Advertise on podcast: Secure Networks: Endace Packet Forensics Files

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping Security Operations Centers (SOCs), helping security teams investigate incidents faster while reducing alert fatigue. But as AI becomes more capable, what role do human analysts and packet data play in an increasingly automated SOC? In Packet Forensics Files Episode 67, Michael Morris sits down with Cisco Security Sales Engineer and incident response expert Erik Dove to discuss how Agentic AI is changing incident response, where packet data fits into modern SOC workflows, and why both experienced analysts and packet data remain essential. If you're interested in how AI, automation and packet capture are shaping the future of security operations, this episode is highly recommended. It's a fascinating discussion with plenty of practical advice for organizations looking to build more effective SOCs.

In this episode of the Endace Packet Forensic Files, Michael chats with with Cody Spooner, Principal Sales Engineer and DFIR expert at Corelight, about an interesting topic: the subtleties and differences of “Enablers" vs "Behaviors” of a cybersecurity compromise. Cody explains that when most people think of threat hunting or incident response investigations, they picture analysts looking for signs of malicious activity. In reality there are critical subtle differences between the “behavior of a compromise” and the underlying “enabler of a compromise” that often go unnoticed or overlooked. He highlights how organizations tend to focus heavily on detecting malicious behaviors - such as data exfiltration or unauthorized logins - but often miss identifying the enabling conditions - such as misconfigurations or legacy protocols - that led to those compromises in the first place. Cody shares examples of seemingly harmless issues that can become the doorway to a full compromise, such as configuration issues or outdated or deprecated protocols like NTLMv1 and SMBv1. These often persist in modern environments and Cody suggests that incident responders and threat hunters can usefully focus on identifying and eliminating these enablers to reduce the organisation's risk profile. Cody gives advice for security teams on how to shift their mindset from focusing only on behaviors to focusing on enablers as well in their threat hunting activity. He also provides insights into how IR teams should interpret and contextualize indicators of compromise and discusses how the “why” behind an attack can often change or influence the response strategy. ABOUT ENDACE  ***************** Endace (https://www.endace.com) is a world leader in high-performance packet capture solutions for cybersecurity, network and application performance.  EndaceProbes are deployed on some of the world's largest, fastest and most critical networks. EndaceProbe models are available for on-premise, private cloud and public cloud deployments - delivering complete hybrid cloud visibility from a single pane-of-glass. Endace’s open EndaceProbe Analytics appliances (https://www.endace.com/endaceprobe) can be deployed in on-premise locations and can also host third-party security and performance monitoring solutions while simultaneously recording a 100% accurate history of network activity.

In this episode of the @Endace, Packet Forensic Files, Michael Morris chats with Andrew Cook, CTO of Recon InfoSec and host of the Thursday Defensive Podcast about Incident Investigation and Response, and Threat Hunting .  Andrew has a wealth of experience in high-pressure cyberdefense environments and shares some of the key lessons he's learned along the way, as well as passing some great advice. This episode is a must-listen for cybersecurity professionals who want to learn more about the latest incident response and threat hunting tips, tools and techniques. ABOUT ENDACE  ***************** Endace (https://www.endace.com) is a world leader in high-performance packet capture solutions for cybersecurity, network and application performance.  EndaceProbes are deployed on some of the world's largest, fastest and most critical networks. EndaceProbe models are available for on-premise, private cloud and public cloud deployments - delivering complete hybrid cloud visibility from a single pane-of-glass. Endace’s open EndaceProbe Analytics appliances (https://www.endace.com/endaceprobe) can be deployed in on-premise locations and can also host third-party security and performance monitoring solutions while simultaneously recording a 100% accurate history of network activity.

