Tag: cybersecurity

How to Be Cyber Smart this Cybersecurity Awareness Month – Ping Podcast – Episode 57

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On October 27, 2021

How to Be Cyber Smart this Cybersecurity Awareness Month – Ping Podcast – Episode 57

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Episode 57: How to Be Cyber Smart this Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Be Cyber Smart (or more technically #becybersmart) is the ongoing theme of Cybersecurity Awareness Month (which happens to take place in October). But how does one go about getting smart when it comes to cybersecurity? National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) Interim Executive Director Lisa Plaggemier joins us to offer tips and resources for individuals and businesses. Her two top tips are strong passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA). Lisa also tells us about the origins of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, why security is more important now than ever before, challenges in the cyber career field, and more.

Learn more about Cybersecurity Awareness Month and get helpful resources year-round at StaySafeOnline.org.

In headlines, hear about a cybersecurity awareness survey of EU businesses. And then, ransomware story number one focuses on Sinclair Broadcast Group. Finally, we’re horrified to learn about a ransomware attack on a candy maker – just before Halloween!

How to listen

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Or just about anywhere you prefer to listen to podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Overcast, Amazon Music, TuneIn, iHeart, Pocket Cast, Castro, Castbox, Podchaser, YouTube, and of course via RSS, to name a few). Moreover, please rate and review us wherever you listen. And remember to subscribe or follow where you can to get the latest episodes as soon as they’re released

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week, and our knowledge hub.

New episodes are usually released every other Wednesday. Have a special request for a topic or a question for our network engineers to address? Email us at podcast@firewalls.com and it could be on our next show. Thanks in advance for any listens, follows, subscribes, reviews, comments, shares, and generally spreading the word!

Survey Says: Remote Work Security Ain’t Easy – Ping Podcast – Episode 54

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On September 16, 2021

Survey Says: Remote Work Security Ain’t Easy – Ping Podcast – Episode 54

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Episode 54: Survey Says: Remote Work Security Ain’t Easy

The remote work boom began because of the challenge of the pandemic. And now 18 months-plus into it, employers, work from home employees, and IT staff are still figuring some things out – especially related to remote work security. On this episode of Ping, A Firewalls.com Podcast, we discuss HP Wolf’s Rebellions & Rejections report, which outlines cybersecurity attitudes and actions of both remote workers and those who make it happen. Let’s just say there’s plenty of frustration to go around. But there are some solutions, too!

In headlines, hear about cyber grave robbers who took advantage of the Surfside condo collapse. And then, we discuss a heavy hitting DDoS attack in Russia. Next, the new National Cyber Director talks about his role. And finally, in a bonus 4th headline, we learn about an Apple patch to stop a zero-click IOS vulnerability.

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week, and our knowledge hub.

Public-Private Partnership on Cyber Security Policy – Ping Podcast – Episode 53

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On September 1, 2021

Public-Private Partnership on Cyber Security Policy – Ping Podcast – Episode 53

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Episode 53: Public-Private Partnership on Cyber Security Policy

We projected some cyber security policy directions under President Biden at the beginning of 2021. But with all that’s happened since, it’s time to take stock of where things are now. For that, we welcome NextGov’s Mariam Baksh to take us through recent cybersecurity initiatives from the White House and Congress. Mariam outlines the use of public-private partnership to improve security, and whether some recent announcements constitute real progress or just talk. She also discusses the revisiting of the NIST framework, how the cyber insurance industry is involved, and recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.

Read Mariam’s work at NextGov.

In headlines, we update the T-Mobile data breach story. And then, we discuss Apple’s relationship to privacy and how money plays a role. Finally, we learn about the latest ransomware cell to call it quits and why this keeps happening.

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week, and our knowledge hub.

