Chris and Hector break down the WhatsApp whistleblower lawsuit claiming 1,500 engineers had unchecked access to user data. They also cover hackers extorting Google after the Salesforce breach, OpenAI scanning ChatGPT conversations for police referrals, and a police bodycam app secretly sending data to China, and why 2.5 billion Gmail users need a password reset. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at ...
Sep 11, 2025•49 min
Chris and Hector recap their first live show and dig into Google’s new Cybersecurity Disruption Unit, South Korea’s $97M fine, FEMA’s IT firings, a WhatsApp zero-day, a $1B senior scam, China’s Salt Typhoon campaign, and AI tools fueling cybercrime. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Sep 04, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Chris and Hector break down a new bill proposing U.S. “cyber privateers,” the DOJ’s takedown of the RapperBot botnet, and a zero-day flaw hitting millions of password manager users. They debate hackback authority, AI agents gone rogue, and why hoarding vulnerabilities always backfires. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Aug 28, 2025•53 min
Meta reportedly offered Apple’s head of AI $1.25 billion to jump ship. Chris and Hector explore the AI talent war, resource shortages, and what happens when private industry outpaces government. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Aug 21, 2025•48 min
Chris and Hector break down a Russian-linked zero-day exploit targeting WinRAR users, why stolen browser cookies bypass MFA, the economic motives behind security features (or lack thereof), and Hector’s nostalgic farewell to AOL dial-up. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Aug 14, 2025•43 min
Chris and Hector break down the ransomware attack on Ingram Micro, exposing how a missing MFA on a VPN led to a massive breach. They also dig into the Department of Defense’s new CMMC rules and sound off on Microsoft’s $30 charge for Windows 10 security updates. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Aug 07, 2025•51 min
Chris and Hector unpack a big week, they dive into the info-stealing malware hidden inside Steam games, break down how it works, who it targets, and why you should care. Also on the docket, the Pentagon’s rush to secure IT supply chains, and a California broadband subsidy clash that sparks a classic Hector rant. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Jul 31, 2025•48 min
Chris and Hector dive into alarming cyber incidents shaking the U.S. government and military. They break down the massive National Guard network compromise by Chinese-linked group Salt Typhoon and the shocking revelation that Microsoft allowed Chinese engineers indirect access to Defense Department systems. Plus, they preview their upcoming Patreon series on the top 10 hacks of all time. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your ques...
Jul 24, 2025•58 min
Chris and Hector then discuss the McDonald’s AI hiring bot breach caused by a weak password, the risks of AI in HR, and why cybersecurity basics still matter. They also touch on hacker penalties in the UK, a hack targeting a security researcher, and answer a listener’s email about a dam breach in Norway. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Jul 17, 2025•45 min
Chris and Hector break down the massive Qantas Airlines data breach, expose the growing threat of ransomware negotiation scams, and discuss a dam hack in Norway that had potentially disastrous consequences. They get into real-world advice on 2FA bypass scams, the importance of network segmentation, and a candid look at why critical infrastructure hacks are so dangerous. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at qu...
Jul 10, 2025•50 min
Chris and Hector dive deep into the latest waves of cybercrime, from the FBI’s battle with the Scattered Spider group targeting airlines, to takedowns of notorious data breach forums. The duo break down government responses, the real risks for average people, and share honest, hard-won advice for young hackers. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Jul 03, 2025•47 min
Chris and Hector break down major cyber attacks, from SIM swaps to insider breaches. They expose weak MFA, vendor failures, and the real cost of outdated systems. They also highlight how even small actions (like a single employee recognizing a phishing attempt) can prevent disaster. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Jun 26, 2025•42 min
Chris and Hector dive into Europe's move to take back digital control with DNS4EU, questions the integrity of Telegram amid Russian FSB connections, and reflect on turning points in their own journeys. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Jun 19, 2025•42 min
Chris and Hector unpack Trump’s new cybersecurity order, contractor reliance in government, and the looming risks of quantum computing — with some shoutouts and listener questions along the way. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com
Jun 12, 2025•53 min
This week, Chris and Hector tackle a massive breach at Coinbase, insider threats in India, and a shady delay in reporting. They also explore how state actors are silently hijacking home routers, and why LexisNexis is the latest data broker to drop the ball. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Jun 05, 2025•41 min
Chris and Hector break down a wild crypto kidnapping, supply chain sabotage in U.S. infrastructure, and the growing cyber risks of imported tech. Plus, shoutouts and real talk from the front lines of cybersecurity. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
May 29, 2025•43 min
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...
May 22, 2025•37 min
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 HA...
May 15, 2025•47 min
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
May 08, 2025•45 min
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
May 01, 2025•54 min
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/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com...
Apr 24, 2025•52 min
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 le...
Apr 17, 2025•41 min
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!
Apr 10, 2025•38 min
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 t...
Mar 20, 2025•51 min
In this episode of Hacker in the Fed , Chris Tarbell and Hector Monsegur discuss their recent travels, major cybersecurity threats, and the dangers of disinformation. Topics include a Bluetooth backdoor affecting a billion devices, a $150M crypto heist linked to the LastPass hack, and malware spreading via GitHub. Plus, Hector’s take on propaganda and narrative warfare. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com ....
Mar 13, 2025•54 min
In this episode of Hacker in the Fed , former FBI special agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker turned cybersecurity expert Hector Monsegur discuss GrayNoise’s 2025 Mass Internet Exploitation Report , revealing how attackers are exploiting vulnerabilities faster than ever, particularly targeting home routers. The two also cover a shocking backdoor discovery in the Eight Sleep smart mattress, the rising trend of violent crypto-related attacks, and the recent Bybit hack. Hector wraps up with...
Mar 06, 2025•55 min
In this episode of Hacker in the Fed , former FBI special agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker turned cybersecurity expert Hector Monsegur discuss the leaked Black Basta ransomware logs, a $1.4 billion crypto heist, and new threats targeting Signal Messenger. They also share insights from their latest speaking events, the role of AI in cybersecurity, and the pros and cons of IT centralization in government. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com ....
Feb 27, 2025•48 min
In this episode of Hacker in the Fed , former FBI special agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker turned cybersecurity expert Hector Monsegur discuss alarming trends in school cyberattacks and the lack of transparency in reporting breaches, a disturbing case of "swatting as a service," and the ongoing challenges in the cybersecurity job market. Hector delivers a passionate rant on hiring issues in the industry, highlighting unrealistic job requirements and outsourcing concerns. Send HATF you...
Feb 20, 2025•54 min
This week on Hacker And The Fed former FBI agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker Hector Monsegur discussdiscuss a newly discovered SSH backdoor used by Chinese cyber spies, the alarming rise of insider threats in critical U.S. infrastructure, and the significant drop in ransomware payments in 2024. Hector also delivers a passionate rant about government security oversight and the risks posed by unvetted personnel in federal systems. Plus, the duo shares insights on bypassing corporate secu...
Feb 13, 2025•55 min
This week on Hacker And The Fed former FBI agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker Hector Monsegur discuss a shocking backdoor found in healthcare patient monitors linked to China, a major vulnerability in Subaru's Starlink system allowing remote vehicle control, and the ongoing concerns over modern cars collecting unnecessary user data. They also discuss cybersecurity career paths—Blue Team vs. Red Team—and how to build a well-rounded skillset. Plus, plenty of laughs, from muscle car nostal...
Feb 06, 2025•49 min
