In a recent episode of the “Hacking Humans” podcast, Perry Carpenter, the author of “The Security Culture Playbook: An Executive Guide To Reducing Risk and Developing Your Human Defense Layer,” joined Dave to discuss the importance of creating a strong security culture within organizations. The conversation shed light on the risks associated with falling victim to scams and hacks, highlighting the need for individuals and companies to be vigilant in protecting themselves.
The episode also featured listener follow-up on an interesting topic: messing with scammers. While it may seem like a harmless way to get back at those who try to exploit others, the reality is far more dangerous. Joe and Dave warned listeners about the potential consequences of engaging with scammers, emphasizing that it can result in personal and financial harm. It is important to remember that scammers are experts in manipulation and can often turn the tables on their victims.
Joe’s story delved into a popular tactic employed by hackers to steal sensitive information: infected USB drives. These seemingly harmless devices can actually be loaded with malware that can compromise a person’s computer and grant hackers access to their personal and professional lives. The risks associated with using unknown USB drives were highlighted, urging individuals to exercise caution when connecting any external devices to their computers.
Dave’s story highlighted a real-life case of a tech executive falling victim to a dating site scam. The victim, hoping to find love, unknowingly engaged with a scammer who posed as a potential partner. Over time, the scammer gained the executive’s trust and eventually convinced them to wire a significant amount of money, totaling $450,000. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online scams and the need for individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical, even when emotions are involved.
One of the highlights of the episode was the catch of the day, shared by listener Ryan. This catch exposed a renew license scam from New Zealand. Ryan received an email carefully crafted to resemble an official communication regarding license renewal. The scammer’s attention to detail was impressive, making it difficult for recipients to identify it as fraudulent. It serves as a cautionary tale to always double-check the authenticity of any emails or communication before taking any action or sharing personal information.
Overall, this episode emphasized the need for individuals and organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and develop a strong security culture. The stories shared serve as cautionary tales, reminding listeners of the potential consequences of falling victim to scams and hacks. It is crucial to remain vigilant, skeptical, and proactive in protecting oneself from cyber threats in today’s digital age.
If you have a Catch of the Day story you’d like to share, you can email it to hackinghumans@thecyberwire.com or reach out to them on Twitter @HackingHumansCW. By sharing these stories, we can help raise awareness and prevent others from becoming victims of cybercrime.