Nicole Perlroth, a prominent cybersecurity reporter for The New York Times and author of "This Is How They Tell Me The World Ends," joins Josh Glancy for an intense discussion on the cyber weapons arms race. They dive into the world of zero-day exploits, revealing how the U.S. hoarded these powerful hacking tools. The conversation highlights key cyber threats, from the SolarWinds hack to the delicate balance between national security and personal privacy, while urging a reevaluation of our approach to cybersecurity in the face of escalating attacks.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
NYT Hack
Nicole Perlroth witnessed Chinese hackers infiltrate the New York Times.
She observed their activities, describing them as the "Beijing summer intern."
insights INSIGHT
Cyber Superpower Vulnerability
The US is the most sophisticated cyber superpower but its lead is shrinking.
The US, being highly digitized, is also the most vulnerable to cyberattacks.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Oldsmar Water Treatment Facility Hack
Hackers increased lye levels in a Florida water treatment facility.
An engineer's attentiveness prevented potential harm.
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This book, written by Nicole Perlroth, delves into the secretive world of cyberweapons, exploring the origins of state-sponsored cyberattacks, the evolution of cyberweaponry, and the potential catastrophic consequences of the ongoing cyber arms race. It includes stories of high-profile cyberattacks like Stuxnet and WannaCry, and discusses the roles of private companies, criminal groups, and individual hackers in this market. The book is based on years of reporting and hundreds of interviews with current and former government officials, cybersecurity experts, and hackers, and is praised for its engaging and terrifying portrayal of modern global warfare[1][3][5].
Zero day: a software bug that allows a hacker to break into your devices and move around undetected. One of the most coveted tools in a spy's arsenal, a zero day has the power to silently spy on your iPhone, dismantle the safety controls at a chemical plant, alter an election, and shut down the electric grid (just ask the Ukraine).
For decades, under cover of classification levels and non-disclosure agreements, the United States government became the world's dominant hoarder of zero days. U.S. government agents paid top dollar-first thousands, and later millions of dollars- to hackers willing to sell their lock-picking code and their silence.
Then the United States lost control of its hoard and the market. In this week's episode Nicole Perlroth of The New York Times speaks with Josh Glancy about her new book on the dangers and risks of the new world of cyber weapons and the potential catastrophic consequences.
To find out more about the book click here: https://amzn.to/3rbatKu
Intelligence Squared 
