:03 Building Relationships with Law Enforcement

22:49 The Importance of Communication in Protection

25:16 Evolving Challenges in Investigations

27:07 Reflections on the 70s and 80s

29:39 The Changing Landscape of Crime

31:00 The Evolution of Agent Demographics

35:42 Challenges of Modern Law Enforcement

39:26 The Impact of Social Media on Protection

41:56 Retention and Recruitment in Law Enforcement

42:38 Reflections on a Career in Protection

50:15 The Rewards and Challenges of Federal Law Enforcement

About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio 

This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

In this episode of Detonation Point, Matt ONeill speaks with Carl Wocke from Merlynn AI about the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. They discuss the definition of AI, its implications for society, and the unique approach Merlynn takes by learning from human expertise rather than data alone. The conversation delves into the challenges of bias and hallucinations in AI, the potential for AI to replace human jobs, and the risks posed by bad actors using AI technology. Wocke shares success stories from Merlynn's work in various sectors, including banking and law enforcement, and explores the concepts of agentic AI and digital twins. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of AI, the importance of human involvement, and the potential impact of quantum computing.

Takeaways

• Merlynn AI learns from human expertise, not just data.
• Bias in AI is a form of expertise, both positive and negative.
• The future of work will depend on keeping humans relevant in the economy.
• Bad actors have fewer regulations, making them agile in using AI.
• Merlynn's technology has successfully reduced bottlenecks in banking and healthcare.
• Digital twins can enhance decision-making in law enforcement.
• Agentic AI represents a new frontier in automating tasks.
• Access to expertise is a critical challenge in various sectors.
• The next evolution in AI will focus on managing risk rather than just optimizing costs.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction

00:40

Understanding AI: Definitions and Perspectives

05:37

The Role of Bias and Expertise in AI

08:11

AI's Impact on Employment and Relevance

10:08

AI in Crime: Challenges and Opportunities

12:49

Merlynn AI Success Stories: Removing Bottlenecks

18:35

Agentic AI

20:49

Digital Twins: The Future of AI Engagement

22:25

Access to Expertise: Collaboration Through Digital Twins

26:53

Transforming Incident Response with AI

31:28

Moving Expertise Upstream in Financial Transactions

36:07

The Future of Quantum and AI

39:30

Trust and the Human Element in AI

45:01

Participating in a Digital World

About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio 

This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

In this episode of Detonation Point, Matt ONeill and Stephen Dougherty discuss various topics including the standards and procedures for federal investigations, the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on federal employees, and the political polarization affecting public trust in government agencies. They also make predictions for the upcoming Eagles vs. Packers game, highlighting the significance of recent player acquisitions and the teams' performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:40 Understanding Federal Investigations

06:04 The Role of the Department of Justice

11:57 Arrest Procedures and Indictments

17:49 Consequences of Firing Federal Agents

20:32 Impact of Government Shutdown on Federal Employees

23:48 Navigating Financial Strain During Shutdowns

25:26 The Impact of Government Shutdowns on Contractors

26:50 Insider Threats and Vulnerabilities

28:38 The Polarization of Politics and Its Effects

29:47 Eagles vs. Packers: Game Predictions

38:54 Family Rivalries and Sports Fandom

About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

In this conversation, Natalie Loebner discusses the complexities of fraud, emphasizing the differences between various types of fraud, such as organized crime syndicates and elder fraud. She highlights the importance of understanding these distinctions to develop effective solutions for each type.

Takeaways

People often misunderstand the different types of fraud.

Organized crime syndicates target Americans in unique ways.

Banks focus on first-party fraud, which differs from other fraud types.

Elder fraud involves family members or caretakers, requiring different solutions.

Mass spamming is a prevalent method used in fraud.

The treatment of fraud cases must be tailored to their specific nature.

Fraud solutions cannot be one-size-fits-all.

Understanding the nuances of fraud is crucial for effective prevention.

Financial institutions need to adapt their strategies based on fraud type.

Communication about fraud must be clear to avoid confusion.

Titles

Navigating the Complex World of Fraud

Fraud: More Than Just a Financial Crime

Sound bites

"people talk past each other"

"they're all fraud, but they're really different"

"the treatment and the signal are not the same"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Natalie Loebner and Her Background

00:24 Defining Fraud: The Need for Clarity

00:32 Money Laundering and Fraud: The Overlap

This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

Timeline

00:00 Introduction to Financial Crime Investigation

02:58 The Evolution of Business Email Compromise (BEC)

05:41 Proactive Measures in Asset Recovery

08:13 Government Shutdown and Its Impact on Law Enforcement

11:07 The Role of AI in Cybercrime

13:58 Transnational Organized Crime and BEC Networks

16:16 Case Studies: Notorious BEC Actors

18:59 Future Trends in Business Email Compromise

32:39 The Rise of Deepfakes and AI in Fraud

34:49 Unencumbered Property and Seller Impersonation Fraud

37:11 Preventing Business Email Compromise (BEC)

40:13 The Need for a National Anti-Scam Center

42:17 The Role of Social Media in Fraud

46:29 Heart-Wrenching Victim Stories

51:39 The Future of Fraud Awareness and Education

55:47 Eagles vs. Commanders: A Sports Analogy for Fraud Prevention