What's in the SOSS? An OpenSSF Podcast
What's in the SOSS? features the sharpest minds in security as they dig into the challenges and opportunities that create a recipe for success in making software more secure.
Get a taste of all the ingredients that make up secure open source software (SOSS) and explore the latest trends at the intersection of AI and security, vulnerability management, and threat assessments.
Each episode of What's in the SOSS? is packed with valuable insight designed to foster collaboration and promote stronger security practices for the open source software community.
About Christopher Robinson (aka CRob), host
CRob is a 43rd level Dungeon Master and a 26th level Securityologist. He is a leader within several Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) efforts and is a frequent speaker on cyber, application, and open source security. He enjoys hats, herding cats, and moonlit walks on the beach.
What's in the SOSS? An OpenSSF Podcast
Building Trust in Open Source: Seth Larson's Journey from Maintainer to Security Leader
In this episode of What’s in the SOSS, host Yesenia Yser sits down with Seth Larson, Security Developer in Residence at the Python Software Foundation, as he shares his unique perspective on open source security. From his Minneapolis base, Seth discusses his journey from urllib3 maintainer to leading security initiatives across the Python ecosystem. In this episode, we explore how public documentation shapes security work, the importance of supporting maintainers both technically and emotionally, and the art of building trust in open source communities. Seth also shares insights on engaging with academic communities, the evolution of secure-by-default practices, and his approach to making security accessible without disrupting existing workflows. Plus, don't miss our rapid-fire segment where Seth reveals his love for retro Nintendo games and PyCharm over traditional editors!
Episode Chapters
00:00Introduction & Seth's Background
02:30The Power of Public Documentation
07:00Supporting Open Source Maintainers
12:00Engaging Academic Communities
18:00Seth's 10-Year Open Source Journey
22:00Rapid Fire Round
25:00Closing Advice
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