The Weekly Run-Down 7/1–5
Hello, everyone and welcome to this week’s The Weekly Run-Down newsletter. This week, Ryan Williams Sr., Shannon Tynes, Chris Abacon, and Daniel Acevedo dive into TikTok’s controversial “kill switch” proposal to the U.S. government, aimed at addressing data privacy concerns. We’ll explore Lockbit’s resurgence hoax, and the death of America’s Data Privacy Act and its potential implications. This week’s episodes are packed with insights that are crucial for understanding the future of cybersecurity in the social media landscape. Let’s dive in!
A Pretty, Boring Experience
Another week, another “free to play” game hits the mean streets of Steam, PSN, and Xbox Live. This week’s contender is “The First Descendant.” Let’s get two things out of the way up top. I, Ryan Williams Sr., am not a fan of “Games as a Service” and probably never will be. Just charge me the full price and let me unlock things as I progress on my own time. I dislike being nickel-and-dimed, and this game charges a pretty penny for just about everything. The most egregious example is $55 for a better version of the base characters called “Ultimate Descendants,” which is a Descendant with better stats and an exclusive skin. That’s strike one.
Secondly, I don’t enjoy games that require team play. Don’t get me wrong, I like playing video games with friends when time allows, but I don’t like having to coordinate playtimes. I prefer having the option to solo objectives since syncing schedules can be a hassle. Since I’m hard-headed, I decided to solo a team-based objective. I didn’t lose because it was too difficult; I lost because I ran out of ammo and no more would spawn. Had there been more guns in the fight, this limitation probably would not have been met. This was strike two.
With that out of the way, “The First Descendant” never really had a fair chance with me. However, the pretty graphics and interesting lore brought me to the table anyway. I chose to download the PS5 version of the game. Loaded everything up and was pleasantly surprised to jump right into the character select screen and then the main game. Unfortunately, after completing what seemed like the first chapter of a really long book, I was dumped into a Destiny-like lobby full of random players, all running and jumping around looking for their next objective. This was strike three. Yes, this is the norm in all free-to-play games, but I honestly forgot that’s what I was playing until this rude awakening. From that point, the game was on borrowed time.
I decided to jump into the next objective and press forward, learning the game mechanics and enemy patterns. I played for roughly three hours. The gunplay was satisfying for the most part. The different weapons did a good job of utilizing the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. However, every mission felt very similar, much like Destiny’s “patrol” missions, with running around clearing zones, defending zones, and then shooting at a bullet sponge of a mini-boss. After three hours, meeting several random players, and clearing enough enemies to level up a couple of times and learn some new skills, I closed out the game and deleted it off my SSD, replacing it with “Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart.”
Long story short, I’m still not a fan of live service games. In fact, the only game that brings me back every couple of weeks is “Hell Divers II,” and even that’s starting to bore me.
Cybersecurity 101: Your Crash Course In Online Safety
Shoutout to Brian J. Olds for having me on last week’s Tech Tuesday where we discussed Cybersecurity 101. From understanding common threats to adopting best practices like strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, this episode is packed with valuable insights for everyone. Whether you’re an IT professional or just someone who uses the internet, learn how to protect your digital life and make yourself a harder target for cybercriminals.
Friday — The Weekly Run Down 7/5/24
In this week’s episode of The Weekly Run Down, Ryan and the team dive into a variety of engaging topics. Highlights include an insightful interview with Rebekah Skeete, COO of BlackGirlsHack, and the announcement of our next “Ask a CISSP” guests, Professor Roger Whyte and Miguel Clarke. Chris emphasizes the importance of staying informed through local news, while Shannon shares his thoughts on the anime inspired series “My Adventures with Superman” and the Netflix movie “A Family Affair.” Daniel updates us on his health journey and the challenges of moving to Japan, and Ryan discusses his recent cybersecurity webinar on pathways to entering the field.
Thursday — DDoS Attack Breaks World Record
In March episode that was somehow lost to the “YouTube Queue of Doom”, Ryan and Shannon discuss a record-breaking DDoS attack that reached 71 million requests per second. Cloudflare successfully thwarted this hyper-volumetric attack, highlighting the growing sophistication and frequency of cyber threats. We delve into the implications for both individuals and organizations, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and user awareness. Tune in to stay informed and secure.
Wednesday — Why The American Privacy Rights Act Is Doomed?
In our latest discussion episode, we tackle the pressing issues of data privacy and commoditization. Shannon sets the stage with a powerful observation: “You are commoditized because you are going to be a consumer based off the information they know about you.” Joined by Daniel and Chris, we discuss the critical need for computer literacy, the role of big businesses and governments in data usage, and why the U.S. Data Privacy Act is doomed to not pass. This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about data privacy and cybersecurity.
