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Cliff Stoll
Astronomer, teacher, and author of The Cuckoo's Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Maze of Computer Espionage. He tracked a hacker working for the KGB in 1986.
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Sep 8, 2025
• 31min
An Astronomer Hunts a KGB Hacker
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In this intriguing discussion, Cliff Stoll, an astronomer and author of The Cuckoo's Egg, recounts his unexpected journey tracking a KGB hacker in 1986. A tiny accounting error unveils a major cybersecurity breach into U.S. military systems. Stoll shares the challenges of monitoring the rogue hacker known as Sventech, revealing how this case marked a pivotal moment in cybersecurity. The conversation highlights the link between early internet vulnerabilities and espionage, showcasing a thrilling intersection of astronomy and security.
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