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Military families in Russia are tapping into a surprising real estate boom fueled by war. High salaries for recruits are reshaping rural economies despite the backdrop of conflict and sanctions. As public sentiment shifts amidst rising living costs, the stark contrast between military financial stability and civilian struggles becomes evident. Delving into 'deathonomics,' the podcast highlights the twisty financial paths for fallen soldiers' families. The ethical quandary of thriving in wartime prompts a deeper look into the uncertain future of Russia's economy.

Serhii Zenin, a radio host at Ukraine's Radio ROKS and member of the 412th Battalion, shares his remarkable journey from playing heavy metal to serving on the frontlines. He discusses how the station has transformed into a crucial source of news and support during the war, blending music with resilience. Personal anecdotes illustrate the station's role in uplifting spirits and combating disinformation amidst crisis. Zenin reflects on the emotional power of music and its ability to unite a nation, creating a vital connection even in tumultuous times.

Explore the intriguing world of space weather and its potential to disrupt technology. Uncover how solar flares and cosmic phenomena pose not just a threat to satellites but also create openings for cyber attacks. Discover the pivotal role of the Space Watch Center in monitoring these risks, particularly amid escalating tensions with global adversaries. The discussion highlights the vital need for collaboration across sectors to enhance space security in an age of unpredictable cosmic challenges.

Jen White, the host of NPR's 1A, dives into the urgent issue of space debris, discussing its potential as both a cleanup challenge and a critical threat vector. She highlights how forgotten satellites could serve as cover for cyberattacks or even weapons. The conversation touches on real-life incidents, the escalating dangers posed by space junk to astronauts and the ISS, and the implications for military strategy in this new competitive landscape. White also emphasizes the need for global cooperation to protect our increasingly crowded orbit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.