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Rating
4.6from
This podcast has
828 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
N2K NetworksExplicit
No
Date created
2018/05/30
Latest episode
2026/11/12
Average duration
33 min.
Release period
4 days
Description
Deception, influence, and social engineering in the world of cyber crime.
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Paws for concern.
2026/11/12
This week, hosts of N2K CyberWire Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner alongside Joe Carrigan are discussing the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits that are making headlines. We start with some follow up from listeners, including a Raspberry Pi buyer who spotted a suspicious import duty text, a debate over whether “invite” belongs in the dictionary as a noun, and Dave's thoughts on the ever-evolving English language. Dave covers a disturbing scam targeting people searching for missing pets, where criminals use AI-generated images to fake proof they’ve found an animal and then demand money or threaten to harm the pet. Maria explores a phishing campaign impersonating web design agencies and exploiting concerns about the PHP2Shell vulnerability to steal website credentials and collect fraudulent maintenance payments. Joe looks at California's enforcement action against cryptocurrency ATM company CoinFlip, which was ordered to pay more than $4.8 million to scam victims, along with a separate investigation into a $3.3 million phishing scam. Our Catch of the Day comes from Reddit, featuring a suspicious email sent to someone searching for a job.
Resources and links to stories:
Scammers using AI-generated images of missing pets to demand reward money
The PHP update scam infiltrating the web dev community
California Recovers Over $4.8 Million for Scam Victims of Major Crypto ATM Company CoinFlip
Warren County concludes investigation into $3.3M phishing scam
[US] I am job searching and received this email. Based on the speech, scam?
Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at [email protected].
joint cyber defense collaborative (JCDC) (noun) [Word Notes]
2026/11/10
Please enjoy this encore of Word Notes.
A cyber information-sharing U.S. Government organization designed to foster the public-private partnership.
CyberWire Glossary link: https://thecyberwire.com/glossary/joint-cyber-defense-collaborative
Audio reference link: Jen Easterly. 2021. CISA Director Addresses the National Technology Security Coalition [Video]. YouTube. URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucb1FQXqsao
The more you know, the less you know.
2026/11/05
This week, hosts of N2K CyberWire Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner alongside Joe Carrigan are discussing the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits that are making headlines. We start with some follow up from Adina, who shares a few more examples of things that become more complicated the more you learn about them, including statistics and the real-world effects of changes to complex systems. Dave adds quantum physics to the list. Maria covers new research from Akamai showing that online scam detections doubled in the past year, overtaking phishing for the first time in the company's data. Dave explores the case of a Brazilian man who traveled nearly 2,000 kilometers to meet a woman he fell in love with online, only to discover she was an AI-generated personality. Joe examines a phishing email disguised as a Calendly notification that claims to provide access to an official Social Security statement and potentially delivers malware. Our Catch of the Day features two suspicious emails, including an unsolicited donation offer supposedly from a billionaire.
Resources and links to stories:
AI is accelerating the pace and scale of fraud and abuse
Online Scam Volumes Double to Overtake Phishing
Man seeking love travels 2,000 km to meet an AI-generated woman
Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at [email protected].
Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) (noun) [Word Notes]
2026/11/03
Please enjoy this encore of Word Notes.
Tools that automate the identification and remediation of cloud misconfigurations.
CyberWire Glossary link: https://thecyberwire.com/glossary/cloud-security-posture-management
Audio reference link: Josh Whedon. 2005. Serenity [Movie]. IMDb. URL https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379786/
Taking the bait out of phishing. [OMITB]
2026/11/03
Welcome in! You’ve entered, Only Malware in the Building. Join us each month to sip tea and solve mysteries about today’s most interesting threats. Your host is Selena Larson, Proofpoint intelligence analyst and host of their podcast DISCARDED. Inspired by the residents of a building in New York’s exclusive upper west side, Selena is joined by her co-hosts N2K Networks Dave Bittner and Keith Mularski, former FBI cybercrime investigator and now Chief Global Ambassador at Qintel.
Being a security researcher is a bit like being a detective: you gather clues, analyze the evidence, and consult the experts to solve the cyber puzzle. This month our hosts dive into the growing Chinese-speaking cybercrime ecosystem and the rise of threat actors behind large-scale credential phishing operations. They explore a major disruption targeting Chinese-language phishing kits CoGUI, CoAceV, and CoFish_Ws, which have fueled hundreds of millions of malicious messages, particularly targeting Japanese organizations, and examine what the takedown could mean for the broader cybercrime landscape.
Sources:
Disruption Targets Major Chinese-Language Phishing Kits with Japanese Focus
The suite spot for scammers.
2026/10/29
This week, hosts of N2K CyberWire Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner alongside Joe Carrigan are discussing the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits that are making headlines. We start with some follow up, including a milestone for Maria’s 100th episode and a listener’s thoughts on whether it should be called “Catch of the Week” instead of “Catch of the Day.” We also revisit FINRA’s Market Data and Investments Explorer. Joe covers a major taxpayer fund scam in Mobile, Alabama, and another report on the growing threat of financial fraud. Maria explores the European Commission’s investigation into Booking.com’s handling of scams, including fake property listings and phishing messages targeting travelers with legitimate reservations. Dave examines a new FTC report showing that reported fraud losses among Americans aged 60 and older have climbed fivefold since 2020, with investment scams, impersonation schemes, and romance scams contributing to devastating financial losses. Our Catch of the Day comes from Michael, who received a phishing email claiming there was a problem with his ChatGPT payment method. The giveaway? He doesn’t have a ChatGPT subscription.
Resources and links to stories:
‘This is bad’: Nearly $15 million in Mobile taxpayer funds missing after scam
Don't fall for this - how to protect yourself from AI scams
Fake 10 Downing Street listing on Booking.com highlights security failures
New Data Show How Much Worse Scams Are Getting for Americans Over 60
Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at [email protected].
single sign-on (SSO) (noun) [Word Notes]
2026/10/27
Please enjoy this encore of Word Notes.
A session and user authentication Zero Trust tactic that allows a user to access multiple applications with one set of login credentials.
CyberWire Glossary link: https://thecyberwire.com/glossary/single-sign-on
Audio reference link: English, J., 2020. What is Single Sign-On (SSO)? SSO Benefits and Risks [Video]. YouTube. URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvHmP2WyBVY
To octopi, or not to octopi.
2026/10/22
This week, hosts of N2K CyberWire Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner alongside Joe Carrigan are discussing the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits that are making headlines. We start with some follow up, including a chicken update and a little Greek vocabulary. Dave explores new tools from FINRA designed to help investors research the markets, assess their vulnerability to financial fraud, and practice recognizing common scam tactics before real money is at stake. Joe looks at Apate, an Australian startup using AI agents to pose as potential scam victims, waste fraudsters’ time, and gather intelligence that can help researchers and security teams better understand and disrupt scams. Maria covers new approaches to cybersecurity awareness and personal cyber readiness, exploring how we can move beyond traditional awareness campaigns and help people better protect themselves online. Our Catch of the Day comes from Anthony, who received a convincing-looking scam email about his trademark application that uses publicly available information and a fake mandatory verification appointment to pressure him into calling a fraudulent number.
Resources and links to stories:
FINRA Launches Enhanced Investor Education and Protection Tools to Help Research Markets and Recognize Fraud
Apate sends AI agents undercover to get scammed so they can gather fraud intelligence
It’s Time to Rename Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Cybersecurity Awareness Won’t Save You. Readiness Might.
Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at [email protected].
two-factor authentication (noun) [Word Notes]
2026/10/20
Please enjoy this encore of Word Notes.
An authentication process that requires two different factors before granting access.
CyberWire Glossary link: https://thecyberwire.com/glossary/two-factor-authentication
Buy, buy, bye.
2026/10/15
This week, N2K CyberWire hosts Maria Varmazis and Joe Carrigan are joined by Kieran Human from ThreatLocker while Dave Bittner is out. Together, they discuss the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits making headlines. We start with some follow up on Daejon Love’s story, but we’ll save that for next week. Plus, Joe has a chicken update. Maria explores reporting that TikTok relaxed its advertising enforcement rules, coinciding with a sharp increase in scams involving fake ads for deeply discounted products that never arrive. Joe looks at Wisconsin’s efforts to curb cryptocurrency ATM scams through transaction limits, identity verification, and mandatory refunds, with early reports suggesting the restrictions are making a difference. Kieran Human covers a data breach disclosed by Revolut that exposed customers’ financial information and passport details. Our Catch of the Day comes from Rachel, who received a suspicious invitation email from a hacked contact that asked her to download and install software.
Resources and links to stories:
FBI searches phones, iCloud accounts of accused fake NFL player; romance scam may have gone on for 10 years
TikTok Quietly Gutted Its Advertising Rules. Scams Have Exploded Ever Since.
How much is Wisconsin's crypto ATM law limiting scams?
Revolut discloses data breach exposing financial info, passports
Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at [email protected].
iCloud keychain (noun) [Word Notes]
2026/10/13
Please enjoy this encore of Word Notes.
A cloud based sensitive information management system that allows users access across multiple devices.
CyberWire Glossary link: https://thecyberwire.com/glossary/icloud-keychain
Audio reference link: Ellen’s Tips For iOS, 2022. How To Master iCloud Keychain to Keep Your Passwords Safe and Secure [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl3E29iUvgE
No such thing as a free parking spot.
2026/10/08
This week, hosts of N2K CyberWire Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner alongside Joe Carrigan are discussing the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits that are making headlines. We start with some follow up from Maria on ACATS fraud, including a reminder that protecting your accounts starts with the basics: strong passwords and multifactor authentication. Joe also has a follow-up inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey and an experiment with AI. Joe covers a New York parking scam involving fake QR codes placed on parking kiosks, then takes a strange detour into Pennsylvania’s spotted lanternfly quarantine and an alleged scheme involving fake lanternfly permits. Dave looks at a fake iPhone Duo preorder scam that uses an Apple-style site and a supposed $500 voucher to deliver a DarkSword exploit to vulnerable iPhones. Maria explores new Consumer Reports research showing that 91% of Americans have encountered a digital scam or cyberattack attempt, while confidence in the privacy of personal data continues to fall. Our Catch of the Day comes from Reddit, where a spam caller appears to be on the hunt for someone named Juan.
