Cyber Rants - The Refreshingly Real Cybersecurity Podcast

Hosted by Silent Sector LLC

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Episodes

136

Latest episode

Dec 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

Join two longtime cybersecurity professionals and their guests as they rant, rave, and tell you the nitty-gritty of cybersecurity that nobody else talks about in their fancy marketing materials and trade show giveaways, all so you can protect your organization from cyber criminals. This cybersecurity podcast even pairs well with the international best-selling book "Cyber Rants." Zach Fuller and Lauro Chavez have fun, try not to take life too seriously, and definitely don't hold anything back when it comes to cybersecurity and compliance!

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60 recent

December 12, 2025Episode 13632 min

Episode 136 - Inside CTEM: The New Standard for Cyber Risk

On this episode, Silent Sector breaks down what cybersecurity really looks like beyond the buzzwords. We dive into CTEM and why continuous exposure management beats the outdated once-a-year pen test. You’ll hear how adversarial simulation, social engineering, and threat modeling work together to reveal real-world risk—not just compliance checkboxes. If you’ve ever felt overloaded by industry acronyms or wondered how organizations can actually stay ahead of evolving threats, this conversation brings clarity, strategy, and straight-talk insights from the front lines of cyber defense.Pick up your copy of Cyber Rants on Amazon.Looking to take your Cyber Security to the next level? Visit us at www.silentsector.com. Be sure to rate the podcast, leave us a review, and subscribe!

November 11, 2025Episode 13547 min

Episode 135 - Cyber Insurance: Promises, Pitfalls, and the Fine Print

Cyber insurance is meant to provide assurance when incidents occur—but too often, organizations face confusion, denied claims, and unclear coverage. Attorney and cybersecurity expert, Matt Silverman, joins Zach and Lauro to break down why cyber policies are so complex, how evolving threats are outpacing the insurance industry, and what companies can do to navigate this uncertain landscape better.Connect with Matt Silverman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdsilverman/Learn more about AIB Partners: https://www.aib-partners.comPick up your copy of Cyber Rants on Amazon.Looking to take your Cyber Security to the next level? Visit us at www.silentsector.com. Be sure to rate the podcast, leave us a review, and subscribe!

November 5, 2025Episode 13431 min

Episode 134 - AWS Outage Fallout and Planning Ahead for 2026 Budgets

In this episode, the Silent Sector team dives into the recent AWS shutdown, exploring what may have caused the disruption and the ripple effects it had across organizations relying on Amazon’s cloud infrastructure. They break down lessons learned from the outage, including how companies can strengthen resilience and prepare for similar incidents in the future.The conversation also shifts toward the budget season for 2026, with insights on how cybersecurity leaders can plan strategically—balancing cost management with the growing need for proactive security investments. Whether you’re in IT, security leadership, or executive management, this episode offers timely perspectives on operational risk, planning, and readiness in today’s evolving landscape. Pick up your copy of Cyber Rants on Amazon.Looking to take your Cyber Security to the next level? Visit us at www.silentsector.com. Be sure to rate the podcast, leave us a review, and subscribe!

June 23, 2025Episode 13325 min

Episode 133: Trust, But Verify: Recognizing and Preventing Fraud Before It Starts

Fraud happens when pressure, opportunity, and rationalization align. From data manipulation to asset theft, it often stems from weak controls—like a lack of oversight or segregation of duties. In this episode, we’ll talk about common red flags, lessons from the Wells Fargo scandal, and how to spot and report suspicious behavior before it becomes a bigger issue. Pick up your copy of Cyber Rants on Amazon.Looking to take your Cyber Security to the next level? Visit us at www.silentsector.com. Be sure to rate the podcast, leave us a review, and subscribe!

May 13, 202518 min

Episode 132: Why Managers Matter in Cybersecurity

In this episode, we explore the critical role managers play in protecting their teams from cybersecurity threats. From understanding cyber risk as a business risk to recognizing how attackers often target leadership, we highlight the areas of culture managers must focus on to build secure, resilient teams. Learn how leading by example, normalizing security practices, identifying insider threats, and incorporating IT considerations into daily routines can make all the difference. Whether you're a middle manager or senior leader, this episode offers practical insights to strengthen your team's cyber awareness and response. Pick up your copy of Cyber Rants on Amazon.Looking to take your Cyber Security to the next level? Visit us at www.silentsector.com. Be sure to rate the podcast, leave us a review, and subscribe!

May 9, 2025Episode 13125 min

Episode 131: Insider Threats: What to Watch For & How to Report

In this cybersecurity awareness training episode, we’re digging into one of the most overlooked risks in any organization: insider threats. From malicious intent to simple negligence and even blackmail, insiders can pose serious security challenges. Learn how to recognize the warning signs—like job dissatisfaction, policy violations, or sudden lifestyle changes—and what you should do if something doesn’t seem right. With real-world case studies like Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning, we’ll show why everyone plays a role in prevention. Don’t wait for someone else to speak up—know what to look for, understand how to report it, and help build a culture of trust and vigilance in your workplace.Pick up your copy of Cyber Rants on Amazon.Looking to take your Cyber Security to the next level? Visit us at www.silentsector.com. Be sure to rate the podcast, leave us a review, and subscribe!

May 6, 2025Episode 13012 min

Episode 130: Securing the Keys to the Kingdom — Privileged Account Protection

This week, we're focusing on the cybersecurity risks tied to privileged accounts — the high-level access that IT professionals and admins hold. From major breaches at Marriott and Uber to lesser-known takedowns through personal Gmail accounts, attackers are targeting the people with the most access. We cover why multi-factor authentication (MFA) is non-negotiable for these accounts, the importance of bifurcated access, and why knowing every admin account in your ecosystem is step one. If you're managing systems, data, or SAAS platforms, this episode is a wake-up call to lock down your digital kingdom.Pick up your copy of Cyber Rants on Amazon.Looking to take your Cyber Security to the next level? Visit us at www.silentsector.com. Be sure to rate the podcast, leave us a review, and subscribe!

May 2, 2025Episode 12921 min

Episode #129 - Financial Professional Security Awareness Training

In this episode, we break down the real-world risks of cyber threats targeting finance professionals — including a recent incident where funds were sent to the wrong place due to a sophisticated email scam. Learn how attackers mimic branding, usernames, and even voices to trick you into clicking malicious links or bypassing security. We cover red flags to watch for, simple ways to prevent phishing (hint: code words are your friend), and what to do if you suspect fraud — including when to loop in the FBI. A must-listen for anyone handling money or sensitive data.Pick up your copy of Cyber Rants on Amazon.Looking to take your Cyber Security to the next level? Visit us at www.silentsector.com. Be sure to rate the podcast, leave us a review, and subscribe!

February 7, 202525 min

Episode #128 - Executive Cybersecurity Awareness Training

This week, we're launching a brand-new series of free cybersecurity training content designed to empower executive leaders and high-profile individuals. In this special training episode, the guys dive into the critical threats targeting executives and decision-makers—covering key tactics, real-world risks, and essential strategies to protect both personal and organizational security.This episode is built for action. Use it as a ready-made cybersecurity awareness training module for your leadership team to strengthen their defenses against cyber threats. Don’t wait—equip yourself and your executives with the knowledge to stay ahead of evolving risks.Pick up your copy of Cyber Rants on Amazon.Looking to take your Cyber Security to the next level? Visit us at www.silentsector.com. Be sure to rate the podcast, leave us a review, and subscribe!

January 10, 202559 min

Episode 127 - The Hidden Risks Within: CIA Lessons on Insider Threats

Former CIA officer Michele Assad joins the Cyber Rants Podcast to reveal the hidden dangers of insider threats, from Nation-State recruitment to false flag operations, and why businesses can’t afford to ignore them. Michele shares actionable strategies to recognize, prevent, and respond to these risks while highlighting the power of resilience and mental toughness. She also introduces her upcoming book, Get Off The X, offering tools to overcome challenges and thrive under pressure. Don't miss this insightful episode packed with expertise and practical advice!More about Michelle Assad and "Get Off The X" - https://michelerigbyassad.comMichelle Assad on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-rigby-assad-b25695135/Pick up your copy of Cyber Rants on Amazon.Looking to take your Cyber Security to the next level? Visit us at www.silentsector.com. Be sure to rate the podcast, leave us a review, and subscribe!