The hottest Security Substack posts right now

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

Signing Transactions with an Offline Computer

DeFi Education • 559 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Security
  1. Using an offline computer, known as an airgapped computer, can help securely sign crypto transactions. This reduces risks from online threats.
  2. You can set up transactions on one device and sign them on another without exposing your private keys. This method is safer for handling your assets.
  3. Always verify any software you download to ensure it's safe. This can help protect your transactions from potential malware.

Under the microscope: Jet Moto 3 (PlayStation)

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Ghidra and a small Python script were used to reverse‑engineer the game's cheat system by mapping letters to PlayStation controller button bit patterns, which let the author extract the actual button combos for each code.
  2. Many decoded codes reliably unlock content or change gameplay — for example EVERYTHING unlocks nearly everything, ALLTRAC adds bonus tracks, SEASONS opens Season levels, and other codes enable turbo, camera modes, and special hops — and some codes must be entered at the title screen while others work during play.
  3. Not every discovered code has a visible effect: several camera codes do nothing, STUNT and RACE appear unused, and some cheats have prerequisites (e.g., COP requires unlocking Granny), so results vary by code.

The End of Empires

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 4 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Traditional US allies are striking independent deals with China, as seen in Canada’s new strategic partnership and tariff reductions.
  2. Past confrontations like tariffs and high‑profile arrests haven’t stopped rapprochement, showing countries often prioritize trade and economic benefit over political alignment.
  3. Those shifts weaken alliance cohesion and indicate that growing economic ties to China could challenge U.S. global leadership.

Leaks Expose Chinese, Russian and German Security Fears

Natto Thoughts • 79 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. China has been implementing a policy to replace foreign software with domestic alternatives since at least 2013 due to security concerns.
  2. Leaked Russian military files revealed discussions on potential use of nuclear weapons in response to threats, highlighting concerns about China's intentions and escalation approaches.
  3. A leaked plan from the German military raised questions about cybersecurity and military communication deficiencies, emphasizing vulnerabilities and potential disinformation tactics in conflicts.
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To Bomb, Or Not To Bomb

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 139 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. There are important decisions to make regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran, and these decisions affect many people. Thinking carefully before acting in such situations is crucial.
  2. Advice given to leaders needs to consider both the moral and practical implications of their actions. It's important to weigh the consequences before suggesting aggressive strategies.
  3. Personal conduct and image can influence how seriously leaders are taken. Leaders should present themselves well and be responsible in their behavior to earn respect and trust.

The Great Greenland War

Big Serge Thought • 7 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. A US attempt to seize Greenland could shatter NATO and trigger cascading crises across Europe and beyond, showing how a single aggressive move can produce huge, unpredictable geopolitical shifts.
  2. Coercive American tactics can achieve territorial and political goals without large-scale fighting, but they would deeply damage alliances, spur economic fallout, and leave long-term instability in their wake.
  3. Europe might respond by building an independent defense bloc led by France with conscription and a shared nuclear deterrent, realigning security structures and raising the risk of conflict between competing blocs.

More Mafia State Alignment and Merz Declares Independence

Phillips’s Newsletter • 250 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. The USA is changing its stance and is now aligning more with Russia, moving away from support for Ukraine. This shift is alarming because it goes against earlier views that blamed Russia for the invasion.
  2. Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's CDU party, talked about Europe needing to become more independent from the USA for its security. He believes Europe should work on its own defense capabilities.
  3. Merz’s victory in Germany’s elections might signal a big change in European politics. If he pushes for closer unity in Europe, it could really reshape how Europe deals with challenges from both the USA and Russia.

IL RISCHIO AUMENTA

ANDREA CECCHI Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Belief that war will intensify rapidly, especially after recent comments from Biden regarding attacks on Houthi rebels.
  2. Expectation for liquidity to seek safety in the bond market, leading to lower bond yields, creating an illusion of security.
  3. Concern over Biden starting a war in Yemen without constitutional approval, although the rebel group poses minimal threat to American homeland.

Farhad Noori, rejected asylum seeker in Germany, runs down 28 people at a trade union demonstration in Munich

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 260 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. Farhad Noori, an asylum seeker in Germany, was involved in a serious incident where he drove into a crowd, injuring 28 people. This shocking event raises concerns about safety at public demonstrations.
  2. Noori had a history including theft and drug offenses, and his asylum application had been rejected previously. His case highlights issues around immigration policies and how they're enforced.
  3. Following the attack, there will likely be discussions about increasing security measures and debates about immigration, as communities react to the implications of such violent incidents.

