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The podcast that tells true stories about the people making and breaking our digital world. We take listeners into the world of cyber and intelligence without all the techie jargon. Every Tuesday and Friday, former NPR investigations correspondent Dina Temple-Raston and the team draw back the curtain on ransomware attacks, mysterious hackers, and the people who are trying to stop them.
Latest episodes

43 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 14min
Mic Drop: Predator mode
Faine Greenwood, a drone researcher, explores the rapid evolution of drone technology and its impact on civil liberties. She discusses the alarming rise of surveillance drones in civilian settings, especially during protests, and the normalization of their presence. Greenwood raises critical ethical concerns regarding military-grade drones monitoring citizens and the potential for misuse. She advocates for urgent regulations and community control to protect privacy and prevent authoritarian tendencies in the use of drones.

29 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 25min
ICE leans on high tech monitoring to make quotas
Discover how ankle monitors evolved from cattle tracking to tools of control for immigrants. Hear personal stories that reveal the dark consequences of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program, where complying with rules could lead to detention. Explore the emotional turmoil faced by those under constant surveillance and the alarming tactics used by ICE. Dive into the paradox of targeting low-risk individuals while navigating the broader implications of government surveillance on immigrant communities. It's a chilling look at technology in modern society.

29 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 15min
Mic Drop: Catching a tempest in a honeypot
Steve Schmidt, Chief Security Officer at Amazon, dives into the fascinating world of cybersecurity with a focus on MadPot, a honeypot that lured in the notorious Volt Typhoon hacking group. He discusses the innovative use of digital decoys to expose threats and highlights that in the age of AI, human vulnerabilities remain the biggest risk. Schmidt also emphasizes how AI is a double-edged sword, enhancing defenses yet also being weaponized by attackers. He wraps up with insights on the implications of cloud technology in modern security strategies.

57 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 24min
The blockchain that criminals love
Discover how TRON evolved into a preferred blockchain for illicit finance, surpassing its initial Ethereum imitation status. Unpack the paradox of cryptocurrency, which facilitates crime while aiding investigators in tracking transactions. Explore how cryptocurrencies like Tron and Tether are used by terrorists for funding, offering advantages over traditional money transfer systems. Delve into the ethical dilemmas of Silicon Valley's tech evolution and the challenges of crypto regulation and cybersecurity in a rapidly changing landscape.

29 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 14min
Mic Drop: The ego exploit
Dan Guido, a cybersecurity expert and founder of Trail of Bits, dives into the art of hacking and human error. He shares his firsthand experience with Elusive Comet's strategies, revealing how hackers exploit trust and emotions, like urgency and ego. Guido highlights the vulnerabilities in popular communication tools like Zoom and discusses the shifting tactics in cryptocurrency attacks. Emphasizing the need for skepticism, he reminds us that the weakest link in security often lies within ourselves, not the technology.

56 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 26min
An illusion of control
Jake Gallen, a rising star in crypto and an NFT collector, shares his harrowing experience after a Zoom-based hacking incident left his digital assets liquidated and social accounts hijacked. He emphasizes the hidden dangers of online interactions and the ease with which hackers can exploit trust. The conversation highlights the vital role of vigilance in cybersecurity and outlines the unique challenges faced by professionals in the field. Gallen introduces the impactful work of the Open Security Alliance in combating crypto-related attacks.

6 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 10min
Mic Drop: In crypto’s defense
Omid Malakad, a crypto and blockchain educator at Columbia Business School, dives into the aftermath of a polarizing dinner that linked political figures with cryptocurrency. He questions the legitimacy perceived by the crypto community amidst skepticism. The discussion highlights how political influence shapes investor confidence, explores the dual-nature of crypto through controversial figures, and outlines the dynamic transformation of the industry, including the rise of stablecoins and legislative efforts to legitimize them.

Jun 3, 2025 • 20min
All the president’s meme coins
Explore the curious world of memecoins, born from internet humor but now influencing political power. A controversial Trump meme coin raises eyebrows with its legal implications and massive financial stakes. Discover the risks of meme coins, from market volatility to potential foreign interference in U.S. politics. The discussion also connects today’s crypto climate to past financial crises, highlighting the need for regulatory measures in an era of digital finance and cyber threats.

22 snips
May 30, 2025 • 12min
Mic Drop: A former North Korean IT worker speaks
A defector from North Korea shares harrowing experiences of life within an oppressive regime and its secretive cyber army. Learn how IT workers are dispatched overseas under strict surveillance, often forced to create spyware and launder money. The emotional journey highlights the shift from seeing North Koreans as enemies to understanding them as victims. Personal stories reveal the impact of propaganda and the longing for reunification, while shedding light on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom.

15 snips
May 27, 2025 • 22min
227 new reasons to worry about North Korea
North Korea is pushing boundaries with its new artificial intelligence research center, aimed at enhancing cyber operations. Experts discuss its alarming transition from a conventional state to a criminal entity. Youth-driven hacking culture thrives despite technological shortcomings, revealing sophisticated skills. The rise of AI in their cyber strategies raises concerns about potential global ramifications. With AI-generated identities and deceptive practices in play, North Korea's cybercrime landscape poses serious national security threats.