Cyber Security Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:43:21 -0500 https://selabs.uk en-gb © 2026 SE Labs Ltd yes 29aca531-4035-5eda-ad8b-1bb50fe0342c SE LABS ® episodic false The leading cyber security podcast from SE LABS ®


Unique insight into computer and information security.


Newsletter: https://news.selabs.uk/


Our well-respected podcast covers computer hacking, business compromises, personal scamming and ways in which home users and businesses of any size can improve their defences.


Supported by a world-class group of guests and contributors, this is the premium cyber security podcast on the internet. And we're not even trying to sell you anything!

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) cyber security, cybersecurity, test like hackers, se labs, decoded, de:coded SE LABS ® https://storage.buzzsprout.com/b8gt92aobz4nk56iye2q7idg97dv?.jpg Cyber Security https://selabs.uk Full attack chain testing | S2E9 Full attack chain testing | S2E9 A presentation special from the AVAR conference in Singapore, December 2022! › 

  • What is the attack chain?
  • Why is it good to test using full attack chains?
  • And what are some of the alternative approaches, with their pros and cons?

Security Life Hack from Simon Edwards (SE Labs)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> A presentation special from the AVAR conference in Singapore, December 2022! › 

  • What is the attack chain?
  • Why is it good to test using full attack chains?
  • And what are some of the alternative approaches, with their pros and cons?

Security Life Hack from Simon Edwards (SE Labs)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2023/02/cyber-security-decoded-full-attack-chain-testing/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-11052455 Wed, 22 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0000 1223 s2 episode 2 9 full false Cheating in security testing | S2E8 Cheating in security testing | S2E8 We explore how testers behave, or misbehave. And the different ways, some more honest than others, that security vendors engage with testing. › 

  • Can you trust security tests?
  • What do their results actually mean?
  • How honest are the testers and the security companies they test?

Guests on this month's Cyber Security DE:CODED podcast include Richard Ford (Praetorian).

Plus a full bonus interview with Richard Ford.
Security Life Hack from Siggi Stefnisson (Gen)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> We explore how testers behave, or misbehave. And the different ways, some more honest than others, that security vendors engage with testing. › 

  • Can you trust security tests?
  • What do their results actually mean?
  • How honest are the testers and the security companies they test?

Guests on this month's Cyber Security DE:CODED podcast include Richard Ford (Praetorian).

Plus a full bonus interview with Richard Ford.
Security Life Hack from Siggi Stefnisson (Gen)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2023/01/cyber-security-decoded-cheating-in-security-testing/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-10578741 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 08:00:00 +0000 2174 s2 episode, s2e8 2 8 full false Security opportunities for Managed Services Providers | S2E7 Security opportunities for Managed Services Providers | S2E7 Small business and Managed Service Provider special!  › 

  • Do small businesses face the same cyber threats as large organisations?
  • Are your security solutions 100% effective? And how do you pick a good one?
  • Where are the opportunities for MSPs to add value and make more money?

In June 2022 we set up a panel of security experts to help and advise companies selling managed security services. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) need to choose a set of security solutions that they can use or possibly resell to their small business clients, known as SMBs.

The clients face the same cyber threats as large organisations, but they’re far less equipped to handle them.

We answer all of these questions and more with special guests Martin Lee from Cisco, Chad Skipper from VMware, and Luis Corrons from Avast.

Security Life Hack from John Hawes (AMTSO)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> Small business and Managed Service Provider special!  › 

  • Do small businesses face the same cyber threats as large organisations?
  • Are your security solutions 100% effective? And how do you pick a good one?
  • Where are the opportunities for MSPs to add value and make more money?

In June 2022 we set up a panel of security experts to help and advise companies selling managed security services. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) need to choose a set of security solutions that they can use or possibly resell to their small business clients, known as SMBs.

The clients face the same cyber threats as large organisations, but they’re far less equipped to handle them.

We answer all of these questions and more with special guests Martin Lee from Cisco, Chad Skipper from VMware, and Luis Corrons from Avast.

Security Life Hack from John Hawes (AMTSO)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2022/11/cyber-security-decoded-security-opportunities-for-managed-service-providers/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-11052454 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000 2281 s2 episode 2 7 full false Mental health challenges | S2E6 Mental health challenges | S2E6 Mental health is an important but often misunderstood area, full of prejudice and technical jargon. How can we look after ourselves better at work and in our personal lives?  › 

  • Post-pandemic, we take stock on the mental impacts of working from home and isolated environments. And now we’re facing hybrid working. Can we take control?
  • Is this the right time to take stock and address any issues we can identify to stay happier?
  • Protective factors can keep us going but, when they disappear, we can experience problems

We address all of these issues and more, with special guest Olly Church (The Eleos Partnership).

Security Life Hack from Luis Corrons (Avast)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> Mental health is an important but often misunderstood area, full of prejudice and technical jargon. How can we look after ourselves better at work and in our personal lives?  › 

  • Post-pandemic, we take stock on the mental impacts of working from home and isolated environments. And now we’re facing hybrid working. Can we take control?
  • Is this the right time to take stock and address any issues we can identify to stay happier?
  • Protective factors can keep us going but, when they disappear, we can experience problems

We address all of these issues and more, with special guest Olly Church (The Eleos Partnership).

Security Life Hack from Luis Corrons (Avast)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2022/10/cyber-security-decoded-mental-health-challenges/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-10578740 Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0100 2710 s2 episode 2 6 full false Ransomware | S2E5 Ransomware | S2E5 Ransomware is feared by businesses all over the world. What happens during and after an attack? We give a unique insight into the experiences of ransomware victims.  › 

  • How do organisations react to a ransomware attack?
  • We examine the grey area between good and bad apps

 Guests on this month's Cyber Security DE:CODED podcast include Jeremy Kirk (The Ransomware Files) and Dennis Batchelder (AppEsteem).

Plus a full bonus interview with Jeremy Kirk.
Security Life Hack from Brian Monkman (NetSecOPEN)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> Ransomware is feared by businesses all over the world. What happens during and after an attack? We give a unique insight into the experiences of ransomware victims.  › 

  • How do organisations react to a ransomware attack?
  • We examine the grey area between good and bad apps

 Guests on this month's Cyber Security DE:CODED podcast include Jeremy Kirk (The Ransomware Files) and Dennis Batchelder (AppEsteem).

Plus a full bonus interview with Jeremy Kirk.
Security Life Hack from Brian Monkman (NetSecOPEN)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2022/09/cyber-security-decoded-ransomware SE Labs Buzzsprout-10578739 Wed, 28 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0100 3493 s2 episode 2 5 full false Cloud security | S2E4 Cloud security | S2E4 The 'cloud' is integrating with our lives at ever more useful (or intrusive!) levels. We look at what securing the cloud means in the real world.  › 

  • Securing the cloud and testing cloud security
  • Cryptocurrency security tips
  • What does a personal hack attack look like?

 Guests on this month's Cyber Security DE:CODED podcast include Eugene Kaspersky (Kaspersky) and Luis Corrons (Avast).

Plus a full bonus interview with Luis Corrons.
Security Life Hack from Chad Skipper (VMware)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> The 'cloud' is integrating with our lives at ever more useful (or intrusive!) levels. We look at what securing the cloud means in the real world.  › 

  • Securing the cloud and testing cloud security
  • Cryptocurrency security tips
  • What does a personal hack attack look like?

 Guests on this month's Cyber Security DE:CODED podcast include Eugene Kaspersky (Kaspersky) and Luis Corrons (Avast).

Plus a full bonus interview with Luis Corrons.
Security Life Hack from Chad Skipper (VMware)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2022/08/cyber-security-decoded---cloud-security/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-10578736 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0100 1799 s2 episode 2 4 full false Testing like hackers | S2E3 Testing like hackers | S2E3 What does it mean to test like a hacker? Can a well-intentioned tester behave the same as a real cybercriminal?  › 

When you’re looking for a good security test, how can you tell the useful from the misleading?

Our email accounts sit at the centre of our digital lives. We look at ways to bullet-proof your most important internet account.

We discuss these questions, and more, with Frank Duff (ex-MITRE, now Tidal Cyber), Mike Sentonas (CrowdStrike) and Siggi Stefnisson (Avast).

Security Life Hack from Daniel Cuthbert!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> What does it mean to test like a hacker? Can a well-intentioned tester behave the same as a real cybercriminal?  › 

When you’re looking for a good security test, how can you tell the useful from the misleading?

Our email accounts sit at the centre of our digital lives. We look at ways to bullet-proof your most important internet account.

We discuss these questions, and more, with Frank Duff (ex-MITRE, now Tidal Cyber), Mike Sentonas (CrowdStrike) and Siggi Stefnisson (Avast).