In this episode of the @Endace, Packet Forensic Files, Michael Morris chats with Steve Fink, CTO and CISO of Secure Yeti and architect of the SOCs for Black Hat, RSA Conference, and Cisco Live, for an in-depth look at building effective Security Operations Centers (SOCs).  With 26 years of cybersecurity experience, Fink shares strategies for leveraging packet data, integrating AI for automation, fostering vendor collaboration, and ensuring scalability and resilience.  This expert-led discussion is a must-watch for cybersecurity professionals who want to learn how to optimize threat detection and avoid data swamps . ABOUT ENDACE  ***************** Endace (https://www.endace.com) is a world leader in high-performance packet capture solutions for cybersecurity, network and application performance.  EndaceProbes are deployed on some of the world's largest, fastest and most critical networks. EndaceProbe models are available for on-premise, private cloud and public cloud deployments - delivering complete hybrid cloud visibility from a single pane-of-glass. Endace’s open EndaceProbe Analytics appliances (https://www.endace.com/endaceprobe) can be deployed in on-premise locations and can also host third-party security and performance monitoring solutions while simultaneously recording a 100% accurate history of network activity. CHAPTERS 01:24 Why is your nickname 'Fink' and not Steve? 02:17 What foundational, architectural principles are essential when designing a next-gen SOC? 05:43 How do you approach scalability & modularity in NOC/SOC design to accommodate future growth? 08:57 How have you evolved to integrate cloud native technology or hybrid environments into your SOC and what were the challenges? 12:04 What role does packet data and centralized logging play in your SOC design and how do you ensure efficient data ingestion and retrieval? 14:45 How do you architect SOC to support real time threat detection and response across geographically distributed global infrastructures? 17:55 What strategies do you use for disaster recovery? 20:35 How do you incorporate AI, ML and automation capabilities into your SOC architecture to enhance threat hunting? 23:02 What are your best practices for integrating third-party tools?

Why NDR is Evolving—And What Enterprises Should Demand From It In this episode of  the @Endace Packet Forensic Files, Michael Morris is joined by Jack Chan, VP of Product and Field CTO at Fortinet, to unpack what makes a truly effective Network Detection and Response (NDR) solution. Jack shares his perspective on why visibility, historical context, and deep threat hunting capabilities matter more than flashy features. They explore how AI and machine learning are transforming NDR—helping detect threats in encrypted traffic and reduce alert fatigue for SOC teams. Jack also talks about integrating NDR with firewalls and EDR tools to improve response decisions and streamline investigations. Finally, Jack leaves us with a powerful reminder: security starts with people. From secure coding to user awareness, the human element is often the weakest link—and the best place to strengthen your defences. ABOUT ENDACE  ***************** Endace (https://www.endace.com) is a world leader in high-performance packet capture solutions for cybersecurity, network and application performance.  EndaceProbes are deployed on some of the world's largest, fastest and most critical networks. EndaceProbe models are available for on-premise, private cloud and public cloud deployments - delivering complete hybrid cloud visibility from a 'single-pane-of-glass'. Endace’s open EndaceProbe Analytics appliances (https://www.endace.com/endaceprobe) can be deployed in on-prem locations and can also host third-party security and performance monitoring solutions while simultaneously recording a 100% accurate history of network activity.

What does it take to run a world-class Security Operations Center (SOC) in today’s high-stakes, high-speed cybersecurity landscape? In this episode of the @Endace, Packet Forensic Files, Michael Morris chats with Jessica (Bair) Oppenheimer, Cisco's Director of Security Operations, for an in-depth look at next-generation Security Operations Centers (SOCs).  Jessica shares her expertise from securing high-stakes events like the Paris 2024 Olympics, NFL Super Bowl, Black Hat, and RSAC Conference. Discover how her team leverages AI, full packet capture with EndaceProbes, and integrations with Cisco XDR and Splunk to combat AI-driven threats and ensure rapid detection and response.  This episode is a must-listen for cybersecurity professionals who want to stay ahead of evolving threats. It is packed with insights on balancing automation with human expertise and key KPIs for SOC success. ABOUT ENDACE  ***************** Endace (https://www.endace.com) is a world leader in high-performance packet capture solutions for cybersecurity, network and application performance.  EndaceProbes are deployed on some of the world's largest, fastest and most critical networks. EndaceProbe models are available for on-premise, private cloud and public cloud deployments - delivering complete hybrid cloud visibility from a single pane-of-glass. Endace’s open EndaceProbe Analytics appliances (https://www.endace.com/endaceprobe) can be deployed in on-premise locations and can also host third-party security and performance monitoring solutions while simultaneously recording a 100% accurate history of network activity.

