Modern Wisdom #954 - Joe Tidy - Chasing The Most Hated Hacker In History
535 snips
Jun 14, 2025 
Joe Tidy, a BBC cybersecurity correspondent, dives into the daunting world of hacking and cybercrime. He discusses Scattered Spider, the rise of teenage hackers likened to a digital cartel, and why Russia is a hacking hotspot. Joe also explores significant cyber warfare incidents and their implications, including the infamous Stuxnet attack. He shines a light on the crippling effects of ransomware and the pressing need for effective regulations in an evolving dark web economy. Tune in for captivating insights into protecting yourself from digital threats!
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Scattered Spider's Loose Cybercrime Collective
- Scattered Spider is a loosely organized hacking group using platforms like Discord and Telegram for cybercrime and infamy.
- They operate more like a collective than an organized gang, often involving very young, likely teenage hackers from the US and UK.
Social Media Fueling Hacker Clout
- Social media, especially Twitter, shifted hacker motivations towards seeking fame and clout.
- Hackers now use private channels but still crave notoriety, evolving from benevolent teens to cybercriminals.
Ransomware Begins With Social Engineering
- Many cyber attacks begin with social engineering to gain initial access, such as impersonating staff to reset passwords.
- After entry, hackers exploit system vulnerabilities to deploy crippling ransomware demanding Bitcoin payments.
