Secure AF - A Cybersecurity Podcast

Got a question or comment? Message us here! You've got cybersecurity questions, and we're answering them. In this episode, Tanner and Andrew sit down to tackle questions submitted by our listeners, covering a wide range of cybersecurity topics, industry trends, career advice, security best practices, and more. Whether you're new to cybersecurity, an experienced professional, or simply interested in staying informed about today's cyber landscape, this Q&A session offers practical insight...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Connected devices are everywhere, and attackers know it. In this episode, we examine the French supermarket cyberattack and what it reveals about the growing risks of interconnected systems. From smart devices and operational technology to point-of-sale systems and supply chain infrastructure, we explore how modern retail environments have become prime targets for cybercriminals. Learn what security teams can do to protect expanding attack surfaces ...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Halloween is almost here, and we're getting into the spirit with a special Alias Spooktacular episode. What do cybersecurity professionals and ghost hunters have in common? More than you might think. In this fun and lighthearted conversation, we explore the similarities between tracking cyber threats and chasing paranormal activity, sharing stories, laughs, and a few spooky cybersecurity insights along the way. Whether you're a cybersecurity enthu...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! What happens when the very tool designed to protect your organization becomes the attack vector? In this episode, we break down the FortiMail zero-day vulnerability, how threat actors exploited it, and why security appliances continue to be high-value targets. We discuss the risks to organizations, lessons learned from recent attacks, and what security teams should be doing to reduce exposure when critical infrastructure is suddenly at risk. #Fortin...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Employees are adopting AI tools faster than many organizations can establish the governance, security, and compliance frameworks needed to manage them. While AI is driving innovation and productivity, it is also creating new risks that security leaders can no longer afford to ignore. In this episode, we sit down with Richa Kaul to discuss what happens when AI adoption outpaces governance. From shadow AI and data exposure to compliance concerns and ...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! As AI agents become more powerful, they also introduce new security risks. In this episode, we explore NVIDIA’s latest AI security platform and how it's designed to help organizations monitor, secure, and govern AI-powered systems. We discuss the growing challenges of agentic AI, potential attack paths, and what defenders need to know as businesses increasingly rely on autonomous AI tools. Is your AI agent working for you... or creating new vulnerab...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Podcast Alert! This week on The SOC Brief, we dive into one of the most ironic cybercrime stories of the year. The notorious Cl0p ransomware gang, known for targeting organizations worldwide, reportedly found itself on the receiving end of a breach by ShinyHunters. Join us as we break down what happened, what it means for the cybercriminal ecosystem, and the lessons defenders can learn when hackers become the hacked. #CyberSecurity #ThreatInte...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Patches are meant to strengthen security, but they can also give attackers valuable clues. In this episode, we explore how threat actors analyze updates, reverse-engineer fixes, and weaponize vulnerabilities before organizations have time to patch. #CyberSecurity #PatchManagement #ThreatIntelligence #BlueMoon Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! SECCON may be over, but the conversations are just getting started. Join us as we recap this year's conference, share key takeaways, favorite moments, and the cybersecurity trends that had everyone talking. Tune in now! 🔐 #SECCON #Cybersecurity #Podcast #InfoSec Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! When your trusted RMM platform becomes the target, the consequences can ripple across thousands of systems. In this episode, we break down the N-able Zero-Day, examine how attackers exploit vulnerabilities in remote management tools, and discuss the critical lessons MSPs and IT teams can take away to strengthen their security posture and reduce risk. #CyberSecurity #Nable #RMM #ZeroDay Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybers...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! In a world where our lives are increasingly digital, protecting your family's privacy has never been more important. Join us as we dive into OPSEC (Operational Security), practical online safety tips, and simple strategies to reduce your digital footprint and keep your loved ones safe from cyber threats. 🔒 Learn how to safeguard personal information 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Protect your family from online risks 💻 Build smarter digital habits Listen now and take the ...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! In this episode, we explore the hidden risks of enterprise AI and the strategies organizations can use to close security gaps before attackers exploit them. #EnterpriseAI #Cybersecurity #AIGovernance #SecurityLeadership Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! 🎙️ New Episode Alert: FalconFlank: When Your EDR Becomes the Attack Surface EDR solutions are designed to protect organizations from modern threats, but what happens when attackers target the very tools meant to stop them? Join us as we explore how security platforms can become part of the attack surface and what defenders need to know to stay ahead. #CyberSecurity #EDR #ThreatIntelligence #InfoSec #SOC #CyberDefense #FalconFlank Support the show Wa...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! A recap of DEFCON 2026 featuring the Latest in cybersecurity, hacking, AI, and digital defense. Don't miss the highlights from one of the world's most influential security conferences. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Akira ransomware operators have demonstrated how abusing Windows Safe Mode can effectively disable or bypass endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, underscoring the need for defenders to harden recovery environments, monitor Safe Mode activity, and implement layered detection controls that remain effective even during system startup changes. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spot...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Ransomware operators are leveraging the BlueHammer privilege escalation flaw to gain SYSTEM-level access and disable security controls. Get the latest insights and response recommendations. