What the Hack?

Cybersecurity expert Neil Daswani, co-author of "Big Breaches," shares his insights into the world of online fraud and AI-related risks. He delves into the origins and economics of click fraud, highlighting his role in uncovering ClickBotA at Google. The conversation covers the grave dangers of identity breaches and the evolution of identity protection services. Neil also discusses how generative AI complicates phishing schemes and the need for effective regulations to ensure AI safety. Tune in for practical advice on navigating this complex digital landscape!

In this riveting discussion, cybercrime expert Gary Warner sheds light on the dark transformation of Nigerian confraternities from idealistic campus groups into organized crime syndicates. He explains their unique rituals, including 'money blessings,' and the strategic use of trust to exploit victims. Warner also reveals the role of elite money launderers and the modern tactics scammers employ, such as Office 365 account takeovers and romance scams that prey on emotional vulnerability. Plus, he offers practical tips to protect against emerging cyber threats.

Del Denney, Director of Business Development at the Land Trust Company, dives into the alarming rise of deed fraud, illustrated by the shocking near-theft of Graceland. He discusses how scammers exploit public records to target homeowners and emphasizes the importance of land trusts in safeguarding property ownership and privacy. Del reveals how these trusts provide anonymity and legal protection, making homes harder to steal. Plus, he shares practical tips on defending against fraud, stressing that everyone with home equity is at risk.

Heather Barnhart, a digital forensics expert and Head of Faculty at the SANS Institute, dives into her experiences decoding Osama bin Laden's phones and analyzing Brian Kohberger's case. She discusses how her past harassment shaped her career focus, the evolution of digital forensics, and the challenges posed by encryption and AI. Heather uncovers criminals' tactics, such as deletion behaviors and mistakes that can lead to evidence. She also shares simple safety practices for online security and the rewarding nature of a career in forensics.

Marketing maven Seth Godin breaks down the spam-fueled chaos of the Internet. He advocates for permission marketing, demanding companies earn attention through genuine value rather than cheap tactics. Godin traces the roots of spam to the evolution of data brokers and discusses how anonymity fosters toxicity online. He emphasizes community action to reshape corporate behaviors and suggests practical tools like email masking to reclaim our digital autonomy. Get ready to rethink how you engage with the online world!

Tony Bongiovanni, a musician and band manager, shares a harrowing tale of how a scammer exploited his locked Facebook account, costing him nearly $5,000. He reveals the shocking moment he discovered an impostor account and the deceptive tactics used by scammers posing as Meta support. After unwittingly sharing personal information and making rapid crypto transactions guided by the scammers, Tony learns to appreciate the importance of caution online. His experience serves as a stark warning about the dangers of internet trust and the need for vigilance.

Tom O'Malley, a former federal prosecutor and identity-protection advocate, dives into the world of cybercrime and fraud. He reveals how victims are often presumed guilty by creditors and shares insights from his own experience with identity theft. O'Malley emphasizes practical defenses like credit freezes and alerts to protect against scams. He discusses the alarming trend of generational wealth being drained by transnational crime rings and offers simple strategies for safeguarding your finances, including using bank apps and implementing family oversight.

Every click, swipe, and post fuels the data economy. Credit cards, apps, even maps—our lives are scraped, stitched, and sold. It feels like a heist, and sometimes it is. Identity Theft Resource Center CEO Eva Casey-Velasquez insists the picture isn’t entirely bleak. This week we talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of data brokers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It started with a slow roll of weird emails and phone calls. And then award-winning filmmaker Dan Sturman found himself in the crosshairs of serious hackers. With parallels to another case of mistaken identity and an assist from security expert Reuben Moretz, this week we explore bad social engineering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charity Clark, Vermont's Attorney General, champions data privacy and consumer protection as she unpacks the sneaky world of digital surveillance. She discusses the real threats posed by AI scams and how companies harvest your data without you knowing. Listeners learn about the urgent need for regulations to safeguard personal privacy, particularly for children in schools. Clark emphasizes the importance of engaging with legislators to fight back against big tech and protect our online rights.