

96: The Police Station Incident
25 snips Jul 6, 2021
Nicole Beckwith, a dynamic programmer, police officer, and cybercrime task force member, shares her riveting journey. She dives into a mysterious router crash possibly triggered by cosmic rays, illustrating tech's unpredictability. The discussion shifts to a gripping cyber crisis at a police station, exposing unauthorized server access linked to the mayor. Nicole highlights the delicate balance of cybersecurity and law enforcement, emphasizing the need for collaboration and robust security practices in the face of rising threats.
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Router Crash Mystery
- A router mysteriously crashed due to a bit flip, possibly caused by cosmic rays.
- The manufacturer cited "spurious emissions from space," a difficult-to-prove explanation.
Ransomware Strikes Police Station
- A police station got hit with ransomware, and their backups failed, restoring a 10-month-old version.
- Nicole offered help after a week when their printers went down again, a sign of recurring ransomware.
Forensics Go Bag Essentials
- Always have a "go bag" ready with essential digital forensics tools, including hardware and software.
- Include items like a SATA dock, USB drives with analysis software, hard drives, cables, and personal care items.