In this episode of Reimagining Cyber we  tackle two seismic shifts in digital security: the fight over encryption and the rise in quantum computing. 

First up, the UK's aggressive push against encryption. With legislation like the Investigatory Powers Act and the Online Safety Bill, the UK government is pressuring tech giants to create backdoors for law enforcement. But what happens when those backdoors fall into the wrong hands? Cybersecurity expert Tyler Moffitt doesn’t mince words: “The moment you create a backdoor for the government, you open it up to everybody—cybercriminals, rogue states, you name it.” Apple initially took a hard stance, threatening to pull iMessage and FaceTime from the UK. But in a move that sent ripples through the industry, they recently scaled back their Advanced Data Protection feature for UK users. Is the result a chilling precedent that other governments may soon follow?

If that weren’t enough, encryption’s future faces another existential threat—quantum computing. Even the strongest cryptographic methods in use today could become obsolete once quantum processors reach critical mass. To explore this, we revisit Episode 43: Inside the Fight to Protect Data from Quantum Computers, featuring veteran cryptographic engineer Terence Spies. He warns that the fundamental rules of encryption could soon change forever. “Unlike other areas of software, cryptography is about proving what can’t happen,” Spies explains. “Quantum computing changes that equation entirely.”

With quantum breakthroughs on the horizon, governments and enterprises must scramble to adopt post-quantum cryptography—before it’s too late. Transitioning away from RSA and elliptic-curve encryption isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s a bureaucratic and logistical nightmare that could take decades. And yet, with quantum attacks potentially capable of breaking today’s encryption in mere hours, the race is on to secure our digital future.

Listen to the full episode of Reimagining Cyber and stay ahead of the encryption debate. The stakes have never been higher.

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In this episode of Reimagining Cyber, host Rob Aragao explores the concept of shadow AI and its implications in cybersecurity. Inspired by the recent AI Action Summit in Paris, Rob delves into core areas such as threat detection, governance, and data privacy. He addresses the growing concerns around unauthorized AI implementations within organizations and emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts and governance frameworks. Practical solutions like API secure gateways, data sandboxes, and centers of excellence for AI are discussed to mitigate risks and enhance cybersecurity practices.

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In this episode of Reimagining Cyber,  new co-host Tyler Moffitt talks about the intersection of blockchain technology and cybersecurity. He discusses the basics of blockchain, its differences from traditional databases, real-world applications, the current rate of adoption, and the challenges it faces. Tyler also shares his personal journey into the world of blockchain and his passion for the technology. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of blockchain in cybersecurity and a fascinating tale about lost Bitcoin worth millions.

Links mentions in the episode:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin_buried_in_Newport_landfill

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In this episode of Reimagining Cyber, host Rob Aragao explores the role of the Professional Association of CISOs (PAC) with Demetrius Comes, a CISO executive advisor at EVOTEK and a leader within PAC. Comes, who has held cybersecurity leadership roles at companies like GoDaddy and Warner Brothers Games, discusses PAC’s mission to support CISOs through professional development, peer collaboration, and industry education.

The conversation covers PAC’s initiatives, including local chapters, certification programs, and resources designed to help CISOs navigate leadership responsibilities, liability concerns, and emerging cybersecurity threats. Combs also provides insight into broader industry trends, such as the evolving role of CISOs, the importance of cyber hygiene, and the growing impact of AI in cybersecurity.

This episode offers valuable information for cybersecurity professionals looking to understand the benefits of PAC and the challenges facing modern security leaders.

Links relevant to this episode: 

Professional Association of CISOs -  https://theciso.org/

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In this episode, we dive into the world of passkeys and how they’re revolutionizing online security. Say goodbye to password fatigue and phishing scams—passkeys promise a more secure and seamless authentication experience. We discuss what passkeys are, how they work, and why major tech companies are adopting them.

Topics Covered:

• What are passkeys and how do they work?
• The difference between passkeys and traditional passwords
• How passkeys improve security and prevent phishing attacks
• The role of biometrics in passkey authentication
• How losing your phone affects access to accounts
• Cross-device authentication and cloud synchronization
• Why big tech companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft are embracing passkeys
• The potential future of cybersecurity beyond passwords

Key Takeaways:

• Passkeys use cryptographic keys stored on devices for authentication, eliminating the need for passwords.
• They are more secure than traditional passwords and resistant to phishing attacks.
• Losing a device doesn’t mean losing access—most platforms allow recovery through cloud-based synchronization.
• Biometrics, such as fingerprint or face recognition, enhance the convenience and security of passkeys.
• Tech giants are pushing for a passwordless future to improve online security and user experience.

