Shared Security Podcast

In this episode, we explore the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a controversial bill aimed at protecting children online. Joined by co-host Scott Wright, we discuss the potential implications of KOSA, including concerns about censorship, mass surveillance, and the impact on free expression and online privacy. We also touch on the broad support for the bill from both political parties and the involvement of social media giants like X. Additionally, we examine the balance between government regulation and parental responsibility in ensuring online safety for children.

Join us as we explore the concept of smart cities—municipalities enhanced by connected technology like sensors, cameras, and automated systems to improve services and infrastructure. We discuss the inherent vulnerabilities that come with these advancements, including cybersecurity threats and real-life incidents such as hacked crosswalk signals featuring voices of tech moguls. Our discussion covers how easily these systems can be compromised, the inadequate security measures currently in place, and the broader implications for critical infrastructure.

Thanks to Material Security for sponsoring this episode! Protect your Google Workspace with Material Security—the only detection and response platform purpose-built to secure your emails, data, and accounts before, during, and after an attack. Visit material.security to learn more!

Join us as we explore the concept of smart cities—municipalities enhanced by connected technology like sensors, cameras, and automated systems to improve services and infrastructure. We discuss the inherent vulnerabilities that come with these advancements, including cybersecurity threats and real-life incidents such as hacked crosswalk signals featuring voices of tech moguls. Our discussion covers how easily these systems can be compromised, the inadequate security measures currently in place, and the broader implications for critical infrastructure.

Thanks to Material Security for sponsoring this episode! Protect your Google Workspace with Material Security—the only detection and response platform purpose-built to secure your emails, data, and accounts before, during, and after an attack. Visit material.security to learn more!

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2025/06/16/cities-of-the-future-or-hackers-paradise-the-cybersecurity-risks-of-smart-cities/

Join us as we discuss the long-awaited implementation of the REAL ID Act in the U.S. We cover the essentials you need to fly, the potential benefits of using your passport, and how new mobile IDs fit into the TSA's plans. We also discuss the broader implications for identity surveillance and who truly benefits from these security upgrades. We also discuss the problems faced by individuals with name changes and the challenges they face with REAL IDs. Plus, we explore the political and social ramifications of such security measures and why this might all just be 'security theater.'

Ever worried about hidden cameras in Airbnb rentals? You're not alone! In this episode, we explore the unsettling rise of hidden cameras in personal spaces, the inadequacy of current laws, and practical tips to detect surveillance devices. Join hosts Tom Eston, Scott Wright, and Kevin Johnson as they share insights and discuss the implications of voyeurism technology, law enforcement challenges, and personal safety strategies.

In this episode, we explore an incident where Anthropic’s AI, Claude, didn't just resist shutdown but allegedly blackmailed its engineers. Is this a glitch or the beginning of an AI uprising? Along with co-host Kevin Johnson, we reminisce about past episodes, discuss AI safety and ethics, and examine the implications of AI mimicking human behaviors like blackmail. Join us for an in-depth conversation on the future of AI and its potential risks.

In this episode, we explore Mark Zuckerberg's bold claim that AI friends will replace human friendships, and discuss the potential implications of a world where technology mediates our connections. We also update listeners on the recent developments in the 23andMe bankruptcy case and what it means for former customers. Joining the conversation is co-host Scott Wright, who shares his insights on AI, social media, privacy, and a thought-provoking book on the potential for a future US civil war. We touch on the eerie predictions of AI companionship and what this might entail for societal norms. Tune in for a stimulating discussion on technology, privacy, and the shifting landscape of human interaction.

In this episode, we explore Mark Zuckerberg's bold claim that AI friends will replace human friendships, and discuss the potential implications of a world where technology mediates our connections. We also update listeners on the recent developments in the 23andMe bankruptcy case and what it means for former customers. Joining the conversation is co-host Scott Wright, who shares his insights on AI, social media, privacy, and a thought-provoking book on the potential for a future US civil war. We touch on the eerie predictions of AI companionship and what this might entail for societal norms. Tune in for a stimulating discussion on technology, privacy, and the shifting landscape of human interaction.

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2025/05/19/mark-zuckerbergs-vision-ai-companions-and-the-loneliness-epidemic/

Join hosts Tom Eston, Scott Wright, and Kevin Johnson in a special best-of episode of the Shared Security Podcast. Travel back to 2009 with the second-ever episode featuring discussions on early Facebook bugs, cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and a pivotal Canadian privacy ruling involving Facebook. Gain insights into social media security from the past and see how much has (or hasn't) changed. Don't miss out on this informative episode on web application security, user privacy, and the efforts to keep social media safe.

Join us as we explore the transformative changes in software development and cybersecurity due to AI. We discuss new terminology like 'vibe coding' — a novel, behavior-focused development approach, and 'MCP' (Model Context Protocol) — an open standard for AI interfaces. We also address the concept of 'slopsquatting,' a new type of threat involving AI-generated package names. Our co-hosts Scott Wright and Kevin Johnson discuss these topics, share personal insights, and ponder the future of coding in the AI era. Additionally, we draw some intriguing parallels between AI advancements and past practices, highlighting the need for oversight and security in this evolving landscape.