Chaos and Friends: The One With Malware – Ping Podcast – Episode 52

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On August 18, 2021

Chaos and Friends: The One With Malware – Ping Podcast – Episode 52

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Episode 52: Chaos and Friends: The One With Malware

A new malware variant may soon throw the threat landscape into chaos. Threatpost Senior Editor Tara Seals joins us on a new Ping Podcast to discuss the emergence of Chaos malware. What is it? What will it do? And why should you be worried? Listen to find out. Plus, Tara tells us why the recent Friends reunion special on HBO Max led to a spike in online fraud.

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week, and our knowledge hub.

Cyber Job Training & Matchmaking, Plus Another Ransomware Roundup – Ping Podcast – Episode 47

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On June 10, 2021

Cyber Job Training & Matchmaking, Plus Another Ransomware Roundup – Ping Podcast – Episode 47

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Episode 47: Cyber Job Training & Matchmaking, Plus Another Ransomware Roundup

Employers across the U.S. – and around the world for that matter – are struggling to fill cybersecurity jobs, and our home state of Indiana is no exception. To talk about the shortage, as well as cyber job training opportunities for students and career changers, we welcome Dr. Marc Rogers, Purdue University professor & executive director of the Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program. He discusses the newly launched Cyber Seek Indiana website, which serves as a matchmaker for cybersecurity careers, from jobseekers to employers. Dr. Rogers also details the Cyber Apprenticeship Program, which gives participants real-world experience in cybersecurity as part of their training. And finally, he gives us a brief state of the cyber threat landscape as it stands now.

In headlines, we do a sort of ransomware roundup, as there are so many ransomware stories out there today. First, hear about the FBI recovering more than half the ransom from the Colonial Pipeline hack. Then, we touch on the JBS meats ransomware attack, the idea of triple extortion, and a couple additional ransomware impacts. And finally, learn what cybersecurity debt means and why it’s not helping stop all these attacks.

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week, and our knowledge hub.

Cyber Crime as Terrorism, Plus Ransomware Updates – Ping Podcast – Episode 46

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On May 27, 2021

Cyber Crime as Terrorism, Plus Ransomware Updates – Ping Podcast – Episode 46

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Episode 46: Cyber Crime as Terrorism, Plus Ransomware Updates

In a special double interview edition of the podcast, we start by examining the idea of cyber crime as terrorism. Emma Schroeder & Trey Herr with the Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative argue that many still do cybersecurity wrong. Why? In part, because they don’t meet cyber threats on their terms. Hear how they say cyber crime should be viewed and some tips for government entities in particular to better defend – including a Hunger Games idea. For more information, check out Emma & Trey’s op-ed.

For our second interview segment, we welcome cybersecurity writer and former IT pro Lance Whitney to help us tackle headlines, starting with a couple of high-profile ransomware issues. First, he updates us on the status of the DarkSide group following the Colonial Pipeline attack. Then, Lance details an FBI warning to healthcare providers to be on the lookout for Conti ransomware in particular. And finally, we discuss another threat targeted at consumers, called vishing – that’s voice phishing – and how hackers are using Amazon in this scheme. Find more from Lance at TechRepublic.

Oh, and check out our new podcast art above!

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week, and our knowledge hub.

Passwords: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly – Ping Podcast – Episode 43

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On April 14, 2021

Passwords: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly – Ping Podcast – Episode 43

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Episode 43: Passwords: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Keeping track of all your passwords can be tough. But if you make remembering them too easy, you’re probably making your passwords too easy for hackers to crack. On the latest Ping Podcast, we discuss a British study that shows a majority of UK residents veer toward obvious passwords. We talk about why they’re obvious, and how to do passwords right to not only make them possible to keep track of, but to stay secure as well.

In another special segment, we take on a cybersecurity quiz that stumped the majority of those who’ve taken it. We go through the seemingly not too difficult questions and how people did on each one. Play along yourself to see how you’d do, and learn why simply checking the cybersecurity training box wasn’t enough to educate these test-takers.

In headlines, it’s two breaches and a warning. First, we talk about a Facebook (please don’t call it a) breach. And then, we hear from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on his cyber concerns. And finally, we discuss a breach of ParkMobile that exposed license plate numbers and other personal info.

