The hottest Security Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

SIEM 4.0: The Essentialist Evolution

Detection at Scale • 59 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Security teams are moving towards prioritizing impactful MITRE tactics over complete ATT&CK coverage to reduce distracting alerts and focus on critical threats.
  2. Transitioning from individual behaviors to risk-based alerts allows for a more context-based approach, reducing alert volumes and enhancing significance.
  3. The evolution to SIEM 4.0 includes opening up data lakes, adopting 'as code' principles, and utilizing AI to automate routine tasks so human analysts can focus on high-value work.

Should You Leave Metamask?

DeFi Education • 599 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🔮 Crypto Security
  1. There are many safety concerns about using Metamask and Ledger in the crypto space. Users need to be aware of these issues to protect their assets.
  2. Metamask has updated its terms, which could affect how users interact with the platform. It's important for users to stay informed about these changes.
  3. There are alternative options to Metamask that might be safer or better suited for some users. Exploring these alternatives can help individuals find a solution that meets their needs.

AI’s Linux Moment (Chapter 2): Recent highlights of the open-source vs. closed-source model debate

Next Big Teng • 196 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Open-source models are catching up to closed-source models in performance and offer advantages like cost savings and improved latency.
  2. As competition intensifies, closed-source models are becoming more secretive in sharing knowledge, raising concerns about transparency and auditability.
  3. Debate between 'security through obscurity' and 'security through openness' highlights differing views on sharing model details for security reasons.

Kabuki Theater with Iran & Russia

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Talks between the US and Iran are unlikely to yield a real agreement because the core dispute — the US demanding Iran give up enrichment while Iran refuses — is basically irreconcilable.
  2. The negotiations often look like Kabuki theater: performative, ritualized talks that routinely go nowhere, much like past US–Russia negotiations.
  3. Even if a deal were reached, Israel would likely still see Iran as a target and pressure would remain for action, so the US would probably continue policies that target Iran as well.

No Way to Win in Iran

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. The United States currently has no good military option against Iran, and launching a full-scale attack would be strategically unwise even though it remains possible.
  2. Israel has carried out major strikes on Iran both independently and with U.S. involvement, but it now appears reluctant to join a U.S.-only campaign.
  3. Israeli leaders pushed different U.S. presidents to act—failing with one and succeeding with another—suggesting political maneuvering where one side may be getting played.
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✨☢ A (pricey) Manhattan Project for AI Safety?

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Security
  1. AI safety may require a huge investment, like $250 billion, to ensure we can manage its risks effectively. This is much more than what was spent on the atomic bomb during World War II.
  2. Researchers believe that speeding up technological progress can actually help reduce risks from advanced AI. The idea is that the faster we move forward, the less time we have for potential dangers to develop.
  3. Many experts suggest that the U.S. government might need to take charge of AI development to ensure safety and security, creating a major project similar to the Manhattan Project. This would involve merging AI labs and improving defenses against foreign threats.

The New World Order--or Disorder?

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. President Trump’s foreign policy shows a clear disdain for international law and institutions, which undermines the building blocks of the global order.
  2. Examining historical events reveals important similarities and differences that help explain current international dynamics.
  3. The overall picture is worrying and unstable, but frank conversations can help people make sense of a changing and potentially dangerous world.

The Five Layers of Incident Response (Part 1)

Detection at Scale • 59 implied HN points • 21 May 24
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Detection Engineering involves automating SecOps using software engineering and data principles to enhance defense capabilities without eliminating human roles.
  2. For effective Incident Response, utilize the 'Five Layers of IR': Playbook Management, Data Layer, and Presentation Layer.
  3. The Playbook sets the strategy, Data Layer defines necessary logs for playbooks, and Presentation Layer visualizes alerts and actions for human analysis.

Four Things Friday

State of the Future • 2 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Security
  1. AI coding agents can become supply-chain attack vectors because they can read and write code, access build systems, and leak credentials. Teams need clear agent security policies and should limit write access.
  2. AI raises labour productivity on average but the benefits mostly go to firms that invest in workforce training and software/data infrastructure. Without that investment, smaller or slower firms will fall further behind.
  3. Winning in AI means building the full stack — inference infrastructure, sandboxing, models, and deployment — and big bets and acquisitions are reshaping who can compete. Regional players are mobilizing capital to avoid ceding dominance to US incumbents.

The Gift of Defeat

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 29 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Russia’s problem is structural, not just one leader. Its state is built like an empire that legitimizes itself through conquest and then denies responsibility.
  2. The Federation rules by coercion: it erases cultures, disproportionately conscripts people from ethnic regions, and uses force to keep internal colonies weak. Imperial tools like forced resettlement and mass mobilization dissolve minority communities.
  3. The Free World should back a clear Ukrainian victory aimed at destroying Russia’s imperial capacity, not merely humbling a leader. Only defeat that ends occupation and forces a reckoning can create space for security, freedom for neighbors, and possible moral and political renewal inside Russia.

