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Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a boardroom priority.
As digital transformation accelerates across every industry, threats evolve just as quickly. McKinsey recently noted that AI now represents both the greatest risk and the most powerful defense in cybersecurity, underscoring the stakes for modern enterprises.
For CISOs, CIOs, and CROs, the challenge is relentless: safeguard critical systems, anticipate vulnerabilities, and guide safe technology adoption in a constantly shifting risk landscape. Staying ahead requires more than experience—it demands continuous learning.
That’s where podcasts offer an edge. Accessible and insight-rich, they distill the latest thinking on threats, tools, and strategies into a format leaders can engage with on the go.
In this article, we’ve curated the twelve best cybersecurity podcasts of 2025—a resource to help you stay sharp, track industry innovation, and strengthen your organization’s defensive capabilities.
1. Darknet Diaries
Take a walk on the dark side of the internet with the Darknet Diaries podcast. It’s a show that has gained popularity for its in-depth coverage of true-crime stories, including cybercrime, espionage, hackers, shadowy government activity, malware, hacktivists, cryptography, and more.
Launched in 2017 and a consistent chart topper in Apple’s Podcast, Darknet Diaries sees Host and Security Operations Center (SOC) specialist, Jack Rhysider, invite users on a journey to explore the web’s darkest dwellings.
Episodes trace how an anonymous researcher halted one of the largest ransomware attacks, sacrificing his anonymity, while others spotlight a famed L0pht Heavy hacker.
Ideal for CISOs, CIOs, CROs, or anyone contributing to the security apparatus within the IT department structure.
2. Hacked
Hosts Jordan Bloemen and Scott Francis Winder present “strange tales of hacking, tech, internet grifters, AI, and security,” with the Hacked podcast.
Hear the latest cyber developments, industry news, interviews, and in-depth discussions on topics like AI bias, tech security, tech phenomena, gaming, cyber breaches, and more. Episodes are released twice a month and follow two distinct formats: story-focused episodes and chat-focused ones. A show for those who enjoy stories about people hacking technology and things, and those interested in the more unexpected ways technology impacts our lives.
Episodes explore serious flaws found by researchers Ian Carroll and Sam Curry in the conversations had by McDonald’s AI hiring chatbot. Others show how U.S. prosecutors took down a malware-as-a-service platform, Danabot, which had gone unchecked for over a decade.
3. Security Now!
Hosts and cybersecurity experts Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte deliver the long-running Security Now! Podcast. Since 2005, weekly Tuesday episodes have delved into topics such as cybercrime, hacking, encryption, spyware, and AI ethics. It also covers how to protect yourself and your business during times of digital crisis.
With half a century of programming experience, Steve created the first anti-spyware software and coined the term “spyware.” The hosts navigate complex topics with clarity, covering tech news, industry trends, and security vulnerabilities.
Episodes have examined Meta’s “flirty” celebrity chatbot disaster, raising doubts about AI, and the Department of Defense’s difficulty in vetting software dependencies. Long-form episodes frequently extend well past the one-hour mark.
4. Smashing Security
Hacking horrors, cybercrime, privacy, and technology blunders are all explored in the Smashing Security podcast.
Hosted weekly on Wednesdays by cybersecurity heavyweight and anti-virus developer Graham Cluley, alongside co-host Carole Theriault. The show has been running since 2016, with over 440 episodes to date. Together, they merge humour and factual reporting, offering a fresh perspective on the cybersecurity world.
Hosts cover security news, scams, hacking stories, ransomware, data ethics and breaches, privacy failures, policy changes, and detailed guest interviews. With over 10 million downloads, Smashing Security has won “best” and “most exciting” cybersecurity podcast awards from 2018 through 2024.
5. Risky Business
A fixture in the cybersecurity field, the Risky Business (Risky.Biz) podcast explores the latest information security news with hosts Patrick Gray and Adam Boileau.
Highly targeted, hour-long episodes cut the waffle to deliver high-quality analysis, discussions, and rich interviews. Discussions with industry innovators, practitioners, and researchers are featured prominently. Topics cover stories, news, and emerging trends in cybersecurity.
Episodes explore computer security researcher Feross Aboukhadijeh’s thoughts on supply chain attacks, malicious code, and breach prevention. Or Microsoft’s use of Chinese engineers to support US DoD private cloud systems. Not to be confused with the Risky Business podcast from Pushkin Industries.
6. Malicious Life
The Malicious Life podcast scratches away at the hidden stories throughout the history of cybersecurity. The industry-leading show explores the evolution of cybersecurity and the people and stories defining the field.
Host and renowned podcaster and author, Ran Lev, covers bleeding-edge cybersecurity subjects. Real-life stories include notable historic cyberattacks, as well as in-depth reflections from hackers, industry and security experts, journalists, and politicians.
This year, however, host Ran Levi announced that “Malicious Life has come to an end.” With more than 400 half-hour episodes, the show is still a treasure trove of cybersecurity knowledge, from an intelligence officer’s war with the Anonymous collective to FBI lessons on ultra-sophisticated supply chain attacks.
7. CyberWire Daily
The CyberWire Daily podcast is next on our list. Since 2015, digital media veteran and CyberWire co-founder Dave Bittner has hosted CyberWire Daily, delivering comprehensive coverage of complex cybersecurity news, trends, analysis, and more.
