
Click Here
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

9 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 13min
191. SPECIAL FEATURE: ‘(Ai)ding Cybercrime’ from SHIFT
Lee Klarich, Chief Product Officer at Palo Alto Networks and an expert in cybersecurity, dives into the double-edged sword of AI in the digital realm. He discusses how AI technologies are not only enhancing cybersecurity measures but also empowering cybercriminals, like in the recent trend of deepfake phishing attacks. Klarich highlights notable incidents, including a deepfake scam in Hong Kong, and emphasizes the urgent need for proactive security strategies as the landscape of cyber threats evolves.

24 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 27min
190. Return to the curious case of the disappearing TikTok videos
Dive into the world of TikTok as a Uyghur girl navigates her cultural identity and activism through censorship. Explore how social media suppresses crucial information and its impact on youth psychology. Discover the startling contrasts in content visibility between TikTok and Instagram, especially on sensitive political topics. Learn how Uyghur voices creatively use viral memes to communicate important messages against censorship, showcasing resilience in the face of digital oppression.

10 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 19min
189. Mic Drop: Return to Wazawaka
Dive into the world of cybercrime with a focus on Wazawaka, a hacker recently added to the FBI's Most Wanted List. Discover the rise of cybercriminals and the Justice Department's challenges in tackling these threats. Explore the tactics of notorious ransomware groups like Conti and their impact on local governments. The conversation even highlights the potential of Russia’s IT sector, emphasizing the need for cybersecurity education to empower the youth against external threats.

17 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 43min
188. SPECIAL FEATURE: ‘The Right-Wing Plan for Trump-Friendly Spies’ from In the Room with Peter Bergen
Join Susan Gordon, a former top U.S. intelligence official, Gina Bennett, a CIA analyst who warned about Osama bin Laden, and John Negroponte, the first Director of National Intelligence. They dive deep into the potential repercussions of a second Trump term on U.S. intelligence. Discussions include Project 2025's possible overhaul of the intelligence community and concerns over its authoritarian tendencies. They reflect on how political appointments could jeopardize national security and emphasize the need for integrity and diversity within intelligence operations.

Nov 29, 2024 • 18min
187. Mic Drop: Crypto and the man: Prof. Lamont Black on Donald Trump’s federal bitcoin reserve
Lamont Black, a DePaul University professor and former Federal Reserve economist, dives into the complex intersection of cryptocurrency and politics. He discusses the controversial idea of adding bitcoin to the federal reserve, highlighting its implications for democratic currency ideals. Black also shares insights on innovative crypto education at DePaul and the emotional dynamics in class post-election. He reflects on the community aspect of cryptocurrency while critiquing speculative mindsets that often overshadow its true value.

Nov 26, 2024 • 26min
186. Ukraine’s Radio ROKS: Heavy metal (and hackers) for brothers in arms
Serhiy Zenin, a former hard rock radio host turned soldier, shares his journey since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He discusses the pivotal role of Radio ROKS in supporting the Ukrainian spirit during wartime. The conversation highlights music as a source of resistance and community strength, particularly songs like 'Brothers in Arms.' Zenin also delves into the innovative hub of Unit City and the challenges of cyber warfare faced by the media, showcasing how Ukrainian radio combats disinformation and fosters connection amidst adversity.

Nov 22, 2024 • 17min
185. Mic Drop: Evelyn Farkas on Ukraine: ‘Don’t count them out’
Evelyn Farkas, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia, shares her insights from her recent trip to Ukraine. She highlights the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people and the urgent manpower challenges they face. Farkas discusses Zelensky's strategic meeting with Trump and the implications for U.S. support. The conversation dives into Ukraine's relentless fight for sovereignty, the evolving dynamics of U.S. military aid, and the complexities of NATO integration amidst ongoing conflict.

8 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 29min
184. Escape from Bamban: One man’s scam farm nightmare in the Philippines
Dylan's dream vacation in the Philippines turns into a harrowing nightmare as he finds himself trapped in a scam compound. He shares chilling details of his captivity and the frightening dynamics of organized crime in Southeast Asia. Amidst threats and manipulation, one captive's desperate escape plan unfolds. The podcast also discusses the Philippines’ ongoing battle against scammers and their migration to neighboring countries, alongside a curious tale of satirical media evolution as The Onion acquires InfoWars.

Nov 15, 2024 • 10min
183. Mic Drop: Moore’s Law now applies to space
Former NASA astronaut Ed Lu discusses how Moore’s Law applies to the booming satellite launch industry. He highlights the rapid growth of satellite technology, which has exploded from 1,400 to nearly 10,000 in just eight years. The podcast delves into the challenges of managing space traffic and the ethical implications of commercialization as new players enter the field. Personal recordings from the International Space Station add a unique human perspective, emphasizing the urgency of addressing space debris and improving regulatory frameworks.

20 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 30min
182. Exclusive: Gen. Nakasone on national security threats, life after the NSA, and a possible return to government
Retired General Paul Nakasone, former NSA and Cyber Command leader, shares his insights on pressing national security threats from North Korea and Russia. He discusses the transformative role of technology in modern warfare, particularly in Ukraine. Nakasone highlights China's significant cyber operations and the importance of protecting intellectual property. He also reflects on life after the NSA, teasing a potential return to public service and even shares a light-hearted moment about fantasy football and a quirky dog mayor election in NYC.