Resources and links to stories:
Man charged in alleged parking QR code scam in Manhattan
Quarantine and Permit Program FAQs
Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine and Permitting
Man sued for allegedly selling fake spotted lanternfly permits to Pennsylvania businesses
Fake iPhone Duo preorder scam triggers DarkSword attack
New Study by Consumer Reports reveals 9 in 10 Americans targeted by a cyberattack or digital scam attempt
Spam calls looking for Juan??
Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at [email protected].
Loose lips sink AI ships. [OMITB]
2026/10/06
Welcome in! You’ve entered, Only Malware in the Building. Join us each month to sip tea and solve mysteries about today’s most interesting threats. Your host is Selena Larson, Proofpoint intelligence analyst and host of their podcast DISCARDED. Inspired by the residents of a building in New York’s exclusive upper west side, Selena is joined by her co-hosts N2K Networks Dave Bittner and Keith Mularski, former FBI cybercrime investigator and now Chief Global Ambassador at Qintel.
Being a security researcher is a bit like being a detective: you gather clues, analyze the evidence, and consult the experts to solve the cyber puzzle. This week, our hosts discuss how AI is changing cybersecurity awareness, from the risks of feeding sensitive corporate data into AI tools to the growing use of agentic AI and the importance of understanding where data goes. They explore how AI is affecting threat actors, phishing, exploit development, executive protection, and even the ways people share personal information, images, and family data with AI systems. Finally, they discuss the role of human behavior in security, arguing that organizations need layered safeguards and better awareness rather than placing the full burden of cybersecurity on individual users.
spam (noun) [Word Notes]
2026/10/06
Please enjoy this encore of Word Notes.
Unsolicited, unwanted, and sometimes malicious electronic messages indiscriminately transmitted to a large number of people.
CyberWire Glossary link: https://thecyberwire.com/glossary/spam
Audio reference link: zumpzump, 2007. Monty Python - Spam [Video]. YouTube. URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE.
App-arently it's legit.
2026/10/01
This week, hosts of N2K CyberWire Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner alongside Joe Carrigan are discussing the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits that are making headlines. We start with some follow up from Crowchild Bob, who questions Joe’s math from the Xinbi story—and Joe has an explanation for that billion-dollar mix-up. Dave covers a new twist on business email compromise, where scammers use AI-assisted messages, fake invoices, and fabricated email conversations to convince finance teams to make large payments. Maria explores fake desktop apps impersonating legitimate HR and payroll services, using trusted platforms and legitimate software to gain remote access to victims’ computers. Joe shares a scam story from Jay on LinkedIn. And our Catch of the Day comes from Twitter on a fake email.
Resources and links to stories:
Protecting organizations from AI-assisted executive impersonation and invoice fraud
The Brand Was Real. The Desktop App Wasn’t.
How scams unfold
Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at [email protected].
Podcast reviews
Read Hacking Humans podcast reviews
TonyD999111111 2026/11/11
One of the best produced podcast, bar none.
I’ve been listening to Dave and Joe for years, and Maria has been a fantastic addition to the team. Now they’re the Three Amigos! 🙂 I’m their biggest...
Takoateli 2026/08/04
The music overlay is annoying
In the “Class is in session…” episode the music throughout the whole episode is annoying. Please don’t do that again.
TFWas 2026/07/11
Hilarious and very informative
I still have a lot to catch up on, but check out the early Jun 2025 episodes about the chickens and various life stuff. I could not stop laughing.
SmokeStack9 2026/02/18
Love this pod!
You all had me dying with the Valentine’s Day episode. This show is a very entertaining way to present modern phishing practices (and chicken raising ...
DataJanitor 2025/08/12
One of my go to Podcasts
Such an enlightening and entertaining show. Excellent information delivered that is always applicable. I look forward to it and listen as soon as it c...
0xbeepBoop 2025/02/25
My favorite podcast
I love the hosts, their rapport, sense of humor, and knowledge.
Even my non-techie significant other enjoys listening to this podcast with me.
Tha...
Slygator456 2025/02/19
Excellent podcast, but………
This is a great podcast. I would highly recommend this for someone beginning their cybersecurity learning or those that want to keep up to date. The o...
-CCDeYapp 2025/01/12
I can’t recommend this podcast enough!
I have passed this podcast on to everyone in my circle, and they all have come away wiser!
Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Pepe from Kekistan 2024/12/17
Overtly political.
Too political, I feel like I’m listening to Rachel Maddow.
Fishering1212 2024/09/29
Worth the time to listen
I am glad I was introduced to your show. I have found it very entertaining and useful in my daily life.
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