About Collateral Dialogue: Conversations about Computer Security
Introducing "Collateral Dialogue," a MailChannels podcast. Join CEO Ken Simpson and selected guests for a thought-provoking exploration of the computer and network security landscape—subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.
Self-Driving Software: What OAuth Can’t Do for AI Agents | Dick Hardt, Hello
Ken sits down with Dick Hardt, creator of Identity 2.0, co-author of OAuth, and the person now building AAuth, an authorization protocol for a world where AI agents make their own decisions and take their own actions.
The conversation digs into a question every platform builder is about to face: when an autonomous agent takes an action, who authorized it, and who is accountable when it goes wrong? Along the way, Ken and Dick get into self-driving software, why OAuth was never built for agents, portable reputation, killing off API keys, fixing webhooks, and what it takes to safely let an AI agent send email on your behalf.
Chapters:
(00:00) Replacing the human in the loop
(00:43) Introducing Dick Hardt
(01:32) Self-driving software and the "mission" concept
(07:02) What makes software self-driving vs. agentic
(09:23) Discovering resources at runtime
(12:48) The governance brain that says no
(17:00) The barriers standing in the way today
(20:01) Identity 2.0 and the person server
(21:57) Portable reputation and why email needs it
(32:14) What OAuth can't do for agents
(36:40) Client identity, killing API keys, and fixing webhooks
(41:30) Letting an AI agent send email safely
(43:25) How the person server works
(52:50) How other efforts compare
(57:31) Getting the flywheel started
27 Jan 2026
The Internet’s Neighborhood Watch: David Snead and the Secure Hosting Alliance
Join us where we sit down with David Snead, a veteran in the web hosting industry, to explore the significant legal shifts that have transformed hosting providers from mere utilities to akin to 'internet police.'
We delve into his extensive experience as general counsel for cPanel and discuss the psychology and risk management of hosting providers. David chairs the Secure Hosting Alliance which aims to promote ethical hosting and community collaboration to combat infrastructure misuse. We also touch upon pressing legal challenges, including potential site-blocking legislation and the impact of AI on hosting liability.
This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to understand the evolving regulatory landscape of the web hosting industry.
#podcast #computersecurity #cybersecurity
✅✉️ MailChannels builds email security products for hosting providers to give users a more secure, more reliable email experience.
🎧 Listen to us on:
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Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
👋 Connect wth us:
Facebook - / mailchannels
7 Jan 2026
From NSA to PHP: Rob Seger's Quest to Secure the Web at its Source
In this episode, MailChannels CEO Ken Simpson sits down with Rob Seger, CTO of Monarx and former NSA engineer, to explore how malware actually spreads across the internet from shared hosting environmentsRob shares what he learned at the NSA, why attackers always win, and why the blast radius of a single false positive can take down a million websites. This episode dives into the hidden mechanics of web-based attacks, PHP’s dark corners, symbolic AI, and the economic forces shaping cybersecurity today.If you work in hosting, cybersecurity, devops, or run a SaaS platform, this conversation is a must-watch.
(00:00) When one false positive impacts a million sites
(01:00) Lessons Rob took from his early NSA years
(02:00) How cybersecurity teams manage massive problem spaces
(04:20) Seeing security through attacker vs defender perspectives
(07:10) Understanding the economics shaping cybersecurity decisions
(09:00) A clear look at what Monarx actually protects
(11:00) Why shared hosting environments hide so much malware
(17:00) How Monarchs integrates with PHP to block malicious behavior
(25:00) Why symbolic AI can outperform modern ML in security
(32:00) What it takes to scale malware detection to billions of files
(40:00) The real reason hosting providers struggle to stop spam
(45:00) Closing insights and what comes next for security
✅✉️ MailChannels builds email security products for hosting providers to give users a more secure, more reliable email experience. 🎧 Listen to us on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1iK2OPwEwwzLvz1cuqwLk7?si=41f9c6df59994119&nd=1- Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collateral-dialogue-conversations-about-computer-security/id1700347643👋 Connect wth us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mailchannels/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mailchannels/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mailchannelsWebsite - https://mailchannels.com/
8 Jul 2025
Why Domain Reputation is the New IP Reputation | Insights from Expert in Email Deliverability
In this episode, email deliverability expert Matt Vernhout joins the podcast to discuss essential insights into the current state of email delivery.
Matt emphasizes the importance of looking at campaign performance over time and the value of engagement metrics in maintaining a healthy email list. He shares historical and recent changes in email authentication standards such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, and highlights their impact on improving email delivery.
The conversation covers major shifts in the industry, including the implementation of one-click unsubscribe mechanisms mandated by major email providers like Google and Yahoo, and the rise of generative AI's role in both creating and filtering email content.
Matt also talks about the tools and strategies new email services should adopt to mitigate abuse from day one. Looking ahead, he shares his hopes for the evolution of interactive email and improved security standards.
Highlights:
Look at overall campaign performance, not just individual metrics.
Email remains a crucial communication tool in business.
Authentication standards like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are essential.
Unsubscribe mechanisms should be clear and easy to use.
Engagement metrics are vital for maintaining a healthy email list.
Generative AI is changing how emails are created and filtered.
New email services must prepare for potential abuse from day one.
Tools like BlackBox can help identify problematic email lists.
AMP for email could revolutionize user interaction with emails.
The email industry will continue to evolve with new technologies and standards.
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(02:20) Email Industry Evolution
(03:54) Impact of Major Changes by Google and Yahoo
(07:57) The Role of Unsubscribes in Email Deliverability
(11:07) Importance of Engagement Metrics
(15:10) Challenges with Open and Click Rates
(18:00) Common Issues in Email Deliverability
(19:43) Generative AI in Email Marketing
(20:18) AI in Image Generation and Content Creation
(23:24) Manual Processes and AI Assistance
(29:39) Advice for New Email Service Providers
(31:57) Future of Email Deliverability
(38:52) Conclusion and Future Episodes
#podcast #computersecurity #cybersecurity
2 Jun 2025
The SparkPost Story: George Schlossnagle
George Schlossnagle recounts his transition from mathematics to tech entrepreneurship, detailing the founding of SparkPost and the challenges of managing email infrastructure in an interview with the host.
26 Mar 2025
From Yahoo to LinkedIn: The Evolution of Email Deliverability
In this episode, we talk with email deliverability expert, Udeme. Udeme, who has worked with major players like Yahoo and LinkedIn, shares his experience in the email industry, offering valuable advice for anyone looking to improve their email sending practices. We discuss the evolution of email, tackling challenges like spam and AI-generated content, and best practices for ensuring your messages reach the inbox.
(00:00:00) - Park the Domain Until June
(00:01:00) - From Yahoo to Today: A Deliverability Odyssey
(00:04:00) - Inside the Inbox: Abuse at Scale
(00:05:20) - Email Then vs. Now
(00:07:30) - Making Deliverability Make Sense
(00:10:00) - The Honeymoon Blocklist
(00:12:20) - Treat Email Like a Car
(00:17:30) - BIMI & the Carrot of Deliverability
(00:24:00) - Postmaster vs. Consultant: Friends or Foes?
(00:27:00) - Life on Spam Patrol
(00:30:00) - The Bought List Debate
(00:34:00) - AI, Outreach & the Legal Grey Zone
(00:42:00) - The Planet of Deliverability
4 Dec 2024
Pioneering the Future of Web Hosting with Konrad Keck
Konrad Keck shares his entrepreneurial journey and pioneering approach to web hosting, revealing insights on user experience, team management, and adapting to industry changes in a rapidly evolving landscape.
31 Oct 2024
Email's Untapped Potential: Nicolas Toper on What's Next
Join us as Ken and entrepreneur Konrad Keck dive into the evolving world of web hosting and the power of innovation. From his start as a freelance developer to becoming the founder of Modules Garden, Konrad shares his journey and strategic moves that set his company apart in the competitive tech landscape. Explore the impact of site builders, the strategic embrace of WordPress, and the exciting potential of AI in the industry.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:00 The Genesis of Modules Garden
00:06:00 Challenges in the Hosting Industry
00:10:00 The Role of WordPress in Modern Hosting
00:15:00 Building and Managing a Tech Team
00:20:00 The Impact of AI and Technology Innovations
00:25:00 Strategic Business Moves and Market Expansion
00:30:00 Future of Web Hosting and Modules Garden
00:35:00 Entrepreneurial Insights and Personal Growth
00:40:00 Closing Remarks
6 Aug 2024
Strategies for Success in the Web Hosting Industry with Lukas Hertig from WebPros
In this episode, Lukas Hertig, a seasoned expert in the web hosting industry, shares his journey and insights. Discover the evolution of cloud hosting, the incredible rise of Amazon Web Services, and the secrets behind the industry's high margins. Lukas also discusses the impact of private equity on hosting companies, future trends, and innovative strategies for success.
14 Jun 2024
Growing a Web Hosting Company - Behind the Scenes at Rocket.net - Ben Gabler (Rocket.net)
In this episode of the podcast, Ben Gabler, CEO and founder of Rocket.net, shares his journey from delivering pizzas to pioneering in the web hosting industry. With over two decades of experience, Ben offers a candid look into the entrepreneurial spirit that drove him from the ground up, highlighting key decisions and partnerships that shaped his path. The discussion delves into the strategic shifts and technological innovations that have enabled Rocket.net to thrive in a competitive market, emphasizing customer-centric approaches and agile responses to industry demands.
26 Feb 2024
Emerging Trends in Email Deliverability and How to Stay Ahead | An Interview with Al Iverson
In this episode, we sit down with Al Iverson, an expert in email deliverability, to explore the intricate world of email communication and marketing. Al shares his rich journey through the evolution of email, from early spam-fighting days to today's challenges posed by major service providers and the advent of generative AI. We delve into the significance of email security, the impact of changing regulations, and the future of email marketing.