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! FortiBleed is turning perimeter defenses into attack infrastructure. In this episode, we unpack how adversaries exploit FortiOS vulnerabilities, harvest credentials directly from firewalls, and pivot deeper into networks, plus detection strategies, threat hunting tips, and mitigation guidance for SOC teams. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podca...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! This #SOCBrief episode explores a recent Arch Linux AUR supply chain compromise, where malicious community packages were used to steal credentials and gain persistence. It highlights the risks of third-party repositories and offers key detection and mitigation strategies for security teams to better protect against similar attacks. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify ...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! A single unpatched VPN could be all it takes. Qilin ransomware is actively exploiting VPN zero-days to breach networks and accelerate ransomware deployment. We walk through the tactics, the real risk to your organization, and actionable SOC strategies to stay ahead. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! You probably haven’t been hacked, you’ve been tracked. This episode breaks down how ad tech, mobile apps, and data brokers create massive behavioral profiles without ever touching your phone’s security. Learn how tracking really works, why it matters, and what you can actually do about it. 📱👁️📡 Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! It’s our 1-year anniversary! 🎂 From bite-sized cyber insights to growing a passionate listener base, this episode reflects on the journey, the challenges, and the wins along the way. Expect laughs, lessons, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss. 🚀 Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! The FBI is warning about Kali365, a new phishing‑as‑a‑service tool designed to steal Microsoft 365 credentials and enable account takeovers at scale. In this episode, we break down how it works, why it’s so effective, and what your SOC can do right now to detect and defend against it. 🎧 Tune in now at secureafpodcast.com Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you ...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! What actually happens when a company gets hacked? In this episode, we break down real-world incident response, from initial access and ransomware tactics to forensic investigation and common mistakes that make things worse. If your organization had an incident tomorrow, would you know what to do? Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! In this episode of the #SOCBrief, we dive into the first confirmed case of an AI-powered zero-day exploit. With attackers leveraging AI to discover vulnerabilities, generate exploit code, and bypass defenses faster than ever, this marks a major shift in how threats are developed and deployed. We break down how the attack worked, what made the exploit unique, and the key detection and defense strategies SOC teams need to start adopting now to k...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! In this episode of the #SOCBrief, we break down the ShinyHunters breach of Instructure’s Canvas LMS and what it means for security teams everywhere. From exploiting a lesser-monitored service to exfiltrating millions of records, this attack highlights the growing risk of third-party vendors and supply chain exposure. We walk through how the breach unfolded, key indicators of compromise, and the practical steps SOC teams can take to detect, mon...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! When the Canvas LMS went down, thousands of institutions came to a halt, right in the middle of finals. In this episode, we break down what really happened, what data may have been exposed, and why this incident is a wake-up call for every organization relying on SaaS platforms. From vendor risk and contract blind spots to business continuity failures, we unpack the real lessons security leaders need to hear, and what you should be doing right now ...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! MuddyWater is blurring the line between ransomware and espionage... using Chaos ransomware as a decoy to distract defenders while quietly stealing data and maintaining persistence. In this episode, we break down how this tactic works, what SOC teams should watch for, and how to detect the hidden activity beneath the noise. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere yo...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Qilin ransomware is deploying a malicious DLL to disable EDR tools before encryption begins. In this #SOCBrief, we break down how the attack works, what to look for, and how defenders can respond. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Artificial intelligence is evolving faster than most organizations, and regulators, are prepared for. In this episode of the #SecureAFPodcast, we sit down with Chris Hood, a veteran technologist and financial industry leader, to explore how AI has evolved from early computing to today’s large language models and agentic systems. We discuss real‑world AI use in highly regulated environments, the benefits and risks of agentic AI, growing concerns arou...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! A malicious Axios NPM package highlights how quickly supply chain compromises can spread through trusted dependencies. In this #SOCBrief, we break down what happened, the risks to downstream applications, and what SOC teams should be monitoring to catch similar attacks early. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! A new ransomware group is blending in with legitimate tools. This #SOCBrief breaks down Black Shrantac and how to detect it early. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Cybersecurity success increasingly hinges on cognitive readiness, the ability to spot patterns fast, make the right calls under pressure, and perform amid chaos. On this episode of the SECURE AF PODCAST, Will Arnett sits down with Jessica Gulick, Founder and Commissioner of the U.S. Cyber Games, to discuss why cognitive training is critical, how esports players develop these skills instinctively, and why esports represents an untapped pipelin...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Iranian-affiliated APT actors are actively targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, specifically PLCs powering essential operations across water, energy, and manufacturing. This #SOCBrief breaks down the latest CISA alert, how attackers are exploiting OT environments, and what security teams need to be watching for right now. From key indicators to practical defense strategies, this is your wake-up call to treat OT as a high-value target. Support the...