Why is a cute Star Wars fan website now redirecting to the CIA? How come Cambodia has become the world’s hotspot for scam call centres? And can a WhatsApp image really drain your bank account with a single download, or is it just a load of hacker hokum? All this and much more is discussed…
Category: Smashing Security
critical infrastructure, data breach, Data loss, Global Security News, Instagram, Law & order, Podcast, Portugal, Smashing Security, spain
Smashing Security podcast #418: Grid failures, Instagram scams, and Legal Aid leaks
In this week’s episode, Graham investigates the mysterious Iberian Peninsula blackout (aliens? toaster? cyberattack?), Carole dives in the UK legal aid hack that exposed deeply personal data of society’s most vulnerable, and Dinah Davis recounts how Instagram scammers hijacked her daughter’s account – and how a parental control accidentally saved the day.
CryptoCurrency, discord, Global Security News, Ledger, phishing, Podcast, Scam, Sextortion, Smashing Security, spam, Wallet
Smashing Security podcast #417: Hello, Pervert! – Sextortion scams and Discord disasters
Don’t get duped, doxxed, or drained! In this episode of “Smashing Security” we dive into the creepy world of sextortion scams, and investigate how crypto wallet firm Ledger’s Discord server was hijacked in an attempt to phish for cryptocurrency recovery phrases. All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the award-winning “Smashing…
Co-op, Data loss, Disney, Global Security News, Law & order, malware, Marks and Spencer, Podcast, Ransomware, Smashing Security
Smashing Security podcast #416: High street hacks, and Disney’s Wingdings woe
Brits face empty shelves and suspended meal deals as cybercriminals hit major high street retailers, and a terminated Disney employee gets revenge with a little help with Wingdings. Plus Graham challenges Carole to a game of “Malware or metal?”, and we wonder just happens when you have sex on top of a piano? All this…
data breach, Exploits, Global Security News, hospital, Law & order, malware, pension, Podcast, Scam, Smashing Security
Smashing Security podcast #415: Hacking hijinks at the hospital, and WASPI scams
He’s not a pop star, but Jeffrey Bowie is alleged to have toured staff areas of a hospital in Oklahoma, hunting for computers he could install spyware on. We dive into the bizarre case of the man accused of hacking medical networks and then sharing how he did it on LinkedIn. Plus! Move over Nigerian…
biohacking, CryptoCurrency, Global Security News, malware, Podcast, Security threats, Smashing Security, Zoom
Smashing Security podcast #414: Zoom.. just one click and your data goes boom!
Graham explores how the Elusive Comet cybercrime gang are using a sneaky trick of stealing your cryptocurrency via an innocent-appearing Zoom call, and Carole goes under the covers to explore the extraordinary lengths bio-hacking millionaire Bryan Johnson is attempting to extend his life. All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the…
forum, Global Security News, Law & order, Nigeria, Password, Podcast, Scam, Security threats, Smashing Security
Smashing Security podcast #413: Hacking the hackers… with a credit card?
A cybersecurity firm is buying access to underground crime forums to gather intelligence. Does that seem daft to you? And over in Nigeria, even if romance scammers would like to update their LinkedIn profiles, just how easy is it to turn a new leaf after a sweet-talking career in cybercrime? All this and more is…
encryption, Global Security News, iOS, military, phishing, Podcast, privacy, QR code, signal, Smashing Security, White House
Smashing Security podcast #412: Signalgate sucks, and the quandary of quishing
QR codes are being weaponised by scammers — so maybe think twice before scanning that parking meter. And in a blunder so dumb it makes autocorrect look smart, the White House explains how it leaked war plans on Signal because an iPhone mistook a journalist for a government insider. Plus! Don’t miss our featured interview…
Global Security News, phishing, Podcast, Scam, Smashing Security, Troy Hunt
Smashing Security podcast #411: The fall of Troy, and whisky barrel scammers
Renowned cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt falls victim to a phishing attack, resulting in the exposure of thousands of subscriber details, and don’t lose your life savings in a whisky scam… All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the “Smashing Security” podcast by cybersecurity veterans Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault. Plus! Don’t…
AI, Artificial Intelligence, Global Security News, Podcast, Scam, Security threats, Smashing Security
Smashing Security podcast #410: Unleash the AI bot army against the scammers – now!
A YouTuber has unleashed an innovative AI bot army to disrupt and outwit the world of online scammers, and a New York Times investigation looks into the intricate web of global money laundering. All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the award-winning “Smashing Security” podcast by computer security veterans Graham Cluley…
CCTV, critical infrastructure, Global Security News, Law & order, malware, Podcast, privacy, Security threats, Smashing Security, surveillance, Volt Typhoon
Smashing Security podcast #409: Peeping perverts and FBI phone calls
In episode 409 of the “Smashing Security” podcast, we uncover the curious case of the Chinese cyber-attack on Littleton’s Electric Light Company, and a California landlord’s hidden camera scandal. Find out about this, and more, in the latest edition of the “Smashing Security” podcast by cybersecurity veterans Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault.
data breach, Data loss, Global Security News, Law & order, malware, Podcast, postal, Ransomware, Smashing Security, snail mail
Smashing Security podcast #408: A gag order backfires, and a snail mail ransom demand
What happens when a healthcare giant’s legal threats ignite a Streisand Effect wildfire… while a ransomware gang appears to ditch the dark web for postage stamps? Find out about this, and more, in the latest edition of the “Smashing Security” podcast by cybersecurity veterans Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault.
