Securing the Unsecurable: Inside the Black Hat NOC and Zero-Hour Resilience
In this episode of Threat Vector, host David Moulton speaks with Jason Reverri, Manager of Technical Product Engineering for Cortex at Palo Alto Networks, and James Holland, Distinguished Engineer for Technology Innovation at Palo Alto Networks, about the unique challenge of defending Black Hat—one of the world’s most complex cybersecurity events.
Related Resources:
Black Hat NOC: Protecting One of the World’s Most Dangerous Networks - Deep dive into defending Black Hat’s billion-threat environment
Palo Alto Networks Secures Black Hat from Itself - Behind-the-scenes look at NOC operations and threat hunting
8 Tips for Surviving Black Hat and Other Hostile Networks - Practical security advice from NOC veterans
Security Operations Blog - Latest insights on AI-driven security operations and automation
Cortex XSIAM Solution Overview - Learn about the AI-driven security operations platform
Join the conversation on our social media channels:
Website: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/
Threat Research: https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeatPaloAltoNetworks/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unit42/
YouTube: @paloaltonetworks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks
About Threat Vector
Threat Vector by Palo Alto Networks is your premier podcast for security thought leadership. Join us as we explore pressing cybersecurity threats, robust protection strategies, and the latest industry trends.
The podcast features in-depth discussions with industry leaders, Palo Alto Networks experts, and customers, providing crucial insights for security decision-makers.
Whether you're looking to stay ahead of the curve with innovative solutions or understand the evolving cybersecurity landscape, Threat Vector equips you with the knowledge needed to safeguard your organization.
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks enables your team to prevent successful cyberattacks with an automated approach that delivers consistent security across the cloud, network, and mobile. http://paloaltonetworks.com
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39:38
Speaking Security in Board Language
Speaking Security in Board Language: How CISOs Can Elevate Cybersecurity from IT to Business Priority
In this episode of Threat Vector, host David Moulton speaks with Nigel Hedges, Executive General Manager of Cyber and Risk at Chemist Warehouse, about transforming cybersecurity conversations at the executive level.
Key Discussion Points:
Reframe cyber as business risk: Nigel describes cyber as "technology-enabled business risk" rather than just a technology issue
Master storytelling with analogies: Learn how to explain identity access management using train stations vs. stadiums, making complex concepts accessible to boards
Focus on materiality: Nigel limits board presentations to 20 metrics maximum and advocates for 5 minutes of content plus 5 minutes for questions
Measure engagement beyond clicks: Track not just phishing click rates, but employee reporting rates when they identify suspicious emails
Build business relationships first: Spend your first 100 days understanding both cyber risks and meeting business unit leaders with the question "How can I help you?"
What You'll Learn:
How to connect cybersecurity priorities directly to business strategy using frameworks like NIST and Australia's Essential Eight
Why listening skills and active questioning are critical soft skills for boardroom success
Practical approaches to getting cybersecurity spending prioritized in annual budgets
The importance of humor and team culture in building resilient security teams
How to use frameworks like SABSA (Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture) to map security to business outcomes
Nigel brings perspectives from leading cybersecurity across retail (Kmart), professional services (CPA Australia), healthcare, and higher education, while maintaining his creative pursuits as a DJ and gamer.
Related Resource: How to Become a Board Member? 4 Pointers for CIOs and CISOs - Additional insights on transitioning to board-level cybersecurity leadership
Perfect for CISOs, security leaders, and executives looking to improve board communication and strategic alignment.
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35:19
Muddled Libra: From Spraying to Preying in 2025
Please enjoy this Special Edition episode of the Threat Vector podcast with an update on our previous Muddled Libra coverage.
Muddled Libra is back and more dangerous than ever. In this episode of Threat Vector, David Moulton speaks with Sam Rubin and Kristopher Russo from Unit 42 about the resurgence of the threat group also known as Scattered Spider. They break down the group’s shift to destructive extortion, modular attack teams, and cloud-first tactics. Discover why traditional defenses fail, how attackers now exploit trusted tools, and what forward-leaning security leaders are doing to stay ahead. With real-world case studies, strategic advice, and insights from the front lines, this episode helps defenders understand today’s threat landscape and what’s coming next.
