Exploring the Dark Web: A Conversation with Criminology Researcher David Décary-Hétu

In this episode, host David Shipley discusses a significant cybersecurity breach at the University of Pennsylvania, which involved offensive emails sent from legitimate university addresses. The attackers claim to have accessed sensitive data, though their statements remain unverified. Shipley emphasizes the importance of vigilant communication and rapid response systems in mitigating damage. The episode also covers urgent cybersecurity alerts issued by Western agencies for Microsoft Exchange and WSUS servers, highlighting the necessity of continuous system updates and robust security measures. Lastly, Australia's cybersecurity agency warns against ongoing attacks on unpatched Cisco devices, urging immediate action. The episode underscores the theme of 'vigilance' in cybersecurity, stressing the role of culture and leadership in maintaining robust security practices. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:41 University of Pennsylvania Cyber Attack 05:26 US Government's Urgent Warning on Exchange and WSUS Servers 09:39 Australia's Bad Candy Cisco Router Attacks 12:19 Final Thoughts on Cybersecurity Vigilance 14:16 Conclusion and Sponsor Message

In this episode of 'Cybersecurity Today,' the panel, including Laura Payne from White TOK and David Shipley from Boer on Securities, reviews the major cybersecurity events of October. Key topics include DNS failures at AWS and Microsoft, the rise of AI and its associated security concerns, and several severe cloud and on-premises vulnerabilities in platforms like SharePoint and WSUS. The discussion highlights a surge in sophisticated phishing threats, the integration of AI in cyber attacks, and the critical importance of multifactor authentication. The panel also examines the implications of recent security breaches affecting critical infrastructure and the broader impact of cybersecurity on financial sectors. Ethical concerns about AI's use in creating inappropriate content and the urgent need for better regulatory frameworks for tech and cloud providers are underscored. The episode concludes with a humorous moment as Jim dons a gifted white TOK, bringing a smile to the discussion. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:18 Panel Introduction and AI Discussion 01:02 Cloud Outages and Their Impact 02:52 DNS and Internet Fragility 07:07 Botnets and Cybersecurity Threats 14:09 Industrial Control Systems Vulnerabilities 26:29 AI in Cybersecurity 35:37 Voice Deepfakes and Authentication Risks 38:32 Creative Scams and Real-Time Voice Translators 39:22 The Importance of Safe Words and Persistent Surveillance Issues 40:17 Hybrid Scams and Financial Crimes in Canada 41:44 Corporate Reputation and Financial Crimes Agency 42:41 Challenges with Digital Banking and Security 44:49 The Role of AI and Security in Financial Transactions 45:55 The Impact of Open Banking and Real-Time Payments 50:57 Email Filters and Cybersecurity Awareness 58:03 Microsoft's Security Challenges and Vulnerabilities 01:03:39 Legal Consequences for Cybercriminals 01:12:17 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host Jim Love covers a series of alarming cybersecurity incidents. Key highlights include Ernst and Young exposing a massive 4TB database to the open internet, a former L3 Harris executive guilty of selling zero-day exploits to a Russian broker, a sophisticated zero-day spyware campaign hitting Chrome, and a nation-state cyberattack on US telecom provider Ribbon Communications. Tune in to understand the critical lessons from these breaches and the emerging risks in cybersecurity. 00:00 EY's Massive Data Exposure 02:05 US Defense Contractor's Insider Threat 03:33 Chrome's Zero Day Vulnerability 05:24 Nation-State Hackers Breach US Telecom 06:51 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host Jim Love explores the potential shift in Russia's stance on cyber criminals, including arrests of major network operators. Discover the latest phishing scams where hackers fabricate death notices to steal passwords, a critical vulnerability exposing thousands of AI servers, and a massive malware campaign on YouTube. Plus, discuss the dual nature of AI in cybersecurity—both as a transformative technology and a new threat. Join the conversation on the future of cybersecurity! 00:00 Introduction: Cybersecurity Headlines 00:26 Russia's Crackdown on Cybercriminals 02:47 Phishing Scam Targets LastPass Users 04:59 AI Server Vulnerability Exposes API Keys 07:28 YouTube Ghost Network Spreads Malware 09:17 The Dual Role of AI in Cybersecurity 12:18 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host David Shipley covers the latest updates from the Pwn2Own 2025 event in Ireland, where top hackers earned over $1 million for uncovering 73 zero-day vulnerabilities. Despite significant hype, AI's impact on cybersecurity remains limited. We also dive into a critical Microsoft WSUS flaw under active exploitation and its implications for U.S. government cyber defenses amid a federal shutdown. Lastly, ESET reports reveal North Korea's increased cyber espionage targeting European drone manufacturers. Stay informed on the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and defenses. 00:00 Introduction and Headlines 00:29 Pwn to Own 2025 Highlights 02:35 AI's Role in Cybersecurity 03:43 Microsoft's Critical WSUS Vulnerability 07:24 US Government Shutdown and Cyber Attacks 10:04 North Korean Cyber Espionage 12:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host Jim Love sits down with Graham Barrie a CISO and white hat hacker, to discuss the critical importance of cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses. From the moment Berry fell in love with technology through a Tandy TRS 80 to his current role helping businesses secure their data, this conversation covers the evolution of cybersecurity. They delve into how Berry assists businesses in understanding cybersecurity risks, communicating effectively with clients, and preparing for and recovering from cyber incidents. This episode is packed with insightful stories, practical advice, and a deep dive into the realities of cybersecurity for businesses of all sizes. 00:00 The Urgency of Cybersecurity 00:33 Introduction to the Podcast 01:00 Meet Graham Berry: A White Hat Hacker 01:31 Graham's Journey into Technology 04:04 From Technology to Cybersecurity 05:49 The Reality of Cyber Threats for Small Businesses 10:44 The Importance of Cyber Insurance 14:23 Engaging with Clients on Cybersecurity 17:08 Turning Around a Reluctant Client 20:10 The Growing Demand for Cyber Coverage 22:12 Third Party Risk Management 22:50 Effective Tabletop Exercises 23:58 Engaging Executives in Cybersecurity 26:43 Importance of Cyber Insurance 28:33 Successful Recovery Stories 34:16 Challenges with AI in Security 38:57 Looking Forward in Security 40:21 Conclusion and Farewell