bybit, CryptoCurrency, Global Security News, malware, Podcast, Smashing Security, Social networks
Smashing Security podcast #406: History’s biggest heist just happened, and online abuse
In episode 406 of the “Smashing Security” podcast, we explore how the cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has been hacked to the jaw-dropping tune of $1.5 billion, and we look at what is being done to better defend women and girls’ safety online. All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the “Smashing Security”…
CryptoCurrency, Global Security News, Law & order, malware, Podcast, Ransomware, Scam, Smashing Security
Smashing Security podcast #405: A crypto con exchange, and soaring ticket scams
From shadowy Bitcoin exchanges to Interpol’s most wanted, Alexander Vinnik was the alleged kingpin behind BTC-e, a $4bn crypto laundering empire. Learn more about him, and how he became a geopolitical pawn between the US, France, and Russia. Plus! Hear how concert-goers are being warned about a swathe of scams hitting stadiums and arenas around…
AI, Artificial Intelligence, data breach, Data loss, Global Security News, Law & order, malware, Podcast, Ransomware, sim swap, Smashing Security, Twitter
Smashing Security podcast #404: Podcast not found
The story of how hackers managed to compromise the US Government’s official SEC Twitter account to boost the price of Bitcoins, AI isn’t helping reduce the rife conspiracy theories inside classrooms, and is the funeral bell tolling for ransomware? All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the “Smashing Security” podcast by…
ad blocking, Coinbase, data breach, Data loss, Global Security News, malware, Podcast, powerschool, QR code, Ransomware, Smashing Security, VPN
Smashing Security podcast #403: Coinbase crypto heists, QR codes, and ransomware in the classroom
In episode 403 of “Smashing Security” we dive into the mystery of $65 million vanishing from Coinbase users faster than J-Lo slipped into Graham’s DMs, Geoff gives a poor grade for PowerSchool’s security, and Carole takes a curious look at QR codes. All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the “Smashing…
BlackBerry, Botnet, British Museum, Data loss, Denial of Service, Global Security News, kidnap, Law & order, malware, Operating Systems, Podcast, privacy, Remote access trojan, Smashing Security, Social networks, Spyware
Smashing Security podcast #402: Hackers get hacked, the British Museum IT shutdown, and social media kidnaps
What happens when eager computer enthusiasts unknowingly download a trojanized hacking tool and find themselves on the wrong side of cybersecurity? A former employee’s actions led to chaos and raise urgent questions about the security of cultural treasures. And join us as we explore the alarming trend of social media influencers staging fake kidnappings. All…
Global Security News, Government, Italy, Law & order, Podcast, Scam, school, Security threats, Smashing Security
Smashing Security podcast #401: Hacks on the high seas, and how your home can be stolen under your nose
An Italian hacker makes the grade and ends up in choppy waters, and hear true stories of title deed transfer scams. All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the award-winning “Smashing Security” podcast by computer security veterans Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault. Plus – don’t miss our featured interview with Avery…
AI, Apple Safari, data breach, Data loss, Elon Musk, Firefox, Global Security News, Google Chrome, Operating Systems, Podcast, privacy, Smashing Security, surveillance, video game
Smashing Security podcast #400: Hacker games, AI travel surveillance, and 25 years of IoT
The video game Path of Exile 2 suffers a security breach, we explore the issues of using predictive algorithms in travel surveillance systems, and the very worst IoT devices are put on show in Las Vegas. Oh, and has Elon Musk accidentally revealed he cheats at video games? All this and much more is discussed…
Android, browser extension, Global Security News, honey, iOS, Kagi, macOS, PayPal, Podcast, privacy, Smashing Security, Web Browsers, Windows
Smashing Security podcast #399: Honey in hot water, and reset your devices
Ever wonder how those “free” browser extensions that promise to save you money actually work? We dive deep into the controversial world of Honey, the coupon-finding tool owned by PayPal, and uncover a scheme that might be leaving you with less savings and your favorite YouTubers with empty pockets. Plus, we take a look at…
AI, Amazon, Global Security News, Podcast, Smashing Security
The AI Fix #31: Replay: AI doesn’t exist
Mark and I took a break for the new year, but we’ll be back for a new episode of “The AI Fix” podcast at the usual time next week. In the meantime, here is another chance to hear one of our favourite episodes again. The very first episode from April 2024… Graham attempts to convince…
AI, Artificial Intelligence, CAPTCHA, Global Security News, Krispy Kreme, malware, Podcast, ramsomware, Ransomware, Smashing Security
Smashing Security podcast #398: Fake CAPTCHAs, Harmageddon, and Krispy Kreme
This week, we delve into the dark world of fake CAPTCHAs designed to hijack your computer. Plus, the AI safety clock is ticking down – is doomsday closer than we think? And to top it off, we uncover the sticky situation of Krispy Kreme facing a ransomware attack. All this and more is discussed in…
2FA, data breach, Data loss, Global Security News, Instagram, Law & order, Podcast, Smashing Security, Snowflake
Smashing Security podcast #397: Snowflake hackers, and under the influence
A Canadian man is arrested in relation to the Snowflake hacks from earlier this year – after a cybersecurity researcher managed to track his identity, and a cryptocurrency-trading Instagram influencer is in trouble with the law. All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the “Smashing Security” podcast by cybersecurity veterans Graham…
CCTV, DNA, Global Security News, Guest blog, Law & order, Podcast, Smashing Security, social media, Social networks, vulnerability
Smashing Security podcast #395: Gym hacking, disappearing DNA, and a social lockout
A Kansas City man is accused of hacking into local businesses, not to steal money, but to… get a cheaper gym membership? A DNA-testing firm has vanished, leaving customers in the dark about what’s happened to their sensitive genetic data. And Australia mulls a social media ban for youngsters. All this and much much more…