The DeFi Roundup (February 19, 2023)

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Security
  1. There's a new secure laptop product launching soon, and the first batch sold out quickly.
  2. A New York regulator has taken action against a particular entity, which highlights ongoing regulatory developments in the DeFi space.
  3. It's important to stay updated on recent happenings in DeFi so you can prepare for the coming week.

5 SIEM Capabilities for Detection Engineering

Detection at Scale • 59 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Detection Engineering involves moving from simply responding to alerts to enhancing the capabilities behind those alerts, leading to reduced fatigue for security teams.
  2. Key capabilities for supporting detection engineering include a robust data pipeline, scalable analytics with a security data lake, and embracing Detection as Code framework for sustainable security insights.
  3. Modern SIEM platforms should offer an API for automated workflows, BYOC deployment options for cost-effectiveness, and Infrastructure as Code capabilities for stable long-term management.

I coded the security system myself, it is very secure, because it doesn't work.

Permit.io’s Substack • 99 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Before building your own security system, think about whether it's really necessary. You might find better solutions that are already out there.
  2. Developers often dislike focusing on security tasks because they can be boring. It’s typically more efficient to use existing security tools instead of creating something new.
  3. There are standard systems like OAuth and JWT for handling security, and using open-source or developer platforms can save you a lot of headaches.

How Will The Ukraine War End?

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Ukraine could collapse on the battlefield soon because Russia currently has the upper hand in forces, a favorable casualty-exchange ratio, and Western military support is dwindling.
  2. If Ukraine does not collapse, Russia may escalate massively to force an end to the war, and some Russian strategists are openly urging extreme measures.
  3. While the use of nuclear weapons is considered unlikely, desperate great powers can still take drastic risks — as shown by Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

OpenClaw & The Lobster Trap: Why the First Real AI Assistant is Also the Most Dangerous

Divinations • 8 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Security
  1. A new class of AI agents can act autonomously on your machine, managing email, calendars, and multi-step workflows by keeping persistent personal memory and exercising deep system access.
  2. That deep local access creates serious security and identity risks: the agent can act as you, enable data exfiltration or ransomware, and become an uncontrolled enterprise risk if deployed widely.
  3. The project’s open-source virality shows huge demand for personal AI agency and will push larger companies to build safer, polished versions, but the current system is a powerful prototype, not a consumer-ready product.

Anomaly detection firm tied to numerous former CIA officials affiliated with Beacon Global accidentally published its confidential data brokerage and persona management agreements

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 854 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. Orbis Operations, led by former CIA officials, accidentally published confidential data agreements.
  2. Anomaly detection techniques used by intelligence agencies and corporations focus on detecting anomalies and insider threats.
  3. National security data brokers like Orbis fuse various data sources for surveillance and intelligence gathering.

How to Use a Block Explorer

DeFi Education • 1039 implied HN points • 19 Apr 22
🔮 Crypto Security
  1. A block explorer like Etherscan lets you see Ethereum addresses and their transactions without needing to run a full node. It's much easier than downloading all the blockchain data yourself.
  2. You can use block explorers to interact with smart contracts, mint NFTs, revoke token approvals for security, and check if influencers actually minted NFTs or were sent them by others.
  3. Checking token vesting schedules and verifying contracts is important to avoid scams. Always verify contracts and be cautious about unverified ones, as they can be tied to risky projects.

State of AI: February 2026 newsletter

Guide to AI • 4 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Agentic AI is triggering a massive market repricing as autonomous agents and rapidly advancing frontier models threaten the long-term recurring revenue that justified high SaaS valuations, wiping hundreds of billions from software stocks. Investors are racing to re-evaluate how to underwrite tech companies in a world where core workflows can be rebuilt AI-first.
  2. Geopolitics and infrastructure constraints are reshaping the AI landscape: governments are clashing with labs over military use and export controls, states are limiting data center builds, and China is aggressively scaling talent and commercial AI, all of which will affect where training clusters and supply chains can be built. These policy and resource shifts will influence competition, investment, and national strategy in AI.
  3. Rapid agent proliferation has produced both theatrical emergent behavior and serious security problems: viral agent networks blurred the line between human and AI activity, while open-source agents exposed widespread vulnerabilities, leaked credentials, and growing shadow-IT risks for enterprises. The combination of autonomy, data access, and external actions makes agent security a top priority.

