Darknet Diaries

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.

Imagine someone trying to hijack your Instagram account! A user shares their harrowing tale of battling SIM swapping, leading to threats against loved ones and unsolicited pizza deliveries. The emotional turmoil of online harassment is explored, alongside the desperate measures taken to protect one’s digital identity. The pressing need for law enforcement to enhance their understanding of cybercrime is also highlighted, underscoring the vulnerabilities we face in this tech-driven world.

Nicole Beckwith, a dynamic programmer, police officer, and cybercrime task force member, shares her riveting journey. She dives into a mysterious router crash possibly triggered by cosmic rays, illustrating tech's unpredictability. The discussion shifts to a gripping cyber crisis at a police station, exposing unauthorized server access linked to the mayor. Nicole highlights the delicate balance of cybersecurity and law enforcement, emphasizing the need for collaboration and robust security practices in the face of rising threats.

In this engaging discussion, Brian Hallbach and Jonathan Studebaker, penetration testers from Red Team Security, share their thrilling experiences in physical and cyber infiltration. They dive into the rigorous preparations for covert operations and the adrenaline rush of breaking into secured facilities. With tales of unexpected challenges and law enforcement encounters, they highlight the importance of social engineering and strategic planning. Their stories reveal the excitement and risks involved in exposing vulnerabilities and the evolving landscape of security.

Chris Davis, an IT security expert and founder of Hyas, shares gripping insights from his extensive career in stopping cyber threats. He delves into the fascinating story of a criminal who concealed his Bitcoin key, and explores the tumultuous journey of a high school dropout turned cyber sleuth. The discussion transitions to the intricacies of the Mariposa Botnet, detailing its impacts on cybercrime and the collaborative efforts to dismantle it. Davis emphasizes the constant battle against evolving cyber threats and the importance of accountability in the digital landscape.

Caitlin Bowden, founder of the Badass Army, shares her insights on the dark side of Kik, the messaging app frequently used by teenagers. They discuss Kik's rise and fall, exposing the dangers of anonymity that led to an increase in explicit content and child exploitation. Caitlin emphasizes the urgent need for accountability in moderating illegal activities. Through personal reflections, she highlights the struggles against online exploitation, advocating for stronger protections and the moral responsibilities of social media platforms.