Darknet Diaries

Alethe Denis, a social engineering expert and DEF CON champion, shares her fascinating journey from South Africa to California, highlighting how childhood experiences shaped her skills. She humorously recounts sneaking into a Renaissance Festival and navigating the ethical dilemmas of her profession. Alethe also reveals the challenges of balancing motherhood with her cybersecurity ambitions, showcasing resilience in the competitive realm of social engineering while sharing tips for mastering uncomfortable conversations through humor.

The podcast delves into the intense decisions faced by victims of online abuse. It explores the harrowing reality of swatting, where false emergency calls lead to terrifying police confrontations. Unique username disputes fuel anxiety as individuals grapple with threats stemming from their online identities. A bewildering unsolicited pizza delivery raises questions about scams amidst pandemic isolation. Practical advice for securing digital lives is provided, highlighting the urgent need for stronger privacy measures and better law enforcement responses.

Joseph Cox, Senior Staff Writer at Motherboard and expert in investigative journalism, dives into the realm of encrypted phones. He discusses the challenges users face with privacy on popular devices and explores the rise of Phantom Secure, which marketed phones to criminals. The conversation highlights the balance between privacy and ethical dilemmas arising from their use. Cox also examines law enforcement's controversial operations against encrypted services like EncroChat and the implications for user privacy and security in our digital age.

Arya Ebrahami, a former fake ID vendor and darknet marketplace moderator, shares his captivating journey through the shadowy underbelly of the internet. He discusses his tumultuous past, including his early rebellions and illegal activities that led him to create fake IDs. Arya vividly recounts his rise in the underground market and the subsequent fallout, including battles with addiction and legal troubles. Now, he focuses on cryptocurrency, aiming to transform his life while reflecting on the moral complexities of his former choices.

Fabio Viggiani, a seasoned incident responder and threat analyst at TruSec, shares chilling insights from the frontlines of cybersecurity. He recounts a harrowing breach involving Mimikatz, revealing how compromised systems can unleash chaos by exposing sensitive credentials. The podcast also highlights the intricacies of digital forensics, where subtle signs can uncover malware. Fabio discusses the fallout from a major security breach linked to a cyber espionage plot, emphasizing the dire need for vigilance against evolving threats.

Frank Bourassa, a master counterfeiter from Quebec, shares his thrilling journey into the world of illegal currency production. He discusses his transformation from a disillusioned schoolboy to a strategic criminal, driven by the allure of quick wealth. Frank reveals the intricate processes behind creating counterfeit bills, including sourcing materials and executing elaborate plans to launder money. He also details the tense moments leading to his arrest, grappling with legal consequences, and his eventual pivot to consulting on counterfeit protection.

Discover the shocking story of how the Puerto Rico Lottery was losing significant money in 2014. Dive into the investigation of insider fraud within the lottery system, revealing the tension between personal conflicts and the high-stakes world of undercover operations. Follow a hacker's suspenseful journey as they breach a government network, uncovering vulnerabilities tied to a drug smuggling cartel. This gripping tale intertwines financial crimes with unexpected humor and the complexities of managing sensitive investigations.

In this discussion, John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab, unpacks the alarming implications of the NSO Group's spyware, Pegasus. He shares insights on how this invasive software is wielded by governments against journalists and activists, stirring ethical concerns about surveillance. The podcast reveals chilling cases, including the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, showcasing the urgent need for accountability in tech. Scott-Railton emphasizes vulnerabilities in mobile security and the challenges facing civil liberties in a digitally hostile world.

Igor, a private investigator from NYC, and John Scott Railton, a researcher at Citizen Lab, delve into the shadowy world of espionage. Igor shares his experiences of tailing targets and sensing deception during complex operations involving Black Cube. John reveals how he was targeted to undermine his research, exposing the ethical dilemmas of spying and its impact on journalism. The duo navigates the tension of covert meetings and the lengths powerful entities will go to maintain control, shedding light on the dark side of surveillance.

Nicole Perlroth, a cybersecurity reporter for the New York Times and author of "This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends," delves into the shadowy world of zero-day brokers who sell malware to exploit vulnerabilities. She shares her gripping encounters with espionage, including a hacking attempt linked to the Chinese military. The conversation reveals the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the intense competition for zero-day exploits, and the implications of government-sponsored cyber operations. A fascinating exploration of digital threats and ethics.