Putin's Recession

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. The war between Russia and Ukraine is causing major economic problems worldwide, including inflation and slow growth. It's clear that the conflict is not ending soon and will have lasting effects.
  2. Economic forecasts for 2023 are not looking good, with many experts predicting recessions in Europe and slow growth globally. Despite this, some polls show that many people are still hopeful for improvement compared to last year.
  3. There are rising tensions worldwide, with countries like the US and NATO increasing military spending. Meanwhile, there's a chance for stronger unity in Europe against threats, particularly from Russia.

我的最新专栏的中文翻译：为什么中国隐蔽战线的最高机构不再隐蔽？

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 98 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. The Ministry of State Security in China, once shrouded in secrecy, is now stepping into the public eye due to a shift in focus towards national security.
  2. The current Minister of State Security, Chen Yixin, has been instrumental in the department's increased visibility and public presence.
  3. The Chinese leadership is emphasizing Xi Jinping's ideology on national security, adding it as a new pillar to consolidate his political theory.

The Davos Donnybrook

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Mark Carney warned of a growing rupture between the United States and its NATO allies, signaling rising transatlantic tensions.
  2. Trump used his Davos speech to push a radical shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing tougher and unconventional approaches.
  3. His 'Board of Peace,' originally aimed at Gaza, has morphed into a proposal that could serve as an alternative to the United Nations.

Introducing Fencer

microapis.io • 196 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. API security testing requires a holistic approach covering all components
  2. There is a need for open source automated API security testing tools
  3. Automating API security testing can help catch vulnerabilities and reduce breach risks

Behavioural Geopolitics: The mechanics of autocratic nations

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Autocratic leaders must buy and maintain loyalty from a small inner circle, so they divert state money and power to allies and corruption spreads down the hierarchy.
  2. That diversion impoverishes ordinary people and weakens public services, while natural-resource revenues let autocrats keep the payouts going and prolong their rule.
  3. When domestic funds run short, autocracies often look outward for money or resources and may use aggression or war to get them, so democratic backsliding raises the risk of interstate conflict.

What To Do If Your Data Was Leaked by Celsius + Other Privacy Considerations

DeFi Education • 639 implied HN points • 12 Oct 22
🔮 Crypto Security
  1. If your data leaks online, it’s important to switch to a new and common device just for crypto activities. This helps keep your identity and transactions safer.
  2. When you connect your wallet to a dApp, a lot of your device information can get shared without you knowing. It’s important to be aware of this so you can protect your privacy better.
  3. If your crypto data was exposed, consider starting fresh with a new wallet and using cash to buy crypto. Keep your identity separate from your crypto activities to avoid future risks.

Will Trump’s Election Unleash Bibi?

Nonzero Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. Netanyahu is excited about Trump's re-election, hoping for a better relationship after past tensions. He believes this could strengthen the US-Israel alliance.
  2. There are concerns that Netanyahu might use Trump's win to escalate actions against Iran's nuclear program. Reports suggest he has plans for increased military action now that Trump is back in office.
  3. Israeli officials think Trump's administration will be more supportive than Biden's when it comes to military strategies, especially regarding Iran. They see a big difference in how each president handles Israel's goals.

Trump Makes Nice with India

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. The proposed trade deal appears to have terms that could be disadvantageous for India given the limited public details.
  2. Trump's unpredictability creates a real risk that he could reverse course and treat India poorly again, adding political uncertainty.
  3. Closer economic ties will make India more dependent on the US and give the US greater leverage, which could be risky even though both countries want a strong economic and security partnership.

Indiana Johannes and Raiders of the Lost ANC PART II - Iran, China, Russia, SA, and USA Policy

Who is Robert Malone • 6 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. South Africa’s ruling party has traded its moral posturing for geopolitical convenience by aligning with Iran, Russia, China, and Islamist groups, which is damaging trust with Western allies.
  2. China and Russia are expanding military and economic influence in Africa while South Africa’s navy and defense forces are underfunded and vulnerable to foreign involvement and potential privatization.
  3. The United States is shifting its Africa policy to prioritize security, trade, and limiting rival influence, using legal, trade, and legislative tools to pressure countries it sees as threats to national security, including South Africa.

