Cyber Threat Horizon: InfosecSherpa Interview, Ukraine Drone Malware, & VulnCon Recap

Forecast = Scattered exploits, Mirai storms brewing, and rogue drones dropping malware over Russia. Keep your firewalls up—a vulnerability front is rolling in fast! ‍ On this episode of Storm⚡️Watch, we're bringing you a packed episode that covers the latest in cyber threat intelligence, industry news, and a few stories you won't want to miss. We kick things off with our usual round of introductions and a quick look at the cyber weather, setting the stage for what's happening across the threat landscape. In our first segment, Tod shares his wrap-up from VulnCon 2025, highlighting the key takeaways and emerging trends from this year's conference. From new vulnerability research to the latest in exploit techniques, Tod breaks down what security professionals need to know and what's likely to shape the industry in the coming months. Next up, we sit down with Tracy Z. Maleeff, better known as InfosecSherpa, for an interview that traces her journey from librarian to cybersecurity professional. Tracy shares insights on career pivots, the importance of information literacy in security, and her ongoing work to make the field more accessible. Her story is a must-listen for anyone considering a move into cyber or looking for inspiration from someone who's successfully navigated the transition. We then turn our attention to a headline-grabbing story out of Ukraine, where reports indicate that drones sent into Russian territory are not just for surveillance or kinetic impact—they're also carrying malware designed to infect military systems if captured. This blend of physical and cyber warfare is a stark reminder of how modern conflicts are increasingly fought on multiple fronts, with digital payloads now as critical as traditional munitions. If we need to fill a little extra time, we'll explore some of the more bizarre aspects of hybrid warfare, including reports of weaponized consumer goods—think exploding sex toys and cosmetics—being used as part of psychological and disruption campaigns targeting the West. It's a strange new world where almost anything can be turned into a tool of conflict. We also spotlight recent research from Censys on the Salt Typhoon attacks, which underscore the need for advanced defenses as attackers continue to exploit edge devices and cloud infrastructure. Their findings highlight the importance of proactive monitoring and rapid response to emerging threats. On the GreyNoise front, we've observed a threefold surge in exploitation attempts targeting TVT DVRs, likely linked to Mirai botnet activity. This uptick is a clear signal that attackers are constantly scanning for vulnerable devices to conscript into their botnets, and it's a reminder for defenders to stay vigilant and patch exposed systems. As always, we wrap up with a round of goodbyes and a reminder to subscribe for more insights, interviews, and real-time threat intelligence. Thanks for tuning in to Storm⚡️Watch—where we keep you ahead of the cyber storms. Storm Watch Homepage >> Learn more about GreyNoise >>