Hacking Humans

Maria Varmazis, host of T-Minus, sheds light on how cybercriminals exploit chaos after natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. She discusses common scams targeting vulnerable victims, including phishing attacks disguised as FEMA communications. The conversation also highlights alarming trends in cryptocurrency fraud, with U.S. authorities charging individuals for manipulating markets. It's a timely reminder of the need for vigilance in both natural disasters and the digital realm!

Nina Jankowicz, Co-Founder and CEO of the American Sunlight Project, and Scott Small, Director of Cyber Threat Intelligence at Tidal Cyber, dive deep into the complexities of election propaganda. They discuss the growing awareness of social media's role in spreading misinformation and the challenges lawmakers face. The conversation reveals the dangers of deepfakes and emphasizes the need for critical thinking to navigate this landscape. Civic engagement and informed voting emerge as essential tools for safeguarding democratic integrity in future elections.

Explore the fascinating history of encryption, from ancient techniques to modern applications, showcasing its key role in securing transactions like online shopping. Delve into the complexities of security systems, revealing the illusion of complete safety. The discussion touches on philosophical insights and a 1983 film predicting communication tech advancements, weaving together intriguing narratives. Don't miss the introduction of a sponsor specializing in identity management, rounding out this insightful exploration.

Maria Varmazis, the dynamic host of N2K's daily space show T-Minus, shares a shocking tale of a South Carolina couple who unwittingly became victims of land fraud. They discovered their property in Concord, Massachusetts, had been sold without their knowledge, with a new home now under construction. The discussion also covers the rising threat of e-commerce scams, highlighting the triagulation method which tricks buyers into unwittingly funding fraudsters' purchases. Insights into security measures against such scams add a crucial layer to the conversation.

Nina Jankowicz, Co-Founder and CEO of the American Sunlight Project, discusses disinformation, while Scott Small, Director of Cyber Threat Intelligence at Tidal Cyber, shares insights on election cyber interference. Renee DiResta, from Stanford's Internet Observatory, explores online manipulation. They delve into how contemporary propaganda fuels political division, particularly examining election interference by nation-states. The conversation highlights the critical need for media literacy and proactive defense strategies to safeguard democratic processes ahead of the 2024 elections.

Dive into the fascinating world of keyloggers, uncovering their history from Cold War origins to today's cybersecurity challenges. Discover how these tools have influenced popular culture and why being vigilant about digital security is more crucial than ever. Prepare for an enlightening exploration of technology's hidden threats!

Rick Howard, Chief Analyst at N2K CyberWire, dives deep into the intricacies of election propaganda and its implications as the 2024 presidential election nears. He discusses personal defensive measures every citizen can adopt to counter misinformation, emphasizing the importance of evaluating credible sources. Howard also unravels how social media amplifies sensational content and highlights the role of algorithms in shaping public perception. Listeners gain invaluable strategies to navigate the complex landscape of political narratives online.

Join cybersecurity experts Dave Bittner, a tech thought leader, and Rick Howard, a seasoned industry professional, as they dive into the shadowy realm of malware. They discuss the dark arts of a newly uncovered cyber espionage campaign involving the cleverly named 'Voldemort' malware, revealing how cybercriminals disguise themselves as tax authorities and exploit platforms like Google Sheets. With a mix of humor and insightful analysis, they explore advanced tactics that threat actors use to collect sensitive data and the ongoing challenges of identifying unknown malware.

Dive into the fascinating world of non-fungible tokens, exploring how they revolutionize digital ownership. Discover the journey from colored coins to popular projects like CryptoKitties. The discussion highlights the unique elements of scarcity and authenticity in the NFT space. Plus, engage in thought-provoking questions about the future of these digital assets in our ever-evolving landscape.

In this intriguing discussion, cybersecurity expert Dave Bittner, tech-savvy Maria Varmazis, and information security pro Joe Carrigan tackle a myriad of alarming scams. They share a chilling tale about the risks of shoulder surfing with new debit cards, and a listener's warning against accepting checks from strangers. The trio dives into phishing campaigns targeting iPhone users and crafty e-commerce scams preying on Walmart shoppers. Expect a blend of cautionary tales and laughter as they navigate the digital minefield of scams.