Security Life Hack from Daniel Cuthbert!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2022/07/decoded-testing-like-hackers/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-10578734 Wed, 27 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0100 2552 s2 episode 2 3 full false Firewall speeds and VPN risks | S2E2 Firewall speeds and VPN risks | S2E2 Is your firewall as fast as you think? › 

  • What does XDR mean and how does it work?
  • Do you need a personal VPN?

We talk to Brian Monkman (NetSecOPEN), Chad Skipper (VMware), Luis Corrons (Avast) and Daniel Cuthbert.

Security Life Hack from Dennis Batchelder (AppEsteem)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> Is your firewall as fast as you think? › 

  • What does XDR mean and how does it work?
  • Do you need a personal VPN?

We talk to Brian Monkman (NetSecOPEN), Chad Skipper (VMware), Luis Corrons (Avast) and Daniel Cuthbert.

Security Life Hack from Dennis Batchelder (AppEsteem)!

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2022/06/decoded-firewall-speeds-and-vpn-risks/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-10578730 Wed, 29 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0100 3365 s2 episode 2 2 full false Can Microsoft solve security? | S2E1 Can Microsoft solve security? | S2E1 Can Microsoft solve security? › 

  • Do you need anti-virus on your smartphone? 
  • And are Macs more secure than PCs? 

We ask Eugene Kaspersky (Kaspersky) and Christian Seifert (Microsoft)

Security Life Hack from Mikko Mikko Hyppönen (WithSecure)

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> Can Microsoft solve security? › 

  • Do you need anti-virus on your smartphone? 
  • And are Macs more secure than PCs? 

We ask Eugene Kaspersky (Kaspersky) and Christian Seifert (Microsoft)

Security Life Hack from Mikko Mikko Hyppönen (WithSecure)

(Full Show Notes available on our website.)

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2022/05/decoded-can-microsoft-solve-security/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-10575429 Wed, 25 May 2022 08:00:00 +0100 2297 s2 episode 2 1 full false 9 Hollywood Hacker Movies Rated | S1E8 9 Hollywood Hacker Movies Rated | S1E8 Simon and Marc discuss and dissect 9 Hollywood hacker movies from the last 30+ years, including:

Which are the most realistic? Or stupid? And why?

We don't take a totally nerdy approach to this. Reasonable latitude is given to artistic license. But we take a zero tolerance approach to loud keyboards.

Also featured:

The Net
Mr Robot

]]> Simon and Marc discuss and dissect 9 Hollywood hacker movies from the last 30+ years, including:

Which are the most realistic? Or stupid? And why?

We don't take a totally nerdy approach to this. Reasonable latitude is given to artistic license. But we take a zero tolerance approach to loud keyboards.

Also featured:

The Net
Mr Robot

]]> SE Labs Buzzsprout-8495964 Wed, 12 May 2021 08:00:00 +0100 3784 episode, s1 episode 1 8 full false What Does a Breach Look Like? | S1E7 What Does a Breach Look Like? | S1E7 In this episode we’re going to look at what a computer breach, or hack, actually looks like. From both the attacker and defender’s points of view.

We welcome special guest St. John Harold, a cyber security veteran of 20 years experience in the armed forces, governmental organisations and commercial companies.

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> In this episode we’re going to look at what a computer breach, or hack, actually looks like. From both the attacker and defender’s points of view.

We welcome special guest St. John Harold, a cyber security veteran of 20 years experience in the armed forces, governmental organisations and commercial companies.

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2021/04/what-does-a-breach-look-like/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-8186648 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 08:00:00 +0100 2609 cyber, security, cybersecurity, testlikehackers, breach response, episode, s1 episode 1 7 full false Understanding and Managing Risk | S1E6 Understanding and Managing Risk | S1E6 In this episode Simon and Marc focus on the basics of understanding and managing risk. They discuss insurance, how to assess the risk of anything (from dropping a cup of tea on an expensive server to animal attacks!) and touch on ransomware.

We look at the issues from the perspective of executives in large organisations and founders setting up their own startups.

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> In this episode Simon and Marc focus on the basics of understanding and managing risk. They discuss insurance, how to assess the risk of anything (from dropping a cup of tea on an expensive server to animal attacks!) and touch on ransomware.

We look at the issues from the perspective of executives in large organisations and founders setting up their own startups.

