Mark Zuckerberg's Vision: AI Companions and the Loneliness Epidemic
Release Date: 05/19/2025
2025 Predictions: Hits, Misses & What We Learned
Shared Security
Join us this week as we rewind the tape on our 2025 predictions. In this episode, we revisit last year's forecasts in cybersecurity, geopolitics, and AI, discussing which ones came true, which ones fizzled out, and which ones were a mixed bag. Additionally, we share insights from past guests, celebrate milestones, and make bold new predictions for 2026. Find out what we got right, what surprised us, and what we think is on the horizon for the coming year! Show notes:
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Why Networking Is Your Secret Weapon in Cybersecurity Job Hunting
Shared Security
In this episode, Tom Eston discusses the unique challenges in the current cybersecurity job market, emphasizing the importance of networking. Tom provides practical tips on how to enhance networking skills, such as attending conferences, volunteering for open source projects, creating a blog, and seeking mentors. He also addresses misconceptions about the job shortage in cybersecurity and encourages listeners to start building their professional networks early. Tune in for valuable insights to help you advance your cybersecurity career. Show notes:
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The Hidden Threat in Your Holiday Emails: Tracking Pixels and Privacy Concerns
Shared Security
Join us in the midst of the holiday shopping season as we discuss a growing privacy problem: tracking pixels embedded in marketing emails. According to Proton's latest Spam Watch 2025 report, nearly 80% of promotional emails now contain trackers that report back your email activity. We discuss how these trackers work, why they become more aggressive during the holidays, the data being collected by marketers, and how you can protect yourself. We are joined by Scott Wright to explore Proton's comprehensive study, identify the worst offenders in email tracking, and share tips on maintaining your...
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Seeing Is Not Believing: How to Spot AI-Generated Video
Shared Security
In this episode we discuss the rising challenge of AI-generated videos, including deepfakes and synthetic clips that can deceive even a skeptical viewer. Once the gold standard of proof, video content is now increasingly manipulated through advanced AI tools like Sora 2 and Google's Nano Banana, making it harder to separate reality from fiction. Tom and Scott discuss the differences between malicious deepfakes and poorly-made AI-generated content, identify key indicators that reveal a video might be AI-generated, and explain how these videos are used in social engineering attacks. Practical...
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So You Want to Be a CISO? With vCISO and Security Justice Alum Chris Clymer
Shared Security
In this special episode of the Shared Security Podcast, host Tom Eston reunites with former co-host and experienced fractional CISO, Chris Clymer. They reminisce about their early podcasting days and discuss the evolving role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The conversation covers the responsibilities, challenges, and skills required to be a successful CISO, including technical and soft skills, business acumen, and people management. Chris shares his journey, the concept of a fractional CISO, and offers valuable advice for those aspiring to enter the CISO role. Tune in for a...
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AI Agent Does the Hacking: First Documented AI-Orchestrated Cyber Espionage
Shared Security
In this episode, we discuss the first reported AI-driven cyber espionage campaign, as disclosed by Anthropic. In September 2025, a state-sponsored Chinese actor manipulated the Claude Code tool to target 30 global organizations. We explain how the attack was executed, why it matters, and its implications for cybersecurity. Join the conversation as we examine the details, Anthropic's response, and the broader impact on AI in cybersecurity. Show notes:
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OWASP Top 10 for 2025: What's New and Why It Matters
Shared Security
In this episode, we discuss the newly released OWASP Top 10 for 2025. Join hosts Tom Eston, Scott Wright, and Kevin Johnson as they explore the changes, the continuity, and the significance of the update for application security. Learn about the importance of getting involved with the release candidate to provide feedback and suggestions. The conversation touches on the history of the OWASP Top 10, its release cycle, the evolution from specific vulnerabilities to broader categories, and the impact on vulnerability assessment and compliance. Show notes:
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Meet NEO 1X: The Robot That Does Chores and Spies on You?
Shared Security
The future of home robotics is here — and it’s a little awkward. Meet the NEO 1X humanoid robot, designed to help with chores but raising huge cybersecurity and privacy questions. We discuss what it can actually do, the risks of having an always-connected humanoid in your home, and why it’s definitely not the “Robot Rosie” we were promised. Show notes:
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OpenAI’s ChatGPT Atlas: What It Means for Cybersecurity and Privacy
Shared Security
In this episode, we explore OpenAI's groundbreaking release GPT Atlas, the AI-powered browser that remembers your activities and acts on your behalf. Discover its features, implications for enterprise security, and the risks it poses to privacy. Join hosts Tom Eston and Scott Wright as they discuss everything from the browser's memory function to vulnerabilities like indirect prompt injection. Stay informed on how AI browsers could reshape web browsing and cybersecurity. Show notes:
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It’s Always DNS: Lessons from the AWS Outage
Shared Security
In 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. Show notes:
info_outlineIn 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/