Darknet Diaries

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.

Maddie Stone, a security researcher at Google Project Zero known for her work on zero-day vulnerabilities, dives into the complexities of cybersecurity. She shares her journey from studying computer science and Russian to battling sophisticated malware. The conversation highlights her investigation into the Chamois malware family and discusses the ethical challenges in addressing vulnerabilities, such as those discovered in Apple's WebKit. Maddie also emphasizes the urgency of tackling zero-day vulnerabilities and the role of transparency in cybersecurity.

Dive into the world of REvil, a notorious ransomware group that evolved from earlier threats like GantCrab. Discover their ruthless tactics, including double extortion and DDoS attacks, as they targeted large corporations. Hear about a shocking hack on an entertainment law firm and the challenges of negotiating with cybercriminals. The discussion reveals the critical need for robust network security and highlights recent law enforcement crackdowns on these cyber threats. Tune in for compelling insights into the high-stakes game of ransomware.

Jeremiah Roe, a solutions architect at Synac and expert in penetration testing, shares thrilling tales from his career in cybersecurity. He recounts a gripping experience of breaking into a building to demonstrate its security flaws. Jeremiah dives into the art of infiltration, revealing how his team exploited vulnerabilities to gain access to secure areas. He emphasizes the critical importance of addressing both physical and network security to protect sensitive information, shedding light on the often-overlooked risks businesses face.

Dive into the mind of Evaldas Rimašauskas, a master of deception who pulled off a massive scheme against tech giants. Learn how he blended social engineering and email fraud to siphon millions. The podcast also contrasts Warren Buffett's investment wisdom with get-rich-quick dreams. Plus, explore Facebook's financial maneuvers and the challenges of navigating the corporate world, from impressive revenues to strategic acquisitions. A whirlwind of crime, finance, and the complexities of big tech awaits!

Discover the shadowy world of insider trading where hackers and traders collude to profit from confidential information. The story reveals how they exploit weaknesses in financial newswires, creating a covert operation that blurs ethical lines. As the scheme unfolds, tensions rise with trust and betrayal at play, culminating in legal consequences when authorities catch wind of their illicit activities. Explore the tactics used to obscure identities and the relentless battle between regulators and those seeking to profit from the market's volatility.