Secure AF - A Cybersecurity Podcast
Think like a hacker. Defend like a pro.Welcome to the Secure AF Cybersecurity Podcast — your tactical edge in the ever-evolving cyber battlefield. Hosted by industry veterans including Donovan Farrow and Jonathan Kimmitt, this podcast dives deep into real-world infosec challenges, red team tactics, blue team strategies, and the latest tools shaping the cybersecurity landscape.Whether you're a seasoned pentester, a SOC analyst, or just breaking into the field, you'll find actionable insights, expert interviews, and unfiltered discussions with Alias team members and top-tier guests from across the cybersecurity spectrum.Stay sharp. Stay informed. Stay Secure AF.
BlueMoon: When the Patch Becomes the Exploit Roadmap
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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
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Seccon: 2026
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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
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When Your RMM Becomes the Target – The N-able Zero-Day
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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
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Operation Security: How to keep your family safe when posting about them.
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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 first step toward a more secure online life. #OPSEC #CyberSecurity #OnlineSafety #DigitalPrivacy
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How Defenders Can Secure Enterprise AI Before Attackers Find the Gaps
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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
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FalconFlank: When Your EDR Becomes the Attack Surface.
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🎙️ 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
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Zimbra RCE Under Active Exploitation – Over 270 Servers Already Compromised
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Defcon 2026
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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.
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Akira Ransomware Uses Safe Mode to Blind EDR: Lessons for Defenders
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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.
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Windows BlueHammer Flaw Now Actively Exploited by Ransomware Gangs
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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.
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FortiBleed Attacks: Turning Fortinet Firewalls into Credential Stealers
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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.
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Arch Linux AUR Compromise – Supply Chain Risks in the Open Source World
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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.
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Qilin Ransomware Exploiting VPN Zero-Days: What SOCs Need to Do Now
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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.
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You're Probably Not Hacked, You're Being Tracked
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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. 📱👁️📡
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The SOC Brief Turns One 🎂 Insights, Stories & Lessons Learned
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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. 🚀
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Kali365 Phishing-as-a-Service: FBI Warns of New M365 Credential Theft Tool
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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
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Incident Response 101: What to Do When You’re Under Attack
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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?
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First Known AI-Powered Zero-Day Exploit: What SOCs Need to Know 🤖
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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 keep pace with AI-driven adversaries.
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ShinyHunters Breach of Instructure Canvas LMS 📚✏️: Lessons for SOCs on Third-Party Vendor Risks
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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, monitor, and reduce vendor-related risk before it becomes a crisis.
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Canvas Breach Breakdown: What 9,000+ Outages Teach Us About SaaS Risk
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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 to prepare for the next breach.
MuddyWater’s Ransomware Decoy: Iranian APTs Hiding Espionage in Plain Sight
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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.
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Qilin Ransomware’s EDR Killer DLL – How Attackers Are Subverting Defenses
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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.
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AI’s Inflection Point: From Productivity Tool to Existential Risk
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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 around AI security and alignment, and why some experts believe general, and eventually superintelligence, may be clos...
Axios NPM Supply Chain Compromise – Lessons for SOCs on Third-Party Risks
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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.
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Black Shrantac Ransomware – LOTL Tactics and Double Extortion on the Rise
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A new ransomware group is blending in with legitimate tools. This #SOCBrief breaks down Black Shrantac and how to detect it early.
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Think Fast or Get Pwned: How Esports Is Forging Elite Cyber Defenders
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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 pipeline for elite cyber talent.
They also dive into how AI elevates the importance of human co...
Iranian APTs Targeting U.S. PLCs: OT Wake-Up Call for SOCs
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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.
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Google Chrome Zero-Days Under Active Attack – What SOCs Need to Do Now
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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.
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Beyond the Network: The Rise of Medical Device Security
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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.
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Interlock Ransomware Hits Cisco FMC Zero-Day: Lessons for SOCs on Edge Device Security
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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.
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Chinese Hackers Breach FBI Surveillance Network: Supply-Chain Lessons for SOCs
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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 attackers are exploiting trusted connections, and how you can stay one step ahead.
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Ransomware as a Business: Inside Qilin’s Rise
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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 detection, we’re diving into what makes this group so effective, and why organi...
MuddyWater's New BugSleep Malware – Iran's Cyber Retaliation Ramps Up
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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.
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🚨 The Telus Hack – ShinyHunters Strikes a Telecom Giant 🚨
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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 should be on the lookout.
🎧 Tune in now at secureafpodcast.com<...
A.I. as a Multiplier: Introducing Vector Pulse A.I.
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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 explore A.I. responsibly.
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Heightened Cyber Threats Amid U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalation
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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.
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OSINT Essentials – Unlocking Not So Hidden Insights for Your SOC
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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.
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Talking SOC Shop: How SOCs Show Value to Leadership 📈
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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 measurable organizational value. 📊
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Keeping AI Human-Centered in Digital Forensics 🧑💻⚖️
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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 control. 💻🔍
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SmarterMail RCE Flaw – Ransomware's New Favorite Door
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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. 🛡️
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