Darknet Diaries

Greg Linares, also known as Laughing Mantis, is a cybersecurity expert with a notorious past as Arizona's youngest hacker. He shares fascinating tales from his rebellious teenage years, including manipulating school systems and early hacking exploits. The conversation dives into the evolution of vulnerability research, revealing insider stories about corporate espionage and ethical dilemmas. Greg discusses the high-octane world of penetration testing, including tense security breaches and inventive data exfiltration methods, blending humor with real cybersecurity challenges.

Joe Tidy, BBC's cyber correspondent, dives into one of the most shocking cyber attacks in history, focusing on the Vastaamo breach that exposed sensitive data of over 33,000 therapy patients. He explores the ethical implications of this dark incident and the ensuing panic among victims facing extortion. The investigation into the hacker, known as Ransom Man, reveals a network of desperation and intimidation. Tidy also reflects on the broader societal implications of hacking, questioning conventional moral judgments in the realm of cybercrime.

Marcus Hutchins, known as MalwareTech, is a cybersecurity whiz who famously halted the WannaCry ransomware attack. He shares his unlikely rise to fame after stopping one of the largest ransomware outbreaks historically. The podcast explores his transition from writing malware to becoming a security researcher, the chaos of the attack, and the intense scrutiny he faced from agencies like the FBI. Hutchins also reflects on the moral dilemmas of cybersecurity and navigating fame as an unexpected hero in a dangerous digital landscape.

Dive into the wild world of DEF CON through unforgettable party ideas and an innovative Twitter experiment that turned nerves into laughter. Explore the fascinating journey of Grifter, from a tech-savvy child in Long Island to a military veteran transformed by the hacker community. Discover the chaotic yet vibrant atmosphere of major hacking conferences, the delicate balance of cybersecurity, and the intriguing duality of ethical versus malicious hackers. It's a captivating exploration of identity, community, and the ever-evolving landscape of technology!

Chris Monteiro, a cybersecurity expert renowned for his deep dive into the Bessa Mafia hitman-for-hire site, teams up with journalist Carl Miller to unravel the dark web's chilling realities. They explore the disconcerting world of cybercrime, debunking the myths of fraudulent hitman services and revealing dangerous security vulnerabilities. The duo navigates the ethical challenges of the assassination market, blending investigative journalism with their personal motivations while highlighting urgent needs for better law enforcement and public safety.

Joe Grand, a legendary hardware hacker and engineer, shares his fascinating journey from youthful rebellion through skateboarding and hacking to becoming a key player at L0pht Heavy Industries. He discusses innovations like the whimsical prototypes from the show Prototype This and the creative electronic badges at DEF CON, which transformed hacker culture. Joe also dives into the dark side of cryptocurrency scams and reflects on the importance of self-protection in a digital world, all while embracing the unpredictability of life as a hacker.

Conor Freeman, a former hacker turned cybersecurity advocate, shares his rollercoaster journey through the dark side of the internet. He discusses how he evolved from innocent online gaming to sophisticated SIM swapping and cryptocurrency theft. Conor delves into the mechanics of these scams, exploring the thrill they provided and the moral complexities involved. Now on a path to redemption, he emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in cyber spaces and the vulnerabilities that many face in this digital age.

Dive into the murky waters of bicycle theft. Discover the emotional toll on victims and the challenges of reclaiming stolen bikes. Explore the practice of flipping bikes and how young buyers often fall prey to scams. Uncover a cross-border crime ring linking stolen bikes from Colorado to Mexico. Hear about community efforts to combat this pervasive issue, and witness the ongoing struggle against a well-connected network of thieves. It’s a thrilling ride through a world where trust meets betrayal!

Jarett Dunn, known as StaccOverflow, is a cryptocurrency developer involved in a notorious heist that netted millions from Pump Fun. He reveals the dramatic planning behind the 'Stacc Attack' and discusses the chaotic world of meme coins and cryptocurrency ethics. Dunn reflects on the legal fallout and personal struggles with sobriety, while highlighting his unique approach to redistributing stolen funds. The conversation dives into the vulnerabilities of blockchain systems and the ethical dilemmas faced in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

Chris Rock, a seasoned security researcher and black hat incident responder, shares gripping tales from his unconventional career. He dives into the chilling mindset of cyber criminals involved in digital bank robbery, revealing their anti-forensic tactics. Rock recounts thrilling investigations, including a covert operation in the Middle East that exposed vulnerabilities in a finance firm. He tackles the ethical dilemmas hackers face when retrieving stolen money, and even touches on the shocking vulnerabilities in online death registries. It's a deep dive into the shadowy world of cybersecurity.