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As featured on Million Podcasts' Best 100 Cybersecurity Podcast and Best 70
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In this episode of 'Reimagining Cyber,'  Rob Aragao explores major trends and focus areas for cybersecurity in 2025. The discussion includes regulatory impacts, particularly around the Digital Operational Resiliency Act (DORA) and the EU AI Act, the complexities of data privacy with eight new laws in the U.S., and the growing emphasis on compliance automation. Rob also delves into the evolution of identity and access management, the convergence of data and identity, and the critical importance of supply chain security. The episode wraps up with insights into the recent DeepSeek incident and its implications for national security and data privacy.

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In this episode,  Reimagining Cyber's Rob Aragao  dives into the World Economic Forum's recently released Cybersecurity Outlook for 2025. Key areas highlighted include the impact of geopolitical tensions on cyber espionage, the persistent threat of ransomware, the dual role of AI in bolstering cybersecurity and amplifying cyber attacks, and the ongoing cybersecurity skills shortage. The discussion also covers the importance of resilience in cybersecurity strategy and the critical need for improved collaboration across industries and with the public sector. The episode is packed with practical insights for C-suite leaders, particularly in how these findings can inform and strengthen organizational cybersecurity programs.

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Join Reimagining Cyber's host Rob Aragao as he talks about the evolving role of the CISO in aligning cybersecurity with business objectives. Rob emphasizes the importance of integrating security early in development processes to foster business agility and protect customer trust. He highlights key strategies for CISOs to effectively communicate with executive leadership and align security initiatives with financial and operational goals. Tune in for expert advice on driving growth and efficiency through a robust cybersecurity framework.

00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings

00:59 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Setting the Agenda

02:09 The Evolving Role of the CISO

03:03 Integrating Cybersecurity with Business Operations

03:37 Enhancing Business Agility and Reducing Friction

05:55 Protecting Customer Trust and Data Privacy

06:46 Mitigating Financial Losses from Security Incidents

07:36 Operational Efficiency and Early Security Integration

07:52 Communicating Cybersecurity to Stakeholders

13:08 Financial Literacy and Budget Justification

14:34 Challenges in Cybersecurity Communication

17:22 Concluding Remarks and Farewell

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In this episode of Reimagining Cyber, host Rob Aragao welcomes Dr. Andrew Reeves, a cyber psychology expert from the University of New South Wales Institute for Cybersecurity. They discuss Andrew's groundbreaking national study on mental well-being in the cybersecurity sector and the high burnout rates among cybersecurity professionals. Dr. Reeves compares these rates to those in other industries, notably frontline healthcare workers, and highlights the lack of appreciation and support for cyber professionals. He shares an example of a colleague who experienced a severe panic attack due to job stress, leading to early retirement. The episode explores systemic issues and potential resources for mental health support within the cybersecurity industry.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:34 Exploring Cyber Psychology

00:44 Comparing Cybersecurity to Other Industries

02:47 Burnout in Cybersecurity

05:27 Personal Stories and Experiences

11:18 Resources and Final Thoughts

Links/resources mentioned this episode:

 University of New South Wales Institute for Cybersecurity.
https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/ifcyber

Cybermindz
https://cybermindz.org/

University of Adelaide Defence and Security Institute
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/defence-security/

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Join Rob Aragao in this unique edition of Reimagining Cyber, as he takes you on a retrospective journey through the most impactful podcast moments of 2024. This episode features highlights from discussions on major topics, including the EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act with Dominic Brown, election defenses with Dr. Ben Adida, MasterCard's cyber defense efforts with John Brickey, global cybercrime insights with Craig Jones, NASA's cybersecurity approaches with Tiffany Snyder, and the advancements and challenges of AI in cybersecurity with Ashley Jess. Don't miss this comprehensive review and stay tuned for more exciting content in 2025!

00:00 Welcome to Reimagining Cyber
00:46 Inside DORA: EU's Cyber Resilience Path
04:12 Securing the Vote: Election Defenses
07:27 MasterCard's Cyber Defense Collaboration
09:52 Global Cybercrime Insights with Interpol
14:02 NASA's Cybersecurity in Orbit
17:38 AI and Deepfakes: New Cybersecurity Challenges
20:38 Conclusion and Future Episodes

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As featured on Million Podcasts' Best 100 Cybersecurity Podcast and Best 70
Chief Information Security Officer CISO Podcasts rankings.