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Meet Mando, a cybersecurity expert who balances his day job with nighttime investigations. He learns from an infamous hacker turned mentor, reshaping his understanding of digital justice. The show dives into China's tech surge and its implications for global power dynamics. You'll explore the nuances of cyber investigations, where collaboration uncovers criminals through digital footprints. Finally, it reveals an unlikely alliance of heroes tackling modern cyber warfare, emphasizing the importance of secrecy and skills in the digital age.

This week, how a global game of cat and mouse led to a friendship—and an unexpected redemption. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Sue Gordon, former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, shares her insights on the pressing challenges facing the intelligence community. She emphasizes the perils of stagnation, arguing that the real danger lies in ceasing to understand emerging threats. Gordon discusses the complexities of providing tailored briefings to presidents and the need for modernizing intelligence operations amid shifting global dynamics. She advocates for enhancing cyber resilience and fostering collaboration among frontline workers to address vulnerabilities in national security.

Karen Moronsky-Chapman, a data scientist at the U.S. Digital Service, shares her shocking insights into DOGE's audits, which she describes as more of a purge than a thorough analysis. She highlights the chaos surrounding the Department of Education's FAFSA application and the pitfalls of inexperienced staff accessing sensitive government data. The discussion also uncovers critical issues with government audits and the unsettling layoffs of seasoned technologists, raising significant concerns about tech integrity and accountability in public service.

Heather Mellquist Lehto, an anthropologist advising the Vatican on AI ethics, dives into the intersection of technology and religion. She discusses how the Catholic Church historically influences the moral landscape surrounding emerging technologies. The conversation highlights Pope Francis’s Rome Call for AI Ethics, aiming for human welfare amid the AI revolution. Heather also tackles the challenges of AI regulation, the societal implications of rising tech powers, and the need for ethical guidance in an increasingly complex world.

Heather Milquist-Leto, a cultural anthropologist at Harvard Divinity School, dives into the intriguing intersection of religion and technology. She discusses how churches are utilizing AI to craft sermons and engage with new believers, prompting questions about what faith really means in an algorithm-driven landscape. The evolving relationship between AI chatbots and personal spirituality also surfaces, highlighting emotional complexities and ethical dilemmas. Milquist-Leto emphasizes the need for community engagement and deep connections in spiritual journeys, even as technology advances.

General Paul Nakasone, former NSA Director and leader at Vanderbilt University's Institute of National Security, previews a summit on modern conflict. He discusses the urgent need for collaboration between policymakers and tech experts to tackle cybersecurity threats. Nakasone emphasizes the shifting landscape of warfare, highlighting the essential roles of talent development and white hat hackers. He also delves into the impact of AI on combat and the rising threat of ransomware in rural healthcare, advocating for a united front to address these challenges.

Join General Paul Nakasone, retired U.S. Army general and former NSA chief, as he dives into pressing national security issues. He highlights China as a leading cyber threat, discussing its sophisticated cyber operations like Volt Typhoon. The discussion also covers the pivotal role of AI in both enhancing and mitigating these threats. Nakasone shares insights on military strategies, the ethical dilemmas of AI, and even light-hearted moments about cybersecurity challenges. His expert perspective offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of cyber warfare.

Jon Clay, Vice President of Threat Intelligence at Trend Micro, shares insights into how AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity and transforming fiction into reality. He discusses predictive cyber offense, comparing it to pre-crime concepts from Hollywood. Taiwan's unique cybersecurity challenges amid geopolitical tensions come to light, showcasing advanced persistent threats. Clay explains how AI helps predict cyber threat patterns and discusses the shift from reactive measures to proactive strategies in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Dive into the complexities of war preparation as experts simulate Taiwan's defense strategies inspired by Ukraine's conflict. Explore the challenges of cyber warfare and communication vulnerabilities that Taiwan faces, highlighting the need for robust digital infrastructure. Discover innovative approaches, including a unique war game at DEF CON aimed at enhancing Taiwan's resilience. As geopolitical tensions rise, learn how strategic recommendations and public-private partnerships can empower Taiwan in navigating its future security landscape.