How to use AI in security

Frankly Speaking • 508 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Security
  1. AI is becoming essential for companies, just like the internet once was. Every business will need an AI strategy as it can boost their operations.
  2. Instead of resisting AI, security teams should welcome it. Setting up policies that allow safe use of AI fosters innovation rather than stifling it.
  3. AI can improve security tasks, like app security and incident management, which are often tedious. It can help analyze data quickly and flag issues, making processes more efficient.

AI Unwrapped #2 | Feb 10 – Feb 24, 2026

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 3 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Google’s Gemini 3.1 Pro reclaimed the lead with a major reasoning jump and top benchmark scores while keeping the same API pricing, making it far stronger for logic, coding, and multimodal tasks.
  2. AI capabilities are expanding fast — models now solve PhD-level science problems, generate music from images, find long-hidden security bugs, and power new agent platforms and browser/assistant integrations.
  3. If you build products, test these new models on your hardest multi-step problems and add AI-powered checks like security reviews, because the recent reasoning gains can materially change outcomes.

The Long Process of European Unity

Phillips’s Newsletter • 146 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Poland is becoming a key player in European unity, challenging the traditional dominance of France, Germany, and the UK. This shift shows that central and eastern European voices matter more now.
  2. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has broken down the old barriers of the Cold War, leading to a more balanced power structure in Europe. Smaller countries can now lead initiatives alongside the larger powers.
  3. Europe's approach to security is changing as many nations contribute to leadership. With more voices involved, the EU is less likely to be stalled by just a few countries trying to make decisions.

My thoughts on DeepSeek and what it means for security

Frankly Speaking • 355 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Security
  1. DeepSeek is a new AI that can learn on its own without needing human help. This makes it cheaper and more accessible, similar to how Uber made ridesharing easier for everyone.
  2. Many people are concerned about the rapid advancements in AI, especially when it seems like the US could fall behind China in technology. But instead of worrying, we should learn from these innovations and adapt our strategies in AI.
  3. The introduction of cheaper AI means that companies will use it more, and security needs to adjust to support this tech rather than restrict it. It's time for security teams to embrace AI and understand how to manage its risks effectively.

DeFi Security: Best Practices + Security Q&A

DeFi Education • 1558 implied HN points • 12 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto Security
  1. Keep your devices secure to protect your digital assets. Always use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
  2. Be careful with transactions and double-check before sending money or sharing information. Mistakes can be costly in the DeFi space.
  3. Protect your identity online to avoid scams. Use unique details and strong security practices to stay safe.

"Trump's Alarming Rhetoric: A Gift to Putin"

Unmasking Russia • 137 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Trump's alarming rhetoric towards NATO raises concerns about the future of transatlantic security if he were to win the election.
  2. The need to address foreign interference in democratic institutions becomes urgent with Trump's willingness to align with Putin and seek assistance in the upcoming election.
  3. Trump's criticism of allies and questioning of NATO's value highlight the uncertainty of U.S. foreign policy and its implications for international stability.

The Sequence AI of the Week #698: How E2B Powers Safe AI Sandboxes

TheSequence • 126 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Security
  1. E2B is an open-source platform that helps run AI code safely in small, isolated environments called microVMs. This makes it easier for developers to test and use AI without worrying about security risks.
  2. The platform combines new technologies like Kubernetes and Terraform to allow easy scaling and management of AI tasks. This means it can quickly adjust to handle more work as needed.
  3. E2B also has tools to simplify the developer's workflow, letting them focus on creating cool AI applications rather than spending time on setup and management.

Top Links 564 Who, actually, works for the government? Trump and world trade. Leaving Illinois and the agony of Haiti.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. Only a small portion, about 2%, of the US workforce is employed by the federal government. It's interesting to see how few people actually work directly for the government.
  2. If half of the federal workers were fired, a big chunk of those remaining would be in military or security-related jobs. This shows how much of the federal workforce is tied to defense.
  3. The discussion about government jobs and employment raises important questions about efficiency and how the system is structured. It's worth thinking about what that means for America.

Indiana Johannes and Raiders of the Lost ANC, PART I

Who is Robert Malone • 9 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. South African officials raided a U.S.-linked refugee processing center on a symbolic Afrikaner holiday, appearing to target and intimidate Afrikaner applicants and disrupt a U.S. resettlement program, which deepened tensions with the United States.
  2. The U.S. administration set clear preconditions for normalizing relations—like treating farm attacks as a priority, condemning violent anti-white rhetoric, protecting property rights, and exempting U.S. entities from race-based rules—and effectively sidelined South Africa at the G20, signaling a major diplomatic rift.
  3. South Africa is portrayed as facing severe domestic crises—widespread crime and syndicates, corruption, shrinking economic standing, and contested land expropriations—that are undermining institutions and driving social and political instability.