Join the conversation on our social media channels:
Website: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/
Threat Research: https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeatPaloAltoNetworks/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unit42/
YouTube: @paloaltonetworks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks
About Threat Vector
Threat Vector by Palo Alto Networks is your premier podcast for security thought leadership. Join us as we explore pressing cybersecurity threats, robust protection strategies, and the latest industry trends.
The podcast features in-depth discussions with industry leaders, Palo Alto Networks experts, and customers, providing crucial insights for security decision-makers.
Whether you're looking to stay ahead of the curve with innovative solutions or understand the evolving cybersecurity landscape, Threat Vector equips you with the knowledge needed to safeguard your organization.
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks enables your team to prevent successful cyberattacks with an automated approach that delivers consistent security across the cloud, network, and mobile. http://paloaltonetworks.com
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36:11
Smart UX, Safer Systems
Join David Moulton and Nelson Lee as they explore the vital role of user experience (UX) in cybersecurity. Nelson, drawing from his background at Google and Apple, shares insights on how intuitive design can transform complex security challenges. The discussion highlights the impact of poor UX, using the Arcade platform as a prime example of successful design in incident response. They also delve into how AI and LLMs are set to revolutionize UX, simplifying interactions and enhancing security platforms. Discover how prioritizing UX leads to greater adoption and more effective security solutions.
Join the conversation on our social media channels:
Website: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/
Threat Research: https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeatPaloAltoNetworks/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unit42/
YouTube: @paloaltonetworks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks
About Threat Vector
Threat Vector by Palo Alto Networks is your premier podcast for security thought leadership. Join us as we explore pressing cybersecurity threats, robust protection strategies, and the latest industry trends.
The podcast features in-depth discussions with industry leaders, Palo Alto Networks experts, and customers, providing crucial insights for security decision-makers.
Whether you're looking to stay ahead of the curve with innovative solutions or understand the evolving cybersecurity landscape, Threat Vector equips you with the knowledge needed to safeguard your organization.
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks enables your team to prevent successful cyberattacks with an automated approach that delivers consistent security across the cloud, network, and mobile. http://paloaltonetworks.com
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34:45
Frenemies With Benefits
Join Michael Sikorski and Michael Daniel on Threat Vector for a deep dive into cybersecurity collaboration. They discuss how competing companies and governments can work together. Learn about the Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA) and its role in sharing threat intelligence. The episode explores the challenges of trust and incentives. It covers topics from WannaCry to the impact of AI on defenses. Gain insights into responsible vulnerability disclosure. Understand public-private partnerships. Discover why collaboration is vital for global cybersecurity. This discussion offers key takeaways for security leaders.
Links:
Palo Alto Network blog archive for WannaCry
Join the conversation on our social media channels:
Website: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/
Threat Research: https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeatPaloAltoNetworks/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unit42/
YouTube: @paloaltonetworks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks
About Threat Vector
Threat Vector by Palo Alto Networks is your premier podcast for security thought leadership. Join us as we explore pressing cybersecurity threats, robust protection strategies, and the latest industry trends.
The podcast features in-depth discussions with industry leaders, Palo Alto Networks experts, and customers, providing crucial insights for security decision-makers.
Whether you're looking to stay ahead of the curve with innovative solutions or understand the evolving cybersecurity landscape, Threat Vector equips you with the knowledge needed to safeguard your organization.
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks enables your team to prevent successful cyberattacks with an automated approach that delivers consistent security across the cloud, network, and mobile. http://paloaltonetworks.com
Threat Vector, Palo Alto Networks podcast, is your premier destination for security thought leadership. Join us as we explore pressing cybersecurity threats, robust protection strategies, and the latest industry trends.
The podcast features in-depth discussions with industry leaders, Palo Alto Networks experts, and customers, providing crucial insights for security decision-makers.
Whether you're looking to stay ahead of the curve with innovative solutions or understand the evolving cybersecurity landscape, Threat Vector equips you with the knowledge needed to safeguard your organization.