Crypto: Providing for Your Safety and Security in Emergencies

DeFi Education • 1019 implied HN points • 18 Feb 22
🔮 Crypto Security
  1. Crypto can help you feel safer during emergencies. It’s designed to protect your money when things get tough.
  2. Recent events show that having access to your funds is really important. We should pay attention to how DeFi can help in crises.
  3. Understanding the value of DeFi is essential for the long term. It’s not just about making money, but also about security and safety.

The Peace that Guarantees War

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 23 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. The draft peace is actually a capitulation that would force Ukraine to cede territory, demilitarize, and forego NATO membership, giving Russia the time and space to rebuild its military.
  2. Because Russia has repeatedly broken agreements, rewarding it with recognition, sanctions relief, and economic reintegration would likely embolden further aggression across Europe and beyond.
  3. Implementing this plan would destroy U.S. credibility and split its allies, making future large-scale conflicts — possibly involving Americans and even nuclear risks — far more likely, and domestic political indifference makes that outcome easier to achieve.

How the AI security space will evolve

Frankly Speaking • 203 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Many AI security companies may struggle to survive because large language models (LLMs) are easier and cheaper to use. Most businesses prefer using LLMs instead of creating their own models.
  2. The future of AI security is unpredictable because it's hard to guess when companies will start using their own AI models. This makes it a challenging space for startups to gain traction.
  3. There’s a lot of activity in both security and AI, making it tough to keep up. The combination of these two fast-evolving fields adds more complexity to security concerns.

FBI still hiding key Russiagate details, newly released document shows

Aaron Mate • 256 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. The FBI still won't release important details about its investigation into Trump and Russia after all these years. This ongoing secrecy raises questions about the evidence that started it all.
  2. A document from 2017 suggests the FBI investigated Trump due to concerns he could be acting on behalf of Russia. However, many parts of this document have been redacted, leaving us in the dark about the reasons for the investigation.
  3. Several events led to this investigation, including the firing of FBI Director Comey. Despite this, the investigation's conclusions did not find any evidence of Trump colluding with Russia in election interference.

How to Navigate Your First 21 Days in DeFi

DeFi Education • 959 implied HN points • 08 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto Security
  1. The first step in DeFi is setting up your accounts and wallets. Make sure to use a secure wallet like Metamask and protect your privacy with a VPN.
  2. You can start using DeFi by making simple transactions like lending tokens for interest or swapping them. Using networks with lower fees, like Fantom, can help you learn without risking too much.
  3. Participating in DeFi communities can lead to surprises, like airdrops or early access to token sales. Being active and helpful in these communities can reward you with tokens and good investment opportunities.

throwing a wet blanket on AI

the wiczipedia weekly • 176 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. AI technology can be manipulated to produce harmful and dangerous content.
  2. Existing safeguards on AI systems like ChatGPT and Bard can be bypassed to generate harmful content.
  3. AI poses risks of perpetuating disinformation and creating echo chambers if not used responsibly.

False Dichotomies and Overemphasizing Open Source Security

Resilient Cyber • 239 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. There's a lot of focus on securing open source software, but it's important not to ignore the risks in proprietary software too. Both types of software can have serious security issues.
  2. Most code in applications is actually custom code, not open source, which means organizations should pay more attention to their own code for vulnerabilities. Just scanning for problems in open source might not solve the main issues.
  3. Finding a balance between securing open source and proprietary software is key. We need to focus on the right vulnerabilities and not overload developers with unnecessary work.

He Hunted al-Qaeda. Now He Hunts Neo-Nazis

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 626 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. Kristofer Goldsmith founded Task Force Butler to combat neo-Nazi terrorism in the US, facing credible threats and dangerous situations as a former Army sergeant.
  2. Task Force Butler infiltrates and monitors online Nazi groups, providing legal evidence that has led to convictions and lawsuits against extremist organizations.
  3. Goldsmith's personal journey, from Army veteran suffering from undiagnosed PTSD to leading an effort to dismantle white supremacist groups, highlights his resilience and dedication to fighting against hate.

What can Europe do?

Klement on Investing • 6 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. The EU should push back firmly against U.S. threats because standing firm has proven more effective than appeasement.
  2. Europe has a wide range of tools it can use, from pausing trade talks and imposing tariffs to using tech rules, procurement preferences, anti-coercion measures, export taxes, and targeted fines, though some options risk short-term pain like higher inflation.
  3. If tensions escalated toward military annexation, the EU could take drastic steps such as limiting U.S. military presence, invoking mutual-defence mechanisms, restricting U.S. firms, and imposing sanctions and asset freezes.