In today's episode, host Jim Love discusses the discovery of the 'Glass Worm,' a self-spreading malware hidden in Visual Studio Code extensions downloaded over 35,000 times. The worm, hiding its malicious JavaScript in invisible unicode characters, steals developer credentials and drains crypto wallets. He also covers the security flaws in AI-powered IDEs like Cursor and Windsurf, leaving 1.8 million developers vulnerable. Lastly, a new survey from ISACA reveals that AI-driven attacks are now the top cybersecurity concern for 2026, overtaking ransomware and insider threats. Love advises how developers and security teams can mitigate these threats. 00:00 Introduction and Shoutout 01:10 Cybersecurity Headlines 01:46 Glass Worm Malware in Visual Studio Code 04:06 AI-Powered IDEs with Security Flaws 06:00 AI-Driven Cybersecurity Threats 07:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, your host Jim Love discusses Microsoft's latest findings on how ransomware and extortion account for over half of all cyber attacks globally, highlighting the shift toward financially driven crimes. Learn about the breach at the Kansas City National Security Campus due to a SharePoint vulnerability and how Anthropic's new open-source sandbox aims to make AI coding safer. Additionally, discover how AI tools can help spot scams as Jim shares his personal experience and practical tips. Stay informed on the latest cybersecurity trends and essential defense strategies. 00:00 Introduction and Headlines 00:26 Ransomware Dominates Cyber Attacks 02:12 Nuclear Facility Breach via SharePoint Flaw 04:27 Anthropic's AI Code Sandbox 06:01 Using AI to Spot Scams 07:27 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement

In this episode of Cybersecurity Today, host David Shipley covers the latest developments in cyber threats and law enforcement victories. Topics include: cybercriminals using TikTok videos to disseminate malware through click-fix attacks, Europol shutting down a massive SIM farm powering 49 million fake online accounts, and Microsoft's emergency patch release for a critical ASP.NET Core vulnerability rated 9.9 in severity. The episode also highlights community efforts in raising cybersecurity awareness. 00:00 Introduction and Headlines 00:23 TikTok Malware Campaign 03:43 Europol's Major SIM Farm Bust 07:45 Microsoft's Critical ASP.NET Core Vulnerability 11:55 Community Shoutouts and Conclusion

In this episode, Jim Love interviews David Décary-Hétu, a criminologist at the Universite´de Montréal, discussing the dark web and its impact on criminal activity and cybersecurity. They delve into what the dark web is, how it operates, its primary users, and its role in cybercrime. They also explore the dynamics of online criminal networks, challenges faced by law enforcement, and the surprising aspects of online illicit activities. The importance of monitoring online conversations and understanding cyber threats is emphasized, with insights into the use of cryptocurrencies and the evolution of cybercrime tactics. 00:00 Introduction to Cybercrime and the Dark Web 00:45 Meet David Décary-Hétu: Criminology Researcher and Dark Web Expert 01:06 Understanding the Basics of the Dark Web 05:34 The Technology Behind the Dark Web 20:40 Law Enforcement Challenges and Trust Building 26:03 Cultural Differences in Hacking Communities 26:28 Training Police Officers vs. Research Approaches 26:40 Impact of Technology on Crime 28:09 International Networks and Language Barriers 30:26 Law Enforcement Strategies and Challenges 38:46 The Role of Cryptocurrency in Cybercrime 40:31 Legal and Ethical Considerations in Cybersecurity 42:55 Advice for Policymakers and Corporations 47:48 Educational Resources and Conferences 50:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts