In this engaging discussion, Greg, also known as "mobman," dives into his controversial past as the creator of the Sub-7 malware. He reflects on the moral dilemmas hackers face and the unintended consequences of their creations. The conversation unravels the enigma surrounding his identity and credibility, as well as the debate about digital legitimacy within the hacking community. With anecdotes about never visiting Canada and a playful dialogue about programming skills, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the chaotic history of online identities.
The podcast highlights the significance of verifying claims in the digital age, particularly surrounding the controversial creation of Sub 7 malware.
It emphasizes the importance of community and personal growth in the face of criticism, transforming negative feedback into a collaborative opportunity.
Deep dives
The Power of Online Feedback
Sharing knowledge online can elicit strong reactions, both positive and negative. Early in their online journey, the speaker experienced harsh criticism when their video game guide was ridiculed. Instead of feeling discouraged, they embraced the feedback and viewed it as an opportunity for improvement. This openness led to personal growth and connections with others who shared their passion, highlighting the importance of community and collaboration in online spaces.
The Mystery of Sub 7
The podcast revisits the tale of Sub 7, a remote access tool that became infamous in the hacking community. A significant point of contention arose around the true creator of Sub 7, with competing claims from two individuals named Mobman. Historical context shows that one claimed creator, Greg, gained credibility through media features, while the original creator's identity remained obscured. This complexity showcases the challenges of verifying claims in the digital world and the lasting impact of such tools on cybersecurity narratives.
The Search for Truth
An investigation into the real Mobman revealed a broader narrative involving misinformation and identity. Ill Will, an enthusiast devoted to uncovering the truth, contacted the original creator, ultimately leading to a confrontation with Greg. During discussions, the legitimacy of their claims was scrutinized, revealing inconsistencies in Greg's story, while the original Mobman provided insights into the actual development of Sub 7. This discovery process underscores the importance of critical thinking when engaging with sources, especially in an age where misinformation can easily proliferate.
Revelations and Reflections
After extensive dialogue, Greg eventually acknowledged the discrepancies in his claims regarding Sub 7's creation. The exploration of this narrative not only highlighted cultural elements of the hacker community but also addressed the inherent risks of misleading storytelling, even from authoritative figures. Following these revelations, Greg expressed regret for any harm caused by the misinformation, emphasizing the need for accountability in technology discussions. This saga serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of deception and the importance of truth in digital interactions.
In Episode 20 of Darknet Diaries, we heard from Greg aka “mobman” who said he created the sub7 malware. Something didn’t sit right with a lot of people about that episode. It’s time to revisit that episode and get to the bottom of things.
Sponsors This show is sponsored by Shopify. Shopify is the best place to go to start or grow your online retail business. And running a growing business means getting the insights you need wherever you are. With Shopify’s single dashboard, you can manage orders, shipping, and payments from anywhere. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/darknet.
Support for this show comes from Axonius. The Axonius solution correlates asset data from your existing IT and security solutions to provide an always up-to-date inventory of all devices, users, cloud instances, and SaaS apps, so you can easily identify coverage gaps and automate response actions. Axonius gives IT and security teams the confidence to control complexity by mitigating threats, navigating risk, decreasing incidents, and informing business-level strategy — all while eliminating manual, repetitive tasks. Visit axonius.com/darknet to learn more and try it free.
Support for this show comes from ThreatLocker®. ThreatLocker® is a Zero Trust Endpoint Protection Platform that strengthens your infrastructure from the ground up. With ThreatLocker® Allowlisting and Ringfencing™, you gain a more secure approach to blocking exploits of known and unknown vulnerabilities. ThreatLocker® provides Zero Trust control at the kernel level that enables you to allow everything you need and block everything else, including ransomware! Learn more at www.threatlocker.com.