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2021/04/understanding-and-managing-risk/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-8153952 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 08:00:00 +0100 2596 cyber, security, cybersecurity, testlikehackers, risk management, episode, s1 episode 1 6 full false Selling Security - The Insider's Guide | S1E5 Selling Security - The Insider's Guide | S1E5 Companies spend trillions on cyber security each year. But how do they decide which products and services are the best?

We dig down into the sometimes shady world of cyber security sales, market analysis and product testing. How do the relationships work between clients, salespeople, analysts, testers and the media?

Simon Edwards (SE Labs) talks to special guests Allison Elizondo (ex-NSS Labs, now SentinelOne) and Nabil Khokhar (ex-Glencore, now DarkGuard)

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> Companies spend trillions on cyber security each year. But how do they decide which products and services are the best?

We dig down into the sometimes shady world of cyber security sales, market analysis and product testing. How do the relationships work between clients, salespeople, analysts, testers and the media?

Simon Edwards (SE Labs) talks to special guests Allison Elizondo (ex-NSS Labs, now SentinelOne) and Nabil Khokhar (ex-Glencore, now DarkGuard)

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2021/04/selling-security-the-insiders-guide/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-8186641 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 08:00:00 +0100 3054 cyber, security, cybersecurity, testlikehackers, industry, episode, s1 episode 1 5 full false Cyber Security First Principles | S1E4 Cyber Security First Principles | S1E4 We continue our first series on cyber security by looking at the most basic concepts.

  • Why can't we just lock everything up in a safe?
  • Is cyber security for large businesses more complicated than it needs to be?
  • How do governments and spy agencies approach the problem?
  • How can we use these concepts to secure our businesses and our families?

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> We continue our first series on cyber security by looking at the most basic concepts.

  • Why can't we just lock everything up in a safe?
  • Is cyber security for large businesses more complicated than it needs to be?
  • How do governments and spy agencies approach the problem?
  • How can we use these concepts to secure our businesses and our families?

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2021/03/decoded-cyber-security-first-principles/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-8151673 Wed, 31 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0100 712 cyber, security, cybersecurity, testlikehackers, principles, episode, s1 episode 1 4 full false Is Anti-Virus Dead? | S1E3 Is Anti-Virus Dead? | S1E3 Anti-virus seems to keep dying! Simon Edwards looks at why people keep repeating the claim and why it's important to understand the issues, even if you don't agree with them.

  • What is "anti-virus" anyway?
  • Naughty marketing claims
  • Opinionated researchers with inside knowledge
  • Outdated opinions
  • Grumpy software developers

And the briefest history of computer anti-virus that we could manage.

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> Anti-virus seems to keep dying! Simon Edwards looks at why people keep repeating the claim and why it's important to understand the issues, even if you don't agree with them.

  • What is "anti-virus" anyway?
  • Naughty marketing claims
  • Opinionated researchers with inside knowledge
  • Outdated opinions
  • Grumpy software developers

And the briefest history of computer anti-virus that we could manage.

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2021/03/decoded-is-anti-virus-dead/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-8153070 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0000 1583 cyber, security, cybersecurity, testlikehackers, anti-virus, episode, s1 episode 1 3 full false Official Cyber Security Advice | S1E2 Official Cyber Security Advice | S1E2 Where can large and small businesses find good, basic cyber security advice?

We look at the options and discuss the UK's Cyber Essentials programme. Is it a good start or a non-starter?

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> Where can large and small businesses find good, basic cyber security advice?

We look at the options and discuss the UK's Cyber Essentials programme. Is it a good start or a non-starter?

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2021/03/official-cyber-security-advice/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-8153231 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 08:00:00 +0000 1941 cyber, security, cybersecurity, testlikehackers, cyber essentials, certifications, episode, s1 episode 1 2 full false How attackers attack | S1E1 How attackers attack | S1E1 How do attacker attack? We look at their tactics and explore your options to help recognise and evade them. We examine social engineering in a cyber security and physical context, as well as technical exploits.

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> How do attacker attack? We look at their tactics and explore your options to help recognise and evade them. We examine social engineering in a cyber security and physical context, as well as technical exploits.

(Full Show Notes available on our website.) 

]]> https://blog.selabs.uk/2021/03/decoded-how-attackers-attack/ SE Labs Buzzsprout-8154381 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000 2677 cyber, security, cybersecurity, testlikehackers, techniques, episode, s1 episode 1 1 full false