The Top 20 Cybersecurity And Hacking Podcasts In 2026

Podcasts are the perfect way to learn about cybersecurity while making the most of your time. In 2010, after getting my first iPhone, I discovered podcasts and have been hooked ever since. Over the years, they have become cemented into my daily routine. Whether driving, cooking, or mowing the lawns, I’m tuned in to one of the podcasts featured in this top 20 countdown of the best cybersecurity and hacking podcasts.

Without further ado, let's dive into the countdown!

Jump To The #1 cybersecurity And Hacking Podcasts In 2026

20. 7 Minute Security

Category: Beginner-Friendly & Practical

7 Minute Security hasn't stuck to 7 minutes in years, and that's a good thing. As the show evolved and the stories got meatier, so did the runtime. Brian Johnson is the host, and listening to him feels like you're talking to a friend that's been in the cyber game for years. He's relatable, honest, and not afraid to poke fun at himself at times. You'll get a mixture of how-tos, lessons learnt, and career advice. It's laid back, practical, and often funny, which is why I like it. If you're just starting out in security or looking to level up your skill set, this one's for you.

19. StormCast (SANS Internet Stormcenter Daily cybersecurity Podcast)

Category: Daily Updates & Current Events

If cyber threats had a weather report, this would be it. StormCast delivers fast, no-fuff, daily briefings from the SANS Internet Storm Center, in usually under 10 minutes. Short and sweet. Hosted by Dr. Johannes B. Ullrich, you'll get the latest on vulnerabilities in the wild, malware trends, patch alerts, and what attackers are targeting right now. No rambling intros, no podcast banter, just real updates that matter, straight from the analysts. It's perfect for anyone who wants to stay informed without it feeling like they're sitting through a lecture.

18. Security Weekly Network

Category: Technical & Industry Analysis

Security Weekly Network is like the cybersecurity buffet you didn't know you needed. It has rotating hosts with a range of different sigiments. It's loaded with threat briefings, technical interviews, and industrial trends. You'll hear talk about zero-days, tooling breakdowns, compliance nightmares, and of course AI. From threat detection automation to the complexities of large language models (LLMs). It's the kind of show you can throw on in the background and still walk away with a handful of sharp insights and a few tool recommendations. Great for poros who want depth, but don't want it spoon-fed.

17. Daily Cyber Threat Brief

Category: News & Current Events

Hosted by Dr. Gerald Auger, the Daily Cyber Threat Brief is part of my daily podcast rotation. Each weekday, he covers everything from the latest ransomware chatter to critical vulnerabilities, threat actor movements to headlines that should be on your radar. Each episode can run long. Often over an hour, but they're packed with community Q&As, expert analysis, and timely insights that make them worth listening to. This podcast is perfect for anyone trying to stay one step ahead.

16. What the Hack with Adam Levin

Category: Storytelling & Investigative

If you're looking for a podcast that makes cybercrime relatable and fun, you've found it with What the Hack with Adam Levin. What's unique is that each episode features guests recounting their encounters with cyber threats, complemented by expert analysis and practical advice on how you can stay safe out there. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just trying to avoid the latest scams, What the Hack will leave you informed and keep you laughing.

15. The Lazarus Heist

Category: Storytelling & Investigative

Hackers, billions of dollars, and North Korea – what more could you ask for? The Lazarus Heist takes you into the secretive world of the "Lazarus Group," the infamous cybercrime syndicate behind the 2014 Sony hack and the 2016 Bangladesh Bank heist. North Korea, of course, denies everything, saying it's just the United States trying to tarnish their image. This BBC podcast brilliantly blends geopolitics, hacking, and espionage, making it a must-listen for anyone who loves a good international thriller.

14. Risky Business

Category: News & Current Events

Risky Business, hosted by Patrick Gray, is the go-to podcast for a deep dive into the security stories that matter. With its concise format, it's ideal for professionals seeking a clear analysis of how cybersecurity news affects the global landscape. It's particularly recommended for industry insiders and those interested in the geopolitical implications of tech security. While not an AI-focused show, it frequently touches on how AI is reshaping threats, from deepfakes to phishing and automated defense strategies.

13. The Missing 49 Million

Category: Storytelling & Investigative

An Aussie businessman claimed he'd cracked a secret code in the Bible and unlocked the key to artificial intelligence. Investors handed over $49 million, but when Alan Metcalfe died, the money vanished. Join Alex Turner-Cohen in The Missing 49 Million for an 8-part journey on the hunt for the truth. What really happened to the fortune, and was his promise to build something "bigger than Google" a brilliant vision, or an elaborate con?

12. The Social-Engineer Podcast

Category: Psychological & Social Engineering

The Social-Engineer, hosted by Chris Hadnagy, dives into real-world social engineering stories with a focus on interviews with experts in psychology, security, and communication. It goes beyond just online scams, diving into the psychology of how people are influenced in both cyber and real-world situations. Compared to Hacking Humans, it’s more specialized and tends to be in-depth, with expert guests providing real-life experiences and detailed techniques.

11. Hacker Valley Studio

Category: Technical & Hacking

Hacker Valley Studio is a favorite because it goes beyond the technical aspects of hacking and explores the human element. Hosts Ron and Chris explore the motivations, psychology, and personal stories behind hackers and cybersecurity professionals. The show isn’t shy about tackling AI topics either, especially around ethics, automation, and how AI is changing both attacker and defender mindsets. One great place to start is their 'Hacker Valley Blue' series, which kicks off with a guest appearance by Jack Rhysider from Darknet Diaries, so you know it's legit!

