Only Malware in the Building

Each month on Only Malware in the Building, a trio of cyber-savvy partners-in-crime dissects the surprising and often alarming connections between the digital threats we face and the cinematic stories we watch. This podcast emerges from a collaboration between N2K CyberWire and the Proofpoint DISCARDED podcast, bringing together distinct expertise. Host Selena Larson, a Threat Researcher at Proofpoint, Dave Bittner of the CyberWire Daily podcast, and Keith Mularski, whose background includes serving as an FBI Cyber Division Unit Chief, provide a unique lens. They uncover the secrets behind some of the most notorious cyber incidents, using film and television as a framework to explore real-world tactics, motivations, and consequences. Listeners will hear detailed breakdowns of how fictional plots mirror actual malware campaigns, social engineering schemes, and geopolitical hacking operations. The conversation is grounded in technical reality but elevated by a shared appreciation for narrative, making complex security topics accessible and engaging. It’s for anyone curious about the intersection of our digital vulnerabilities and our cultural storytelling, where an analysis of a heist film might reveal the mechanics of a ransomware gang, or a spy thriller could illustrate state-sponsored espionage. The tone is conversational and deep-dive, blending insider knowledge with pop culture critique. You’ll come away with a sharper understanding of the threat landscape and a new perspective on your favorite screens.