Security Matters

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Mar 2026

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Security Matters is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights on navigating today’s rapidly evolving digital threat landscape. Featuring expert insights from frontline practitioners, each episode gives you a deep dive into today’s most critical issues, from securing identities to protecting hybrid, multi-cloud and emerging environments to staying ahead of new attack methods and beyond. Because in this increasingly complex world, how you approach security matters.

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60 recent

March 6, 202645 min

EP 26 - The tyranny of the now: identity at machine speed

Security teams are under more pressure than ever, reacting at human speed while systems, identities, and AI agents operate at machine speed. In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner sits down with cybersecurity leader and former FBI executive MK Palmore to explore why defenders struggle to keep pace and what it takes to regain control.From AI agents that overshare sensitive data to cloud misconfigurations that never seem to disappear to the persistent success of ransomware, MK explains how complexity, vendor sprawl, and overloaded teams create gaps that attackers continue to exploit. The conversation highlights how identity across human, machine, and emerging agent types has become the center of modern security and why fundamentals, prioritization, and platform thinking matter more than ever.Listeners will hear insight on: • Identity at machine speed and the rise of autonomous access • Why attackers still win more than 51 percent of the time • How ransomware continues to succeed despite industry progress • Why SMBs face “mission impossible” expectations • The true cost of vendor sprawl and operational overload • What effective security leadership looks like in the current threat environmentIf you work in identity, security operations, strategy, or leadership, this discussion cuts through hype and focuses on the realities defenders face and how to push back against the constant pressure of the tyranny of the now.

February 18, 202655 min

EP25 - Identity is the attack vector w/ Udi Mokady

CyberArk founder and executive chairman Udi Mokady returns to Security Matters at a transformational moment—now as part of Palo Alto Networks, following the acquisition’s close on February 11. In this far‑reaching conversation, Udi and host David Puner explore why identity has become the attack vector for modern enterprises, driven by an unprecedented surge in human, machine and AI‑powered identities that attackers increasingly exploit.Udi discusses what the combined companies’ scale and capabilities mean for customers, why identity security must now operate as frontline defense rather than a management layer, and how AI agents are rapidly reshaping the threat landscape. He also reflects on CyberArk’s long‑distance entrepreneurial journey, the cultural foundations that have made the company durable over 26 years, and how productive paranoia, innovation and trust continue to guide the mission forward inside Palo Alto Networks.Note: This episode was recorded in January, prior to the acquisition’s close.

January 27, 202647 min

EP 24 - FOMO, identity, and the realities of AI at scale

In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner sits down with Ariel Pisetzky, chief information officer at CyberArk, for a candid look at the fast‑evolving intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and IT innovation. As organizations race to adopt AI, the fear of missing out is driving rapid decisions—often without enough consideration for identity, security, or long‑term impact.Ariel shares practical insights on what it really takes to secure AI at scale, from combating AI‑enabled phishing attacks to managing agent identities and reducing growing risks in the software supply chain. The conversation explores how leaders can balance innovation with identity‑centric guardrails, understand the economics of AI adoption, and push for the democratization of IT without losing control. Whether you're a CIO, an IT leader, or simply curious about the future of cybersecurity, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance to help you stay ahead in 2026 and beyond.

January 14, 202634 min

EP 23 - Red teaming AI governance: catching model risk early

AI systems are moving fast, sometimes faster than the guardrails meant to contain them. In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner digs into the hidden risks inside modern AI models with Pamela K. Isom, exploring the governance gaps that allow agents to make decisions, recommendations, and even commitments far beyond their intended authority.Isom, former director of AI and technology at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and now founder and CEO of IsAdvice & Consulting, explains why AI red teaming must extend beyond cybersecurity, how to stress test AI governance before something breaks, and why human oversight, escalation paths, and clear limits are essential for responsible AI.The conversation examines real-world examples of AI drift, unintended or unethical model behavior, data lineage failures, procurement and vendor blind spots, and the rising need for scalable AI governance, AI security, responsible AI practices, and enterprise red teaming as organizations adopt generative AI.Whether you work in cybersecurity, identity security, AI development, or technology leadership, this episode offers practical insights for managing AI risk and building systems that stay aligned, accountable, and trustworthy.

December 30, 202543 min

EP 22 - Security at the speed of innovation: Breaking down legacy barriers

How are defenders supposed to keep up when attackers move at the speed of AI? In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner welcomes Rick McElroy, founder and CEO of Nexasure, for a candid conversation about cybersecurity’s breaking point. Together, they unpack the realities of defending organizations in an era of identity sprawl, machine risk, agentic AI, and relentless automation. Rick shares hard-won insights from decades on the front lines, challenging the myth of perfect defense and revealing why identity remains at the root of most breaches. Whether you’re a CISO, IT leader, or cybersecurity professional, you’ll get actionable advice on managing machine identities, rethinking risk, and building resilience for a future where change is the only constant.

December 16, 202543 min

EP 21 - When attackers log in: Pausing for perspective in the age of instant answers

In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner welcomes back David Higgins, senior director in CyberArk’s Field Technology Office, for a timely conversation about the evolving cyber threat landscape. Higgins explains why today’s attackers aren’t breaking in—they’re logging in—using stolen credentials, AI-powered social engineering, and deepfakes to bypass traditional defenses and exploit trust.The discussion explores how the rise of AI is eroding critical thinking, making it easier for even seasoned professionals to fall for convincing scams. Higgins and Puner break down the dangers of instant answers, the importance of “never trust, always verify,” and why zero standing privilege is essential for defending against insider threats. They also tackle the risks of shadow AI, the growing challenge of misinformation, and how organizations can build a culture of vigilance without creating a climate of mistrust.Whether you’re a security leader, IT professional, or just curious about the future of digital trust, this episode delivers actionable insights on identity security, cyber hygiene, and the basics that matter more than ever in 2026 and beyond.

November 26, 202545 min

EP 20 - Why agentic AI is changing the security risk equation

As enterprises embrace agentic AI, a new security risk equation emerges. In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner sits down with Lavi Lazarovitz, VP of Cyber Research at CyberArk Labs, to unpack how AI agents and identity security are reshaping the threat landscape. Learn why privileged access is now the fault line of enterprise security, how attackers exploit overprivileged AI agents, and what security teams must rethink before scaling AI. Packed with real-world examples and actionable insights, this is a must-listen for anyone meeting the challenges of AI and cybersecurity.

November 12, 202554 min

EP 19 - Trust Under Attack: Spies, Lies, and the New Face of Cybercrime

Eric O’Neill, former FBI ghost and author of “Spies, Lies & Cybercrime,” joins host David Puner to take a deep dive into the mindset and tactics needed to defend against today’s sophisticated cyber threats. Drawing on O’Neill’s experience catching spies and investigating cybercriminals, the conversation explains how thinking like an attacker can help organizations and individuals stay ahead. The episode covers actionable frameworks, real-world stories, and practical advice for building cyber resilience in an age of AI-driven scams and industrialized ransomware.

October 28, 202542 min

EP 18 - The humanity of AI agents: Managing trust in the age of agentic AI

In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner sits down with Yuval Moss, CyberArk’s VP of Solutions for Global Strategic Partners, to explore the fast-evolving world of agentic AI and its impact on enterprise security. From rogue AI agents deleting production databases to the ethical blind spots of autonomous systems, the conversation dives deep into how identity and Zero Trust principles must evolve to keep pace. Yuval shares insights from his 25-year cybersecurity journey, including why AI agents behave more like humans than machines—and why that’s both exciting and dangerous. Whether you're a security leader, technologist or curious listener, this episode offers practical guidance on managing AI agent identities, reducing risk, and preparing for the next wave of autonomous innovation.Explore more of Yuval’s thinking on agentic AI and identity-first security in these recent articles:The life and death of an AI agent: Identity security lessons from the human experienceWhen AI Agents Mirror Humanity’s Best Behaviors…and Worst Behaviors The Agentic AI Revolution: 5 Unexpected Security Challenges

October 9, 202549 min

EP 17 - Privilege creep and the machine identity surge: Securing the modern enterprise

In this episode of Security Matters, Chris Schueler, CEO of Cyderes, joins host David Puner for a dive into the evolving challenges of enterprise security. The conversation explores the dangers of privilege creep, the explosion of machine identities, and why accountability at every point of interaction is essential for building resilient teams and systems. Chris shares insights on the risks of unmanaged access, the impact of AI and automation on both defense and attack strategies, and practical advice for CISOs and boards on managing identity risk while enabling business transformation. Whether you’re a security leader, practitioner, or simply interested in the future of cybersecurity, this episode delivers actionable guidance and fresh perspectives on safeguarding your organization’s reputation, continuity, and trust.

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