In the latest episode of the Hacking Humans podcast, co-hosts Dave Bittner and Rick Howard explored the world of social engineering scams and schemes in movies and television shows. The duo selected several scenes from their favorite shows and movies and offered a breakdown of the on-screen action and the social engineering tactics being used.
The first scene they analyzed was from the “Ocean’s Eleven” movie, where the protagonist enlists a retired con artist to help him pull off a heist. The team of miscreants uses various tactics, including phishing emails and social media manipulation, to gain access to valuable information.
Next up was a scene from “Mr. Robot,” where the show’s lead character, Elliot, hacks into a coffee shop’s Wi-Fi network to steal data from a customer. The show provides a glimpse into the shady world of cybercriminals who use social engineering tactics to gain access to sensitive information.
The third scene was from the TV show “Better Call Saul,” where the character Jimmy McGill uses his charm and charisma to manipulate a client into accepting a settlement offer. The scene is an example of how social engineering is more than just cybercrime, but can also be used in everyday life situations.
The fourth scene from “Catch Me If You Can” showcases the real-life story of Frank Abagnale Jr, who used social engineering tactics to impersonate a doctor, lawyer, and pilot, among other professions. The movie highlights how easy it can be to manipulate people and gain access to confidential information.
The final scene analyzed was from the movie “The Sting,” where the characters pull off an elaborate con by manipulating their target’s greed and emotions. It’s a prime example of how social engineering can be used to exploit human weaknesses and gain valuable information or assets.
Throughout the podcast episode, Bittner and Howard emphasized the importance of awareness and education in protecting oneself from social engineering scams. They urged listeners to stay vigilant and to always question suspicious emails, phone calls, or requests for information.
The Hacking Humans podcast has been a valuable resource for those looking to stay informed about the latest social engineering tactics and scams. With their latest episode, Bittner and Howard have shown how pop culture can be an effective tool in educating people about the dangers of social engineering. So grab some popcorn and join them on their journey of exploring the world of scams and frauds.