Brian Petzold

Residential neighborhood used to illustrate cybersecurity threats from residential proxy networks.

2 min read

The War on Residential Proxy Networks

Financial institutions have long relied on network‑based controls to keep criminals out of Internet Banking systems and other critical infrastructure. But those controls are becoming less effective as criminals increasingly hide behind residential...

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How to Approach Third Party Reviews

One of the most important processes in cybersecurity for financial institutions today is third-party due diligence. However, it is also one of the...

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Ransomware Trends in 2025

Back in May 2024, I wrote that there were signs ransomware might finally be on the decline. I have continued to monitor various sources regarding...

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Incident Response Theater: Are We Just Playing the Role of Preparedness?

The curtain rises. The scene: a quiet sunny day on the teller line.

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The Wild, Untamed, and Exciting World of Passkeys

In today's digital landscape, securing user authentication is more critical than ever. Recently, I explored the benefits of using Yubikeys and...

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3 min read

Is it Time to Go Passwordless?

For years, having long and complex passwords has been ingrained in us as a requirement, so it may seem strange to consider eliminating passwords...

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How to Manage Vulnerabilities

Most ransomware gangs gain their foothold in an organization by taking advantage of at least one vulnerability. The vulnerability may be on a user...

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Ruminations on the New Dodd-Frank Section 1033 Rule

When the Dodd-Frank Act was passed in 2010, it included Section 1033. This section required the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to create...

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How I Became a vCISO

I have a lot of passion for my role as a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) for financial institutions, and I am always happy to tell...

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The Waning Days of the CAT Arrive

In late August, the FFIEC announced that they would sunset the Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (the “CAT”) on August 31, 2025. It had been apparent for...

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