The Vulnpocalypse Is Repricing the Bug Bounty Economy

The increasing volume of vulnerability reports generated by AI is leading to a decrease in bug bounty prices. This trend poses a potential challenge for independent security researchers who rely on these bounties for income.

How Threat Research and MDR Help SMBs Build a Defensive Edge

This article explains how threat research and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) can bolster the defenses of Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs). It highlights that combining threat intelligence with continuous monitoring and human expertise enables faster detection and response to cyber threats.

Okta Shares Surge on Strong Earnings, Growing Demand for AI Identity Security

Okta's stock experienced a significant increase following strong quarterly earnings and an improved financial outlook. This surge is attributed to the growing enterprise demand for identity security solutions, particularly in light of the increasing need to secure AI agents and other non-human identities.

What the Data Says About AI in Security Operations in 2026

A report by Prophet Security indicates that AI is becoming a staple in security operations, with 40% of teams currently using AI daily. The study, based on a survey of over 250 cybersecurity professionals, also found that 56% of teams are actively testing AI, and a mere 4% have no intention of adopting it.

Is Cyber Facing an Affordability Crisis?

The article discusses the increasing costs associated with cybersecurity, including breach expenses and defense spending, which are creating an affordability crisis for small businesses. This exposure of smaller organizations poses a significant risk to overall supply chain security.

Black Hat State of Security Vendors

A roundup of security vendors at Black Hat reveals a significant shift towards an AI-driven landscape, with many vendors integrating AI into their solutions across various sectors like identity, SaaS, and application security. The market appears divided into tools that report on security issues, those that stop adversaries, and those that prevent problems, with a notable abundance of tools focused on merely identifying problems.

Hired for One Job, Judged on Another: The CISO’s Real Problem

Many Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) find themselves evaluated on skills different from those that secured them their initial positions. This mismatch between hiring criteria and ongoing performance expectations creates a significant challenge for security leaders.

Former NSA Director Paul Nakasone Launches National Security Advisory Firm

Former NSA Director Paul Nakasone has launched a new national security advisory firm called The Nakasone Group. The firm will provide counsel to government leaders, corporations, prominent families, and other private clients on issues related to cybersecurity, geopolitics, and personal security.

Calling on Cyber Pros to Help Defend City Hall

The article calls on cybersecurity professionals to volunteer their expertise to help defend city halls. It highlights the need for support in government agencies that often operate with smaller budgets.

Today’s 220-1202 CompTIA A+ Pop Quiz: Sign right here

This article announces a free pop quiz specifically designed for the CompTIA A+ 220-1202 certification exam. The quiz is presented as a learning tool for individuals preparing for the certification.

DEFCON 34: Planes, PLCs and 6am runs

Pen Test Partners attended DEF CON 34, bringing a variety of technology including flight simulators and industrial control CTFs. They supported the ICS Village for the first time, highlighting their involvement in the event.

Contractors’ CMMC Confidence Rises as Ability to Prove It Falls Behind

Two industry surveys from Kiteworks and CyberSheath indicate that defense contractors are increasingly confident in their ability to meet CMMC requirements, but this confidence is not matched by their actual ability to prove compliance. This suggests a growing gap between perceived readiness and demonstrated adherence to cybersecurity standards within the defense industrial base.

Calling on Cyber Pros to Help Defend City Hall

This article calls on cybersecurity professionals to volunteer their skills to help defend city halls, acknowledging that government agencies often have limited budgets for security. It highlights the need for expert assistance in protecting critical local infrastructure.

Today’s 220-1201 CompTIA A+ Pop Quiz: It works for a bit

This article presents a pop quiz for the CompTIA A+ certification, specifically focusing on the 220-1201 exam objectives. It is part of a series of free training resources offered by Professor Messer to help individuals prepare for the IT certification exam.

Professor Messer’s SY0-701 Security+ Study Group – August 2026

Professor Messer is offering his SY0-701 Security+ Study Group for August 2026. The accompanying "Security+ Success Bundle" includes downloadable course notes and practice exams for those preparing for the CompTIA Security+ certification.

Prevalent AI Raises $22 Million to Expand Data Fabric Platform

Prevalent AI, a company focused on AI-powered data fabric solutions, has secured $22 million in growth funding from Integrity Growth Partners. Founded in 2017 by former GCHQ and Darktrace executives, the London-based company aims to use this investment to expand its data fabric platform, which is designed to consolidate fragmented enterprise data.

CISOs Break Their Silence in 'Declassified' Docuseries

A new docuseries titled 'Declassified' offers an inside look into the lives of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). The series reveals personal stories of significant challenges faced by CISOs, including financial losses, career-ending burnout, and the personal toll of their demanding roles.

Fortinet Acquires AI Security Company Virtue AI

Fortinet has acquired Virtue AI, a company specializing in AI security. This acquisition aims to bolster Fortinet's existing AI security offerings, extending their capabilities to protect AI models, applications, and agentic systems.

What the CISO role will look like in 2029

The CISO role is evolving from a 'department of no' to a strategic facilitator of innovation and risk management. By 2029, CISOs will be expected to advise executive boards on taking calculated risks with technology, including AI, and to enable faster response times while assuming enterprise-level risk accountability.

Black Hat and DEF CON are AI conferences now, too

The Register's Kettle podcast revisits the annual 'hacker summer camp,' encompassing Black Hat and DEF CON. This year's dominant theme was agentic AI, indicating a significant shift in focus within the cybersecurity conference landscape.

Mission-Driven Security: Inside a Global Bank's Defense

In a video interview, Standard Chartered's Group CISO discusses the transition from technical cybersecurity roles to strategic leadership positions. The CISO also highlights the significance of business acumen in security executives and the impact of AI on both cybersecurity defenses and threat actor strategies within the banking sector.

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

This article lists upcoming speaking engagements for Bruce Schneier at various conferences and events. These include LAcon V, a League of Women Voters event, Elevate Festival, and CanSecWest 2026. The author's schedule and participation details for these events are provided.

How CSOs can turn cybersecurity into a business growth strategy

Chief Security Officers (CSOs) are shifting from solely defending technology to becoming strategic business partners. The focus is now on demonstrating how cybersecurity can drive innovation, modernization, and growth, rather than being perceived as a bottleneck.

Cybersecurity M&A Roundup: 21 Deals Announced in July 2026

In July 2026, there were 21 mergers and acquisitions within the cybersecurity industry. Notable companies involved in these deals include Barracuda, CrowdStrike, Cyera, Okta, Palo Alto Networks, and Qualcomm.

Venture Firm Team8 Secures Additional $365 Million

Venture firm Team8 has announced it has secured an additional $365 million in funding. This brings their total assets under management to nearly $2 billion since its founding in 2014.

Mindgard Raises $30 Million to Protect AI Systems

Cybersecurity startup Mindgard has successfully raised $30 million in funding. The company plans to utilize this investment to expand its product, engineering, sales, and marketing departments.