Tech Thoughts and Talks with Nick Thurston

Shop Talk with James Carroll of Hacket Cyber

In this episode of Tech Thoughts and Talks, we're talking with James Carroll of Hacket Cyber. We go over what's new in penetration testing, what sort of things are found durning penetration testing engagements, what it takes to be a penetration tester or an ethical hacker, and what it means to be a mature cybersecurity practitioner. Hacket Cyber: https://hacketcyber.com [https://hacketcyber.com] Hacket Cyber 2024 Vulnerability Hitlist: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/hacket-cyber_hacket-2024-vulnerability-hitlist-activity-7292903923470794752-mDDO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABPjy6MB49mOShoAZ1FaMxi2PnQ-nFqSECU [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/hacket-cyber_hacket-2024-vulnerability-hitlist-activity-7292903923470794752-mDDO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABPjy6MB49mOShoAZ1FaMxi2PnQ-nFqSECU]

Tech Detox: TikTok Ban, AI Heroes, and Life Beyond Social Media

In this episode of Tech Thoughts and Talks, we dive into three major topics shaping our digital lives. • TikTok Turmoil: Unpacking the roller coaster of TikTok's attempted ban in the U.S., exploring the national security concerns surrounding the app and the need for broader privacy legislation akin to the EU's GDPR. • AI for Good: Highlighting a heartwarming AI breakthrough — "Daisy," a chatbot designed to waste scammers' time and protect everyday people, showcasing how technology can reduce stress and serve the greater good. • Breaking Free from Social Media: Leaving social media for good and the transformative benefits it's brought. O2's Daisy AI: https://youtu.be/RV_SdCfZ-0s?si=uJMususYxzQlADqd [https://youtu.be/RV_SdCfZ-0s?si=uJMususYxzQlADqd]

OSINT! My Information!

In this episode, we dive into the world of OSINT (Open Source Intelligence). OSINT has evolved dramatically with the internet, making research that once took months now achievable in mere seconds. While the internet's openness allows unprecedented sharing and connection, it also presents risks, as personal information shared online can be used for malicious purposes. We discuss practical steps to protect your online privacy, from managing social media settings to limiting the information you provide to online platforms. How to Practice Good Social Media Hygiene: https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/tips-tricks/how-to-practise-good-social-media-hygiene/ [https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/tips-tricks/how-to-practise-good-social-media-hygiene/]

Break-Out Security for Break-Ins

In this episode, a simple visit to a family member's apartment takes an unexpected twist when there is something ominous and suspicious in the parking lot. We connect the chaos to cybersecurity, revealing how "Defense in Depth"—a method used to protect digital networks—could prevent future break-ins.

The Kids Online Safety Act

In this week's episode we talk briefly about a bill to protect children online - the Kids Online Safety Act. We discuss a brief history of social media and the rise of suggested content and why this bill is so important to protect children from the consequences of unchecked algorithms and content. Full Kids Online Safety Act bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1409/text [https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1409/text] Summary of Kids Online Safety Act bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1409 [https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1409]