Smashing Security

Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault bring something rare to cybersecurity podcasting: genuine humor that does not come at the expense of substance. Smashing Security drops weekly on Wednesdays, and over 460 episodes since 2017, the duo has built a loyal following by treating even the most alarming security news with a light touch and sharp wit. The show won best cybersecurity podcast awards in 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and it is easy to hear why. The format is conversational. Cluley and Theriault pick two or three stories each week — data breaches, scam operations, privacy blunders, corporate security fails — and discuss them like two old friends catching up over coffee. They frequently bring on guests too, and the guest list has included names like Garry Kasparov and Mikko Hypponen, which gives you a sense of the show's reach. Cluley is a cybersecurity industry veteran who has been writing about viruses and hacking since the early 1990s, and Theriault brings years of experience as a security researcher and journalist. Together they make dense topics accessible without oversimplifying. Episodes run about 45 minutes to an hour, and the production is clean. With over 10 million downloads and a 4.5 star rating, Smashing Security proves that cybersecurity does not have to be dry or intimidating. A premium tier offers early access and ad-free episodes for those who want the full experience.