SN 1088: A Nefarious Novel Use for AI - Ransomware Negotiations Go High-Tech

SN 1088: A Nefarious Novel Use for AI - Ransomware Negotiations Go High-Tech

Author: TWiT July 22, 2026 Duration: 2:47:29

Cybercriminals are harnessing AI not to break in, but to make sense of their stolen loot and increase their leverage in multi-million dollar ransomware heists. This episode unpacks how AI is now turbocharging extortion and negotiations on the dark side.

  • The "bone crushing" didn't happen this month.
  • Revisiting and inspecting July's Patch Tuesday.
  • A widespread and worrisome flaw in OpenSSL.
  • Claude can now access your 1Password credentials.
  • Bitwarden is aware that we need whole new security.
  • The day ends in "y" so a new prompt injection attack.
  • A true (and rare) core Wordpress emergency update.
  • Lots of interesting listener feedback.
  • And new ways AI is being used by bad guys

Show Notes - https://www.grc.com/sn/SN-1088-Notes.pdf

Hosts: Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte

Download or subscribe to Security Now at https://twit.tv/shows/security-now.

You can submit a question to Security Now at the GRC Feedback Page.

For 16kbps versions, transcripts, and notes (including fixes), visit Steve's site: grc.com, also the home of the best disk maintenance and recovery utility ever written Spinrite 6.

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Every Tuesday, cybersecurity expert Steve Gibson sits down with Leo Laporte to dissect the week's most pressing digital threats. This isn't just a news recap; it's a detailed analysis where complex topics like emerging malware, data breaches, and software vulnerabilities are explained with clarity. The conversation in Security Now (Video) provides actionable insights, whether you're safeguarding a home network or responsible for enterprise infrastructure. As a production of TWiT, this video podcast delivers both visual aids and in-depth discussion, translating technical jargon into practical knowledge. Regular listeners gain a deeper understanding of the threat landscape and the evolving tools for defense. For those who want an enhanced experience, Club TWiT membership offers ad-free access to this and other shows. Tune in weekly to stay informed and build a more resilient digital life, as Steve and Leo unpack the stories that define our security reality.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 33

Security Now (Video)
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