The hottest Security Substack posts right now

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

20251123

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 4 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Security
  1. AI companions are becoming a central strategic battleground, and widespread control or influence over them will create huge social and intelligence advantages.
  2. Humanlike AI companions blur the line between code and emotion, shaping relationships and emotional labor while risking declines in critical thinking and changes in how people learn and connect.
  3. Wider tech and security trends — from gigification and data-labeling to sophisticated login-based attacks and drone threats — are creating economic and safety pressures that make horizon scanning, governance, and defense urgently needed.

Frankly Speaking - The rise of the technical security leader

Frankly Speaking • 203 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Establishing a foundational security strategy integrated into the engineering process is crucial for tech companies.
  2. The rise of security engineering leaders will be inevitable for growth companies of all sizes.
  3. Strong security design and fast iteration processes require a security engineering team rather than a traditional risk-focused security organization.

Disgrace

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 32 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. The discussions between the US and Russia could lead to a new peace deal for Ukraine, but many worry that Ukraine's interests are not being prioritized. It seems like decisions are being made without including Ukraine.
  2. Some people are really angry and feel betrayed by the US government because they think it’s ditching Ukraine to get close to Russia again. This has made many in Ukraine question their future and safety.
  3. There’s a sense that Trump is making concessions that might hurt Ukraine and Europe in the long run. People are concerned this will encourage Russia to continue its aggressive actions and undermine NATO's unity.

How SMS Fraud Works and How to Guard Against It

Mindful Musings • 206 HN points • 28 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Understanding how SMS fraud works involves premium phone numbers, gaming for profit, and exploiting vulnerabilities in services.
  2. Protecting against SMS fraud can involve measures like obfuscating endpoints, blocking sketchy IPs, and implementing rate-limiting on SMS sending.
  3. Twilio has the potential to offer SMS fraud protection using data on fraudulent numbers and carriers.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

One solution to swatting hoaxes is sending fewer cops

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 19 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
📰 News Security
  1. Sending fewer cops to swatting hoaxes can help break the cycle and discourage future incidents.
  2. Scaling back police responses to hoaxes saves time, money, and reduces risk of accidents or damages.
  3. It's challenging to stop swatting hoaxes due to the difficulty in tracing and blocking internet-based calls, but police can still adapt their response strategies.

Did OpenAI create the best weapon detection software available with ChatGPT-4o?

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 4 HN points • 04 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Security
  1. AI weapon detection software struggles to differentiate between weapons and weapon-shaped objects like umbrellas or sticks, leading to issues in accuracy and efficiency.
  2. OpenAI's ChatGPT-4o offers more advanced weapon detection capabilities from image analysis compared to current market options, recognizing context better.
  3. ChatGPT-4o was successful in identifying guns and gun-like objects in various scenarios, showcasing a high level of performance in image classification and context understanding.

The Ways Microsoft Security Copilot Can Enhance Security Operations with Microsoft Defender

Rod’s Blog • 19 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Microsoft Security Copilot is an AI-powered security solution that assists security professionals in various scenarios like incident response, threat hunting, intelligence gathering, and posture management.
  2. Security Copilot helps analysts triage alerts, hunt for threats, and generate reports using natural language queries and AI, seamlessly integrating with Microsoft Security products like Microsoft Defender.
  3. The solution leverages plugins and OpenAI architecture to provide wider threat visibility, context, and extended functionalities for security operations.

Must Learn AI Security Compendium 17: Cognitive Security

Rod’s Blog • 19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Cognitive security uses AI and machine learning to improve digital systems' security by automating threat detection and response.
  2. Benefits of cognitive security include faster threat detection, improved decision-making for security professionals, and cost reduction for security operations.
  3. Challenges of cognitive security include new risks, ethical and legal issues, and the need for investments and expertise; organizations should have a clear vision, a trustworthy culture, and embrace innovation to address these challenges.

