It seems like we hear about corporate (not to mention consumer) hacks in the news every week. Is this something new, or just a continuation of old patterns and we just happen to be hearing about it more now? In this segment of the a16z Podcast, longtime security investigative reporter Kim Zetter of Wired -- who also wrote Countdown to Zero Day, the definitive account of Stuxnet, the first digital virus that wrought physical destruction (on a nuclear facility) -- breaks down how hacks happen.

What's old (like phishing), what's new (like spear-phishing and ransomware)? How are players around the world -- whether for government or economic espionage -- becoming ever more sophisticated, coordinated, and organized? And what can companies do? Zetter shares her observations on how security models have changed -- for example, from defensive to offensive -- to how she susses out the truth when different players communicate about or claim hacks. (Which is one of the reasons that Zetter questions North Korea's role in the Sony hack...)

Stay Updated:

Find a16z on X

Find a16z on LinkedIn

Listen to the a16z Show on Spotify

Listen to the a16z Show on Apple Podcasts

Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg

Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Exploring the Future of AI Agents and Their Applications for Decentralized Finance and Banking, with Bullet Bulat @ ReDeFi