Shared Security Podcast

In this episode 404 (no pun intended!), we discuss the recurring issue of DNS outages, the recent Amazon AWS disruption, and what this reveals about our dependency on cloud services. The conversation touches on the need for tested business continuity plans, the implications of DNS failures, and the misconceptions around cloud infrastructure's automatic failover capabilities.

OpenAI’s Sora 2 is here — and it’s not just another AI toy. This episode explores how Sora 2 works, how users can insert real people into generated content, and why that’s raising alarms about privacy, identity, and copyright. We walk you through the initial opt-out copyright controversy, the backlash from studios and creators, and how OpenAI is scrambling to offer more control. Tune in to understand what rights you might lose — or want to protect — in this new media era.

In this episode, we discuss the surge of age verification laws spreading across the US, including the recent implementation in Ohio. These laws intend to shield children but come at a significant cost to privacy and cybersecurity. We'll explore how third-party ID verification companies operate, the risks associated with these systems, and the broader definition of adult content beyond pornography. We also question the effectiveness and security of these measures as we share insights into the ease of bypassing verification systems. Are we protecting kids, or building a privacy nightmare?

Phishing simulations have been a cornerstone of security awareness training for years. But do they actually change user behavior, or are they just creating frustration and fatigue? In this episode, Tom Eston and Scott Wright (CEO of ClickArmor) debate whether simulated phishing attacks are still valuable in 2025. We cover the benefits, challenges, and how phishing programs might evolve — or even be replaced — in the future.

Episode 400! In this special milestone edition of the Shared Security Podcast, we look back at 16 years of conversations on security, privacy, and technology. From our very first episodes in 2009 to today’s AI-driven threats, we cover the topics that defined each era, the surprises along the way, and the lessons that still matter. Plus, we share listener favorites, memorable moments, and predictions for the future of security and privacy. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Join the Shared Security Podcast for a critical discussion about situational awareness with special guest, Andy Murphy, host of the Secure Family Podcast. In a world where mass shootings and violence in public places are alarming realities, staying alert to your surroundings has never been more important. Andy shares his expertise on personal and family safety, providing practical tips for recognizing unusual behavior, planning for emergencies, and teaching kids safety skills. The conversation also touches upon digital security and how situational awareness applies online. Learn how to own your safety and protect your loved ones in this essential episode.

In this “best of” episode of the Shared Security Podcast, we revisit a discussion from September 2020 that’s just as relevant today as it was then. First, we cover how ransomware attacks forced several school districts—including Hartford, CT and Toledo, OH—to delay or shut down classes on the very first day of school. Then we dive into Google Chrome’s new (at the time) update designed to block resource-heavy ads, making browsing faster and safer. Finally, we look at Microsoft’s warning about foreign interference attempts targeting the 2020 U.S. election.

What makes this episode especially powerful to revisit is how little has changed since we first talked about these threats. Schools and universities continue to be prime targets for ransomware attacks, with districts across the U.S. still struggling to protect their students and staff from disruptions. Browser security remains a critical piece of the puzzle as online ads continue to be exploited for tracking, scams, and malware delivery. And concerns about foreign interference in democratic elections are just as pressing in 2025 as they were in 2020.

Cybersecurity may evolve, but the challenges we face remain strikingly familiar.

In this episode, we discuss a recent significant cyber attack where Palo Alto Networks experienced a data breach through their Salesforce environment due to a compromised SalesLoft drift integration. Throughout the discussion, we highlight why Salesforce, a crucial CRM platform for many businesses, is becoming a prime target for supply chain attackers. We’ll discuss how the breach happened, its implications, and what organizations can do to protect themselves from similar threats. Lastly, we provide insights into Salesforce's security posture, the role of third-party integrations, and the importance of data retention policies in mitigating risks.

In this episode, we discuss if the convenience of modern technology compromises our privacy. Inspired by a thought-provoking Reddit post, we explore how everyday actions like saving passwords, enabling location tracking, and using cloud backups put our personal data at risk. Learn about the trade-offs between convenience and privacy, and get tips on using privacy-focused tools and making informed choices. Join the conversation in the comments or on Bluesky (@sharedsecurity).

Public Wi-Fi has a bad reputation — but in 2025, the “you’ll get hacked instantly” fear is largely outdated. In this episode, Tom and Kevin dig into real research and modern protections that make most public Wi-Fi connections reasonably safe. We’ll explore why HTTPS, device security, and updated standards have drastically reduced the risks, what threats still exist, and when you might actually want to use a VPN.