Reflecting on a Year in Cybersecurity with Cyber Uncut

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a fitting moment to pause, unplug from our usual hustle, and reflect on the significant happenings in cybersecurity. Throughout the year, Cyber Uncut, a weekly podcast from Cyber Daily, has delivered insights into cyber news, industry developments, and a few light-hearted moments amidst the serious backdrop of cyber threats.

A Look Back at Cyber Uncut’s Top Episodes

The holiday season provides a perfect opportunity to revisit some of the most downloaded episodes from 2025. Here’s a closer look at the discussions that sparked interest and highlighted critical issues affecting Australian businesses, both big and small.

1. Cyber Threats and Video Game Malware

In our first standout episode, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft delve into the ongoing saga with DeepSeek and its confrontation with South Korea. The episode also examines the rising trend of ransomware-as-a-service and highlights malware campaigns that are ill-famed for spreading through popular video games.

2. Understanding Ransomware Trends and AI’s Role

The podcast featured an important conversation with Aaron Bugal, the field chief technology officer at Sophos. In this episode, host Liam Garman explored the escalating threat of ransomware attacks targeting Australian businesses. Bugal discussed potential solutions and strategies to bolster defenses against these persistent cyber threats.

3. Bridging the Cybersecurity Knowledge Gap

In another engaging episode, Nik Devidas, founder and managing director of 4walls, shared insights on the staggering gap in technological understanding within company boards. Host Liam Garman and Devidas explored how 4walls is working to educate executives on the importance of robust cybersecurity practices, essential for protecting their organizations.

4. Geopolitics and Cyber Crime Reporting

Liam Garman quizzed Cyber Daily’s deputy editor, David Hollingworth, about current geopolitical tensions and their impact on cybercrime reporting. This episode dives deep into how international relations play a critical role in shaping the landscape of cybersecurity.

5. Major Data Breaches and AI Developments

This episode features a critical discussion about the Qantas data breach, where Hollingworth and Croft are joined by Jake Nelson from Australian Aviation. They cover the implications of such incidents, emerging AI trends, and other concerning local hacks affecting various sectors.

6. Preparing for Nation-State Cyber Threats

In a vital conversation with Raj Samani, senior vice president and chief scientist at Rapid7, the episode focused on nation-state cyber threats targeting Australian organizations. They candidly discussed the need for today’s businesses to be proactive and vigilant in preparing for possible future attacks.

7. AI Innovations in Vehicles and Healthcare Hacks

Hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft explored how artificial intelligence is being utilized in Chinese electric vehicles and addressed a troubling week for healthcare organizations in Australia plagued by cyber incidents. Their discussions included the rise of disturbing deepfake technology, reaffirming ongoing concerns around misinformation.

8. Cyber Crime Trends: The Cl0p Ransomware Attack

In this episode, the hosts took a retrospective approach to the week’s cybersecurity happenings, discussing the Cl0p ransomware incident and the broader implications it has on both local and international cybersecurity strategies.

9. AI Initiatives Against Scams

With insights from recent measures by Commonwealth Bank (CommBank), this episode examines how AI is being harnessed to combat scams effectively. Additionally, the episode discusses other local hacks and even touches on quirky developments such as AI-powered toys for children.

10. Valentine’s Day Cyber Updates

A lighter yet informative episode covered various current events from the cybersecurity sector, including local ransomware incidents and data breaches, all compiled in time for Valentine’s Day festivities.

Conclusion

As we transition into a new year, it’s clear that the discussions from Cyber Uncut have not only enlightened listeners about the intricacies of cybersecurity but also brought humor and relatability to an often grim topic. As we gear up for another year of challenges and developments, the conversations fostered through this podcast remain essential for everyone invested in a safer digital future.