Hacker And The Fed

Chris and Hector break down recent crypto security breaches, including Coinbase’s insider-driven data leak and the SEC’s SIM swap hack. They explore the rise of “Zishing” (Zoom phishing), deepfake scams, and the real-world dangers facing crypto holders. Join our new Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send HATF your questions at ⁠⁠⁠⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

Chris and Hector dive into the recent breach of the LockBit ransomware gang and what it reveals about operational security failures—even among hackers. They discuss the fallout from the Pegasus spyware scandal, with NSO Group ordered to pay $168 million, and explore the troubling reliance on vulnerable federal contractors. Plus, Hector delivers one of his signature rants—this time on who’s really watching the watchers. Join our new Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed⁠⁠⁠ Send HATF your questions at ⁠⁠⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

Chris and Hector react to Joe Rogan’s take on the Ross Ulbricht case, break down the $1B Disney Slack data breach, and explain why passkeys are the next big thing in cybersecurity. Join our new Patreon! ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed⁠⁠ Send HATF your questions at ⁠⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

Chris and Hector break down the 2025 Mandiant threat report, expose rising cyberattack trends, rant about bad CISOs, and discuss a wild case of a cybersecurity CEO caught installing malware in a hospital. Join our new Patreon! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed⁠ Send HATF your questions at ⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

Chris Tarbell and Hector Monsegur dive into the near-shutdown of the CVE system, a whistleblower’s wild claims about the Doge agency and Russian logins, and why the future of cybersecurity depends on more entrepreneurs stepping up. Sharp takes, tech insights, and signature banter throughout.Join our new Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefedSend HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com

Hector’s back from Miami, rubber ducky giveaways in tow, and diving deep into a wild week of cyber news—from Elon Musk’s Starlink bug bounty to a stealthy year-long breach of U.S. bank regulators. The guys unpack major incidents including a Stuxnet-style espionage campaign in Ukraine, AI-powered spear phishing, and yet another haunting update in the LastPass hack saga. But the real fireworks come in Hector’s rant, where he slams the cybersecurity industry's political silence and calls out its leaders for cowardice.Join our new Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed

This week on Hacker in the Fed, Chris and Hector dive into the chaos of the last few weeks in cybersecurity. From Oracle’s alleged breach cover-up and legal trouble to the ongoing threat of North Korean IT infiltration, the guys break down the biggest stories making waves. They also reveal new details behind the infamous Caesars and MGM ransomware attacks — including how one hacker was caught — and share updates on changes coming to the podcast, including a new Patreon!

This week on Hacker in the Fed, Hector shares his recent travels, including a trip to Chicago, while Chris discusses his AI presentation and the evolving concerns around artificial intelligence. They break down the security risks in telecom networks, the dangers of unsecured cloud storage, and the legal gray areas of independent security research. Plus, a special listener shoutout, a discussion on quantum computing’s impact on cybersecurity, and Hector’s weekly rant on the confusing jargon in the cybersecurity industry.Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.

The hosts dive into alarming cybersecurity threats, like a Bluetooth backdoor affecting billions and a shocking $150M crypto heist connected to LastPass. They discuss the vulnerabilities of SMS-based authentication and the rising sophistication of phishing scams. Personal anecdotes share insights from recent travels and a road rage incident, while the duo emphasizes the significance of diverse perspectives. They also highlight the challenges faced by Secret Service in tracking digital currency crimes amidst a surge in cybercriminal activity.

Discover the alarming trends in cybersecurity as experts reveal how attackers are exploiting home routers and the increasing violence linked to crypto heists. A shocking backdoor was found in a smart mattress, raising serious privacy concerns for Internet of Things devices. The conversation deepens with insights into U.S. Cyber Command's recent halt in cyber operations against Russia, shedding light on its implications for national security. This episode dives into the urgent need for better security practices and consumer awareness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.