In this episode Michael and Sam are talking to malware researcher Dr. Marcus Botacin. Dr. Botacin discusses his journey from early work in sandboxing to advanced malware detection through machine learning, his recent efforts combining LLMs with GANs to create an iterative malware generation system that enhances evasion capabilities, and the importance of scaling defensive technologies to match the generative power of AI in offensive use cases.

Things Mentioned:

• With 'TPUXtract,' Attackers Can Steal Orgs' AI Models - https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/tpuxtract-attackers-steal-ai-models
• GPThreats-3: Is Automatic Malware Generation a Threat? - https://marcusbotacin.github.io/publication/2023-05-01-paper-gpt-number-27
• SoK: All You Need to Know About On-Device ML Model Extraction - The Gap Between Research and Practice - https://marcusbotacin.github.io/publication/2024-05-01-paper-model-extraction-32
• Prospective Students and Research Ideas - https://marcusbotacin.github.io/research/
• HOU.SEC.CON. 2024 Talk: https://youtu.be/5lk_xklzcMg?si=oYyqMMyBUhY0ZbsZ

Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at podcast@houstonseccon.com

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· CyberSunday

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· OT.SEC.CON.

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· TAB Cyber Foundation

In this episode:

· Host: Michael Farnum

· Host: Sam Van Ryder

· Guest: Marcus Botacin

· Production and editing: Lauren Lynch

· Music by: August Honey

Today’s episode looks a little different as Michael and Sam are talking to the entire YOUTH.SEC.CON. team! Arthi Vasudevan, Reynaldo Gonzalez, and Mary DiFiore-Smith joined the podcast to discuss all aspects of our first event focused on 9th – 12th grade students. Listen now to learn about the talks and activities, eligibility, registration, safety, and more!

Things Mentioned:

· Arthi’s episode - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2215185/episodes/14638988

· YOUTH.SEC.CON. Clip - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7303136605781774336

· Learn more about YOUTH.SEC.CON. - https://www.houstonseccon.com/youthseccon

· Questions about YOUTH.SEC.CON. of group ticket? Reach out to our team at info@houstonseccon.com

· TAB Cyber Foundation - https://www.tabcyberfoundation.org

Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at podcast@houstonseccon.com

Keep up with HOU.SEC.CON:

· LinkedIn

· Twitter

· Facebook

· Instagram

· YouTube

· Bluesky

Check out our other show:

· CyberSunday

Check out our Conferences and Events:

· HOU.SEC.CON.

· OT.SEC.CON.

· EXEC.SEC.CON.

· HSC User Group

Support or apply to our Scholarship Program:

· TAB Cyber Foundation

In this episode:

· Host: Michael Farnum

· Host: Sam Van Ryder

· Guest: Arthi Vasudevan

· Guest: Reynaldo Gonzalez

· Guest: Mary DiFiore-Smith

· Production and Editing by: Lauren Andrus Lynch

· Music by: August Honey

Sam and Michael are joined by Offensive Security Advisor, Darin Fredde! They discuss the need to move beyond compliance checkboxes, the importance of continuous pen testing, and the disconnect between marketing claims and real-world security implementations.

Things Mentioned:

• Having trouble with your OT.SEC.CON. or EXEC.SEC.CON. ticket? Reach out to us at info@houstonseccon.com
• Expired Domains Allowed Control Over 4,000 Backdoors on Compromised Systems - https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/expired-domains-allowed-control-over.html
• Watch Darin’s Talk: https://youtu.be/SAW0qdTgcWY?si=Z_Dc-gNWcPtjdVgi

Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at podcast@houstonseccon.com

Keep up with HOU.SEC.CON:

· LinkedIn

· Twitter

· Facebook

· Instagram

· YouTube

· Bluesky

Check out our other show:

· CyberSunday

Check out our Conferences and Events:

· HOU.SEC.CON.

· OT.SEC.CON.

· EXEC.SEC.CON.

· HSC User Group

Support or apply to our Scholarship Program:

· TAB Cyber Foundation

In this episode:

· Host: Michael Farnum

· Host: Sam Van Ryder

· Guest: Darin Fredde

· Production and editing: Lauren Lynch

· Music by: August Honey