Tuesday — Understanding the Evolve Bank Hack and Federal Reserve Hoax
In this week’s Tuesday episode of “The Other Side of the Firewall,” we dive into the recent Evolve Bank hack, initially misreported as a breach of the Federal Reserve. Our discussion unravels the truth behind these claims, Lockbit’s ransomware tactics, and the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures, especially for smaller financial institutions. Join us as we debunk common myths about the Federal Reserve and explore the real impact of this cyber incident.
Monday — Did Congress Reject TikTok Kill Switch?
In this week’s Monday episode, we dive into TikTok’s controversial “kill switch” offer to the U.S. government. This proposal, aimed at addressing data privacy concerns, raises important questions about national security and the future of social media regulation. Our discussion covers the potential implications and broader impacts on the cybersecurity landscape. Don’t miss out on these insights — listen now!
TGIF
This week brought many important topics up for discussion. The debate over TikTok’s “kill switch” proposal, data privacy and national security, Lockbit’s hoax, and a massive record-breaking DDoS attack. Stay informed about these developments, and consider the broader implications for the cybersecurity landscape. Tune in next time for more critical insights and discussions.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more episodes of The Other Side of the Firewall podcast on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, as well as, the Ask A CISSP podcast every Thursday. Please like, share, and, subscribe.
Stay safe, stay secure!
Next Guest on Ask A CISSP — Professor Roger (Mr. Fundamentals) Whyte — Cybersecurity Solution Architect and Founder, Professor Roger’s Cyber Lounge
I’m excited to finally have Professor Roger Whyte on the Ask A CISSP podcast. This event has been four years in the making. In this special episode, Roger shares his background, experience, motivations, and the purpose behind his platform. Roger not only opens the doors of success for his students but also prepares them for corporate culture and continues to motivate and check in with his mentees for years afterward.
Next-Next Guest on Ask A CISSP — Miguel Clarke, Armor Defense — Cybersecurity and GRC Evangelist & Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent
Super excited for the next edition of Ask A CISSP with Miguel Clarke! Miguel, who works for Armor Defense as a Cybersecurity and GRC Evangelist, also brings decades of knowledge and experience as a Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent. Additionally, he’s an avid gamer. This is Miguel’s second time on the podcast but his first time in an official capacity. Make sure to submit your questions ASAP for what will be a deep and intriguing session on cyber risk mitigation.
🚀 SquadCon 2024 is Here! 🚀
SquadCon, hosted by BlackGirlsHack, is an upcoming flagship event that promises to be a cornerstone for the cybersecurity community. Scheduled for August 6–8 in Las Vegas, SquadCon offers a hybrid experience, allowing both in-person and virtual participation. The conference kicks off with a game night, fostering networking and camaraderie. Over the next two days, attendees will engage in content-rich sessions featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. With an accessible general admission fee of $100, SquadCon aims to lower barriers to entry, making it an inclusive and essential gathering for anyone passionate about cybersecurity. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, expand your network, or support diversity in tech, SquadCon is the place to be.
The Women in Aviation and Tech Conference 2024
The Women in Aviation and Tech Conference 2024, presented by Pierre’s TechHeads, Inc is an upcoming event (September, 20–24, 2024) aimed at encouraging and empowering women in the fields of technology and aviation. This conference will provide a platform for women to network, learn from industry experts, and gain insights into the latest developments in tech and aviation. Stay tuned for more info!
Key speakers include:
Kiara Bristo, DoD ISSO
Prophetess Chaundra Nicole Gore, Presidential Lifetime Award Recipient, CEO, Coach, Speaker, and Author
1Lt Niesha Marks, USAF Navigator
Hilary Getter, CO.SPARK
Ryan is a retired Air Force veteran who brings over 20 years of experience in network infrastructure, project management, and cybersecurity consulting to his current role at BuddoBot. Buddobot’s mission is to support national security by transforming, empowering, and educating organizations to shift from reactive, diluted, automated, and high-cost IT and security practices to proactive, effective solutions that fortify their security.
Shannon, also a retired Air Force veteran, has more than two decades of expertise in network security and vulnerability management. He now serves as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) for the U.S. Space Force, where he continues to enhance national security protocols.
Chris, a Navy veteran with over ten years in IT, information assurance, and risk management, currently works at CompliancePoint. His roles include vCISO, RMF assessor, and consultant, focusing on enhancing data security and privacy for various organizations.
Daniel is an Air Force veteran with over 15 years of combined experience in IT, cybersecurity, information assurance, and government risk compliance. He has held various roles, including IT administrator, cybersecurity engineer, senior information system security manager, and currently serves as a senior security consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. In this latest role, Daniel leverages his expertise to address unique and complex challenges in the cyber and IT domains, enhancing his customers’ capabilities.
