Darknet Diaries

Dave Kennedy, a prominent figure in InfoSec and founder of TrustedSec, shares the nerve-wracking tale of a penetration test gone wrong at a datacenter. Dan Tentler, from Phobos Group, recounts an outrageous client engagement filled with unexpected twists. The conversation dives into the intricacies of hacking methodologies, the significance of security assessments, and the challenges of managing emerging threats, offering a thrilling glimpse into the world of cybersecurity and the real-life stakes involved.

Jack Hyde, a physical penetration tester and social engineer, dives into the thrilling world of hacking and security. He shares his experience of infiltrating secure buildings using clever disguises and social engineering tactics. The discussion highlights the psychological elements of manipulating people to gain access to restricted areas, alongside a harrowing tale of navigating strict security measures. Hyde's explorations reveal the fine line between ethical hacking and deception, as he reflects on the emotional complexities of exploiting goodwill in the name of security.

Join a physical penetration tester as he sneaks into restricted mall areas, shedding light on the importance of security awareness. Hear thrilling tales of night-time infiltration attempts, where disguise and clever tactics come into play. Discover the meticulous planning behind accessing a utility company's headquarters, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards. The tension ramps up as a group of friends attempts a lock-picking escapade, facing risks while searching for valuable data. It's an eye-opening journey into the vulnerabilities of corporate security!

Dive into a wild world where a young innovator's passion for technology leads to a unique journey in Bitcoin and hard drive destruction. A hilarious DEF CON talk reveals quirky methods for data obliteration, while discussions on nuclear shelters stir thoughts of paranoia and protection. Among tales of DIY projects gone awry, tragedy strikes during a secret tunnel endeavor, mixing chaos with a critical look at responsibility. This mix of tech, humor, and cautionary tales delivers a thrilling exploration of creativity in the shadowy corners of cybersecurity.

In a gripping discussion, Cooper Quinton, a Senior Staff Technologist at EFF's Threat Lab, delves into the disturbing case of journalist Irina Petrushova, who faced cyber threats from the Kazakhstan government for her criticism. The conversation uncovers the chilling realities of state-sponsored espionage and the role of private hacking firms. They explore mobile malware connections and the EFF's mission to protect vulnerable populations from digital attacks, emphasizing the ongoing battle for civil liberties in an increasingly threatening cyber landscape.

A dramatic cyber attack on the Las Vegas Sands casino disrupts operations after the CEO makes controversial comments. The history of the Sands Corporation and its hefty influence in business and politics is explored. The hackers, allegedly linked to Iran, exploited vulnerabilities within the company's network, revealing sensitive data and challenging their crisis response. The incident highlights the intersection of corporate communication and national security, raising questions about the impacts of cyber warfare on businesses.

Tinker Sikor, a skilled penetration tester with a U.S. Marines background, shares a thrilling tale about infiltrating a company as 'Jeremy from Marketing.' He reveals the complex reconnaissance techniques needed to identify vulnerabilities, including social engineering tactics and stealth operations. Tinker also discusses the challenges of breaching multi-factor authentication systems and the critical role of strong cybersecurity measures in corporate settings. His insights shed light on the ongoing battle between hackers and defenders in the digital landscape.

Jornt van der Wiel, a security researcher from Kaspersky Lab, dives into the chilling world of ATM hacking, particularly focusing on the notorious Carbanak malware. He explains how Hollywood's glamorization of hacking contrasts with the alarming reality of modern cybercrime. Jornt reveals the sophisticated methods used by hackers, including spear phishing and exploiting vulnerabilities, that led to staggering financial thefts. The discussion also emphasizes essential security measures to combat these emerging threats, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in cybersecurity.

This podcast dives into the unsettling world of nude selfies and the potential dangers lurking behind sharing them. It tells harrowing stories of revenge porn and the emotional turmoil faced by victims. The discussion broadens to workplace harassment and the gripping legal battles that can ensue. With a look at controversial websites that exploit anonymity for non-consensual sharing, the episode emphasizes the urgent need for privacy protection in the digital age. Finally, it highlights evolving policies and advocacy against revenge porn.

In 2009 a hacker broke into a website with millions of users and downloaded the entire user database. What that hacker did with the data has changed the way we view account security even today.This episode was sponsored by CuriosityStream. A streaming service showing non-fiction and documtnaries. Visit https://curiositystream.com/darknet and use promo code "darknet".This episode was sponsored by CMD. Securing Linux systems is hard, let CMD help you with that. Visit https://cmd.com/dark to get a free demo.To see more show notes visit darknetdiaries.com/episode/33.