What Europe Must Do Now in 10 Steps

Phillips’s Newsletter • 96 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. European states need to prepare for potential security challenges without relying on the US.
  2. The European Union should take on more responsibility for European security, including integrating Ukraine and UK, and removing non-democratic states.
  3. Immediate steps are needed to support Ukraine in the war, requiring quick and decisive action from European states.

How to Achieve Victory

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 11 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Ukraine can win against Russia if they receive proper support from the U.S. This support is not just crucial for Ukraine, but also helps the U.S. maintain its global standing.
  2. If Ukraine loses, it could lead to bigger threats to Europe and even the U.S. Russia's ambitions might not stop at Ukraine, and NATO could be faced with more challenges.
  3. The U.S. can help Ukraine by sharing its advanced technology and military resources. This will improve Ukraine's defense capabilities and strengthen the overall strategic situation for the West.

Using Microsoft Purview for Data Classification and Labeling to Secure Generative AI

Rod’s Blog • 19 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Data classification and labeling can enhance data quality by ensuring authenticity, reliability, and relevance, and help remove unnecessary or erroneous data for Generative AI systems.
  2. Data classification and labeling can safeguard data privacy and confidentiality, prevent unauthorized access, and aid in compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
  3. Using Microsoft Purview for data classification and labeling can efficiently manage data access, apply sensitivity labels, and provide insights to improve data security and reliability for Generative AI.

Vlad's Wagner

Diane Francis • 139 implied HN points • 18 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Russia is using its energy supply as a weapon against Europe. This means they might cut off energy to pressure other countries.
  2. Illegal migration is part of Russia's strategy at the Polish-Belarusian border. This could create more tensions in the region.
  3. The Wagner Group, a private military organization, is expanding its influence by working with countries like Mali. This raises concerns about their activities in Europe and beyond.

Freakonomics Radio: School shootings are a causal chain of failures

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 19 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. School shootings are a result of a chain of failures, where each failure contributes to the tragic outcome.
  2. Preventing school shootings involves breaking the chain of failures - intervening in warning signs and providing support to individuals in distress.
  3. There are fundamental problems in school security protocol, including the lack of a unified national plan and evidence-based strategies. Kindness and early intervention can be more effective in preventing violence.

Cloud Access Management Explained

Sarah's Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Understanding networking components like VPCs, subnets, and security groups is crucial for cloud access management.
  2. AWS offers granular configuration but has a steep learning curve, while GCP has an easier start but controlling connections can be difficult.
  3. IAM roles are like shoes for people and dictate actions, while security groups are like hats granting network access to services.

With Sweden Joining NATO, the USA has Won the Strategic War of the 20th and 21st Centuries

Phillips’s Newsletter • 77 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. The USA has achieved its long-standing goal of uniting Europe under its security leadership through Sweden joining NATO.
  2. Putin and Trump are desperate to prevent this USA-led security pact in Europe from turning into a failure.
  3. Since Theodore Roosevelt's era, the USA's primary security concern has been the fate of Europe.

Must Learn AI Security Epilogue: Securing AI is a Three-Pronged Approach

Rod’s Blog • 19 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Securing AI involves three main aspects: secure code, secure data, and secure access. It is crucial to ensure that AI systems are free of errors, vulnerabilities, and malicious components.
  2. Developers and users should follow practices like code review, testing, data encryption, and authentication to mitigate threats such as code injections, data poisoning, unauthorized access, and denial of service.
  3. The shared responsibility model defines security tasks handled by AI providers and users. It is important to understand the responsibility distribution between the provider and the user based on the type of AI deployment, such as SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS.

Fostering Trust: Why NIST and the NSA Must Prioritise Transparency in Post-Quantum Cryptography.

