Crypto Currency Intelligence with Keven Hendricks - Episode 52
May 17, 2024
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Keven Hendricks, a Crypto and Dark Web investigations expert, discusses adapting to the changing crypto landscape, taking down criminals on the dark web, privacy in crypto, tools for security, tracing crypto transactions, Monero, Tor, privacy tokens, secure messaging apps, comparison of Android and iOS security, Tor and Tails for privacy, and the evolution of intelligence techniques in the digital era.
Adapting to the changing crypto landscape is crucial for combating illicit activities on the dark web.
Privacy-centric cryptocurrencies like Monero play a significant role in protecting transaction anonymity and user identities online.
Utilizing secure messaging apps and understanding the purpose of the dark web are essential in maintaining operational security during investigations.
Deep dives
Key Points about Kevin Hendricks' Law Enforcement Career
Kevin Hendricks, a law enforcement veteran with almost two decades of experience, discusses his journey into law enforcement, which started after considering a career in archaeology. His transition into cyber crime investigations began around 2013-14, focusing on cases involving the dark web and cyber crime investigations, particularly combating child pornography online.
Involvement in Task Forces Targeting Dark Web and Child Exploitation
Kevin Hendricks highlights his role in a task force dedicated to combating child pornography online during the early stages of cases involving the dark web and peer-to-peer file sharing services. He discusses the challenges and formative experiences in investigating cases related to child exploitation and the distribution of illicit content on the dark web.
Expertise in Cryptocurrency Investigations and Conservation
Kevin delves into his expertise in cryptocurrency investigations, particularly focusing on the rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and the challenges associated with tracking and investigating financial transactions related to contraband purchases online using cryptocurrencies. He emphasizes the auditability of blockchain transactions and the need for understanding crypto to combat criminal activities effectively.
Importance of Privacy Coins and Anonymity in Investigations
The conversation shifts to the significance of privacy coins like Monero in safeguarding the anonymity of transactions and protecting user identities. Kevin explains the protocols such as RingCT and stealth addresses integral to Monero's privacy features and emphasizes the pseudo-anonymity provided by these cryptocurrencies, enabling investigative efforts while preserving privacy.
Security Measures and Recommendations for Investigative Work
Kevin provides insights into enhancing security measures for investigative work by recommending secure messaging apps like ToxChat and Session for privacy-focused communications. He stresses the importance of mission-oriented approaches, understanding the dark web's purpose, and gradually navigating investigations to protect operational security effectively.
Welcome back to the Grey Dynamics Podcast! This week we are talking to Keven Hendricks, an expert and pioneer in Crypto and Dark Web investigations. Keven is the founder of Ubivis, a project dedicated to combatting the spread of narcotics using the dark web. He has worked previously under the FBI and DEA, taking part in various task forces. We discussed adapting to the changing crypto landscape, taking down criminals operating on the dark web, privacy in crypto, the tools he uses to keep himself secure and much more.
3:54 - Being part of an anti-online exploitation task force
6:17 - How Kevin began specialising in cryptocurrencies
10:03 - Working with federal and international organisations, adapting to the changing crypto landscape and participating in the take down of illicit marketplaces
15:24 - Where adversaries on the dark web slip up
18:34 - How criminals using cryptocurrencies cash out
22:02 - Cryptocurrency ATMs
24:44 - Monero and other privacy centric cryptocurrencies
29:07 - Using privacy centric crytocurrencies
31:56 - What is TOR?
36:09 - Disscusing Torndao Cash
44:14 - Most private and secure messaging apps
47:25 - Which mobile OS is more secure?
50:00 - Recommendations for tools similar to TOR and TailsOS
52:09 - Advice for conducting investigations into crypto and the dark web
55:32 - Cultural recommendations
57:22 - Final thoughts and the increasing relevancy of cryptocurrencies
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