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Chrome just became the attack surface of the week. We’re breaking down the latest zero-day exploits, what attackers are doing with them, and how SOC teams can respond before it turns into something bigger. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Healthcare security isn’t just about networks anymore. In this episode, we dive into the complex world of connected medical devices, the challenges of securing them, and why organizations need a more holistic approach to cybersecurity. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Your firewall could be the entry point. A critical Cisco FMC zero-day is being used in real-world ransomware attacks, turning security tools into launchpads. In this episode, we cover what’s happening, how attackers are exploiting edge devices, and how SOC teams can stay ahead. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Suspected Chinese state-linked hackers breached an FBI surveillance network ... not by breaking through the front door, but through a third-party provider. In this episode of the #SOCBrief, we break down how the attack happened, why supply chain vulnerabilities are one of the biggest risks facing SOC teams today, and what this means for organizations of all sizes. From compromised vendor access to real-world detection strategies, we’re covering how ...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Qilin is quickly becoming one of the most dominant ransomware groups in the world, and it’s not because of groundbreaking tactics. It’s because of their business model. In this episode, we break down how Qilin operates as a ransomware-as-a-service group, why affiliates are flocking to them (hint: 80–85% payouts), and how that’s fueling explosive growth across industries worldwide. From real-world attack patterns to how they gain access and evade det...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! In this episode of the #SOCBrief, we break down BugSleep, a new backdoor malware tied to the Iranian threat group MuddyWater, and how it’s being used in targeted spear-phishing campaigns against organizations. Learn how the malware works, what indicators SOC teams should watch for, and practical steps to detect and defend against these evolving attacks. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Ap...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! A massive breach has shaken the telecom world. In this episode of the #SOCBrief, we break down the alleged TELUS hack claimed by the ShinyHunters threat group, what data may have been stolen, and why the potential exfiltration of massive datasets could have far-reaching consequences for organizations worldwide. From OAuth tokens and API keys to customer PII and enterprise systems, we explore how attacks like this unfold and what organizations ...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! A.I. conversations are everywhere ... but how can businesses realistically use it today? In this episode of Secure AF, we introduce Vector Pulse A.I. and discuss how A.I. can help organizations automate workflows, improve operational efficiency, and support smarter decision-making. We also dive into the growing excitement (and concerns) around A.I., common mistakes companies make when adopting it, and practical advice for leaders looking to ex...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Geopolitical tensions are rising ... and cyber threats aren’t far behind. In this episode of the #SOCBrief, we break down the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, the potential cyber retaliation from Iranian threat actors, and the steps SOC teams can take now to stay ahead of attacks and protect critical systems. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Open-source intelligence (OSINT) isn’t just for threat actors ... it’s a powerful advantage for SOC teams too. In this episode, we break down how publicly available data can help you uncover exposed assets, detect vulnerabilities early, and shrink your attack surface before attackers do. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! This episode of the #SOCBrief goes beyond day-to-day cybersecurity news and dives into what SOC success actually looks like from the leadership side. Andrew and CISO Jonathan Kimmitt discuss how SOC teams can communicate risk, create meaningful deliverables, use metrics effectively, and gain leadership buy-in for security decisions. From risk profiles to reporting and real-world decision making, this episode focuses on turning SOC activity into meas...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! AI can categorize images, analyze logs, and surface patterns faster than any human ever could, but it doesn’t understand context, legality, or nuance. In this episode, we discuss how AI is transforming criminal forensics and SOC investigations while examining the ethical, legal, and operational guardrails that must stay in place. As organizations adopt more AI-driven tools, the real challenge isn’t capability ... it’s maintaining responsible human c...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! No phishing. No user interaction. Just exposed services and a missing authentication check. In this episode of the #SOCBrief, we dive into the SmarterMail RCE flaw already being exploited in the wild and why mail servers continue to be prime ransomware targets. We cover indicators to hunt for, detection tips, and practical steps SOC teams can take to reduce risk fast. 🛡️ Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Attackers are hiding remote access trojans (RATs) inside malicious MSI installers disguised as legit software, and it’s surging in early 2026. We break down how these phishing attacks bypass EDR, what to look for, and how SOC teams can stop them before they turn into full-blown breaches. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Got a question or comment? Message us here! Romance scams spike around Valentine’s Day ... and they’re more dangerous than you think. In this episode, we break down how scammers build emotional trust, isolate victims, and turn relationships into financial and emotional traps. Learn the warning signs, the psychology behind the scams, and how to protect yourself and the people you love 💞. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify ...

Got a question or comment? Message us here! This week’s #SOCBrief covers a dangerous double-hit: a Microsoft Office security bypass and a Fortinet FortiCloud authentication flaw, both exploited in the wild. Andrew walks through what the CVEs mean, how attackers are abusing trusted tools, and the patching and hunting steps SOC teams should take immediately. Support the show Watch full episodes at youtube.com/@aliascybersecurity. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get your podca...