Root Causes: A PKI and Security Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Root Causes 167: Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack Jun 15, 2021

Show notes

The recent ransomware attack against the Colonial pipeline has captured the news cycles in recent weeks. In this first episode of two our hosts begin to unpack what it known about this attack and how digital identity and PKI fit in.

Root Causes 166: The Trouble with OU Fields Jun 07, 2021

Show notes

Of all aspects of public SSL certificates, few are as controversial as the OU field. Standing for Organizational Unit, this field is beloved by a few enterprises and hated by security watchers. It's also under fire in the CA/Browser Forum. Join our hosts as they explain the history of the OU field and why it's an industry flashpoint, including their predictions for the future of the OU field.

Root Causes 165: Blockchain - Proof of Work Versus Proof of Stake Jun 02, 2021

Show notes

In our ongoing examination of blockchain, we define proof of work and proof of stake as consensus algorithms for updating the public ledger. We explain their differences and get into the problems with proof of work and the reasons proof of stake is emerging as a promising new consensus algorithm. We touch on the consequences of these algorithms on other aspects of society as well.

Root Causes 164: Examining MFA Through out-of-Band Phone Calling May 20, 2021

Show notes

In our ongoing series of episodes on MFA, we explore the plusses and minuses of out-of-band phone calling. Our hosts explain how this form of MFA works, what attacks it defends against successfully, and what attacks can circumvent it.

Root Causes 163: What Puts the I in PKI? May 12, 2021

Show notes

PKI stands for Public Key Infrastructure. In this episode we focus on the word infrastructure. Our hosts discuss the key qualities of credential form factors, how they are separate and distinct from the infrastructure surrounding them, and the minimum capabilities necessary to refer to a public-private key system as PKI.

Root Causes 162: What Is Sideloading? Apr 21, 2021

Show notes

In a recent interview Tim Cook took a strong stance against application sideloading as a danger to mobile devices. In this episode we explain sideloading, its potential dangers, and the underlying motivators behind the sideloading debate.

Root Causes 161: Consensus Algorithms and the Byzantine Generals Problem Apr 15, 2021

Show notes

If you pay attention to blockchain and crypto currency, you are sure to hear the phrase consensus algorithm. This concept is fundamental to distributed trust systems like blockchain. In this episode our hosts explain consensus, proof of work, and the Byzantine Generals problem.

Root Causes 160: Purpose-built Quantum Computers for Breaking RSA Apr 08, 2021

Show notes

A new academic paper has described how a purpose-built quantum computer could break RSA encryption in fewer qbits than commonly are thought necessary possible. In this episode our hosts summarize the basic argument in this highly technical paper and its potential implications on the Quantum Apocalypse.

Root Causes 159: Encrypted Communication Provider Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Mar 31, 2021

Show notes

The CEO of Sky Global, a provider of encrypted data devices and services, has been indicted on RICO charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering. Our hosts discuss this highly unusual development and where it fits into the ongoing battle between law enforcement and encryption technology.

Root Causes 158: Exchange Server Vulnerabilities Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

The ongoing Microsoft Exchange vulnerability is huge news in the IT world. In this episode our hosts discuss the reasons why on-premises services might present greater risk than providing the same capabilities in the cloud.

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