Episode 110: Stealth Mode: Unmasking Cyber Threats Hiding in Plain Sight

In this episode of Tech Transforms, host Carolyn Ford welcomes Connor Morley, Head of Security Research at Glasswall, for a deep dive into the spy-thriller world of modern file security. From malware hidden in images and PDFs to “polyglot” files that can appear as multiple formats at once, Morley exposes how attackers are redefining what a “safe file” really means. They explore how artificial intelligence is supercharging phishing and social-engineering campaigns, making malicious messages nearly indistinguishable from legitimate ones. Morley explains the evolution of steganography—the art of concealing code inside digital images and why emerging threats like QR-code hijacking (“quishing”) have become one of the easiest ways to breach both corporate and personal devices. But this isn’t a doom-and-gloom story. Morley shows how zero-trust file filtering and Content Disarm & Reconstruction (CDR) can neutralize hidden payloads without disrupting everyday workflows. He also reveals how these proactive defenses reduce “SOC noise,” giving security teams back valuable focus time and keeping threats from ever reaching end users. From AI-powered deception to invisible payloads hidden in plain sight, this conversation uncovers the unseen layer of cyber defense and reminds leaders that innovation, not fear, is the best shield against tomorrow’s threats. Show Notes: • Whitepapers: Polyglot Files: Unmasking Images & PDFs Steganography: Smudging the Invisible Ink QR Codes: Neutralizing Threats with CDR • Webinar: File Analysis & CDR: Forging A Formidable Defense • Website: https://www.glasswall.com/ • Connor Morley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connormorley/