Hacking Humans

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.

Explore the fascinating world of multi-factor authentication, where security meets innovation. Discover the history behind this crucial verification method and how it has evolved over time. The discussion unveils various ways to protect your accounts while highlighting the challenges and vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. Tune in for insights that blend technology with real-world implications!

Clayton, a listener with insights on credit card fraud, shares valuable knowledge about the risks associated with automatic update services. The conversation takes a darker turn as the hosts delve into sextortion scams targeting unsuspecting spouses. They also discuss a significant policing success in Lebanon County, where an alleged grandparent scammer was caught in a sting operation. Finally, they highlight a new Australian plan that fines banks and social media platforms for their failure to protect consumers from scams, bringing light to the ongoing battle against fraud.

Dive into the fascinating world of machine learning! Discover its evolution and how pioneers like Arthur Samuel shaped the field. Hear about the monumental victory of IBM's Deep Blue and how machine learning differs from traditional programming. The discussion highlights its incredible predictive power, especially in enhancing cybersecurity. This engaging exploration uncovers the future potential of algorithms learning from experience, making it a must-listen for tech enthusiasts!

Maria Varmazis, host of N2K's T-Minus, delves into the chilling "Hello pervert" sextortion scam that employs threats and personal imagery to manipulate victims. The discussion highlights how bakery owner Loria Stern fell prey to a counterfeit check scam, illustrating the vulnerabilities small businesses face. They also expose scammers exploiting grieving families with fake funeral live streams on Facebook. Listeners learn about the recently reported YubiKey vulnerabilities and the importance of vigilance against evolving scams.

Enjoy this special encore episode. The process of turning raw information into intelligence products that leaders use to make decisions with.