With concise delivery of top concerns, the show brings interviews with industry leaders, experts, academics, policymakers, and research organizations to explore new and novel angles in cybersecurity analysis.
Episodes look at how AI is used for new attack methods, the risks of rogue IT, and its impact on entry-level jobs. Others feature former NSA and FBI directors warning about infrastructure gaps, or whistle-blower claims against DOGE.
8. Hacker Valley Studio
The Hacker Valley Studio podcast sees host and CEO of Hacker Valley Media, Ron Eddings, leverage the perspective of cybersecurity professionals as a way to peer into the cybersecurity realm.
Weekly episodes feature Eddings highlighting insights from CIOs, CISOs, and CROs, exploring who should lead and how, while making cybersecurity knowledge accessible to practitioners worldwide. Topic explorations include what if defenders had their own AI-powered task force, always on, and always one step ahead of attackers?
Recent episodes ask Vineet Edupuganti, Founder and CEO of Cogent Security, if agentic AI can assist cybersecurity defenders with state-of-the-art adaptations. Others see Information Hacker Jeff Man discuss why AI compliance is more than just formality.
9. CISO Series Podcast
Aiming to enhance security for individuals and organizations, the CISO Series podcast brings together host and founder David Sparks and the CISO of Rivian, Mike Johnson, for key discussions and debates on information security.
Ten-minute daily episodes make this short-form series ideal for commutes or quick breaks. Covering news, insights, trends, tips, and comprehensive breakdowns, the show features security practitioners, experts, and vendors sharing trusted methods CISOs can use to strengthen organizational safety.
Five dedicated programs deliver informative and entertaining commentary weekly, including episodes exploring why effective CIO guidance and leadership often requires making decisions with incomplete information and relying on influence over authority.
10. Cloud Security Podcast
The Cloud Security podcast, hosted by former Security Architect and SOC Manager Ashish Rajan alongside Shilpi Bhattacharjee, covers everything cloud transformation-related, including SOC operations, network security, data and AI security, and DevSecOps.
Each week, they interview cybersecurity experts from around the world in engaging conversations that deliver actionable ideas, helping to cultivate a large audience of practitioners and leaders.
Known as the “only vendor-neutral” podcast in the space, it is both entertaining and informative, with over 189 episodes and 60,000 monthly downloads. Recent discussions have included using AI to reduce cloud security backlogs and offer tips for becoming a Senior Cloud Security Engineer.
11. Resilient Cyber
As society increasingly digitizes, author and President of Aquia, Chris Hughes, hosts the Resilient Cyber podcast to build a resilient and secure ecosystem.
The show features industry experts, cybersecurity authors, leaders, advisors, and subject matter experts from public and private sectors. Topics include cybersecurity, cloud adoption, DevSecOps, and software supply chain security.
Episodes examine the state of cybersecurity marketing, highlighting common shortcomings and more effective ways to reach security practitioners and leaders. Others unpack SaaS security supply chains with Cory Michal, exploring the impact on hundreds of organizations affected by the Salesloft Drive/Salesforce incident.
12. eXecutive Security
The eXecutive Security podcast brings a spark to cybersecurity, breaking down big ideas into conversations that feel clear and engaging. Host Gene Fay guides listeners through pressing threats, new technologies, and smart defense tactics, making complex issues easier to grasp without losing depth.
What makes the show resonate is its balance of practical guidance and lively storytelling, giving seasoned experts something new while also opening the door for curious newcomers. Each episode feels current, relevant, and grounded in real-world practice.
Closing our list serves as a memorable finale, leaving listeners sharper, more confident, and ready to face the realities of modern security.
Choosing the right podcast to match your cybersecurity role and responsibilities
Modern cybersecurity covers such a vast scope that no single report, digital tool, or team can keep pace with every threat.
To stay ahead, professionals must continually learn and adopt new perspectives, as attackers adapt quickly and often exploit gaps faster than defenses can evolve.
Podcasts make this learning practical. They transform complex, fast-moving risks into clear insights, giving listeners access to expert voices, real-world cases, and strategies that cut through jargon.
Global cybercrime costs are projected to rise to $15.63 trillion by 2029, a reminder of the growing gap between threats concerning organizational health and resilience.
Cybersecurity podcasts provide an accessible way to stay informed, identify trends, and equip teams to make proactive security decisions.
This curated list highlights the most valuable shows worth your time. Each one sharpens awareness, sparks ideas, and supports the ongoing effort to defend against today’s digital battleground.
People Also Ask
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What is a cybersecurity podcast, and how is it different from other tech podcasts?Cybersecurity podcasts discuss strategies for protecting data, systems, and individuals online. Other technology podcasts often focus on gadgets, apps, or general trends. They stay centered on threats and defenses, offering a focused way to understand risks and how to handle them.
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Are cybersecurity podcasts suitable for beginners or only professionals?They’re for everyone. Many shows explain ideas in simple terms so that beginners can follow along. Others provide more detailed information for those already working in the field. Because episodes vary in depth, you can choose the ones that match your own experience and still get value.
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How often should I listen to cybersecurity podcasts to stay updated?Once a week works well for most people. Cyber threats evolve rapidly, but podcasts provide regular updates in a format that’s easy to follow. They fit into everyday routines, allowing you to continue learning while commuting, exercising, or simply taking a break.
