8 Top Cybersecurity Podcasts for 2022

Michelle Wilson - November 21, 2021

Cybersecurity is ever-evolving. The practice of protecting computers, mobile devices, and other electronic systems is constantly changing. The newest developments in software and programs require users to stay up-to-date if they’d like to understand the latest changes and shifts in security. Unfortunately, no one has time to sift through technical documents and white papers. Thankfully, podcasts can go with us wherever life takes us. If you’re hoping to stay on top of the newest updates in cybersecurity, here are eight free options you need to start listening to.

Table of Contents

Unsupervised Learning

Starting in January 2015, this podcast belongs to Daniel Miessler. The segments are brief, making them easily digestible for all listeners. Those familiar with cybersecurity might know Miessler; he’s one of the world’s top experts in infosec. He regularly speaks at industry conferences and starts debates on various topics.

Since his start, Miessler has held measured authority and eclectic subject matter. In 2015, his desire for new ideas and stories led him into the podcast realm, creating Unsupervised Learning. His podcast is a must-listen for anyone in the sector or anyone hoping to learn something new about cybersecurity.

Understanding a Typical Episode

These podcasts are packed full of information and content. Chances are, if you’ve heard it discussed in the media, Miessler is going to cover it. Whether he dives deep into an informative subject covering one subject, there’s a good chance you’ll learn the content you can’t find anywhere else.

Darknet Diaries

Created in September 2017, this podcast belongs to Jack Rhysider. The average podcast sits around the hour mark, bi-weekly, making them crucial offerings for anyone wanting a realistic understanding of cyber-threats. Virtually every episode contains an exciting and deliberate analysis of any hot topics relating to crime and technology.

Rhysider is a cybersecurity expert that specializes in his field. The podcast focuses on everyday situations, applying in-depth security issues for common understanding. Some content examples include credit card security, risks and vulnerabilities, and more.

Understanding a Typical Episode

This podcast doesn’t create fear or panic in its listeners, focusing on educational content instead of fear tactics. All episodes are highly entertaining, with the occasional geekdom tangent. Anyone interested in all things security is going to get a kick out of this podcast, especially if you’ve got passing knowledge of tech.

Launching in 2009, this podcast was started by Chris “loganWHD” Hadnagy. Episodes come out monthly, with each lasting just under an hour. This podcast focuses on how people and businesses apply social engineering to gain an advantage. Listeners extend to virtually every industry, with eager marketers, to cybersecurity officers wanting to get in on phishing threats. Unlike other security podcasts, Hadnagy dips into human psychology and its influence on cybersecurity.

Understanding a Typical Episode

Depending on the topic, these episodes vary but often include genuine interviews with reformed hackers, academics, cryptocurrency mavens, and more. It’s the perfect combination of Hakin9 meets the Scientific American.

The Shared Security Podcast

Originating in 2009 by owners Scott Wright and Tom Eston, this podcast has earned a considerable reputation over the years. Starting as an informational podcast on cybersecurity, creators have continued bringing five episodes a month to listeners around the globe. This podcast covers all security topics, from mobile devices to PoS threats. You’ll even find the occasional episode covering global politics.

Understanding a Typical Episode

The concept is simple – everything technologically is a shared resource. Understanding how to keep that technology safe is through continuous and evolving education. Substantial research goes into every segment, with pressing topics dropping with the leading podcast.

Security Now!

Launching in 2005, this podcast belongs to Leo Laporte and Steve Gibson. This podcast is considered one of the longest-running cybersecurity podcasts, with some of the longest episodes too. Many episodes last well beyond a feature movie length, sitting at 100 minutes weekly. While the focus starts with personal security, both Gibson and Laporte discuss what’s happened around the world in every podcast. The average episode sits at nearly two hours long, fluidly discussing almost every happening issue, advancement, or project.

Understanding a Typical Episode

This podcast is a bit old-school when publishing and promoting its content. All episodes are available as MP3 downloads instead of the ever-expanding networks of podcast sites. Every podcase also includes notes and transcription for complete comprehension and accessibility. Each episode is slightly different, with bi-weekly question periods from listeners.

Down the Security Rabbithole

Established in 2011, this podcast is owned by Rafal Los and James Jardine. Episodes are 45 minutes long every week, with information covering all aspects of cybersecurity. Since its initial launch, this podcast has been one of the most popular channels for businesses.

Down the Security Rabbithole covers all cybersecurity-related laws, ongoing issues with healthcare security during the pandemic, and vulnerabilities of SMBs.

Understanding a Typical Episode

This podcast almost always has a guest speaker within the industry all the time. It might be an author, Tom Nichols, or another podcast speaker. The episodes are always grossly entertaining and exciting, capturing the listener’s attention from start to finish.

The CyberWire Daily

Started in 2015 by David Bittner, this podcast posts new episodes every weekday. Episodes are typically twenty minutes long, run by a news service (instead of a cybersecurity enthusiast). Most of this content is news-related, summarizing everything you need to know about the latest InfoSec developments. This aggregation is why episodes come out daily instead of weekly, bringing current tidbits instead of in-depth details.

What to Expect in a Typical Episode

While there are over one thousand Daily Podcast episodes, The CyberWire offers more free and premium content. There are currently ten podcasts on the platform, all relating to cybersecurity in some capacity. Episode content ranges from social engineering to the personal experiences of cybersecurity experts.

Things to Know When Listening to Podcasts

Stay Connected

If you’re listening to a new podcast, it’s essential to locate the website or profile attached to the episode. These authors will regularly produce content, so having simplified access is necessary. Take note of the frequency of episodes, along with the approximate duration. Take a look through any prior catalogs of episodes already shared online.

Always subscribe to any channels you enjoy to have any future podcasts automatically downloaded to your device on the podcast app. This means users will receive new content from podcast creators within minutes of posting the content live on the platform. Additionally, most podcast creators want users to subscribe to their channel, increasing the ratings and rankings (for the show’s popularity).

Listen Where You Want To

Although you can listen to most podcasts through your phone directly, the speaker isn’t always accessible. Invest in high-quality headphones that are comfortable to wear for long periods. Using wireless earbuds is great for traveling on public transit, whereas a portable speaker might serve you better for listening in your living room. Most podcasts can be streamed to vehicles through Bluetooth functionality, allowing easy listening while you’re driving.

Conclusion

While these eight podcasts are focused on cybersecurity, there are thousands of new podcast developers every year. The critical criteria are finding a channel that matches your interests and captures your attention in a way that makes the time fly by. There’s nothing worse than listening to someone talk and finding them dull, boring, and monotone. As the changes in technology continue to press on, so too do the changes with cybersecurity. As such, it’s always best to stay on top of the latest trends, developments, and shifts within the industry in whatever capacity you can.