DiscoverSecurity UnfilteredFrom Russia with Code: A Malware Analyst's Journey
From Russia with Code: A Malware Analyst's Journey

From Russia with Code: A Malware Analyst's Journey

Update: 2025-08-11
Share

Description

Send us a text

Sergey Novikov shares his fascinating journey from early days at Kaspersky Lab through his evolution as a malware analyst and cybersecurity expert, offering unique insights into the changing threat landscape and ethical considerations of security research.

• Started at Kaspersky in 2002 when it was a small startup with fewer than 100 employees
• Applied mathematics background led to research correlating human epidemic models with computer virus propagation
• Worked as a "woodpecker" malware analyst detecting threats 24/7
• Became part of Kaspersky's elite Global Research and Analysis Team (GREAT)
• Team took pride in identifying APTs regardless of national origin to protect customers worldwide
• Described security researchers as "paleontologists" uncovering complex digital threats
• Participated in analysis of sophisticated threats like Stuxnet requiring specialized knowledge
• Left Kaspersky in 2022 after Russia-Ukraine conflict began
• Transitioned to pharmaceutical industry cybersecurity before joining CyberProof
• Observes modern threats have blurred lines between nation-state actors, cybercriminals and hacktivists
• Believes cybersecurity professionals must maintain perpetual learning mindset
• Recommends self-learning and hands-on experience for aspiring security researchers
• Notes AI is enabling more agile, automated attacks rather than quantum computing threats

Connect with Sergey on LinkedIn or visit cyberproof.com to learn more about their security services and research blog.


Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology Podcast
Interviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Follow the Podcast on Social Media!

Tesla Referral Code: https://ts.la/joseph675128

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@securityunfilteredpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secunfpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecUnfPodcast

Affiliates
➡️ OffGrid Faraday Bags: https://offgrid.co/?ref=gabzvajh
➡️ OffGrid Coupon Code: JOE

➡️ Unplugged Phone: https://unplugged.com/
Unplugged's UP Phone - The performance you expect, with the privacy you deserve. Meet the alternative. Use Code UNFILTERED at checkout

*See terms and conditions at affiliated webpages. Offers are subject to change. These are affiliated/paid promotions.

Comments 
loading
00:00
00:00
1.0x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

From Russia with Code: A Malware Analyst's Journey

From Russia with Code: A Malware Analyst's Journey

Joe South