Lex Fridman Podcast #266 – Nicole Perlroth: Cybersecurity and the Weapons of Cyberwar
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Feb 20, 2022 
Nicole Perlroth, a cybersecurity journalist and author of 'This Is How They Tell Me The World Ends,' dives into the ominous world of cyber warfare. She discusses zero-day vulnerabilities and the evolving hacker culture, emphasizing the ethics behind selling exploits. The conversation highlights the rising significance of cyberattacks in global politics, particularly between the US and China. Perlroth also explores the moral complexities of surveillance and the dire need for transparency and stronger consumer protections in an increasingly digital world.
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Zero-Day Vulnerabilities
- Zero-day vulnerabilities, unknown to software creators, are exploited for spying and sabotage.
- These exploits can remotely monitor devices, fetching high prices in underground markets.
Exploit Market Shift
- iPhone exploits were highly valued, but Android exploits now fetch higher prices due to increased market share and government demand.
- Governments use these exploits to monitor citizens and critics, not just elites.
Rise of Exploit Market
- Early hackers exposed vulnerabilities out of curiosity but faced legal threats from companies.
- This led to an underground market where governments purchased zero-day exploits for espionage and sabotage.
