Shared Security Podcast

In this episode we're discussing the alarming breach of the Tea app, a platform intended for women to share dating experiences. The hack resulted in the exposure of over 13,000 government ID photos, 72,000 user images, and over a million private messages due to poor security practices. We'll discuss the role of sloppy coding, an exposed database, and the lack of security discipline that led to this massive leak. Join us as we explore insights from a cybersecurity researcher who disassembled the app's source code, the ensuing legal and privacy repercussions, and the broader implications for app security.

In this episode we're discussing the alarming breach of the Tea app, a platform intended for women to share dating experiences. The hack resulted in the exposure of over 13,000 government ID photos, 72,000 user images, and over a million private messages due to poor security practices. We'll discuss the role of sloppy coding, an exposed database, and the lack of security discipline that led to this massive leak. Join us as we explore insights from a cybersecurity researcher who disassembled the app's source code, the ensuing legal and privacy repercussions, and the broader implications for app security.

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2025/08/18/the-tea-app-hack-how-a-safe-space-leaked-13000-id-photos-1-1m-messages/

In this episode, we discuss a rising scam involving random smishing text messages. Learn how these messages work, why they're effective, and what you can do to protect yourself. Discover the dangers of replying to vague text messages from unknown numbers and get practical tips on how to block and report spam texts. Stay safe by not engaging with these scams and using built-in filters and reporting options on your mobile device.

In this episode, we discuss a rising scam involving random smishing text messages. Learn how these messages work, why they're effective, and what you can do to protect yourself. Discover the dangers of replying to vague text messages from unknown numbers and get practical tips on how to block and report spam texts. Stay safe by not engaging with these scams and using built-in filters and reporting options on your mobile device.

Show notes: https://sharedsecurity.net/2025/08/11/random-smishing-text-scams-why-do-i-know-you-texts-are-dangerous/

This week we explore the recent Microsoft SharePoint vulnerability that has led to widespread exploitation by ransomware gangs and Chinese State-sponsored hackers. We also cover the confirmed compromise of multiple US agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, in a large-scale cyber espionage campaign. Kevin Johnson joins to discuss the implications of these events, the underlying issues with patching systems, and the complexities of protecting applications like SharePoint. Stay informed on the latest cybersecurity developments and get insights on what might have gone wrong. Plus, get a peek at what’s happening at Black Hat and DEF CON in Vegas.

In this episode, we examine Amazon's Ring doorbell camera amid rising privacy concerns and policy changes. The Electronic Frontier Foundation's recent report criticizes Ring's AI-first approach and the rollback of prior privacy reforms, describing it as 'techno authoritarianism.' We also discuss a recent scare among Ring users on May 28, related to an unexplained series of logins, said by Amazon to be a UI glitch. Join hosts Tom Eston, Scott Wright, and Kevin Johnson as they explore these issues, share personal anecdotes about their experiences with tech, and discuss broader implications for privacy and civic freedoms.

In this episode, join hosts Tom Eston, Scott Wright, and Kevin Johnson as they discuss the controversial topic of seniors writing down passwords. They discuss how threat modeling differs for the elderly, the practicality of using password managers, two-factor authentication, and future solutions like passkeys. The conversation includes humorous anecdotes and touches on broader cybersecurity issues such as risk assessment and the importance of tailoring security solutions to individual needs. Tune in for insights on making security accessible and effective for an often overlooked group.

In this episode, we discuss the often overlooked security issues within Google Workspace. Rajan Kapoor, Field CISO at Material Security, joins us to talk about how Material Security is redefining the protection of documents, email accounts, and data in Google Workspace. We explore the unique challenges Workspace presents compared to traditional tools, and how Material Security provides comprehensive solutions. Rajan shares his professional journey, insights into Google's APIs, and how their service stands out. Tune in to understand why legacy tools may leave critical gaps in your organization's security.

Thanks to Material Security for sponsoring this episode! Protect your Google Workspace with [Material Security](https://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](https://material.security/) to learn more!

In this episode, we explore the revolutionary concept of autonomous penetration testing with a discussion into Cybersecurity startup XBOW’s recent breakthrough. XBOW claims to have topped HackerOne's leaderboard using a fully autonomous AI agent, raising significant questions about the future of offensive security. Hosts discuss the potential of AI in pen testing, the implications for pen testers, bug bounty hunters, and security teams, and whether this represents a genuine advancement or just more AI hype.

Is there really a cybersecurity talent shortage, or are we just looking in all the wrong places? This week on the Shared Security Podcast, we tackle the buzz around the so-called cybersecurity skills gap. Host Tom Eston welcomes Katie Soper, Senior Consultant at Avetix Cyber and co-founder of the CyberVault Podcast, to discuss the challenges and misconceptions in the industry. They explore whether the shortage is a myth, a mismatch, or something else entirely and what companies and professionals can do about it. With insights into hiring practices, skill shortages, and the importance of networking, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in or entering the field of cybersecurity.

Thanks to Material Security for sponsoring this episode! Protect your Google Workspace with [Material Security](https://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](https://material.security/) to learn more!