In this episode of the @Endace Packet Forensics Files, I talk to Jean-Paul Bergeaux, Federal CTO at GuidePoint Security.  We unravel the complex world of federal cybersecurity and discuss the critical importance of certifications, the game-changing M-21-31 directives, and how packet capture data is revolutionizing threat detection.  We also uncover the potential risks and opportunities presented by generative AI in the cybersecurity landscape. From SolarWinds lessons to the emerging generative AI challenge, Jean-Paul provides unprecedented insights into how government agencies fight to stay ahead of sophisticated cyber threats.  This episode offers a must-watch deep dive into the frontlines of digital defense. ABOUT ENDACE  ***************** Endace (https://www.endace.com) is a world leader in high-performance packet capture solutions for cybersecurity, network and application performance.  EndaceProbes are deployed on some of the world's largest, fastest and most critical networks. EndaceProbe models are available for on-premise, private cloud and public cloud deployments - delivering complete hybrid cloud visibility from a 'single-pane-of-glass'. Endace’s open EndaceProbe Analytics appliances (https://www.endace.com/endaceprobe) can be deployed in on-prem locations and can also host third-party security and performance monitoring solutions while simultaneously recording a 100% accurate history of network activity.

How Generative AI and Machine Learning are Revolutionizing Cybersecurity In this episode of the Endace Packet Forensic Files, Michael Morris explores how advanced technologies like AI and machine learning are transforming security operations with James Spiteri. With extensive experience in cybersecurity and security operations, including leading SOC teams and developing innovative solutions for AI and machine learning, James offers unparalleled insights. He delves into the growing sophistication of nation-state threats, the critical role of SIEM tools, and how AI-driven insights are enabling faster, smarter threat detection by prioritizing critical alerts, automating mundane tasks, analyzing complex data patterns, and operationalizing unstructured threat intelligence in real-time. Don’t miss this insightful episode, where James shares expert tips on leveraging cutting-edge technology to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses and stay ahead of evolving threats. ABOUT ENDACE ***************** Endace (https://www.endace.com) is a world leader in high-performance packet capture solutions for cybersecurity, network and application performance. For more than two decades, Endace has revolutionized enterprise-class, always-on packet capture. The scalable EndaceProbe Analytics Platform (https://www.endace.com/endaceprobe) delivers deep, unified visibility across on-premise, private, and public cloud networks. Get to forensic evidence quickly, with rapid search and powerful tool integration. Protect your network and accelerate investigation and response with Endace.

Unlock the Power of Network Packet Data in Cybersecurity In this episode of the Endace Packet Forensics Files, Michael Morris dives into the critical role of network packet data in cybersecurity with Matt Bromiley, a seasoned threat-hunting expert. Matt shares why robust detection systems and proactive threat hunting are essential, and how network data serves as the “glue” that ties together evidence in cybersecurity investigations. The challenges of managing large data volumes, the growing role of AI in threat detection, and the tools needed to stay ahead of emerging threats are explored. Matt provides practical steps to seamlessly integrate packet capture into a threat-hunting toolkit, enabling teams to uncover and respond to even the most elusive threats. Matt emphasizes the importance of implementing a comprehensive packet capture strategy and using advanced tools, including AI, to manage data and enhance detection. He also stresses the need for continuous team training to effectively interpret data and respond to real-time threats, strengthening your defense against complex threats. Don’t miss this insightful episode, where Matt shares expert tips on optimizing threat hunting and leveraging packet capture to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses.

Ransomware has shifted from simple, isolated attacks to coordinated, human-operated campaigns that target entire organizations.   In this episode of the Endace Packet Forensics Files, Michael Morris talks with Ryan Chapman, SANS Instructor and expert in Digital Forensic and Incident Response (DFIR) about these evolving threats.   Ryan explains how attackers are becoming more methodical and sophisticated, focusing on disabling EDR/XDR solutions to evade detection and leaving organizations vulnerable to advanced attacks.   One of the key challenges Ryan highlights is visibility. Without robust logging, packet capture, and monitoring tools, it’s nearly impossible to understand how an attack happened fully. Even encrypted traffic can reveal critical patterns if analyzed properly.    Ryan shares examples of organizations that suffered reinfections because they rushed to restore systems without identifying the original entry point. Packet capture data plays a vital role in pinpointing when and how attackers infiltrated, ensuring a safe recovery and minimizing disruption.   As ransomware tactics evolve, adopting a Zero-Trust approach is essential. Ryan discusses how limiting permissions and avoiding overly trusting software configurations can help prevent breaches. He cites the Kaseya attack, where some organizations avoided compromise by not blindly whitelisting trusted directories. As attackers increasingly use legitimate tools, verifying all network activity and following least privilege principles are critical defenses.    Don’t miss this insightful episode, where Ryan provides actionable advice for preparing your organization against today’s ransomware threats.