December 5, 2025

Letters from an American • 30 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. The new U.S. National Security Strategy breaks with the post–World War II rules-based order and favors a world divided into great-power spheres of influence instead of multilateral institutions like the UN and NATO.
  2. The document centers a culturally nationalist agenda that rejects immigration and many climate policies while praising a return to “traditional” families, and observers noted its language and numbering echo white supremacist references.
  3. It pivots U.S. focus to the Western Hemisphere with a self-styled “Trump Corollary” that uses tariffs and government-backed commercial diplomacy to promote American companies, signals willingness to use military force regionally, and steps back from European commitments while signaling a softer posture toward Russia.

Is DeFi Safe? That's Up To You!

DeFi Education • 599 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🔮 Crypto Security
  1. DeFi is a new way to handle finance without banks, but it comes with risks like hacks and scams. Users need to be aware and do their research to stay safe.
  2. Keeping your own private keys safe is crucial. The saying 'your keys, your Bitcoin' highlights that if you lose access to your private keys, you could lose your crypto forever.
  3. Using hardware wallets and trusted protocols can help protect your funds. It's important to only use tested platforms and to follow good security practices to avoid losses.

Zombie Nationalism

Reactionary Feminist • 23 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Western countries have largely lost the industrial capacity, skills, and social cohesion that once made mass wartime mobilisation possible, so calls to prepare for large-scale war face real material limits.
  2. Modern nationalism grew out of print-based, industrial-era societies that produced a shared, geographically rooted sense of belonging and made state-led mobilisation feasible, but that model has largely broken down.
  3. Digital media now create language-bound, transnational filter bubbles that decouple people from their geographic national interests, so institutions can demand readiness yet meet public indifference and limited practical ability to follow through.

Is Somalia turning the corner?

An Africanist Perspective • 296 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. There is cause for cautious optimism in Somalia as book fairs in Mogadishu, a property boom, weakening of Al-Shabaab, and regional cooperation signal positive changes.
  2. Somalia has a complex history of conflicts and irredentist desires that have contributed to its state of instability since the 1970s.
  3. Ethiopia and Kenya have historically had conflicting interests in Somalia, aiming for a weak central government to serve their own security interests despite the need for peace and stability in the region.

Gratitude to Ukraine (2024)

Thinking about... • 390 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. We owe a lot to Ukraine for their fight against Russian aggression. Their resistance has made the world a safer place and reduced the chances of major conflicts.
  2. Ukrainians remind us that freedom isn't just given to us; it's something we must work for and defend. Their struggle teaches us the real meaning of freedom and democracy.
  3. Ukrainians show incredible courage and perseverance in the face of war. Their strength and generosity, even during tough times, inspire us to appreciate our connections and responsibilities to each other.

Made in Venezuela: Iranian Drones

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Iran has helped Venezuela build local drone production and assembly lines so Venezuelan forces can operate Iranian designs like the Mohajer-6, including armed reconnaissance and guided munitions.
  2. That cooperation turns Venezuela into a Latin American manufacturing node for Iran’s regional network, expanding Tehran’s influence and putting advanced surveillance and strike drones into the Western Hemisphere.
  3. The partnership exemplifies a sanctions‑resistant, distributed weapons-production model that the U.S. is trying to counter with sanctions, and it suggests more proxy drone factories could appear in allied states.

What I Learned About AI in 2023

Cybernetic Forests • 179 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Advancements in AI may not always lead to true improvement or problem-solving, as new technologies continue to replace previous ones without learning from past failures.
  2. There is evidence that AI may be making things worse, even in areas it is meant to excel in, such as ethics and safety, leading to a loss of expertise and rush to incorporate generative AI algorithms.
  3. AI models can have significant environmental impacts, using vast amounts of energy and water, highlighting the importance of developing more sustainable computational infrastructure and greener algorithms.

NATO’s New Defence Spending Pledge Is a Distraction

Phillips’s Newsletter • 144 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. NATO's new defense spending pledge may distract from what really matters: actually improving military capabilities. It's important for countries to focus on building effective defense systems rather than just meeting spending targets.
  2. European nations need to work together and make smart investments in defense rather than buying the same equipment individually. Coordinated efforts can lead to better outcomes and more efficient use of resources.
  3. The EU is increasingly supporting Ukraine, treating it like a member state in defense matters. This shows a shift in European responsibilities and a growing focus on autonomy in defense capabilities.

☁️ OpenClaw Set Up on AWS for Free (The Honest Guide — From Someone Who Hit Every Wall)

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 3 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Security
  1. You can run OpenClaw on AWS free tier by launching an EC2 Ubuntu instance, creating a key pair, opening SSH to your IP, and using ~30 GB storage, but you still pay for any LLM API usage.
  2. The t3.micro free tier (1 GB RAM) often crashes during OpenClaw’s onboarding, so upgrading to t3.small (2 GB) is the practical fix to avoid JavaScript heap out of memory errors.
  3. If you change instance type be sure to stop the instance first, apply the new type, restart it, and note your public IP will change; pick a nearby region and restrict SSH to your IP for security.

The Ten Crypto Commandments

DeFi Education • 1298 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto Security
  1. Keep your crypto holdings private. Sharing this info can lead to jealousy or danger, like kidnapping.
  2. Don't trust advice from others blindly. People often share tips to pump their own investments, so research and think for yourself.
  3. Always use proper security. Avoid sharing personal info, use a VPN for transactions, and get your coins off exchanges to stay safe.

Inside Latin America's new currency plan, with Ecuador's presidential candidate Andrés Arauz

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Latin America is attempting to create a new regional currency to challenge the existing US dollar-based system, aiming for a more balanced international monetary system.
  2. Ecuadorian economist and former presidential candidate Andrés Arauz advocates for a clearing and settlement bank that can facilitate transactions without concern for US sanctions.
  3. There is a push for regional integration mechanisms in Latin America, with the goal of creating large geopolitical blocs to allow for balanced planetary governance and more effective monetary systems.

GPT-4 Plugs In

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1747 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. GPT-4 is getting an upgrade with plug-ins for browsing the internet and using various websites.
  2. Concerns about safety and risks involved in using these new plug-ins have been raised.
  3. The introduction of plug-ins makes it easier to interact with GPT-4, but also raises questions about trust and potential misuse.

AI #50: The Most Dangerous Thing

Don't Worry About the Vase • 940 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Gemini Ultra is Google's latest AI model, described better than GPT-4 but conservative in responses.
  2. AI language models like ChatGPT and Google are widely used and offer mundane utility, despite some limitations.
  3. AI advancements raise concerns about deepfakes, fake IDs, and a need for regulations to address security risks.

China on Dario, DeepSeeking Truth, Ali + DeepSeek, and a Procurement IP Manifesto

ChinaTalk • 281 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Security
  1. DeepSeek, a new Chinese AI model, is being seen as a serious competitor to U.S. AI in helping researchers gather information about China. However, it struggles to answer questions that cross different areas of knowledge.
  2. Many in China believe the U.S. has double standards regarding AI and security, saying that U.S. restrictions are more about keeping an edge in technology than genuine concerns for safety.
  3. DeepSeek is powerful for safe topics, but it has issues with censorship. It often can’t handle politically sensitive topics, making it less useful for in-depth research on controversial issues.

⚛☢ Here's what can end the nuclear renaissance, according to America's biggest bank

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Nuclear power is being considered more seriously because it can produce a lot of clean energy, which is important in addressing climate change.
  2. The need for energy security has increased, especially after events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, making nuclear power a valuable option.
  3. Small modular reactors (SMRs) may solve key issues like high costs and slow construction times in the nuclear industry, potentially leading to a significant upgrade in energy capacity.

*Important* Academy Launch

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
🔮 Crypto Security
  1. The Academy is designed to help people kickstart their careers in crypto by teaching them essential skills. It offers courses on investing, building, and trading in the cryptocurrency space.
  2. Joining the Academy now comes with a $100 discount for early sign-ups, giving you access to over 40 video lessons that cover crucial topics like fundamental analysis and market timing.
  3. The course is a good way to deepen your understanding of cryptocurrency, especially for those who want to keep their job while learning how to work with DAOs and build their brand.

US Foreign Policy Marches On

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. The conversation centered on how Trump’s foreign policy could reshape international institutions and international law.
  2. Major conflicts like Gaza, tensions with Iran, and the war in Ukraine were discussed as pressing foreign policy challenges.
  3. There was a clear sense of concern or pessimism about the current state of US foreign policy and the global crises it faces.

ChinAI #253: Tencent Research Institute releases Large Model Security & Ethics Report

ChinAI Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Security
  1. The report highlights security assessments for LLMs, such as prompt injection attacks and adversarial examples.
  2. Tencent developed a platform to evaluate large model security, focusing on automated attack sample generation and risk analysis.
  3. The concept of 'Blue Army' drills is discussed as a method to test the effectiveness of large models like Hunyuan.