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Darknet Diaries

98: Zero Day Brokers

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.
50:13

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The gray market for selling vulnerabilities and exploits to governments and companies remains secretive, highlighting the legal nature of this market and the risks it poses to cybersecurity and personal privacy.
  • The global landscape of digital espionage showcases the asymmetrical nature of cybersecurity, with governments having significant resources to carry out attacks, emphasizing the need for tech-literate leaders and increased transparency.

Deep dives

The Gray Market for Exploits

The podcast episode discusses the secretive gray market for selling vulnerabilities and exploits to governments and companies. It highlights the legal nature of this market, as it is often governments who purchase these exploits, but the transactions remain secretive. The episode explains that the term 'zero day' refers to exploits that vendors have known about for zero days, as the vendors are unaware of them. The dangers and risks associated with these exploits are explored, as well as the implications for both cybersecurity and personal privacy.

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