kill switch from ‘click here’: an illusion of control
Dec 24, 2025
Jake Gallen, a crypto collector and former NFT seller, shares his harrowing tale of being targeted in a Zoom social engineering hack that cost him valuable NFTs and assets. He discusses his rise in the crypto world, the allure of NFTs, and the shocking way hackers exploited a Zoom interview to gain access. Gallen highlights the importance of digital security, suggesting Zoom should default remote control settings off to thwart similar attacks. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities in our online lives.
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From Nightclubs To NFT Stardom
- Jake Gallen moved from nightclub work to crypto and became a prominent historical NFT collector.
- His openness with real identity accelerated his rise into the NFT spotlight and media requests.
Sotheby's Validated His Crypto Cred
- Sotheby's invited Jake to participate in a high-profile NFT auction, boosting his public profile.
- He started hosting panels, live streaming, and getting multiple interview requests weekly.
A Trusted Interview Turns Into A Trap
- Jake vetted a tactical investing YouTube host and agreed to an interview after checking authenticity.
- During the Zoom call he shared his screen to demo his product, Agent Hustle.