Ransomware Rewind

What happens when an AI model is told to complete a task and decides the fastest way is to cheat? Steve Cobb, known across the industry as Cyber Santa, joins Joe to break down the recent Hugging Face incident, where an AI model reportedly broke out of its testing sandbox and went after Hugging Face to find the answer instead of doing the work. Steve was on a call with the incident responders shortly after it happened, and he explains what the model did, why it left a trail for future models to follow, and what it means when attackers point the same tools at your business.

Steve has spent more than 30 years in cybersecurity, from cleaning viruses off floppy disks to senior security leadership at SecurityScorecard. He shares how his team caught a North Korean fake job interview scam that put malware on a developer's laptop, and the story of a ransomware attack on a 70-dealership auto group where IT staff spent three straight days in the data center rebuilding from old backups. Two of the three quit afterward.

In this episode: - How the Hugging Face AI incident unfolded - Canary tokens and honeypots as low-cost, high-accuracy defenses against human and AI attackers - Why you should assume you'll be breached and plan to survive it - The hidden costs of ransomware, including burnout and losing key people - Patching smarter instead of faster - Skynet or Star Trek?

Connect with Steve Cobb on LinkedIn.

No tech stack can guarantee you won't get breached. Joe Erle sits down with Manoj Tandon, CEO and Co-Founder of Dark Rhiino Security and host of the Security Confidential Podcast, to talk about why people remain both the biggest vulnerability and the strongest defense in any organization.

Drawing on more than 200 episodes of his own show, Manoj explains how social engineers go after administrative gatekeepers to pull sensitive data, why attackers would rather exploit human behavior than fight through a firewall, and where AI-driven security tools hit their limits. He also covers third-party supply chain risk and why real defense in depth depends on ongoing training, not just the vendors in your stack.

In this episode: - How social engineers manipulate gatekeepers to steal trade secrets - Why "hackers aren't breaking in, they're logging in" through credential abuse and SIM swapping - Why a perfect AI detection engine is mathematically impossible - How nation-state actors use weaker supply chain vendors to reach bigger targets - Real stories of criminal mistakes that led to major busts - Why defenders play by rules that attackers ignore

Chapters: 00:00 Gatekeepers Exposed 00:29 Show Intro and Guest 01:35 Pregnancy by Algorithm 02:39 Social Engineering for Talent 05:16 Human Element in Security 06:31 Tech Hype vs Defense in Depth 08:06 Phishing and BEC Basics 12:15 Risk Motivation and Supply Chain 13:46 Fighter Jets and AI Warfare 16:38 F-35 Theft and Espionage 19:11 Protecting IP and Trade Secrets 21:38 Dumb Criminals and Money 24:35 AI Accelerates Attackers 26:26 Blue vs Red Team Limits 28:36 Ethical Testing and Dual Use 30:48 Bug Bounties and Pentesting 32:18 SQL Injection Stories 34:16 Prompt Injection and Jailbreaks 37:36 AI Guardrails and Censorship 39:01 Project Panama Controversy 39:31 Critical Thinking in the AI Age 43:57 Kids, Soundbites, and Decision Making 47:01 Star Trek or Skynet 50:05 Sci-Fi Tech Becomes Real 50:58 Where to Find Manoj 51:21 Revenue Resilience Services 52:30 Cyber Insurance Support 53:37 Closing Thanks and Outro

Guest: Manoj Tandon | CEO and Co-Founder, Dark Rhiino Security Website: https://www.darkrhinosecurity.com Security Confidential Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SecurityConfidential LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manoj-tandon-drs/

Host: Joe Erle | Cyber Group Practice Leader, C3 Risk & Insurance Services Website: https://www.c3insurance.com/cyber LinkedIn: Joe Erle, MBA, CIC, CRM, TRA, CCIC | LinkedIn X: https://x.com/joe_erle TikTok / Instagram / Facebook: @itscyberjoe

Ransomware Rewind is a practical cybersecurity podcast about real-world cyber risk, incident response, and resilience. We talk with the people on the front lines so you can protect your business before the next attack. Follow the show wherever you listen and leave a rating to help more business leaders find it.

Cybersecurity workers without proper support burn out in under 3 years. With the right training and organizational backing, that number stretches to 12-16 years. Rick Mischka, PhD, breaks down why, and what actually works. Rick's PhD thesis in cyberpsychology focused on rank-and-file practitioners facing constant incident stress, not executives or attackers. He explains why burnout prevention depends on organizational support, time off, role rotation, strong leadership, and individual resilience training, and how to make mindfulness practical enough to resonate with logical, skeptical IT workers.

This episode covers cybersecurity burnout, mindfulness for IT teams, CISO career advice, API security risks, and cyber insurance trends. What is Layer 8 in cybersecurity? It's the human layer, the people using the systems, and most breaches trace back to it rather than the technology itself. What is a fractional CISO?