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Or just about anywhere you prefer to listen to podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Overcast, TuneIn, iHeart, Pocket Cast, Castro, Castbox, Podchaser, YouTube, and of course via RSS, to name a few). And now we’re on Amazon Music, too! Moreover, please remember to subscribe or follow where you can to get the latest episodes as soon as they’re released. And please rate and review us as well!

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week, and our knowledge hub.

Safe Harbor and More Cybersecurity Laws – Ping Podcast – Episode 42

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On April 1, 2021

Safe Harbor and More Cybersecurity Laws – Ping Podcast – Episode 42

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Episode 42: Safe Harbor and More Cybersecurity Laws

With recent attacks/breaches like SolarWinds and Microsoft Exchange, cybersecurity is an ever increasing priority. But beyond avoiding attack – which is a pretty big incentive – what other incentives do businesses have to invest in cybersecurity? Cynthia Brumfield, cybersecurity analyst, writer, and creator of the Metacurity newsletter, joins us to discuss safe harbor laws on the docket in a growing number of states. These laws would offer businesses liability protection if they take reasonable cybersecurity measures. We also talk data protection regulations at the state level, and hear about what the federal government is doing to prioritize cybersecurity as well.

Check out Cynthia’s article on Safe Harbor Laws at CSOOnline and subscribe to Metacurity to catch up on the latest cybersecurity news.

In headlines, it’s a ransomware trifecta. First, we talk about a cyber insurance company under attack by a potentially familiar foe. And then, we go inside a ransomware attack on British fashion retailer FatFace and get a look at the ransom negotiations. And finally, we hear about a ransomware cell hanging it up, and offering refunds, too!

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week, and our knowledge hub.

Super Bowl – and CyberSecurity – Trivia – Ping Podcast – Episode 38

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On February 3, 2021

Super Bowl – and CyberSecurity – Trivia – Ping Podcast – Episode 38

cybersecurity ping podcast

Episode 38: Super Bowl – and CyberSecurity – Trivia

We celebrate Super Bowl week and our favorite subject of cybersecurity all in one package on this Ping Podcast episode. Kevin drops a special edition of Super Bowl Trivia that weaves network security themes into questions about Tom Brady, the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL Draft, and more! See how Andrew Harmon does and play along to see if you can do better!

Ransomware Reckoning is back with Andrew Neita explaining how lucrative ransomware was last year. Plus, he shares a rather dire outlook for the year ahead.

In headlines, hear how Emotet got busted. And then, learn about two new business email compromise (BEC) variants on Microsoft 365. Finally, we can’t go a full episode without the SolarWinds breach. This time, hear how it’s causing US courts to switch to paper.

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week, and our knowledge hub.

Unto the Breach: Cyber Policy Under Biden – Ping Podcast – Episode 37

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On January 20, 2021

Unto the Breach: Cyber Policy Under Biden – Ping Podcast – Episode 37

cybersecurity data breaches ping podcast Ransomware

Episode 37: Unto the Breach: Cyber Policy Under Biden

With President Biden taking office amid a still developing federal breach, cyber policy will likely be a top priority. Washington D.C.-based policy analyst Caitlin Chin joins us to provide the latest background on the SolarWinds supply chain attack. Then, she tells us where cybersecurity likely ranks on the Biden Administration’s priority list. In addition, we talk data privacy, Section 230, and net neutrality regulations and the likelihood of whether and how they’ll be addressed by both the President and Congress.

Take a look at a few of Caitlin’s articles for more information:

After the SolarWinds hack, the Biden Administration must address Russian cybersecurity threats

What to expect from a Biden FCC on Section 230, net neutrality, and 5G

How the 2020 elections will shape the federal privacy debate

The U.S. privacy landscape post GDPR

In headlines, we learn of a coalition to stop ransomware. And then, hear how cybersecurity pros think AI will take their jobs. Finally, we discuss how President Biden’s Peloton could be a national security risk.

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week, and our knowledge hub.