Deep-Tech Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Post-Quantum Cryptography is crucial in securing digital communications against potential threats from quantum computers
  2. Enhancing transparency in standardization processes, inclusive collaboration, independent audits, and regular updates can build trust in cryptographic standards
  3. Collaboration between intelligence agencies and the private sector is vital for protecting critical infrastructure, fostering innovation, and addressing borderless cyber threats

Demystifying API Gateways: What They Are & Why They Matter

Engineering At Scale • 75 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Security
  1. API Gateway acts as an intermediary in microservices, handling client requests, and routing them to the appropriate microservices, simplifying communication for clients.
  2. API Gateway enhances security by authenticating and authorizing requests, provides rate-limiting to prevent attacks, and improves performance through caching and protocol conversion.
  3. Downsides of API Gateways include increased latency due to an extra hop, potential single point of failure, and added complexity to the system architecture.

Microsoft Sentinel SOC 101: How to Detect and Mitigate Zero-day Exploits with Microsoft Sentinel

Rod’s Blog • 19 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Zero-day exploits are dangerous because they exploit unknown software vulnerabilities and can have severe consequences like data breaches and system disruptions.
  2. To protect against zero-day exploits, organizations can monitor reported vulnerabilities, install next-generation antivirus solutions, perform rigorous patch management, segment networks with firewalls, and deploy advanced endpoint protection solutions.
  3. Microsoft Sentinel, a cloud-native SIEM solution, can help organizations protect against zero-day exploits by collecting data at cloud scale, detecting threats with analytics and intelligence, and investigating and responding with automation and orchestration.

TechLetters #116 - cyberwar in Ukraine; TikTok gets a hit in Europe; 2-year-old backdoor activated in cyberwar in Ukraine; #GDPR reform imminent; Privacy Sandbox field-tested; geopolitical censorship

Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique • 19 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Analysis of cyberwar in Ukraine with details of satellite internet provider KA-SAT compromise
  2. EU institutions prohibit TikTok use by employees for cybersecurity reasons
  3. European Commission proposes GDPR reform for more coherent enforcement rules

He Just Can't Win: After Enduring Chinese Balloon Criticism, Republican Calls Biden 'Trigger-happy'

The Washington Current • 19 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security
  1. Republicans criticize Biden for not acting on Chinese spy balloon, then call him 'trigger-happy' for taking down other objects.
  2. US shot down multiple unidentified flying objects after the Chinese balloon incident, raising security concerns.
  3. Increased vigilance post-balloon incident leads to heightened detection of aerial objects in the US and Canada.

Customers Revolt After Arlo Announces Premature End of Life for Cameras - Week in Repair

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Companies facing backlash for prematurely ending support for products is becoming a common trend in the tech industry, leaving consumers frustrated and stranded.
  2. There is a growing movement advocating for the 'right to repair' which includes legislation efforts in various states and countries to empower consumers to fix their own devices.
  3. The trend of internet-connected devices reaching 'end of life' stages, with limited support and updates, highlights the potential waste and security risks associated with smart products.

Trusted #003 - The Promise and The Peril of Agentic AI

Trusted • 19 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. The emergence of agentic AI is on the horizon, with potential benefits and risks to consider.
  2. Current use cases of narrow agentic AI include high-frequency trading, fraud detection, and defense systems.
  3. As agentic AI advances, there is a need to prepare for potential negative outcomes like loss of human control and unforeseen incidents.

VGS: Security and branding

The Product Person • 19 implied HN points • 01 May 23
💼 Business Security
  1. VGS ensures data security by providing aliases for sensitive information, protecting companies from hacks.
  2. VGS simplifies the process of achieving PCI compliance, a requirement for handling card data.
  3. VGS's strong branding and focus on data security have led to significant growth and partnerships with big players like Visa and Amazon.

TechLetters #136 Reviewing for security and privacy. ChatGPT for cybercrime. Privacy Sandbox, AI, sending e-mails a problem in 2023.

Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Sending military emails requires caution to avoid leaking personal data.
  2. ChatGPT is used for illegal activities like phishing, with no ethical restrictions.
  3. The launch of the Privacy Sandbox by Google/Chrome aims to improve privacy in ad infrastructure.

TechLetters #127 - Russian citizen sentenced for participation in IT Army of Ukraine. Google to identify A used in election disinformation. China bans US-made chips (Micron). Cookies out in 2024.

Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique • 19 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Russian citizen sentenced to 3 years for participating in IT Army of Ukraine
  2. Google aims to identify and block election disinformation campaigns using AI
  3. China bans the use of US-made Micron chips citing security risks

Ansible Tips and Tricks

Certo Modo • 19 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Organize your Ansible files by following a recommended directory structure. This helps keep things structured and manageable as your project grows.
  2. Avoid putting secrets like credentials directly into variable files. Use Ansible Vault to encrypt sensitive information, maintaining security.
  3. Utilize tools like Ansible-Lint for verifying playbook syntax, and the --check option in ansible-playbook for 'dry-runs' to catch errors before affecting production.

Horse Therapy for War Trauma; Chinese Military Shakeup; Russian Cybercriminals in Turkey; China's "Combat Talent"

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Security
  1. Horse therapy, like equine-assisted services, can provide respite and restoration for war-traumatized individuals, helping them project calm authority, boost self-esteem, and find moments of happiness.
  2. The disappearance of China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu raises questions about political and military implications under President Xi Jinping, potentially affecting US-China military communication.
  3. Russian cybercriminals and their Turkish counterparts are collaborating in Turkey, engaging in online scams and fraud that challenge the dominance of traditional cybercrime groups.

TechLetters #124 - Generative-AI for ads approaching. Dwell time goes down.

Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique • 19 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Google plans to use generative AI for dynamic ads, raising concerns about transparency and data protection.
  2. New cryptographic standards are compared to a jigsaw puzzle, emphasizing the complexity and precision required.
  3. The EU is establishing a 'cyber solidarity' reserve to address cybersecurity threats, with a focus on supporting countries like Ukraine.

TechLetters #134 cyberattack on WATER TREATMENT. GDPR reform. Competition authorities enforcement GDPR. France considers social network shutdown during unrest. Avast collects/sells customer data, and?

Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Cybersecurity incidents on critical infrastructure are a major concern globally
  2. Proposed GDPR reforms aim to enhance enforcement mechanisms and transparency
  3. Countries are implementing stricter regulations to protect data privacy and crack down on unethical data practices

TechLetters #137 - AMD, TETRA bugs. USB stick of DOOM strikes again. China's cyberoperations. Another confirmation: filter bubbles/echo chambers DO NOT EXIST. LK99?

Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique • 19 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Security issues with AMD processors and TETRA radio systems were highlighted.
  2. Beware of USB devices that can potentially hack systems and lead to data theft.
  3. Research suggests that filter bubbles and echo chambers may not have the profound impact on opinions as previously believed.

TechLetters #132 GDPR fine for Criteo. Artificial Intelligence Act lobbying. In-game malware. processors leaking private data.

Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Malware was found in a Mario Bros game installer, which steals user data.
  2. Privacy leaks are occurring via processors, allowing websites to steal browsing history.
  3. Criteo received a €40M GDPR fine for not verifying if people had given consent for their data processing.

Large language models in security

Davis Treybig • 19 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. Large language models (LLMs) are being used in security for tasks like logs analysis and incident response.
  2. LLMs are changing the landscape of traditional static analysis tools in cloud and application security.
  3. LLMs have the potential to automate processes like vendor security questionnaires and enhance engineer-oriented security workflows.

The Oasis NFT Bridge

Enshrine Computing • 19 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. The Oasis NFT Bridge allows NFT collections from Emerald to migrate to Sapphire for new features and activity.
  2. The bridging process occurs in phases, giving NFT holders control and flexibility at each step.
  3. The Rose Portal is designed with a focus on safety and security using Trusted Execution Environments and smart contract mitigations.

The Rise of AI Agents

Embracing Enigmas • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Security
  1. AI agents are rapidly advancing and can quickly improve themselves
  2. AI agents have vast potential applications, such as in games and real-world challenges
  3. Future trends include personalized AI agents, increased collaboration with humans, and the emergence of AI agent marketplaces