A part-time CISO who advises multiple companies instead of working full-time at one, often a good fit for mid-market companies not yet ready for a full-time hire. In this episode you'll learn:

Why cybersecurity teams burn out faster than almost any other IT role

The two things leadership must provide to prevent burnout

How to introduce mindfulness to teams that dismiss it as "foo foo"

Why API integrations are the most underrated security risk today

What CISOs should ask before accepting a new role

Why fractional CISO work makes sense for mid-market companies

00:54 Introduction

00:55 Meet Rick Mischka

01:57 Why Cyberpsychology

03:32 Burnout Prevention Tactics

05:35 Forced Vacations Culture

06:37 MSPs Reduce Burnout

07:36 Leadership Support Examples

09:54 Mindfulness For IT

14:06 Perfectionism And AI Stress

16:19 Layer Eight Humans

18:19 Better Awareness Training

22:01 Underrated API Integrations

23:49 AI Access And APIs

26:03 Hidden API Attack Surface

26:43 Securing APIs With Policy

28:09 CISO Seat At Table

30:08 Interview Red Flags

31:25 Fractional CISO Reality

33:03 AI Hype And Energy

35:09 Conspiracies China Data

39:35 Credit Freeze And Scores

43:26 Debt Stress And Burnout

44:15 Cyber Burnout Findings

45:56 Mindset And Recovery

48:56 Wrap Up And Where

To Find Guest: Rick Mischka, Ph.D. | AVANT Communications

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-mischka

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@rickmischka

Host: Joe Erle | Cyber Group Practice Leader, C3 Risk & Insurance Services

https://www.c3insurance.com/cyber

LinkedIn: / joeerle

X: https://x.com/joe_erle

TikTok / Instagram / Facebook: @itscyberjoe

Ransomware Rewind is a practical cybersecurity podcast focused on real-world cyber risk, incident response, and resilience. We talk to the people on the front lines so you can protect your business before the next attack. Please like and subscribe if you found this podcast valuable.

#Cybersecurity #CISO #Burnout #cyberpsychology

Joe Erle sits down with Joshua Nicholson, Founder & CEO of DarkStack7 and Host of Cybersecurity America Podcast, to break down the critical incident response mistakes that leave companies with no choice but to pay ransoms.

Joshua exposes the most common breach vulnerabilities still being exploited in 2026 including unpatched firewalls, missing MFA, excessive local admin rights, and AI tools like Microsoft Copilot leaking confidential HR data. He explains why identity has become the new security perimeter, how removing local admin rights stops lateral movement, and why every organization needs pre-provisioned break-glass access before a crisis hits.

You'll also learn:

How to fix dangerous logging and licensing blind spots

Practical ways to patch systems without causing panic Lessons from real disaster recovery failures

How DDoS attacks are used to increase ransom pressure

A simple tabletop exercise playbook that actually works

How strong cyber hygiene helps satisfy cyber insurance underwriters

What Happens when AI Hacks Collide

Timestamps:

00:35 – Intro Teaser

02:38 – MFA and Security Hygiene

06:04 – Identity Perimeter Shift

06:55 – Local Admin and LAPS

08:25 – Least Privilege Culture

12:00 – Patching Without Panic

15:59 – Disaster Recovery Lessons

18:59 – DDoS and Ransom Pressure

22:00 – Tabletop Exercise Playbook

25:27 – Logging and Licensing Gaps

27:37 – Finding Joshua and Services

28:42 – AI Breaches and Microsoft Copilot

30:46 – AI Risks and Market Crash

33:40 – Wrap Up and Thanks

Guest: Joshua Nicholson | Founder & CEO, DarkStack7

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarnicholson

Cybersecurity America Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@cybersecurityamerica_show

Hosts:

Joe Erle | Cyber Group Practice Leader, C3 Risk & Insurance Services

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle

X: https://x.com/joe_erle

TikTok /Instagram / Facebook: @itscyberjoe

Ransomware Rewind is a practical cybersecurity podcast focused on real-world cyber risk, incident response, and resilience. We talk to the people on the front lines so you can protect your business before the next attack.

Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more insights on ransomware, cyber insurance, and building a stronger security posture.

You can also listen on Spotify or Apple podcasts!

I appreciate your support! Thx!

#Ransomware #CyberSecurity #IncidentResponse #MFA #IdentitySecurity #LeastPrivilege #CyberInsurance #AISecurity #MicrosoftCopilot #DarkStack7 #RansomwareRewind

Joe Erle interviews Sam Jadali of Melurna about how companies unknowingly leak sensitive data and how that data gets sold and used for retargeting and other nefarious puroses. Sam explains that Molerna "tags" data and tracks its journey across the internet to provide privacy and compliance intelligence, helping enterprises, carriers, and brokers understand what data is being exfiltrated and by which vendors. The discussion covers pixel/session replay risks, escalating class actions, and regulatory exposure (including HIPAA concerns), Gen Z's declining expectations of privacy, and AI-driven targeting that could intensify manipulation and even influence politics. They also discuss God Mode data access for $50 and what Sam learned from the experience. 00:00 Podcast Intro 01:03 What Melurna Does 01:37 God Mode Discovery 04:14 Inside Data Spy 05:56 Third Party Risk 07:20 Apps And Data Brokers 09:09 Gen Z And Consent 10:36 Health Data Retargeting 12:24 AI Hyper Targeting 14:31 Melurna For Compliance 16:56 Insurance And Pixels 18:08 Privacy Tools And Consent 19:50 Star Trek Or Skynet 21:55 Wrap Up And Contact Guest: Sam Jadali | Co-Founder of Melurna LinkedIn: / sam-jadali Website: https://securitywithsam.com/about-sam/ Host: Joe Erle | Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance LinkedIn: / joeerle X: https://x.com/joe_erle TikTok: / itscyberjoe Instagram: / itscyberjoe Facebook: / joeerle Host: Mike Dowdy LinkedIn: / mikedowdy Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more insights on industrial cybersecurity! Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, Data Brokers, Melurna, AI Surveillance, Ransomware, Pixel Tracking, Class Action Lawsuits RANSOMWARE REWIND is a deep dive into the reality of cyber risk. We talk to the people on the front lines to find practical ways to stay resilient in an uncertain digital world.

In this latest episode of Ransomware Rewind, we dive into the alarming surge of cyberattacks targeting the manufacturing sector and critical infrastructure.

With over 2,100 ransomware attacks recorded in the first three quarters of 2025 alone, industrial environments are now the primary frontline for cyber risk. Joe Erle and Mike Dowdy sit down with Josh Ross, Co-Founder and CEO of Ironloop, to dismantle the myth of the "air gap" and explore how modern hackers are moving laterally from IT networks into the factory floor.

Josh explains why critical systems from water utilities to overlooked cyber-physical assets like HVAC are becoming high-impact attack paths. We discuss the harsh reality that replacing end-of-life legacy systems is often impossible, making defense-in-depth and practical remediation the only viable path forward.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

The Air Gap Illusion: Why your systems aren't as isolated as you think.

Exploiting Firewalls: How IT/OT connections become gateways for ransomware.

Securing Underfunded Infrastructure: The unique challenges of protecting water and public utilities.

Practical Remediation: Why Ironloop focuses on configuration validation and lifecycle monitoring. On-Prem Privacy: Building a security architecture that never touches the cloud. If you are a CISO, a plant operator, or a security leader in the industrial space, this episode provides a masterclass in reducing downtime risk and protecting legacy environments.

Episode Chapters — Key Moments

00:00 – Intro Highlight

01:55 – Ransomware and Manufacturing: The 2025 Data

04:08 – Air Gaps Aren't Enough: The Myth of Isolation

06:01 – Water Systems and Defense in Depth

08:26 – Firewalls Exploited: Lateral Movement into OT

10:21 – Old vs. New: The Problem with Legacy Systems

22:12 – Manufacturing Drones and the Future of Logistics

25:17 – AI in Manufacturing: Predictive Maintenance or Risk?

31:13 – Budgetary Concerns: Security for Underfunded Plants

33:53 – The Data Problem: Monitoring Without Cloud Exposure

36:05 – Starting a Software Company Now: Ironloop's Origin

Expert Guest: Josh Ross | Co-Founder of Ironloop

LinkedIn: / josh-ross1

Website: https://www.ironloop.com

Host: Joe Erle | Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

LinkedIn: / joeerle

X: https://x.com/joe_erle

TikTok: / itscyberjoe

Instagram: / itscyberjoe

Facebook: / joeerle

Co-Host: Mike Dowdy

LinkedIn: / mikedowdy

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more insights on industrial cybersecurity!

Ransomware Rewind, OT Security, Manufacturing, Cybersecurity 2026, SCADA, Industrial Control Systems, Josh Ross, Ironloop, Cyber Insurance, Risk Management

In this episode of the Ransomware Rewind podcast, host Joe Erle (@joe_erle) interviews John Bruggeman, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at CBTS and OnX, on emerging cybersecurity threats like AI model poisoning and prompt injection attacks. With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, John explains how unsanitized inputs and as few as 250 malicious data points can cause "brain rot" or model decay in large language models (LLMs), resulting in unreliable outputs, hidden backdoors, and long-term AI vulnerabilities.

John explains real-world AI attack vectors, including tool poisoning through hidden HTML code in emails, agent session smuggling in enterprise tools like Microsoft Copilot, and remote code execution risks that enable data exfiltration or excessive resource consumption. The discussion also covers recent DNS outages at Microsoft and AWS, illustrating how critical infrastructure weaknesses exacerbate AI security risks.

John shares practical cybersecurity best practices for protecting AI systems: always sanitize inputs, enforce human-in-the-loop oversight, keep clean backups for model recovery, and integrate ethical guardrails inspired by Isaac Asimov's laws of robotics. They explore ethical concerns in AI, such as Reddit-driven misinformation campaigns, AI's psychological impact on vulnerable users like teenagers, and why LLMs aren't truly sentient (they're just advanced next-word predictors). Plus, a lively debate on AI's future: utopian Star Trek scenarios vs. dystopian Skynet dangers.

Packed with actionable insights on AI security, data poisoning prevention, and cybersecurity strategies, this episode is a must-listen for CISOs, IT leaders, security professionals, and businesses deploying AI in high-risk environments. Tune in to Ransomware Rewind for expert advice on safeguarding your AI models, preventing prompt injection, and staying ahead of cyber threats. Available now. Listen on your favorite podcast platform!

Episode Chapters — Key Moments

00:00 First Leak — Prompt attacks begin 02:00 Breaches & Insurance — Who pays when it breaks 05:30 Human Error — Why people cause most damage 10:00 Model Decay — When systems slowly forget 15:30 Training Data Risk — Bad data, bad outcomes 22:00 LLM Attacks — Hackers follow the spotlight 30:00 Red Teaming — Break it before they do 38:00 Guardrails — Rules that keep speed safe 46:00 Startups — Small teams, big targets 55:00 The Future — What keeps CISOs awake

Guest: John Bruggeman, Chief Information Security Officer at CBTS and OnX

LinkedIn: / johnbruggeman

Website: http://www.huc.edu/

Host: Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

LinkedIn: / joeerle

X: https://x.com/joe_erle

TikTok: / itscyberjoe

Instagram: / itscyberjoe

Facebook: / joeerle

Mike Dowdy

LinkedIn: / mikedowdy

Listen on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to follow the pod and leave a review.

Ever wondered what handling deadly anthrax at the US Capitol has in common with battling ransomware in 2025? What if the next big cyber attack isn't from hackers in a basement—but from quantum computers shattering your encryption overnight? In this unmissable episode of Ransomware Rewind, cybersecurity legend Wil Klusovsky spills insider secrets that could save your business from total chaos.

Wil, a 24-year US Marine vet turned cyber strategist (LinkedIn: /wilklu, host of Keyboard Samurai), draws chilling parallels between war and digital battles. From post-9/11 preparedness drills to why most orgs still suck at basics like asset management, he breaks it all down with no-BS advice.

Episode Highlights That'll Keep You Up at Night:

• War-to-Cyber Transition (00:02:01): How Wil's unit cleaned up anthrax and ricin at the Capitol—tying it to cyber incident response: "It's all about preparedness; incidents are inevitable."
• Evolution of Threats (00:06:01): Remember Snort boxes? We've come far, but pen tests aren't auto-wins anymore thanks to segmentation and CISOs. Yet, humans remain the weak link—Gen Z's privacy-for-convenience trade-off fuels phishing.
• Human Trust Traps (00:09:25): "People are too trusting." Attackers mosaic tiny data bits from "low-value" targets (e.g., China's IP theft via small breaches) to build massive wins. Pro tip: "If you didn't make the call, don't give info."
• Real Espionage Stories (00:12:47): Chinese hacks on Alcoa and DuPont (laptop cloning in hotels), backdoors in Cisco hardware, and why state actors like China/Russia are unstoppable.
• Future Nightmares (00:47:12): Quantum will kill encryption; target nuclear/energy for blackouts or autos for terror (hack Teslas remotely via SiriusXM?). Plus, fun riffs on simulation theory, Skynet vs. Matrix, and chemtrail jokes.
• Actionable Defenses (00:08:50): Ditch "best practices" buzzwords—focus on zero trust, attack surface reduction, and educating non-tech folks.

This episode is rocket fuel for CISOs, IT pros, and anyone dodging 2025's AI-powered phishing beasts. Wil's blend of humor, history, and hard truths makes it a must-listen. Catch it now before the next breach hits—because as Wil says, "You're going to deal with an incident; be ready to move fast."

Tune in to Ransomware Rewind for more breakdowns on cyber threats, data breaches, and security solutions. Stay ahead of ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and emerging cyber risks.

Guest: Wil Klusovsky, Cybersecurity Podcaster & IT Advisor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilklu/

Links: https://www.wilklu.me/linktree

Keyboard Samarai Pod: https://www.youtube.com/@KeybdSamurai

Hosts: Joe Erle — Cyber Group Practice Leader, C3 Insurance

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle

X/Twitter: https://x.com/joe_erle

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itscyberjoe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscyberjoe

Meta/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeerle

Questions about cyber insurance? Email joe@c3insurance.com or go to https://www.c3insurance.com/cyber

Mike Dowdy — Voice AI Developer & Entrepreneur

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy

Thanks for listening and don't forget to like and subscribe for more episodes like this!

ransomware, cybersecurity, cyber threats, security training, human element in security, cybersecurity strategy, IT risk management, cyber resilience, security program design, business continuity

CISOs, CEOs & Business Owners: What To Say (and NOT Say) When Ransomware Hits – Or You'll Lose Millions in Reputation

90% of companies survive the hack… but die from the crisis communications disaster that follows.

Kevin Dinino (Head of Communications at top cybersecurity PR firm KCD PR) reveals the exact playbook that saved Fortune 500 companies during real breaches — and the fatal mistakes that tanked others.

You'll learn:

✅ The 48-hour rule that saves reputations (and stock prices)

✅ 3 statements that instantly destroy trust & trigger lawsuits

✅ CEO media-training crash course you can run in one afternoon

✅ Why cyber insurers now reject claims without a comms plan

✅ How deepfakes + AI leaks are rewriting breach PR in 2025

✅ Step-by-step ransomware crisis comms playbook + templates

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro 00:04 – Ransomware Rewind

06:45 – The 48-hour reputation rule

12:30 – Real breach war stories

19:20 – Executive media training

27:40 – Deepfakes & AI crisis nightmare

34:15 – Your 2025 ransomware PR playbook

👤 Guest: Kevin Dinino – Head of Communications, KCD PR

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevindininokcdpr/

Website: https://www.kcdpr.com

🎤 Hosts: Joe Erle – Cyber Insurance Practice Leader, C3 Insurance

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle

X/Twitter: https://x.com/joe_erle

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itscyberjoe

Instagram: https://instagram.com/itscyberjoe

Need cyber insurance help? → joe@c3insurance.com

Mike Dowdy – Voice AI Developer & Tech Entrepreneur

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy

🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cyber-insiders/id1540640713

👉 Subscribe so you're ready BEFORE the ransom demand lands.

#Ransomware #CrisisCommunications #CyberBreach #ReputationManagement #CyberInsurance #CISOTips #DataBreach #PublicRelations #ExecutiveMediaTraining #Deepfakes #Cybersecurity2025

ransomware crisis communication, cyber breach PR, what to say during ransomware attack, CEO media training, cyber insurance requirements 2025, deepfake crisis, KCD PR, Kevin Dinino, Joe Erle, Ransomware Rewind

What happens when a brutal ransomware attack flips your entire career upside down—and launches you into the front lines of the biggest cyber war of our time?

In this explosive episode, cybersecurity advisor Nick Oles (Entoo Security) pulls back the curtain on his wild origin story: the day ransomware hit him personally, ignited an obsession, and ultimately birthed his must-read book, How to Catch a Phish.

Nick doesn't hold back. We dive deep into:

• How phishing has mutated into a terrifyingly sophisticated beast in 2025
• Why remote and hybrid work handed attackers the keys to the kingdom
• The AI arms race: how bad guys are weaponizing ChatGPT & Co. to craft undetectable attacks… and how the good guys are fighting back even harder
• Real-world war stories that will make you rethink every email you've ever opened
• Dead-simple, no-BS tactics you can implement TODAY to bulletproof yourself and your team

Whether you're a seasoned CISO or someone who just wants to stop being low-hanging fruit, this conversation is pure rocket fuel—packed with eye-opening insights, laugh-out-loud moments, and immediately actionable defenses.

Hit play now and turn your "it won't happen to me" into "try me."

🔗 Guest

Nick Oles Cybersecurity Advisor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-o-8b5b6349

Website: https://www.entoosecurity.com/

Support Nick by purchasing his book here on Amazon

🎙 Hosts

Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

X: /joe_erle

https://x.com/joe_erle

TikTok: /itscyberjoe

https://www.tiktok.com/@itscyberjoe

Instagram: /itscyberjoe

https://www.instagram.com/itscyberjoe/

Meta: /joeerle

https://www.facebook.com/joeerle/

LinkedIn: /joeerle

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle/

Questions about cyber insurance?

📩 Email: joe@c3insurance.com or request a quote at https://www.c3insurance.com/cyber

Mike Dowdy, Voice AI Developer & Entrepreneur

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy/

cybersecurity, phishing, how to catch a phish, nick oles, entoo security, ransomware rewind, cyber insurance, cyber insurance podcast, cyber threats, cybersecurity podcast, cybersecurity training, phishing awareness, ciso, cybersecurity for small business, cyber risk, ransomware, cyber attacks, incident response,, remote work security, AI cybersecurity, joe erle, c3 insurance, mike dowdy, cyber podcast, cyber security expert interview

In this episode of Ransomware Rewind, Joe and Mike sit down with Andrew Klucsarits, Director and IT Security and Risk Manager at IT Solutions to talk Cybersecurity including modern ransomware trends and operational security for enterprise business.

They analyze high-impact supply-chain attacks (including discussion of the Dragon Force incident and vendor risks tied to tools like ConnectWise).

In addition, they outline how adversaries exploit human and vendor weaknesses through social engineering exploits.

Lastly, they provide pragmatic guidance for building resilient defenses using data-driven security programs and third-party risk assessments.

Disaster recovery planning and AI risk mitigation is also covered in this info-packed episode.

Guest: Andrew Klucsarits

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewklucsarits/

Hosts: Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

X / /joe_erle

Tiktok / / itscyberjoe

Insta / / itscyberjoe

Meta / / joeerle

LinkedIn / / joeerle

Questions about cyber insurance?

Email joe@c3insurance.com

Mike Dowdy, Voice AI Developer & Entrepreneur

LinkedIn / / mikedowdy

Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe.

ransomware, supply chain attack, Dragon Force, ConnectWise, third party risk, third party vendor security, disaster recovery, backup strategy, AI security, social engineering, incident response, cybersecurity podcast, data driven security, vendor risk assessment, ransomware recovery, cyber resilience

Kevin O'Neill, founder and CEO of CYVA Research Corporation dives deep into the current challenges surrounding data privacy and control, advocating for a paradigm shift towards self-protecting and self-governing data systems. He shares his vision for a more secure digital future where individuals have control over their personal information, irrespective of the device or platform.

00:00 Introduction to Data Control

01:33 The Evolution of Data Protection

02:03 Ralph Nader and Data Safety

02:58 Welcome to the Podcast

05:15 Privacy and Data Ownership

07:32 The Role of Public Cloud

14:09 Concerns Over Data Consolidation

23:01 Whistleblowing and Corporate Ethics

24:51 Confronting the Colonel

26:14 The Birth of a New Data Control Concept

27:09 Introducing the Personal Information Agent

28:22 Business Applications and Trustworthiness

30:49 The Data Broker Industry and Privacy Concerns

32:35 Challenges in Implementing Privacy Solutions

33:52 Quantum Computing and Security

35:19 The Need for Better Data Management Tools

42:25 Frustrations with Venture Capital and Big Tech

42:53 The Role of Hospitals and Privacy

44:23 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Guest: Kevin O'Neil

Website / http://www.cyva.com/

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-o-neil-cissp-b121849/

Hosts:

Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

X / https://x.com/joe_erle

Tiktok / https://www.tiktok.com/@itscyberjoe

Insta / https://www.instagram.com/itscyberjoe/

Meta / https://www.facebook.com/joeerle/

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle/

Questions about cyber insurance? Email joe@c3insurance.com

Get the 14 Steps to protect your data here: https://c3insurance.com/secure-your-companys-data/

Mike Dowdy, Cloud Solutions Consultant

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy/

Thanks again for listening to the show - Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe!

In this episode of the Ransomware Rewind podcast, we interviewed David Ritter, CEO and co-founder of Penta Privacy Lock. David elaborates on the complexities of privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA amidst recent significant data breaches. He discusses the importance of privacy compliance in addition to robust cybersecurity measures and introduces Privacy Lock as a tool for mitigating the fallout from privacy breaches.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:49 Recent Ransomware and Privacy Breaches

01:36 Regulations and Privacy Laws Overview

03:37 Challenges in Privacy Compliance

05:20 Blockchain and Privacy Compliance

07:05 Privacy Lock and Mitigating Breach Fallout

11:04 Costs and Fines for Privacy Breaches

16:29 Healthcare Data Privacy

28:33 Consumer Privacy Rights and Future Trends

32:46 Conclusion and Contact Information

Guest: David Ritter

Website / https://www.myprivacylock.io

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidritter1984boulder

Host:

Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

X / https://x.com/joe_erle

Tiktok / https://www.tiktok.com/@itscyberjoe

Insta / https://www.instagram.com/itscyberjoe/

Meta / https://www.facebook.com/joeerle/

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle/

Questions about cyber insurance? Email joe@c3insurance.com

Get the 14 Steps to protect your data here: https://c3insurance.com/secure-your-companys-data/

Co-Host:

Mike Dowdy, Cloud Solutions & AI Consultant

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy/

Thanks again for listening to the show - Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe!

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Hood, a seasoned customer experience expert, to discuss the critical steps management should take in the event of a cybersecurity breach. Chris offers valuable insights into building and maintaining customer trust, effective communication during crises, and leveraging AI to enhance cybersecurity.

Perfect for business leaders, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of cybersecurity and customer experience. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice and real-world examples.

00:00 Introduction to the Ransomware Rewind Podcast

00:03 Meet Chris Hood: Customer Experience Expert

00:57 Understanding the Human Side of Cybersecurity

04:06 The Importance of Customer Trust During a Breach

05:36 Challenges in Rebuilding Trust Post-Incident

08:09 Examples of Good and Bad Customer Experiences

13:24 The Role of Call Centers in Customer Experience

18:07 Leveraging AI in Cybersecurity

20:07 The Concept of Zero-Factor Authentication

23:13 Password Security and Best Practices

26:08 Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity

26:46 Cybersecurity Summer Camp Experience

27:34 Proud Parent Moments and Financial Challenges

27:57 Where to Buy the Books

28:22 Target Audience for the Books

29:47 Favorite Stories from the Books

32:40 Advice for Leaders After a Breach

34:25 Importance of Backups in Cybersecurity

39:57 Good Customer Experience Examples

44:53 The Cost of Customer Churn

45:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hosts:

Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

X / https://x.com/joe_erle

Tiktok / https://www.tiktok.com/@itscyberjoe

Insta / https://www.instagram.com/itscyberjoe/

Meta / https://www.facebook.com/joeerle/

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle/

Questions about cyber insurance?

Email joe@c3insurance.com

Get the 14 Steps to protect your data here: https://c3insurance.com/secure-your-companys-data/

Mike Dowdy, Cloud Solutions Consultant

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy/

Chris Hood

Website / https://chrishood.com

Insta / https://www.instagram.com/chrishood.ig/?hl=en

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishood

Dr Chase Cunningham AKA Dr. Zero Trust goes after the "Big Cyber" and the US government telling truths about BS and mishandling sensitive and top secret data.

Join us on this episode of the Ransomware Rewind podcast as we dive deep into the world of Zero Trust and current cyber events with Dr. Chase Cunningham, also known as Dr. Zero Trust.

From his extensive background working with the government and armed forces Dr. Cunningham provides expert analysis on the complex landscape of digital security.

We also discuss the implications of AI, the future of warfare, and the critical role of encrypted messaging apps like Signal in today's environment. Additionally, he shares his thoughts on cyber insurance, the importance of operational security at all levels, and provides a sneak peek into his latest books, 'Variable' and 'Buy the Breach.'

Whether you're a cybersecurity professional or a curious listener, this episode is packed with crucial information and engaging discussion.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share!

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Zero Trust

00:33 Weekend Plans and Government Work

01:41 Signal Gate Scandal

03:40 Security Clearances and Hypocrisy

06:35 Classified Information and Signal

09:24 Social Engineering Risks

13:28 Government Backdoors in Messaging Apps

16:24 Dr. Zero Trust's Books

21:17 Discussing Favorite Actresses

21:34 Making Money from Breaches

22:57 Case Studies on Breaches

23:33 The Value of Cyber Insurance

24:56 Suspicious Investments and Breaches

25:58 Consulting and Pro Bono Work

26:54 Incident Response Stories

28:44 Future of AI and Robotics

31:24 Challenges in Quantum Computing

34:01 Final Thoughts and Sign Off

Host: Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

X / https://x.com/joe_erle

Tiktok / https://www.tiktok.com/@itscyberjoe

Insta / https://www.instagram.com/itscyberjoe/

Meta / https://www.facebook.com/joeerle/

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle/

Questions about cyber insurance? Email joe@c3insurance.com

Get the 14 Steps to protect your data here: https://c3insurance.com/secure-your-companys-data/

Cohost: Mike Dowdy, Cloud Solutions Consultant

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy/

Guest: Dr. Chase Cunningham Chief Strategy Officer, Author

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chase-cunningham/

Email / chase@drzerotrust.com

Website / https://www.drzerotrust.com

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@drzerotrust

Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/drzerotrust/id1570251081

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YrSai2Q9UGATh8GXgzA5K

Pre-order his lates book on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/hDRcQpV

Thx for joining us. Life, Subscribe, and share to help up make an impact in protecting businesses and individuals from hackers.

In this episode of Ransomware Rewind, I interview Alexandre Blanc, a strategic cybersecurity advisor at Alexandre Blanc Consulting, to discuss critical issues in data protection and cybersecurity. He shares practical advice for consumers and businesses to manage their digital footprints, employ multi-factor authentication, and use encrypted passkeys.

We also discuss the implications of digital identities, data leaks, AI in cybersecurity, and the importance of maintaining control over personal data. Moreover, the conversation covers the future of AI, the need for public awareness, and tips to enhance personal and organizational cybersecurity postures.

00:00 Guest Introduction

00:46 Massive Credential Breach Discussion

01:07 Data Protection and Cloud Security

04:09 Risk Management for Individuals

05:11 Password Management and Security Best Practices

07:50 Digital Footprint and Dark Web Investigations

10:57 Identity Theft and Real-World Examples

13:06 Public Cloud Risks and Data Privacy

14:47 AI and Data Collection Threats

22:18 Digital Transformation and Human Impact

25:26 The Disappearance of a LinkedIn Contact

25:57 The Role of Technology in Human Control

26:19 The Debate on Connected Cars

26:54 Data Ownership and Privacy Concerns

27:33 Psychological Profiling and Media Influence

31:19 The Impact of AI on Cybersecurity

32:33 The Future of AI: Star Trek or Skynet?

32:51 Balancing Technology and Human Freedom

33:51 Generational Differences in Tech Perception

38:38 The Responsibility of Content Creators

44:44 Practical Advice for Digital Privacy

Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

X / https://x.com/joe_erle

Tiktok / https://www.tiktok.com/@itscyberjoe

Insta / https://www.instagram.com/itscyberjoe/

Meta / https://www.facebook.com/joeerle/

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle/

Questions about cyber insurance? Email joe@c3insurance.com

Get the 14 Steps to protect your data here: https://c3insurance.com/secure-your-companys-data/

Mike Dowdy

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy/

Special Guest: Alexandre Blanc Cyber Advisor - Consultant - President and Owner

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandre-blanc-cyber-security

Don't forget to like and subscribe!

In this episode of the Ransomware Rewind podcast, Mike and Joe interview renowned cybersecurity expert Eric Cole, also known as the Cyber Czar.

The discussion delves into Eric's fascinating journey from being a CIA hacker in the 1980s to creating successful cybersecurity firms and becoming a thought leader in the industry. Read down to the bottom to get the link for Dr. Eric Cole's book for free!

00:00 Welcome to Ransomware Rewind

01:06 Eric's Journey to the CIA

05:42 Early Cybersecurity Challenges

10:31 Adventures with John McAfee

15:44 The Butterfly Effect Philosophy

24:52 The Importance of Business Acumen for CISOs

28:53 The Power of Effective Communication

29:14 The Butterfly Effect in Cybersecurity Training

29:34 Sharing Knowledge for Greater Impact

30:01 Challenges in Communicating Security Needs

30:28 Humorous Take on ROI in Personal Life

30:57 Avoiding Unwinnable Fights

31:08 Debating the Role of Chinese Nationals in Tech

32:24 Inconsistencies in Tech Regulations

34:40 The Cold War of Cybersecurity

37:21 The Backbone of the Internet

39:23 The Future: Star Trek or Skynet?

40:31 Ethical Dilemmas in Predictive Policing

42:51 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

X / https://x.com/joe_erle

Tiktok / https://www.tiktok.com/@itscyberjoe

Insta / https://www.instagram.com/itscyberjoe/

Meta / https://www.facebook.com/joeerle/

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle/

Questions about cyber insurance?

Email joe@c3insurance.com

Get the 14 Steps to protect your data here:

https://c3insurance.com/secure-your-companys-data/

Mike Dowdy

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy/

Special Guest:

Dr. Eric Cole, Cybersecurity Expert

Consulting Company / https://secure-anchor.com/about/

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericcole1/

Youtube / https://www.youtube.com/c/DrEricCole

Bulletproof Cyber Podcast / https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY8Ef086jcWMvx0wkArY-xA

Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/drericcole/?hl=en

X / https://x.com/drericcole

Buy Eric's Book, Cyber Crisis on Amazon: https://a.co/d/bxH94tF

Get Eric's newest book for free here: https://safe.secure-anchor.com/online-danger-free

Thx for watching - Don't forget to like and subscribe.

Dennis Underwood, a cybersecurity expert and CEO of Cyber Crucible, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics ranging from his experiences in Pittsburgh to the intricacies of cybersecurity. He delves deep into the technical aspects and importance of cybersecurity. He explains how Cyber Crucible's autonomous software works to prevent data breaches in real-time, even preventing hackers from executing malware.

Our conversation also touches on the evolution of hacking tactics, the importance of multifactor authentication, the value of cyber insurance, and practical security tips for businesses.

We discussed the increasingly professional structure of hacking organizations, compared various cybersecurity solutions, and explored some notable cyberattacks, including ransomware incidents. The episode wraps up with a focus on the human element in cybersecurity and the critical role of preparation and proper planning in preventing cyber threats.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe. Thank you for listening!

00:00 Introduction

01:01 Cyber Crucible Product Overview

02:33 Explaining Cyber Crucible

04:49 Comparing Cybersecurity Products

06:26 Hacker Techniques and Evolution

19:37 Influencers and Cybersecurity

26:32 Exploring Insurance for Online Marketplaces

27:13 Underwriting and Due Diligence in Insurance

29:10 Cybersecurity Threats: NotPetya and Ransomware

31:31 Ransomware Negotiations and Hacker Motivations

35:01 Suspicious Ransom Payments and Company Involvement

40:26 Targeted Hacks and Executive Protection

46:31 Practical Security Tips for Businesses

52:17 Connecting with Dennis Underwood and Crowdfunding

Social Media: Connect to Joe, Mike, and David on social media platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram:

Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

X / https://x.com/joe_erle

Tiktok / https://www.tiktok.com/@itscyberjoe

Insta / https://www.instagram.com/itscyberjoe/

Meta / https://www.facebook.com/joeerle/

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle/

Questions about cyber insurance? Email joe@c3insurance.com

Get the 14 Steps to protect your data here: https://c3insurance.com/secure-your-companys-data/

Co-Host: Mike Dowdy, Cloud Solutions Consultant at RapidScale

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy/

Questions about cloud security? Email mike.dowdy@rapidscale.net

https://www.rapidscale.net

Special Guest: Dennis Underwood, CEO of Cyber Crucible

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-underwood/

Cyber Crucible / https://www.cybercrucible.com/

See you next time. #cybersecurity #ransomware #ransomwarerewind

Surviving & Preventing Online Scams: Insights from a Victim of a $1.7M Fraud

Surviving & Preventing Online Scams: Insights from a Victim of a $1.7M Fraud David Fradin tells his harrowing story of a how he lost $1.7 million to a sophisticated online pig butchering scam.

Learn key insights and practical tips to protect yourself from similar scams. Discover the complex tactics scammers use to build trust and exploit victims, and explore actionable solutions to help prevent these crimes.

Tune in to become more aware and better equipped to safeguard your finances and personal information

00:00 Introduction and Crypto Scam Experience

00:32 Guest Introduction and Mission

01:09 Keys to Product Success

02:06 Podcast and Professional Background

03:21 Detailed Scam Story

08:18 Scam Aftermath and Financial Impact

10:31 Government and Law Enforcement Involvement

13:02 Global Scam Operations and Solutions

14:00 Social Media's Role in Scams

22:25 WhatsApp and Social Media Accountability

24:08 Apple's Values and Final Thoughts

25:05 From Political Campaigns to Product Management

25:34 The Staggering Impact of Pig Butchering Scams

25:50 Victim Blaming and Stigma

26:23 Creative Solutions to Combat Scams

26:42 Recognizing Scam Tactics

29:19 The Role of AI in Scams

32:09 Crypto and Financial Fraud

34:16 Charity and GoFundMe Scams

35:04 Bike Theft and Recovery

40:11 Final Thoughts and Advice

Social Media: Connect to Joe, Mike, and David on social media platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram

Co-Host: Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance

X/ joeerle

Insta/ itscyberjoe

Tiktok/ itscyberjoe

Meta/ joeerle

LinkedIn/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle/

Questions about cyber insurance?

Email joe@c3insurance.com

Get the PDF - 14 Steps to Protect your Company's Data

Co-Host Mike Dowdy, Cloud Solutions Consultant at RapidScale

LinkedIn/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy/

Questions about cloud security?

Email mike.dowdy@rapidscale.net

https://www.rapidscale.net

Special Guest David Fradin

Operation Shamrock (helps people who've been victims of internet fraud and pig butchering): https://operationshamrock.org/

David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfradin

David's Consulting Company: https://www.spicecatalyst.com

David's Book - Letters from my Hymie: https://a.co/d/4GnKUOW

Don't forget to subscribe. Check out our other episodes & thank you for listening.

Business owners and IT professionals: Learn how to kickstart a successful career in cybersecurity with expert insights from Cybersecurity Consultant and Content Creator, Sam Romanov.

Join co-hosts Joe Erle, a seasoned cyber insurance expert, and Mike Dowdy, AI and cloud security expert, as they explore the latest trends in cybersecurity.

Discover practical tips on becoming a cybersecurity consultant and how to train yourself to be competitive in this cybersecurity job market.

Key Takeaways:

• Breaking into Cybersecurity: Tips for beginners looking to start their careers.
• CISO Consulting: The role of a Chief Information Security Officer and how to become a successful consultant.
• Cybersecurity Trends: Understanding the latest threats and technologies shaping the industry.
• Career Advancement: Strategies for professionals looking to grow in their cybersecurity careers.

Explore the world of cybersecurity with Sam Romanov, a renowned expert in the field. Learn about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in cybersecurity consulting. From breaking into the industry to becoming a successful CISO consultant, this episode provides actionable advice for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Chapters:

• Introduction and Guest Introductions (00:00 - 03:02)
• Getting Started in Cybersecurity (03:02 - 07:46)
• CISO Consulting: Challenges and Opportunities (07:46 - 14:44)
• Cybersecurity Trends and Threats (14:44 - 21:22)
• Practical Tips for Career Advancement (21:22 - 26:02)
• Navigating Cybersecurity Regulations (26:02 - 31:11)
• Closing Thoughts and Contact Information (31:11 - 40:45)

This episode of the podcast features Sam Romanov, a cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in the field. The discussion focuses on how to enter the cybersecurity industry, the role of a CISO consultant, and the latest cybersecurity trends. Sam shares insights on overcoming common challenges and provides practical advice for advancing your career in cybersecurity.

Recommended Certifications for Cybersecurity:

• CompTIA Network+: Essential for understanding networking fundamentals.
• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification for security professionals.
• CISSP: Advanced certification for experienced security professionals.
• CISM: Focuses on risk management and information security governance.

Social Media: Join our conversation on social media platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram, where we share insights, news, and tips on cybersecurity. Engage with our community to stay informed and network with fellow cybersecurity enthusiasts.

Co-Host: Joe Erle, Cyber Group Practice Leader at C3 Insurance https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle

https://www.instagram.com/itscyberjoe/

https://www.tiktok.com/@itscyberjoe

Co-Host Mike Dowdy, Cloud Solutions Consultant at RapidScale https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowdy/

Special Guest: Sam Romanov, Cybersecurity Expert at Cornerstone Technology Solutions https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-romanov-198a2916b/ https://www.instagram.com/cybersecurity.sam/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cybersecurity.sam

Sam's Cybersecurity Growth Community

https://www.skool.com/cybersecurity-growth-community

Sam's Free Ebook: Starting your career in Cybersecurity

https://tinyurl.com/3yc4m7ht

#CyberSecurity #CareerAdvice #CISOConsulting #CyberInsurance #DataProtection #IncidentResponse #RiskManagement #cybersecurityjobs