Black Friday Becomes Cyber November 2020 – Ping Podcast – Episode 33

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On November 18, 2020

Black Friday Becomes Cyber November 2020 – Ping Podcast – Episode 33

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Episode 33: Black Friday Becomes Cyber November 2020

Holiday shopping deals are already coming from all directions. That’s because Black Friday is no longer just one day of deals, it’s turned into Cyber November. On the latest Ping Podcast, Kevin and Andrew welcome Dan Lohrmann, who explains why online retailers are spreading out the sales in 2020. Hint: As with just about everything else this year, it relates to COVID-19. Dan also offers tips to new and seasoned online shoppers alike to avoid common pitfalls. On top of that, we get into some election 2020 cybersecurity talk. And finally, we wonder whether the new normal in 2020 is permanent.

Read Dan’s blog for more on this unusual Black Friday holiday shopping season.

Our Ransomware Reckoning segment tells a somewhat positive story of Japanese video game maker Capcom’s response to an attack.

In headlines, hear why tax pros need to take cybersecurity seriously. Following that, we talk about the costs for breaches in the financial sector. Finally, if this year’s terrestrial issues aren’t enough for you, learn why you should worry about cybersecurity in space!

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week.

Hospitals & Healthcare Under Attack – Ping Podcast – Episode 32

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On November 4, 2020

Hospitals & Healthcare Under Attack – Ping Podcast – Episode 32

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Episode 32: Hospitals & Healthcare Under Attack

Federal agencies came together with an unprecedented warning for hospitals & healthcare providers: ransomware attacks are coming. But what can these organizations do to protect themselves? Why are they so vulnerable to attack? And why are successful cyber attacks against healthcare facilities so devastating? For answers to those questions and more, we welcome SonicWall’s Barbara Vibbert, an expert in healthcare IT and network security in general. Barbara outlines cyber threats specific to hospitals and offers solutions that they – and we – can implement to protect them. Plus, find out why ransomware cells targeting healthcare are like Dillinger targeting banks.

Get some healthcare cybersecurity tips from Barbara’s latest blog.

In headlines, hear why Marriott is paying up in the U.K. for a breach that affected Starwood hotels. And then, we stay in Great Britain to get a glimpse at the volume of email threats the BBC receives. Finally, hear which cybersecurity skills are in most demand next year and for years to come as we look at the U.S. job market.

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month & Halloween Costume Ideas – Ping Podcast – Episode 31

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On October 23, 2020

Cybersecurity Awareness Month & Halloween Costume Ideas – Ping Podcast – Episode 31

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Episode 31: Cybersecurity Awareness Month & Halloween Costume Ideas

We know October is a month-long celebration of Halloween, but did you know it’s also National Cybersecurity Awareness Month? Well we’re here to make you aware. Kevin & Andrew welcome James Stanley with the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to discuss the month and why it’s important to take personal responsibility for your security. On top of that, Stanley offers telework tips for remote workers, IT pros, and executives.

Learn more about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month: https://www.cisa.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month

See CISA’s Telework resources, including toolkits and more: https://www.cisa.gov/telework

Then it’s onto Ransomware Reckoning. On this edition, Andrew N. shares a scary story of hackers targeting schools.

In headlines, hear about a breach affecting Robinhood investors. And then, learn why cyber resilience is just as important as cybersecurity. Finally, hear why U.K. residents were less than thrilled about a cyber recruiting campaign.

But wait, there’s more! We didn’t forget about the Halloween part of October. So we decided to do some network security costume shopping before calling it a day. Hear about what we found.

How to listen

Listen to Ping – A Firewalls.com Podcast using the player above…

Missed our previous episodes? You can get them anywhere you listen to podcasts, or go to our full episode list.

Learn even more about network security through our blog, which features new content every week.

New episodes are usually released every other Wednesday. Have a special request for a topic or a question for our network engineers to address? Email us at podcast@firewalls.com and it could be on our next show. Thanks in advance for any listens, follows, subscribes, reviews, comments, shares, and generally spreading the word!