Smashing Security

A legal battle surrounding a healthcare giant ignites the Streisand Effect, showing how attempts to silence information can backfire spectacularly. Meanwhile, a ransomware gang takes an odd turn, trading dark web tactics for old-school mail scams. The hosts dive into the evolving landscape of corporate accountability, warning about the latest deceitful strategies employed by criminals. Additionally, the intriguing language of elite education exposes barriers to understanding, and the captivating series 'Severance' sparks debates about the separation of work and life.

Gerald Beuchelt, CISO of Acronis, shares insights from the cybersecurity world, emphasizing the crucial marriage of security and organizational goals. He dives into strategies for effectively communicating with leadership, avoiding jargon, and framing security as a business risk. The discussion also uncovers the dark reality of human trafficking in Myanmar, where victims are exploited for scams, and critiques HP's tech support wait times that may lead users to unsafe help. It's a blend of urgent issues and practical advice!

An astonishing $1.5 billion was compromised in a recent cryptocurrency exchange hack, raising alarms over digital security. The discussion also covers the chilling reality of online abuse affecting women and girls, with calls for stronger regulations. Historical heists are compared to modern cybercrimes, emphasizing the evolving nature of theft. Amidst serious topics, there's a light-hearted look at pop culture, including sitcoms and quirky TV shows, making for an engaging blend of humor and cybersecurity insights.

Cliff Crossland, CEO and co-founder of Scanner.dev, discusses the dark history of the controversial Bitcoin exchange BTC-e and its role in cybercrime. He sheds light on how Alexander Vinnik became a geopolitical chess piece amid international law enforcement efforts. The conversation also dives into the alarming rise of ticket scams targeting concert-goers, where fans are urged to remain vigilant while purchasing tickets. Additionally, innovative data solutions for log management in cybersecurity are explored, showcasing how technology is evolving to combat these challenges.

Jane Wakefield, a technology journalist known for her insights on scams and AI, joins the discussion to unravel the shocking SEC Twitter hack that misled many into thinking Bitcoin ETFs were approved, impacting cryptocurrency prices. The conversation dives into the alarming rise of ransomware, exploring proposals to ban ransom payments and the ethical implications involved. Wakefield also highlights the susceptibility of younger generations to conspiracy theories exacerbated by AI, calling for heightened security measures in an increasingly digital world.

Geoff White, a cybersecurity expert and author of "The Lazarus Heist," joins the discussion to unravel the mysteries behind a staggering $65 million lost from Coinbase. He critiques the cybersecurity failures of tools like PowerSchool, highlighting dangers for student data. The conversation also dives into the dark side of QR codes, revealing their exploitation in scams. With a mix of humor and insights, they emphasize the importance of vigilance in online safety amid rising cyber threats.

Lianne Potter, a cybersecurity expert and guest host from the Compromising Positions podcast, dives into the murky waters of hacking and influencer culture. She discusses how unsuspecting enthusiasts can unwittingly download harmful tools and reflects on a concerning IT incident at the British Museum. The conversation shifts to the alarming trend of social media influencers staging fake kidnappings for clout. Lianne emphasizes the pressures influencers face and the ethical dilemmas in cybersecurity, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining discussion.

Avery Pennarun, Co-founder and CEO of Tailscale, dives into the wild world of cybersecurity and home protection. He discusses a teenage hacker's audacious exploits, from changing exam scores to tampering with shipping routes. Avery highlights the growing threat of home title scams, emphasizing the need for vigilance to safeguard personal property. The conversation also touches on modern networking challenges and how Tailscale simplifies security for users. Tune in for a mix of tech insights and cautionary tales!

In this lively discussion, cybersecurity expert Dave Bittner dives into the chaotic intersection of gaming, celebrity, and security, spotlighting a shocking breach at Grinding Gear Games. They dissect the implications of AI in travel surveillance, questioning the ethics behind predictive algorithms. The talk also highlights the absurdities of wealth in gaming culture, poking fun at Elon Musk's questionable skills. Finally, Bittner urges listeners to be wary of IoT devices, reflecting on the risks from the latest CES showcase.

Ever wonder how those "free" browser extensions that promise to save you money actually work? We dive deep into the controversial world of Honey, the coupon-finding tool owned by PayPal, and uncover a scheme that might be leaving you with less savings and your favorite YouTubers with empty pockets.Plus, we take a look at Kagi, the search engine you pay not to show you adverts, and discuss what you should do with your old, no-longer-wanted technology.All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the "Smashing Security" podcast by cybersecurity veterans Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault.Warning: This podcast may contain nuts, adult themes, and rude language.Episode links:Exposing the Honey Influencer Scam - MegaLag on YouTube.The Honey Scam: Explained - Marques Brownlee on YouTube.14 million people don’t know how to erase their data from an old device - ICO. Electronics hoarding habit among Brits and Americans - SellCell.Practical advice for online and electronic devices - ICO. How to factory reset your Google Pixel phone - Google. How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple. Reset your Android device to factory settings - Google. Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings  - Apple.Reset your PC - Microsoft.How do I perform a factory reset on my Samsung mobile device? -  Samsung.Kagi search engine.Battery Heated Clothing - Fieldsheer.Smashing Security merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, stickers and stuff)Sponsored by:1Password Extended Access Management – Secure every sign-in for every app on every device.BigID - Start protecting your sensitive data wherever it lives with BigID. Get a free demo to how your organization can reduce data risk and accelerate the adoption of generative AI.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Tell your friends and colleagues about “Smashing Security”, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.Become a supporter via Patreon or Apple Podcasts for ad-free episodes and our early-release feed!FOLLOW US:Follow us on Bluesky or Mastodon, or on the Smashing Security subreddit, and visit our website for more episodes.THANKS:Theme tune: "Vinyl Memories" by Mikael Manvelyan.Assorted sound effects: AudioBlocks.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy