The Top 15 Cyber Security And Hacking Podcasts In 2024

If there's one thing that's helped me keep my finger on the pulse and continued fueling my passion for the cyber security world, it's podcasts! Whether I'm commuting, working out, or whipping up dinner, they're my constant companion, keeping me learning and inspired.

Instead of a typical countdown, we've categorized the top cyber security and hacking podcasts into four key sections: Storytelling & Investigative, News & Current Events, Psychological & Social Engineering, and Technical & Hacking.

Ready to find your next audio obsession? You're in the right place. Let's dive in!

Jump To Our Category Winners

Storytelling & Investigative Series

Cybersecurity, especially cybercrime, is packed with extraordinary events that often feel like a thriller novel. Some podcasts masterfully capture this essence, transforming real-world digital defense sagas into gripping auditory experiences. Here are our top picks from this category!

Darknet Diaries

Jack Rhysider's Darknet Diaries is a masterclass in narrative podcasting, weaving together cybercrime tales with a flair for both the dramatic and personal elements of the stories. What sets this podcast apart is that it often features the actual people involved in the events, adding a rich, extra layer of authenticity to each episode. Praised for its neat editing and charming presentation, you'll love this podcast if you're into true-crime stories with a tech twist.

The Lazarus Heist

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.

Hunting Warhead

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 six-part series uncovers the chilling world of online predators and the tireless efforts to stop them. With investigative journalism at its core, Hunting Warehead 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.

The Missing 49 Million

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?

If you're hungry for more up-to-date coverage, these next podcasts tackle new and current events in the cybersecurity world.

News & Current Events

Keep your finger on the pulse with our top News & Current Events podcast picks! Whether you're into tech trends, cybersecurity deep dives, or a lighter take on digital security, this section has you covered.

TechStuff

Hosted by Jonathan Strickland, TechStuff is a treasure trove for those who like their tech news served with insight and clarity. Kicking off each episode with his signature greeting, "How the tech are ya," Jonathan makes even the most complex topics accessible and fun. 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.

Risky Business

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.

CyberWire Daily

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 anyone interested in the latest in the cyber world.

Smashing Security

I thought we'd round this category off with a lighter touch. Smashing Security offers a blend of humor and expertise on cybersecurity issues. Hosts Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault bring a unique and entertaining perspective to the table, often featuring their classic running joke where Graham blames any tech mishaps on Carole, adding to the playful dynamic. This podcast is a hit for listeners who enjoy a mix of laughter with their learning and is recommended for those who appreciate a more relaxed approach to staying informed.

Psychological & Social Engineering Focus

If you’re fascinated by the human side of cybercrime, this section is for you. From the psychology behind phishing scams to gripping stories of espionage, these two podcasts offer a perfect blend of insight and entertainment.

Hacking Humans

If you're fascinated by the human side of cybercrime, Hacking Humans is your cup of tea. It dives deep into the psychology behind phishing scams and social engineering tactics, breaking down how and why cybercriminals manipulate their victims. With a balance of educational content and entertaining real-world scam stories, it's always a fun listen. I highly recommend this for cybersecurity pros and enthusiasts looking to get into the minds of scammers.

The Social-Engineer Podcast

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 all kinds of situations—cyber and real-world. Compared to Hacking Humans, it’s more specialized and tends to be in-depth with expert guests providing real-life experiences and detailed techniques.

Technical & Hacking Focus

Fancy yourself a hacker, or maybe you're dreaming of becoming a bug bounty hunter? This section is for you! Packed with podcasts that dig into the technical side of cybersecurity, you'll hear real stories from hackers, explore cutting-edge tools and techniques, and dive deep into the world of cyber defense.

Malicious Life

Malicious Life is a podcast that sets itself apart by blending cybersecurity with captivating storytelling, focusing on the history and evolution of cybercrime. Hosted by Ran Levi, a cybersecurity expert and author, the podcast delves into some of history's most significant hacking events. What makes Malicious Life truly unique is its narrative style—it doesn't just deliver technical content but also weaves the human stories behind the attacks, making it accessible to both tech-savvy listeners and those just dipping a toe into cyber security. This podcast is a personal favorite because it's meticulously researched, often featuring interviews with people directly involved in the cyber events being discussed.

Hacker Valley Studio

Hacker Valley Studio stands out by going beyond the technical aspects of hacking and diving into the human element. Hosts Ron and Chris explore the motivations, psychology, and personal stories behind hackers and cybersecurity professionals. A great entry point is their "Hacker Valley Blue" series, which features Jack Rhysider from Darknet Diaries. Each episode immerses listeners in the world of cybersecurity defense, sharing real-life experiences from experts tasked with protecting systems, detecting threats, and responding to attacks in real time.

Security Now

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.

Unsupervised Learning

If hacking is your jam, Unsupervised Learning is the podcast for you! Each episode dives into a blend of hacking tools, techniques, emerging threats, and broader tech trends, giving you a comprehensive look at the current security landscape. It’s a go-to for hackers, offering insights that will keep you sharp, whether you're just starting out or already deep in the game!

Off The Hook

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. Whether you're curious about hacker ethics, digital privacy, or the fight for free information, this cult classic delivers a truly subversive take on cybersecurity that you won't find anywhere else.

Top Podcast By Category

After carefully considering several criteria including production quality, host charisma, how well the material is researched, and overall entertainment value, these podcasts have emerged as the winners in their categories. Drumroll, please.

🏆 Storytelling & Investigative Series:

Darknet Diaries takes the top spot because of its gripping, in-depth storytelling of real-life cybercrime events, making complex stories feel personal and captivating. Plus, Jack's passion for the topic is felt in every episode.

🏆 News & Current Events:

Smashing Security takes the top spot because it skillfully blends humor and expert analysis, making cybersecurity news both informative and fun to follow.

🏆 Psychological & Social Engineering Focus:

Hacking Humans takes the top spot because of its ability to break down the psychology of cyber scams, offering fascinating insights into how cybercriminals manipulate their victims.

🏆 Technical & Hacking Focus:

Malicious Life takes the top spot because it expertly mixes tech knowledge with engaging storytelling, making the history of hacking as exciting and informative.

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 cyber security 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!