

98: Zero Day Brokers
62 snips Aug 3, 2021
Nicole Perlroth, a cybersecurity reporter for the New York Times and author of "This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends," delves into the shadowy world of zero-day brokers who sell malware to exploit vulnerabilities. She shares her gripping encounters with espionage, including a hacking attempt linked to the Chinese military. The conversation reveals the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the intense competition for zero-day exploits, and the implications of government-sponsored cyber operations. A fascinating exploration of digital threats and ethics.
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NYT Hack
- The New York Times was hacked by Chinese military in 2012, likely seeking journalist sources.
- Nicole Perlroth, embedded with security teams and the FBI, observed the attacker's routine.
Other Hacks Revealed
- After the NYT published their hack, other news agencies revealed similar attacks.
- One colleague's computer was confiscated as it was used to stage attacks within the NYT network.
Source Protection
- Protect sources and conversations using pen and paper, burner laptops, and encrypted apps like Signal.
- Meet sensitive sources regularly without devices, relying solely on handwritten notes for security.