Darknet Diaries

Crofton Black, an investigative journalist at Lighthouse Reports, discusses the extensive spyware investigation focusing on the new mercenary tool, Predator. Joined by Bill Marczak and John Scott-Railton from Citizen Lab, they delve into how Predator infects mobile phones to collect sensitive data and its alarming sale to global intelligence agencies. The conversation highlights ethical implications, the urgent need for regulatory oversight, and the chilling reality of technology being weaponized against civil liberties.

Gary Bowser, a significant player in the video game modding scene and member of Team Xecuter, shares the fascinating rise and fall of the group known for their innovative modchips. He discusses their journey from pushing gaming boundaries to facing legal turmoil with companies like Nintendo. Bowser recounts both the culture of modding and the harsh realities of intellectual property laws. His personal experiences during the pandemic add a gripping layer to the narrative, revealing the challenges of navigating legal troubles and life after prison.

Omar Avilez, a cybersecurity expert from the CSIRT of the Dominican Republic, shares thrilling insights from a major cyber incident he navigated. He delves into the escalating cyber warfare in the region, particularly the threats posed by the notorious Conti ransomware group. Omar discusses a wave of sophisticated phishing attacks targeting government agencies and the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. He highlights vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and underscores the necessity for proactive defense strategies against evolving cyber threats.

Deviant Ollam, a physical penetration specialist with over a decade of experience in lockpicking and covert entry, shares thrilling tales from his high-stakes profession. He recounts a bold bank heist in Antwerp, drawing parallels between heists and storytelling. Listeners will be captivated by humorous anecdotes of navigating security systems, including an elevator escapade that showcases his quick thinking. Ollam also highlights the intricate dance of social engineering in security testing, emphasizing the need for awareness in everyday security practices.

Connor Tumbleson, an engineer from Tampa, shares his shocking experience of identity theft when he received an email containing his own resume. He delves into the bizarre journey of navigating a job interview where someone else claimed to be him, raising ethical dilemmas about trust and identity in the gig economy. The discussion highlights the challenges of digital impersonation, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, and emphasizes the importance of verification to combat deception in hiring processes.

Sam Bent, also known as DoingFedTime, shares his journey from a hacker to a darknet market vendor. He reveals the intricate security measures necessary for anonymity and the art of discreet shipping for illegal goods. Sam discusses the emotional complexities of maintaining relationships while engaging in illicit activities and the risks of mismanaged packages that can lead to legal troubles. His insights illuminate the dark web's trading culture and the continuous battle between evasion and law enforcement.

Andy Greenberg, a senior writer at Wired, shares a chilling story of the dark web's 'Welcome to Video,' a site distributing child exploitation material. He discusses how investigators used advanced bitcoin tracing techniques to unmask its operators. Greenberg highlights the emotional toll on law enforcement during these harrowing investigations, alongside the complexities of jurisdiction and the silent struggles faced by the victims. His insights draw attention to the urgent need for legal reform and greater awareness surrounding online exploitation.

Join Jason Haddix, a renowned penetration tester known for exposing vulnerabilities in major companies. He shares hilarious stories about bypassing security measures, including clever tricks to break into buildings. Jason dives into a major security flaw he discovered in a mobile banking app, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity. He reflects on his journey from creating fake IDs to becoming a key player in ethical hacking, emphasizing both the thrill of the chase and the necessity of robust security measures.

Brett Johnson, known as Gollumfun, is a former cybercriminal turned cybersecurity consultant and podcaster. He shares gripping tales from his past with Counterfeit Library and Shadow Crew. The conversation dives into online scams, the moral dilemmas of snitching, and the intense pressures of life as an informant. Brett recounts his chaotic escape from law enforcement and the hard-hitting consequences of his criminal choices. Through his journey, he also touches on redemption and the transformative power of support and positive relationships.

Brett Johnson, also known as Gollumfun, is a former cybercriminal whose past includes deep involvement in hacking and fraud. In this discussion, he reveals his tumultuous upbringing in eastern Kentucky, shaped by crime and chaos. Brett shares his transition from installing mod chips to engaging in high-stakes online scams, including the notorious Counterfeit Library. He delves into the mindset of cybercriminals, the thrill of illegal activities, and the emotional turmoil that can drive individuals to the dark side of the internet.