10. CyberWire Daily

Category: News & Current Events

As a cyber professional myself, CyberWire Daily is my go-to for staying updated on cybersecurity threats, usually with a cup of coffee in hand. It’s part of my morning routine, offering expert insights and keeping me informed on emerging risks. With its daily briefings and expert guests, it’s perfect for IT pros and really anyone interested in breaking cyber news.

9. Hacking Humans

Category: Psychological & Social Engineering

If you're fascinated by the human side of cybercrime, Hacking Humans will float your boat. It dives into the psychology behind phishing scams and social engineering tactics, breaking down how and why cybercriminals manipulate their victims. It has a balance of educational content and entertaining real-world scam stories, that I appreciate as someone who likes a narrative. I highly recommend this for cybersecurity pros and people who want to peer into the minds of scammers.

8. Security Now

Category: Technical & Hacking

Renowned for breaking down the most intricate security topics, Security Now provides comprehensive technical analyses that are invaluable to security professionals. It covers everything from the latest vulnerabilities, data breaches, and cyber threats to broader topics like encryption, VPNs, and software security. Steve Gibson, known for his expertise in cybersecurity, breaks down complex technical issues in a way that is accessible to both seasoned professionals and tech enthusiasts alike.

7. Unsupervised Learning

Category: Technical & Hacking

If hacking is your jam, Unsupervised Learning is the podcast for you! Each episode explores different hacking tools, techniques, emerging threats, and broader tech trends, giving you a comprehensive look at the current security landscape. You’ll regularly hear commentary on AI threats, automation in cyber defense, and how generative AI is shifting red/blue team dynamics.This podcast will keep your hacking skills sharp and also is a great place for newcomers just learning the craft.

6. Off The Hook

Category: Technical & Hacking

If you want to hear it straight from the source, Off The Hook is the podcast for you. Created by the legendary 2600 hacker group, this show offers an authentic, insider perspective on the underground world of hacking. Unlike most cybersecurity podcasts, Off The Hook is BY hackers, FOR hackers, giving you a raw, unfiltered look into the hacking culture and the issues that matter most to the community.

5. TechStuff

Category: News & Current Events

The podcast TechStuff dives into how tech shapes our world, from gadgets, AI and startups to history and cultural impact. Now hosted by Bhaskar Choudhury and Noel Brown, it still carries the spirit of longtime host Jonathan Strickland, who opened every episode with "How are tech are you?" In addition to covering the latest tech news, TechStuff features fascinating tech topics beyond current events, exploring how technology shapes culture and society. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious, this podcast offers something for everyone.

4. Malicious Life

Category: Storytelling & Hacking

Malicious Life is a podcast that sets itself apart by Ran Levi's ability to mix technical details with storytelling. It focuses on the history and evolution of cybercrime and features some of history's most significant hacking events. In this podcast, you'll hear from special guests who usually feature in the story being told. While based on hacking, this podcast is not overly technical, making it appealing to a wide variety of listeners. While the show wrapped in late 2024, its archive remains a goldmine for cyber history buffs.

3. Smashing Security

Category: News & Current Events

Now, a podcast with a lighter touch. Smashing Security offers a mix of humor and expertise on cybersecurity issues. Hosts Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault were a dynamic duo that kept it light. For example, there was a running joke where Graham blames any tech mishaps on Carole, which I've always found hilarious. While Carole stepped back from regular hosting in 2025, she still makes the occasional guest appearance, and the show hasn’t lost its signature wit.This podcast is a hit for listeners who enjoy a mix of laughter with their learning. If you like a relaxed approach to staying informed, this will be your new go-to.

2. Hunting Warhead

Category: Storytelling & Investigative

Disturbing, vile, gripping. With incredible production and storytelling, this true-crime podcast will raise the hairs on the back of your neck as you listen in and follow a real-life global investigation to track down and dismantle an international child exploitation ring. From deep web hackers to law enforcement agencies, this limited series uncovers the chilling world of online predators and the tireless efforts to stop them. With investigative journalism at its core, Hunting Warhead explores the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those on the front lines of the hunt, shining a light on the darkest corners of the web.

1. Darknet Diaries

Category: Storytelling & Investigative

Jack Rhysider's Darknet Diaries is a masterclass in narrative podcasting. He has the ability to weave tales that are both dramatic and technical. What sets this podcast apart is that it often features the real people involved in the events, adding a layer of authenticity to each episode. What personally appeals to me about this podcast is the neat editing and charming presentation. Its only downside is the terrible "dad joke" at the end of every episode! You'll love this podcast if you're into true-crime stories with a tech twist.

Wrapping Up

Podcasts have an incredible way of blending education and entertainment, making it easy to stay informed while you're on the go.

We're keen to hear from you! Was there a cybersecurity podcast you love that should be added to the list? Share your go-to listens with us. We're always on the lookout for new favorites!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Beginner-Friendly cybersecurity & Hacking Podcasts?

There are! If you're not technically inclined, 7 Minute security Security, Smashing Security and Darknet Diaries are great picks. For those who want to get more technical, Security Now! dives deep into the hacking world and underlying tech.

How Often Should I Tune In?

Weekly is a solid goal to start with. Some podcasts are daily, some drop a new episode every week or fortnight. Listen to a few. Get a feel for what's trending and what's relevant to you and roll with it.