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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

Oct 4, 2024 • 12min
171. Mic Drop: Andrew Ferguson says AI’s introduction into the simple police report, isn’t that simple.
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Guthrie Ferguson, an American University law professor, dives deep into the complexities of using AI in police reporting. He raises concerns about the risks of bias and accountability, particularly in systems that have historically marginalized communities. Ferguson contrasts experiences of different police departments using generative AI, shedding light on both potential benefits and significant drawbacks. He emphasizes the need for transparency and ethical considerations as law enforcement increasingly embraces technology.

7 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 30min
170. AI is writing police reports: Should we be worried?
Explore how AI is reshaping police report writing, enhancing efficiency while sparking debates on accountability. Discover the innovative use of AI tools like Axon's DraftOne that transcribe body cam footage, revealing surprising findings on their effectiveness. Delve into the complexities of police reports that go beyond mere facts and the need for community oversight in tech integration. The episode also touches on cutting-edge smart glasses, raising intriguing privacy concerns.

Sep 27, 2024 • 13min
169. Mic Drop: Election security? Slovakia’s cautionary tale
Tech giants face tough questions from the Senate about their efforts to prevent foreign interference in upcoming elections. A cautionary tale from Slovakia reveals the dangers of disinformation. With AI-generated deepfakes on the rise, the security of electoral integrity is more critical than ever. Executives stress their responsibility to counter misleading narratives and promote public awareness. There are urgent calls for transparency in how tech platforms handle foreign disinformation, emphasizing a collective need to protect democracy.

Sep 24, 2024 • 32min
168. Exclusive: Senator Mark Warner on election fears and all things cyber and intelligence
Mark Warner, a US Senator from Virginia focusing on election interference and cybersecurity, delves into pressing concerns surrounding the 2024 elections. He discusses tactics used by foreign adversaries, including misinformation spread by fake news platforms and influencers. Warner emphasizes the vital role technology plays in safeguarding election integrity, revealing insights from his hearings with tech executives. He highlights threats from international actors like China and Iran, urging increased public awareness and legislative accountability in the fight against cyber threats.

Sep 20, 2024 • 12min
167. Mic Drop: TikTok’s day in Appeals Court
Alan Rozenshtein, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota and a lawfare expert, delves into the critical legal battles faced by TikTok. He discusses the implications of a law mandating that TikTok’s Chinese ownership must divest to protect U.S. national security and data privacy. The conversation highlights the tension between government regulation and free expression, the scrutiny of TikTok’s algorithm, and the potential ramifications for U.S.-China relations, as well as possible Supreme Court involvement.

Sep 17, 2024 • 30min
166. The curious case of Esma Memtimin’s disappearing TikTok videos
Esma Memtimin, a TikTok content creator and Uyghur advocate, discusses her videos being taken down for alleged rule violations, shedding light on the platform's censorship. She shares her personal journey from feeling isolated in Germany to finding a supportive online community. The conversation delves into the influence of social media algorithms on young people, the stark content disparities between TikTok and Instagram, and the broader implications of censorship shaped by geopolitical tensions. Esma's insights reveal the challenges of raising awareness amid digital suppression.

Sep 13, 2024 • 10min
165. Mic Drop: FIN7 is hiring
Zach Edwards, a representative from Silent Push and a senior threat researcher, delves into the alarming recruitment tactics of the FIN7 cyber gang. He reveals how FIN7 cleverly disguises itself as a legitimate cybersecurity company to lure red team hackers into their criminal operations. The conversation uncovers the manipulation behind these tactics, drawing fascinating historical parallels and emphasizing the risks this poses to genuine businesses. Edwards highlights the intricate strategies employed by this notorious group that continue to threaten cybersecurity.

Sep 10, 2024 • 33min
164. The Hunt for FIN7: Hot on the trail of a notorious cyber gang
Zach Edwards, a dedicated threat researcher specializing in cybersecurity, dives into the intricate world of the Fin7 cyber gang. He outlines their strategic operations and impressive organizational structure that have generated over a billion dollars in illicit revenue. Discover why tracking this elusive Russian-speaking group has proven so challenging. Zach also discusses their deceptive phishing tactics and how they continue to innovate, even after past arrests, raising concerns about traditional cybersecurity measures.

Sep 6, 2024 • 11min
163. Mic Drop: From banned to beloved, the Taliban’s unexpected embrace of the Internet
Omar Sharifi, an Afghan anthropologist, discusses the Taliban's surprising turnaround from destroying media to exploiting social media for image rehabilitation. He reveals how the group is now using slick videos and digital platforms to sway global perceptions. Topics include their strategic embrace of technology, the evolution from extremism to online influence, and the rising resistance on social media, especially from women. Sharifi provides insights into the complex dynamics of digital narratives contrasting authoritarian control and grassroots challenges.

Sep 3, 2024 • 30min
162. Ehtesab in Afghanistan: an app’s struggle to survive under the Taliban
A local in Afghanistan creates a life-saving app after a violent attack exposes the gap in information. The journey highlights technological advances and challenges in engaging citizens with the government. The Etisab app builds community by ensuring timely communication amidst rising security concerns. Under Taliban rule, app developers faced immense threats while promoting resilience and hope. The cultural impact is further illustrated by the Afghan Youth Orchestra's poignant performance, symbolizing resistance through music.