In this episode, I chat with Taran Singh, VP of Product Management at Keysight Technologies, about network observability.   Taran explains its importance within the zero-trust architecture and discusses the challenges organizations face in achieving clear network visibility.   He highlights the role of historical data analysis in cybersecurity and outlines Keysight's approach to network visibility.   Don’t miss this insightful discussion on network observability and its significance in modern cybersecurity.  Follow Taran here on LinkedIn  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taransingh/

In this episode of the Endace Packet Forensics Files, Michael chats with Jake Williams, aka @MalwareJake who delves into the concept of Zero Trust and its significance for organizations seeking to bolster their security defences. Discover how Zero Trust challenges traditional security models and learn about the crucial role of continuous verification and network visibility in mitigating threats. Gain valuable insights into networking fundamentals and the integration of cybersecurity principles from an industry veteran. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your cybersecurity knowledge and stay ahead of evolving threats.

In this episode of Secure Networks, Michael chats with Tanya Janka, aka SheHacksPurple, head of education and community at Semgrep and founder of We Hack Purple. Tanya discusses her transition from developer to security expert, the real issues behind the cybersecurity skills gap, and strategies for employee retention. She also dives into the implications of emerging technologies on security practices and the balance between automation and human expertise. Don’t miss these valuable insights. Visit Tanya's websites:  ► We Hack Purple - [https://wehackpurple.com/]  ► Semgrep - [https://semgrep.dev/]

In this episode of the Endace Packet Forensic Files, Michael Morris chats with Cybersecurity Tiktok and Instagram influencer Caitlin Sarian, CEO of Cybersecurity Girl LLC, who discusses her journey into the cybersecurity field and her mission to break down stigmas surrounding the industry. Caitlin highlights the need for continuous learning in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape and recommends various channels for staying updated, including news alerts, newsletters, and professional groups. She addresses common misconceptions about coding requirements, debunking the idea that a specific educational background is essential, and stresses the value of gaining practical experience and obtaining certifications tailored to one's chosen specialization. Lastly, Caitlin advocates for diversity and inclusivity in cybersecurity. She emphasizes the need for mentorship, role models, and a supportive company culture to encourage women and minorities to enter and thrive in the industry. This episode provides valuable insights for those considering a career in cybersecurity and underscores the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within the field.

Are SPAN ports sufficient to provide network traffic visibility for high-quality security (NDR) and network (NPM) investigations? What about cloud workloads?  What do you need to gain insights into cloud network activity? In this episode of the Endace Packet Forensic Files, I talk with Eric Buchaus, Director of Sales at Niagara Networks. Eric outlines potential pitfalls and challenges associated with SPAN ports and highlights situations where they may fall short for network and security analysts. Eric walks us through some alternative options, discussing the merits of network TAPS, network packet brokers, and in-line bypass solutions which can offer NoC / SoC teams more reliable, efficient, and scalable ways to get network packet data to the right tools in large-scale and complex environments.  He discusses some of the specific challenges of network visibility in cloud infrastructures and suggests some practical ways to overcome these obstacles. Eric suggests things organizations should consider when exploring different packet brokers or TAP vendors and outlines the management and scrutiny that needs to be applied to encrypted traffic to achieve in-depth visibility securely. Finally, Eric talks about how TAPs and packet brokers can help in dynamic SDN environments with high traffic volumes. He emphasizes why they are important for organizations looking to implement zero-trust infrastructures - particularly environments with many walled gardens and lots of VLANs for IOT/IOTM devices and technologies.