Younger generations are increasingly ditching smartphones in favor of "dumbphones"—simpler devices with fewer apps, fewer distractions, and less tracking. But what happens when you step away from a device that now functions as your wallet, your memory, and your security key?

In this episode, Tom and Scott explore the dumbphone movement through a privacy and cybersecurity lens. Drawing from a recent Wired article, the conversation digs into digital burnout, surveillance capitalism, multi-factor authentication dependencies, and whether opting out of smartphones is an act of digital self-defense—or a step toward digital disadvantage.

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2026/02/02/why-gen-z-is-ditching-smartphones-for-dumbphones/

In this episode, we explore the latest changes to AirDrop in iOS 26.2 and how they enhance privacy and security. Learn about the new 10-minute limitation on the 'Everyone' setting and the introduction of AirDrop codes for safer file sharing with non-contacts. We also discuss best practices for configuring your AirDrop settings to safeguard your privacy, including tips for high-risk individuals and general recommendations for everyday use. Stay informed and keep your device secure by updating to the latest iOS version and regularly reviewing your AirDrop settings.

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2026/01/26/airdrop-security-in-ios-26-2-time-limits-codes-privacy-best-practices/

In this episode, we explore Amazon Ring's newly introduced Familiar Faces feature that utilizes AI for facial recognition. We discuss the convenience of identifying familiar people at your doorstep, the privacy concerns it raises, and the legal implications surrounding biometric data. Learn about how this feature works, potential inaccuracies, and privacy laws in certain U.S. states. We also discuss broader concerns about AI and surveillance, and provide practical advice on using this technology responsibly.

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2026/01/19/rings-facial-recognition-feature-convenience-or-privacy-nightmare/

In this episode of Shared Security, we discuss a significant Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that permits police to access unprotected Google search histories without a traditional warrant. The discussion centers around the implications of the Commonwealth vs. Kurtz case and the concept of reverse keyword searches. Kevin Tackett joins the conversation, providing insights and posing critical questions about the balance between law enforcement needs and privacy rights. The episode explores concerns over digital privacy, third-party data, and potential broader impacts on users.

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2026/01/12/your-google-searches-arent-private-pa-courts-surprising-ruling/

Welcome to the first episode of the Shared Security Podcast in 2026! As AI becomes increasingly integrated into technical fields such as software development and cybersecurity, traditional entry-level roles are evolving or disappearing. This episode discusses the implications of AI on entry-level knowledge worker jobs, emphasizing the need for students, recent graduates, and those entering the job market to adapt their strategies. Discover the new skills and approaches needed to stay relevant, explore potential career pivots, and learn why degrees and certifications alone are no longer sufficient. Tune in for practical advice on thriving in an AI-driven job market.

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2026/01/05/ai-and-the-end-of-the-traditional-entry-level-tech-job/

Join us this week as we rewind the tape on our 2025 predictions. In this episode, we revisit last year's forecasts in cybersecurity, geopolitics, and AI, discussing which ones came true, which ones fizzled out, and which ones were a mixed bag. Additionally, we share insights from past guests, celebrate milestones, and make bold new predictions for 2026. Find out what we got right, what surprised us, and what we think is on the horizon for the coming year!

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2025/12/29/2025-predictions-hits-misses-what-we-learned/

In this episode, Tom Eston discusses the unique challenges in the current cybersecurity job market, emphasizing the importance of networking. Tom provides practical tips on how to enhance networking skills, such as attending conferences, volunteering for open source projects, creating a blog, and seeking mentors. He also addresses misconceptions about the job shortage in cybersecurity and encourages listeners to start building their professional networks early. Tune in for valuable insights to help you advance your cybersecurity career.

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2025/12/22/why-networking-is-your-secret-weapon-in-cybersecurity-job-hunting/

Join us in the midst of the holiday shopping season as we discuss a growing privacy problem: tracking pixels embedded in marketing emails. According to Proton's latest Spam Watch 2025 report, nearly 80% of promotional emails now contain trackers that report back your email activity. We discuss how these trackers work, why they become more aggressive during the holidays, the data being collected by marketers, and how you can protect yourself. We are joined by Scott Wright to explore Proton's comprehensive study, identify the worst offenders in email tracking, and share tips on maintaining your online privacy. Tune in and stay informed about the invisible surveillance in your emails this holiday season!

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2025/12/15/the-hidden-threat-in-your-holiday-emails-tracking-pixels-and-privacy-concerns/

In this episode we discuss the rising challenge of AI-generated videos, including deepfakes and synthetic clips that can deceive even a skeptical viewer. Once the gold standard of proof, video content is now increasingly manipulated through advanced AI tools like Sora 2 and Google's Nano Banana, making it harder to separate reality from fiction. Tom and Scott discuss the differences between malicious deepfakes and poorly-made AI-generated content, identify key indicators that reveal a video might be AI-generated, and explain how these videos are used in social engineering attacks. Practical advice is offered on how to protect yourself and your organization from this emerging threat. Join the conversation to learn more about identifying, understanding, and mitigating the risks associated with AI-generated videos.

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2025/12/08/seeing-is-not-believing-how-to-spot-ai-generated-video/

In this special episode of the Shared Security Podcast, host Tom Eston reunites with former co-host and experienced fractional CISO, Chris Clymer. They reminisce about their early podcasting days and discuss the evolving role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The conversation covers the responsibilities, challenges, and skills required to be a successful CISO, including technical and soft skills, business acumen, and people management. Chris shares his journey, the concept of a fractional CISO, and offers valuable advice for those aspiring to enter the CISO role. Tune in for a mix of nostalgia, real-world advice, and mentorship on navigating the complex landscape of information security leadership.

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2025/12/01/so-you-want-to-be-a-ciso-with-vciso-and-security-justice-alum-chris-clymer/