Espionage and Intelligence - What Cybersecurity Professionals Can Learn
Release Date: 11/28/2025
Inside the Dark Web: Exploring Cybercrime with Expert David Décary-Hétu
Cybersecurity Today
In this episode, the host shares a pre-recorded favorite interview with David Decary-Hetu, a criminologist at the University of Montreal. They discuss the dark web, its technology, and its role in cybercrime. Decary-Hetu explains how the dark web operates, its users, and the dynamics between researchers and law enforcement in tackling cyber threats. Key topics include the economics of illicit markets, the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and criminals, the role of cryptocurrencies, and the evolution of cyber threats. The episode offers insights into the social aspects of cybercrime...
info_outline
MongoDB - MongoBleed Vulnerability Exploit Reported On Christmas Day
Cybersecurity Today
Cybersecurity Today: MongoDB Vulnerability 'Mongo Bleed' Exploited, Rainbow Six Siege Hacked, Trust Wallet Compromise, and GrubHub Crypto Scams In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, David Shipley covers significant cybersecurity incidents that occurred over the holiday period. The major topics include the 'Mongo Bleed' vulnerability in MongoDB that was disclosed and then publicly exploited on Christmas Day, leading to potential data leaks. Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege faced a breach enabling attackers to manipulate in-game functions and distribute billions worth of in-game currency for free....
info_outline
A Hacker Tells His Story
Cybersecurity Today
This is an interview with former hacker Brian Black. Brian is now on the right side of the battle and bringing his skills to to the fight against hackers. He finds the weaknesses in corporate security so that it can be patched. This was one of my favourite interviews this year. Listening to what Brian has learned and understanding how we can use that knowledge and experience kept me on the edge of my seat. Once more I want to thank Meter for making this possible. Visit them at meter.com/cst
info_outline
The Ransomware Ecosystem: An Encore Holiday Episode
Cybersecurity Today
Jim takes a break for some R&R during the holidays and shares his favorite podcast episodes from the year. He acknowledges that some listeners might have heard these episodes already, while others may find them new. The podcast's production is supported by Meter, a company providing integrated networking solutions. Additionally, support from listeners through the Buy Me a Coffee program has helped sustain the shows and expand their content offerings. Jim thanks Meter and the listeners, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 00:00 Introduction and Holiday Plans 00:33...
info_outline
Year End Repeat: Pig Butchering: Operation Shamrock Fights Back
Cybersecurity Today
Over the holidays we are rerunning some of our favourite episodes. This one first aired this summer and was one of my first conversations with the fascinating head of Operation Shamrock. We'll be back with regular programming on January 5th.
info_outline
Arrests In 0365 Scheme: Cybersecurity Today With David Shipley
Cybersecurity Today
Global Cybercrime Crackdowns and Rising Threats This episode of 'Cybersecurity Today' hosted by David Shipley covers significant cybersecurity news. Nigerian police arrested three suspects linked to a Microsoft 365 phishing platform known as Raccoon O365. U.S. prosecutors charged 54 individuals in an ATM malware scheme tied to a Venezuelan criminal organization. Two incident responders pleaded guilty to conducting ransomware attacks while employed to help victims of such attacks. Denmark officially blamed Russia for a cyber attack on a water utility, exacerbating geopolitical tensions. Each...
info_outline
Year-End Review: The Highs and Lows of Cybersecurity in 2025
Cybersecurity Today
Cybersecurity Today brings you a special year-end episode, featuring noteworthy guests Tammy Harper from Flare, Laura Payne from White Tuque, David Shipley from Beauceron Security, and John Pinard, co-host of Project Synapse. This episode delves into the pivotal cybersecurity stories of 2025, including a detailed discussion on MFA phishing attacks, the effectiveness of cybersecurity training, and the troubling trends in ransomware payments. Also covered are the evolving roles of AI in both defending and perpetrating cyber crimes. The guests share their insights, hopes, and concerns for the...
info_outline
On the Zero Day of Christmas - Cisco Devices Under Attack
Cybersecurity Today
Cybersecurity Today: Cisco Zero Day Exploited & Maritime Cyber Attack Unfolds In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host David Shipley discusses a series of critical cybersecurity incidents, including the exploitation of a zero-day flaw in Cisco email security infrastructure by a China-linked group, a Hollywood-style attack on an Italian ferry involving remote access malware, and a new data theft spree by the ClOP ransomware gang targeting file-sharing servers. Shipley also highlights the broader implications of cybersecurity on physical safety and national security. This episode is...
info_outline
React2Shell Vulnerability, Black Force Phishing Kit, Microsoft OAuth Attacks, and PornHub Data Breach
Cybersecurity Today
In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host Jim Love discusses a range of pressing cybersecurity threats. The show covers the escalating React2Shell vulnerability, which has led to widespread automated exploitation campaigns involving crypto miners and back doors. Additionally, Jim reports on the Black Force phishing kit, which bypasses multifactor authentication and is gaining traction among cybercriminals. Microsoft OAuth consent attacks are also highlighted, with users being tricked into granting access to their accounts. Finally, the episode touches on PornHub's data breach involving the...
info_outline
Cybersecurity Today: Apple Security Updates, AI Search Engine Scams, Torrent Malware, and Stanford's AI Penetration Testing
Cybersecurity Today
In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host David Shipley discusses significant developments in the cybersecurity landscape. Apple releases security updates to address two actively exploited WebKit vulnerabilities. Scammers manipulate AI-powered search tools to recommend fake support numbers, reflecting a growing security risk. Bitdefender uncovers malware hidden in torrent subtitles for the movie 'One Battle After Another.' Lastly, an AI named Artemis outperforms human penetration testers in a Stanford hacking experiment, highlighting the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity. Also included...
info_outlineThe Intersection of Espionage Techniques and Cybersecurity Threats
This episode explores the parallels between espionage and cybersecurity, particularly focusing on social engineering tactics used in both domains. Hosted by Jim Love, the podcast features insights from Neil Bisson, a retired intelligence officer from CSIS, and David Shipley, CEO of Beauceron Security. They discuss the vulnerabilities in human behavior that can be exploited, the similarity between human intelligence operations and phishing attacks, and how AI is transforming the landscape of social engineering. Practical advice on recognizing and mitigating these threats is also provided. The episode underscores the importance of empathy, skepticism, and continuous education in defending against sophisticated cyber threats.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:25 Linking Espionage and Cybersecurity
01:06 The Role of Social Engineering in Cyber Attacks
02:25 Guest Introductions: Neil Bisson and David Shipley
03:24 Recruitment Tactics in Intelligence
05:56 Phishing vs. Intelligence Recruitment
07:48 AI's Role in Modern Social Engineering
10:45 Building Trust and Rapport in Intelligence
16:19 Ethical Considerations in Intelligence Work
20:01 Future of Cybersecurity and Social Engineering
24:31 The Art of Subtle Manipulation
26:01 Clandestine Tactics and Voluntary Information
26:24 Incremental Trust Building
26:46 Psychological Manipulation and Cult Recruitment
27:34 Human Connection and Vulnerability
28:53 AI and Social Engineering
30:25 The Threat of AI in Recruitment
33:20 Emotional Manipulation in Espionage
36:19 Defending Against Manipulation
38:12 Empathy and Information as Defense
45:49 Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement