Secure Talk Podcast

Eldon Spickerhoff founded eSentire in 2001. He had been a Senior Information Security Engineer for ING Prime after completing his academic work at Waterloo University. At the time the cybersecurity solutions marketplace was primarily a services offering, focusing on vulnerability scanning. The team at eSentire realized that the tools deployed in vulnerability scanning to internal systems could be left running post a services engagement. And in the process they invented an ‘always on’ threat intelligence solution. In 2022 eSentire added storied private equity firm Warburg-Pincus to their cap table and achieved unicorn status with a valuation of one billion dollars.In this engaging episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals invites Eldon Sprickerhoff, a seasoned cybersecurity expert and founder of eSentire, to share his journey. Eldon graduated with a computer science degree from Waterloo University in 1991 and went on to establish a leading managed security services provider.During the conversation, Eldon reflects on his early career concerns and the macroeconomic challenges he faced during a recession. He also shares insights from his book, *Committed*, which explores the realities of startup life. The discussion highlights essential strategies for navigating the cybersecurity marketplace, the importance of founder-led sales, and the significant challenges and opportunities within the cybersecurity field.Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on entrepreneurship, real-time vulnerability scans, and the impact of AI and quantum computing on cybersecurity.Link to the Book: Commited: Startup Survival Tips and Uncommon Sense for First-Time Tech Founders https://sutherlandhousebooks.com/product/committed/

In this episode of Secure Talk, Justin welcomes Stephen Ferrell, a cybersecurity expert and Chief Strategy Officer of Strike Graph, to discuss the significant changes in the compliance landscape brought about by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). They explore the recent finalization of the CMMC rule, its implications for the defense industrial base, and the phased compliance requirements for various certification levels. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of CMMC for federal contractors, including those in non-traditional sectors like medical equipment manufacturing, along with the associated costs and procedures. Stephen also shares insights from his experience conducting a self-assessment for CMMC compliance, offering practical advice for organizations aiming to achieve certification. This episode is essential for cybersecurity professionals who want to understand the latest federal compliance standards and prepare their organizations accordingly.

Privacy laws in our modern computing era have been around for well over twenty years. The conversation around appropriate privacy measures and effective governance of data has matured quite nicely since the early days of the Internet. While breaches do continue to happen, laws like GDPR, HIPAA and CCPA have helped set expectations for ethical and effective privacy practices.But we are in the midst of a massive proliferation of generative AI models. Since the technology is so nascent our expectations of privacy are being reshaped. An AI model is fundamentally a mathematical representation of a large data set. Its probabilistic function will create information depending on the prompts it can be given. Deep in the model the data used to ‘train’ it still leaves a fingerprint of the source information. What are the expectations for privacy, copyright and safety to those of us that have shared information on the internet?In this episode of Secure Talk, host Justin Beals engages in a comprehensive discussion with Dan Clarke,  about the significant impact of AI. The conversation begins with Dan’s early days in computing and follows his journey into developing AI governance. They explore the transformative effects of AI in comparison to historical technological innovations, as well as the risks and biases that are inherent in AI systems. Additionally, they discuss current and future legal compliance issues.Dan shares personal anecdotes related to privacy challenges and the applicability of AI, emphasizing the importance of transparency, thorough risk assessment, and bias testing in AI implementations. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the ethical and responsible use of AI technology in today's applications.00:00 Welcome to SecureTalk: Exploring Information Security00:32 The Evolving Landscape of Privacy and AI01:47 Introducing Dan Clark: AI Privacy Leader03:10 Dan Clark's Journey: From Intel to Privacy Advocacy04:14 The Impact of AI: Paradigm Shifts and Privacy Concerns06:08 Personal Data and Privacy: A Real-Life Story08:45 The Importance of Data Control and Fairness13:10 AI Governance and Legal Responsibilities21:02 Current Laws Impacting AI and Privacy26:47 Legal Basis for Data Usage27:01 Introduction to Truio and InnerEdge27:29 The Birth of Truio: Addressing GDPR28:39 AI Governance and Federal Privacy Law30:48 Transparent AI Practices31:58 Understanding AI Risks and Transparency36:52 AI Use Cases and Risk Assessment44:57 Bias Testing and AI Governance50:39 Concluding Thoughts on AI and GovernanceLink: https://get.truyo.com/ai-governance-training

In this episode of Secure Talk, host Justin Beals, CEO and founder of Strike Graph, discusses cybersecurity awareness training with Craig Taylor, CEO and co-founder of CyberHoot. They explore the evolution and significance of security training, particularly in light of the rising number of phishing attacks. Taylor shares insights from his extensive background, including being a senior risk analyst for Computer Sciences Corporation in the development of one of the first cloud hosting platforms. He also shares his experience as a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) and the growth and success of CyberHoot. The conversation highlights CyberHoot's innovative use of positive reinforcement methods in their approach to automated training and examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in both creating and combating cybersecurity threats. They also discuss the future of AI in security training and provide practical steps that companies can take to enhance their cyber resilience.00:00 Introduction to SecureTalk00:34 The Importance of Security Awareness Training03:18 Craig Taylor's Journey into Cybersecurity05:25 The Evolution of Technology and AI15:30 The Role of Virtual CISOs21:48 Building CyberHoot: From Services to Product25:17 The Ineffectiveness of Shock Collars and Negative Reinforcement26:21 The Power of Positive Reinforcement in Training27:21 Challenges with Fake Email Phishing27:51 Cyberhoots' Approach to Phishing Simulations28:50 Gamification and Positive Outcomes30:26 The Anxiety Around Cybersecurity Training31:39 The Problem with Traditional Phishing Tests33:13 Emerging Best Practices in Cybersecurity38:53 The Role of AI in Phishing and Cybersecurity45:16 Future Perspectives and Rapid Content Creation48:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Secure Talk we discuss the evolution of identity management with Eric Olden, co-founder and CEO of Strata Identity. Identity Management is at the heart of secure computing practices. And the requirements placed on it are ever-growing. Get it wrong, and you will expose the ‘crown jewels’ of your business. Today, many solutions rely on cloud-based Identity Management solutions for further security. How was Identity Management born, and where is it heading?We discuss the early days of networked computing. How Eric recognized in 1995, while at Berkley, the opportunity of the Internet to break out of academic communities and become a space for business. In a moment of inspiration, he realized that the missing feature was security. To be successful a ‘web powered’ business needed to manage its users and their identities. Eric founded Securant Technologies in 1995 and developed some of the first Web Access Management products.  Securant Technologies was acquired by RSA in 2001. Eric continued to stay at the forefront of Identity Management by working on SAML, the gold standard of shared authentication.  Today, Eric is developing Strata and exploring how enterprise organizations are harmonizing multiple Identity Providers from Okta to Microsoft. Tune in to learn about the critical advancements shaping the trusted identity landscape from a leading expert and present innovator.00:00 Introduction to SecureTalk01:51 Challenges in Identity Management03:16 Introduction to Eric Olden04:33 Eric Olden's Early Experiences with Computing08:39 The Birth of Identity Management Solutions17:11 The Origin of SAML23:13 Reflections on SAML Evolution23:56 Introduction to OAuth and Identity Standards26:22 The Vision Behind Strata30:15 Challenges in Identity Management33:12 Exploring Self-Hosted Identity Solutions40:07 The Importance of Authentication and Authorization46:39 Concluding Thoughts on Identity Standards

Cybersecurity is complicated; weird acronyms, massive risks and arcane skills. How do we teach or learn about cybersecurity in human ways?In this episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals is joined by cybersecurity researcher Luca Viganò to discuss his innovative approach to demystifying cybersecurity concepts using fairy tales. Luca shares his passion for making cybersecurity accessible to both experts and the general public by employing storytelling techniques. Key topics include multifactor authentication, explained through 'Cinderella' and password security inspired by 'Alibaba and the 40 Thieves.' Luca's insights are based on his acclaimed article 'Cyber Security of Fairy Tales.' This episode provides a fresh perspective on engaging non-expert stakeholders and underlines the importance of a social-technical approach to cybersecurity.00:00 Introduction to SecureTalk00:34 Host's Background and Passion for Storytelling03:07 Introducing Luca Vigano04:49 Luca's Journey in Cybersecurity06:47 The Power of Storytelling in Teaching Security08:10 Fairy Tales and Cybersecurity18:43 Cinderella and Multi-Factor Authentication34:06 Alibaba and the 40 Thieves: Lessons in Security40:30 Show vs. Tell in Security Education44:39 Future Work and ConclusionArticle: Luca Viganò, The cybersecurity of fairy tales, Journal of Cybersecurity, Volume 10, Issue 1, 2024, tyae005, https://doi.org/10.1093/cybsec/tyae005

In this episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals speaks with Idan Plotnik, co-founder and CEO of Apiiro, about the complexities of application security and innovation. They discuss Idan's career, which began with his early interest in secure computing as an engineer for the Israeli Defence Force. Later, while at Microsoft, Idan was frustrated by the inefficiencies in current application security reviews that slowed down software delivery. Idan explains opportunities to improve the application security posture throughout the software development lifecycle, emphasizing their methods for deep code analysis and extended Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs). The conversation also covers the role of AI in security, the significance of automation, and the integration of graph data models for effectively visualizing and managing security threats.00:00 Welcome to SecureTalk00:32 Introduction to Application Security01:44 Meet Idan Plotnik02:52 Idan’s Journey in Cybersecurity04:31 Early Encounters with Computers and Security08:44 Military Service and Professional Growth12:19 Founding Apiiro and Innovations in Security14:06 Challenges in Modern Software Development15:33 Comprehensive Security Measures19:47 Understanding the Risk Landscape24:35 Understanding Risk in Software Architecture25:30 The Role of AI in Software Security26:29 Translating Code into Components27:50 The Importance of Software Inventory31:47 The Limitations of SBOMs40:02 Automation in Security Design46:00 The Power of Graph Data Models48:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

It’s easy to consider privacy as a technology issue, or a legal challenge. But our concepts of privacy have a lot to do with what type of community we would all like to live in. What happens when we consider privacy a right as opposed to a commodity?Join us on Secure Talk for an in-depth exploration of the complex world of privacy with esteemed sociologist and author James B. Rule. In this episode, he draws parallels between past and present institutional power. He discusses his latest book, “Taking Privacy Seriously:  How to Create the Rights We Need While We Still Have Something to Protect “where he delves into the intricacies of privacy laws, the implications of personal data commercialization, and the notion of "personal decision systems." James presents 11 practical privacy reforms, highlighting the importance of informed consent and strong data protection measures. This episode offers cybersecurity experts valuable historical context, actionable insights, and thought-provoking discussions on how to balance privacy with technological advancement. Join the conversation on how we can protect what truly matters.Join us as we examine the challenges and potential reforms related to privacy in the digital age, highlighting recent legislative successes such as California's new privacy laws. James advocates for the establishment of national institutions dedicated to promoting privacy. He also discusses the ethical dilemmas faced by technology and policy leaders in striving to find the right balance between the utility of personal data and the protection of individual privacy.This episode is essential for cybersecurity experts interested in privacy reform and the history of personal data usage.Book: “Taking Privacy Seriously: How to Create the Rights We Need While We Still Have Something to Protect” https://www.ucpress.edu/books/taking-privacy-seriously/paper00:00 Introduction to SecureTalk00:32 Exploring the Complexities of Privacy01:21 Introducing James B. Ruhle02:56 James B. Ruhle's Journey into Privacy06:55 Historical Perspectives on Privacy09:10 Modern Privacy Challenges and Solutions15:48 The Concept of Lawful Basis23:59 Personal Decision Systems26:26 Proposed Privacy Reforms36:56 Public Events and Privacy Issues42:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Have you ever felt like tech fandom was turning into a cult? A tech founder ‘preached’ that they heralded a new paradigm for humanity? AI will change everything, Cryptocurrency will make you rich, the ‘Singularity’ is coming! Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, etc are raised up as the new messiah by thousands of worshipers. Is it really so difficult to see the tendency of the billionaire technology founders to prey on our hopes and fears?In a thought-provoking episode of Secure Talk, host Justin Beals  interviews Greg Epstein, the Humanist Chaplain at Harvard and MIT, and a New York Times bestselling author about his upcoming book, "Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World's Most Powerful Religion and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation." They discuss the intricate relationship between technology, ethics, security, and human experience, challenging traditional perspectives on cybersecurity. Through engaging conversations about societal equity, community connections, and the ethical implications of technology-induced isolation, Greg and Justin shed light on the profound cultural and existential impact of technology on modern life. The discussion delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of the tech world, drawing parallels with religious structures and highlighting the need for a balance between technological engagement and ethical responsibility.Book: "Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World's Most Powerful Religion and Why it Desperately Needs a Reformation"https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262049207/tech-agnostic/

My first SOC 2 audit as a Chief Technology Officer felt like performance art. Here we were, dancing to the tune of an auditor that had never built a web application, let alone a business. So many of their playbooks were repeated from other businesses and didn’t make us more secure. When we were done I was certainly glad to show off our new ‘certification’ but I wondered how I could implement great security and create value for my company.In this compelling episode of Secure Talk, host Justin interviews Bob Chaput, a seasoned CISO and cybersecurity leader with a rich background in the healthcare sector. The conversation traverses Bob’s extensive career, from his early days at GE to establishing Johnson & Johnson’s first information security program. Bob shares profound insights from his book, 'Cyber Risk Management as a Value Creator,' illustrating the shift of cybersecurity from a defensive necessity to a strategic business driver. They explore the critical role of governance, regulatory accountability, and the implementation of risk management frameworks like the NIST cybersecurity framework. Using real-world cases like Equifax’s post-breach recovery, Bob elucidates the tangible business value of robust cybersecurity measures. Learn about budgeting for cybersecurity, fostering organizational engagement, and integrating security into business operations for enhanced resilience and customer trust. This episode is a treasure trove for experts looking to transform their cybersecurity approach into a strategic advantage.Book:  Enterprise Cyber Risk Management as a Value Creator https://bobchaput.com/enterprise-cyber-risk-management-as-a-value-creator/00:00 Welcome to SecureTalk: Introduction and Host Overview00:41 The Importance of Scope in Cybersecurity02:58 Introducing Bob Chaput: Cybersecurity Expert04:45 Bob Chaput's Career Journey08:17 Enterprise Cyber Risk Management as a Value Creator12:20 The Role of Regulations and Accountability in Cybersecurity17:26 Strategic Approach to Enterprise Cyber Risk Management21:33 Risk and Opportunity Assessment in Cybersecurity26:47 Leveraging Security Practices for Business Value27:58 The Impact of Cybersecurity on Business Value28:56 Clearwater's Role in Enhancing Cybersecurity31:03 The ECRM Budget Philosophy32:59 Maxims for Effective Cyber Risk Management35:59 Building a Team Sport Culture in Cybersecurity40:47 Foundational Components of ECRM44:19 Challenges in Third-Party Risk Management49:25 Clearwater's Journey and Future Prospects

In the never-ending vortex of Silicon Valley's hype cycle, it's easy to get lost in the sea of superficial success stories and forget that true innovation often requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to disrupt the status quo – not just a fancy logo or a tweet from a billionaire CEO. Inside of the froth however, there are investors and venture capitalists that think carefully about who they are investing in, why it is a durable venture and how to create the best impact for everyone.In this episode of Secure Talk, host Justin Beals welcomes Rey Kirton from Forge Point Capital to discuss venture capital's unique role in the cybersecurity industry. Rey shares his journey from consulting to venture capital, outlining the importance of building meaningful long-term relationships with companies he invests in. He explains how Forge Point Capital develops investment theses and highlights the value of solution-based, data-driven AI applications. The conversation delves into the significance of listening to customer feedback, industry patterns, and emerging themes like edge computing and AI in cybersecurity. The episode is a must-listen for founders and investors navigating the current market landscape, offering insights into building successful business partnerships and understanding evolving technology trends.00:00 Welcome to SecureTalk00:36 Introducing Our Guest: Ray Kirton01:30 Rey Kirton's Career Journey02:25 Venture Capital Insights05:14 The Role of ForgePoint Capital06:55 Investment Strategies and Challenges17:01 AI in Cybersecurity21:45 Leveraging Proprietary Data for AI and Data Science23:19 The Rise and Fall of Blockchain and Crypto Hype28:10 Understanding Venture Capital Dynamics34:31 Future Trends in Technology and Investment37:56 Advice for Aspiring Founders39:09 The Importance of Customer Feedback42:47 Building Strong Investor Relationships

"If you torture the data long enough, it will confess to anything" said Ronald Coase. Certainly the advent of AI has created some spectacular progress and failures. In the realm of patient care AI tools can have a powerful impact and there is little room for error. How do professionals in the Medical Device and Medical Software space prepare their solutions for the market?In the latest episode of SecureTalk, Justin is joined by Dr. Paul Campbell, who serves as the Head of Software and AI at the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Dr. Campbell discusses his journey from pharmacy to becoming a prominent figure in healthcare IT and regulated software. The conversation covers the development of AI in healthcare, the global standardization of regulations, and the MHRA’s innovative initiatives such as AI Airlock, which are driving progress in medical technology. The discussion also delves into the vital role of data representation, ethical considerations in AI, and the complexities of implementing advanced technologies in real-world medical settings.

Much of the United States' progress since World War II on the global stage is due to a powerful partnership between private industry and the US government. The internet itself was a DARPA research project now turned into an economic juggernaut. How do we feed and support this powerful partnership?In this episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals welcomes Jason Healey, a senior research scholar at Columbia's School for International and Public Affairs. Jason, a pioneer in the field of cyber threat intelligence and former intelligence officer, discusses his extensive career and the evolution of cyber defense from the late 1990s to today. Topics include the origins of cybersecurity, the challenges of cyber warfare and policy, and the balance between defense and innovation. Jason elaborates on the critical role of metrics such as mean time to detect in measuring cybersecurity effectiveness and emphasizes the importance of harmonizing regulations and frameworks in the U.S. A detailed analysis of recent cyber incidents and the necessity for more robust cyber policies underlines the insightful conversation, making it essential listening for cybersecurity professionals.

I’ve participated or led technology product teams for 25 years. And engaging in effective security practices was three simple activities: least privileges, change management and network/server configurations. But in an ever-changing security environment, how do security leaders engage product teams in effective practices? Join us on Secure Talk with Naomi Buckwalter, the Senior Director of Product Security at Contrast Security.Throughout our conversation, Naomi shares her intriguing journey into the field of cybersecurity, from her early interest in tech and her educational background to landing a significant role at Vanguard Financial and eventually becoming a thought leader in cybersecurity. She explains the critical distinction between secure architecture reviews and secure code reviews and delves into the importance of trust and collaboration between developers and security engineers. Naomi also emphasizes the importance of inclusive hiring and discusses how she has successfully integrated individuals from non-traditional backgrounds into cybersecurity roles. As the founder of Cybersecurity Gatebreakers she helps technology teams find “young-in-career” talent ready to make an effective contribution. A poignant part of the discussion revolves around the concept of 'sec-splaining,' the need for excellent communication, and why security should be seen as a service to the business. This conversation is a must-listen for cybersecurity experts looking to enhance their understanding of team building and effective security management for software development.-----Additional Resources: Books:"The Smartest Person in The Room" by Christian Espinosahttps://christianespinosa.com/books/the-smartest-person-in-the-room/"Five Disfunctions of a Team" by  Patrick Lencionihttps://www.amazon.com/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Fable/dp/0787960756

The state of networked computing systems today relies heavily on a networking architecture designed and implemented by people like David Hotlzman, our guest on Secure Talk. But what if our current “world wide web” was just the progenitor of an n-dimension “internet stack”? Does Web 3 offer the opportunity to evolve a seemingly monolithic internet?In this episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals interviews David Holtzman, the brains behind the global domain name registration system and a former NSA analyst. They delve into the history and evolution of the DNS, discussing how it transformed from a single 'host.txt' file to a robust global system impacting millions of domain names. David shares his thoughts on decentralization, the potential of blockchain technology, and the future of cybersecurity in the wake of quantum computing. They also touch on the implications of AI, the cyclical nature of tech fads, and the importance of innovative yet secure solutions in today's rapidly evolving cyber environment. This episode is a must-listen for cybersecurity experts interested in the complex interplay between technology, governance, and security.

It is election season in the United States and there continues to be a lot of FUD around the security of our elections. We decided to sit down with an expert to discuss election security and how citizens here in the United States should consider this civic event.Join host Justin Beals and guest Mark Listes as they delve into the critical topic of election security. Mark, CEO of Pendulum and former Head of Policy at the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, shares his extensive expertise on managing election security and the intricate relationship between technology and trust in the electoral process. They explore the complexities of pre-vote misinformation, the robustness of various voting systems, and how the integrity of election results is maintained amidst emerging cybersecurity threats. Mark also highlights Pendulum's new tool, ElectionIQ, which aids businesses in navigating election-related risks. The discussion sheds light on the vital role of trust and participation in sustaining democracy, making it a must-listen for cybersecurity professionals seeking to understand the current landscape of election integrity.

In this episode of Secure Talk, host Justin Beals sits down with Danny Goodwin and Ed Schwarzschild, the authors of the book 'Job / Security: A Composite Portrait of the Expanding American Security Industry'. They delve into the multifaceted world of security work, bridging personal experiences and professional insights. Goodwin, a professor and chair of the Department of Art and Art History, and Schwarzschild, director of creative writing at SUNY Albany both had family members who worked in the security field that required secrecy. The shared formative experiences blossomed into a discussion about families and the impact of jobs on security. Realizing that the security field has been rapidly growing, they used expertise in the humanities to explore security jobs and their impact on individuals, families and our community at large. The podcast covers their methods of capturing authentic experiences through interviews and photography, bringing a human touch to a field often viewed through a critical or technical lens. Danny and Ed recount their past roles in security and detail compelling stories from their book, including experiences of border patrol agents, military security and cybersecurity professionals. The discussion also touches on the companion exhibition for “Jobs / Security”  and their plans for expanding the project globally. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of security and humanity.Book: 'Job / Security: A Composite Portrait of the Expanding American Security Industry'. (2024) https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262048699/jobsecurity/Exhibition: Job Security: Voices and Views from the American Security Industry.  August 12- December 9, 2024 - University at Albany SUNYhttps://www.albany.edu/museum/exhibitions/job-security-voices-and-views-american-security-industry

How do we predict the future? In our respective technology and security fields we are often asked to prognosticate on “what’s next?”. Understanding current trends is certainly helpful but what if you could reach far into the future and describe humanity and our relative progress?In this week's episode of SecureTalk we host an Associate Professor of Digital Media at Brock University, to discuss the intersection of cybersecurity and the humanities. Our guest's recent works include, 'Hacking the Humanities' and 'The Language of Cyberattacks,' delve into how digital culture, app development, and natural language processing intersect with cybersecurity. Listen in as we discuss William Gibson predicting the future of the internet and our examination of the cultural consequences of cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for broader digital literacy, the evolving landscape of internet privacy, and how speculative fiction can inform ethical questions and possible futures. They also touch on real-world incidents like the 'Parlor tricks' hack, demonstrating how programming literacy can empower individuals to navigate and influence the digital ecosystem. The conversation underscores the vital role of humanistic perspectives in understanding and shaping the cybersecurity landscape.

In this episode of Secure Talk, Justin Beals, founder and CEO of Strike Graph, hosts Bruce Schneier, a renowned security technologist, author, and lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School. Schneier discusses his book 'A Hacker's Mind,' sharing insights into the psychology of security, societal impacts of cybersecurity, and how businesses can better align security practices with human psychology. He emphasizes the economic incentives behind security design, the concept of decoupling for enhanced security, and addresses the role of public awareness and policy in cybersecurity. Schneier also touches on the pervasive nature of hacking, the importance of building resilient systems, and the integration of computers into every aspect of our lives, highlighting the increasing importance of security by design.

Have you ever wondered how secure your browser extensions really are? On our latest Secure Talk episode join us for a discussion with Sheryl Hsu, a researcher from Stanford Empirical Security Research Group. We discuss their recent paper “What is in the Chrome Web Store? Investigating Security-Noteworthy Browser Extensions.” Sheryl and the team at the Stanford Empirical Security Research Group show that Security-Noteworthy Extensions (SNE) are a significant issue as they have a pervasive presence in the Chrome Web Store for years and affect almost 350 million users. In this great discussion we talk about the threat capabilities of nefarious code executed by plugins in the Chrome Browser. We also talk about the perverse incentives at Alphabet in managing the Chrome Web Store. They need to make plugins that have powerful capabilities, easy to deliver and sticky. But this creates the opportunity for powerful cybercrime tools, easily installed that are rarely inspected. Fundamentally we ask 'who is responsible for security in the “app” economy'? Research: https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.12710