31 Jan 2024
Powering a Fairer Internet with IPV6 - A chat with expert Wido den Hollander, CTO of Your.Online
In this episode, we chat with hosting industry veteran Wido den Hollander about the vital role of IPv6, an addressing scheme for the internet that, despite being in existence since the 1990s, is still being rolled out. Den Hollander discusses the challenges of fully integrating IPv6 and also the opportunity it presents to the internet community for improving security and enabling faster and easier deployment of new services. The conversation also covers the technical hurdles and the need for increased awareness and education about IPv6. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the future of internet connectivity and its global implications.
13 Dec 2023
Delivering Email People Actually Want - Laura Atkins, Email Deliverability Expert
In this episode of the Collateral Dialogue, host Ken Simpson delves into the intricate world of email deliverability with Laura Atkins, a renowned expert with over two decades of experience in the field. Laura, an anti-spam and email deliverability specialist, shares her journey from molecular biologist to a leading figure in the email industry, highlighting her contributions and experiences that have shaped today's email landscape.
Starting with her early encounters with spam in grad school, Laura narrates her transition into the world of email, discussing her role at MAPS (Mail Abuse Prevention Service), her insights into the development of email technologies, and her eventual foray into consulting. She offers a unique perspective on the evolution of email deliverability, discussing the early days of fighting spam, advising major companies, and the significant changes in technologies and strategies over the years.
Laura also sheds light on her current consulting work, helping large organizations and government entities navigate the complexities of email strategy and compliance. She emphasizes the importance of sending communications that recipients actually want, a simple yet profound principle in her approach to deliverability.
28 Sept 2023
Cloudflare: Past, present, and future - An interview with John Graham-Cumming, CTO of Cloudflare
Description: In this comprehensive discussion, Ken Simpson, CEO of MailChannels, converses with John Graham-Cumming, CTO of Cloudflare, to explore the company's past, present, and future. From discussing the company's journey from its humble beginnings to its IPO, key challenges and milestones, the conversation evolves to reflect on significant events and strategic decisions such as competing directly with Amazon via the R2 Blob Storage engine. Graham-Cumming provides insights into the current state of the "Supercloud" and the integration of AI in their Workers platform. The discourse also ventures into Cloudflare's approach to fostering innovation through their $2.0 billion venture capital fund, the Workers Launchpad, and their unique positioning against major competitors. Future-oriented, the conversation explores Cloudflare's plans to tackle cybersecurity threats, the role of AI and Machine Learning, potential future features, and the company's vision for shaping the future of the internet and digital security.
19 Sept 2023
How Canada’s Telecom Regulator Fights Phishing and Spam | Steven Harroun, CRTC
In this insightful and comprehensive conversation, Ken Simpson, CEO of MailChannels, engages Steven Harroun, Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer at the CRTC, on a range of critical topics surrounding Canada's digital landscape. Harroun elucidates on the CRTC's role in protecting Canadians from online abuse, providing an in-depth overview of Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) and the types of complaints received since its inception. He sheds light on their enforcement strategies, with a particular focus on spam, phishing, and other forms of cyber abuse, including the emerging challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The discussion also ventures into the CRTC's recent policies, its proactive approach towards telecom regulation, and its strategies for managing new threats such as botnet traffic. Harroun delves into the CRTC's efforts to maintain net neutrality, foster transparency, and promote public education on CASL, while also highlighting the complexities of navigating the evolving terrain of technology and communication platforms.
7 Sept 2023
How Spamhaus will protect the internet from AI-driven spam and phishing
In this engaging dialogue with Andrew Barrett of Spamhaus, we trace the organization's journey from its inception, discussing the initial vision, early challenges, and the adaptations required as the internet and cyber threats evolved. Highlighting key milestones, the conversation shifts to the present day where Spamhaus is recognized as an authority on IP and domain reputation data. Detailed insights are provided on the importance and management of IP and domain reputation, the impacts of a bad reputation, and recent trends observed in cybersecurity, including the role of artificial intelligence. The conversation concludes with a forward-looking perspective, exploring future challenges in the cybersecurity industry and how Spamhaus plans to address them. The evolution of public blocklists, the company's future vision, and the potential of AI in augmenting both cybersecurity measures and hackers' attacks are also discussed, offering a comprehensive and informative insight into the world of Spamhaus.
21 Aug 2023
Fighting Phishing in a Post-GPT World
Mike Jones, Senior Director of Product Management at Fortra Agari, joins Ken to discuss the past, present, and future of Agari’s fight against phishing. As the originators of DMARC, learn how Mike and the Agari founding team rallied the email industry around this new standard for domain name protection and built a highly successful business helping the world’s largest brands secure themselves against impersonation online. Learn about the impact of phishing attacks on businesses and individuals, highlighting the importance of email authentication and the role it plays in preventing malicious activities. Our conversation concludes with a discussion of the potentially frightening wave of phishing that will be enabled by large language models such as ChatGPT. Don’t miss this exciting and engaging episode!
31 Jul 2023
(TRAILER) Collateral Dialogue: Conversations about Cybersecurity
Introducing "Collateral Dialogue," a MailChannels podcast.
Join CEO Ken Simpson and selected guests for a thought-provoking exploration of the computer and network security landscape—subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
286,896
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
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Social presence
0
YouTube
82
Engagement
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