In a recent episode of the “Hacking Humans” podcast, Oren Koren, CPO and Co-Founder of Veriti, emphasized the importance of being cautious while engaging in online shopping. With the increasing prevalence of scams and frauds on various e-commerce platforms, Koren stressed the need for vigilance to protect oneself from falling victim to such malicious activities.
The podcast hosts, Dave and Joe, began the episode by addressing some listener follow-ups. One listener wrote in to seek clarification on the previous episode’s discussion about Google providing its source code to do business in China. However, it was revealed that it was actually two other companies involved in this matter, not Google.
Listener Miguel also shared his thoughts on financial crimes and recounted a story based on a previous episode of the show. This served as a reminder of the real-world impact that cybercrime can have on individuals and businesses.
Another listener, Will, contributed his own experience and shared an effective way to expand website links. This insight provided valuable information to the audience, showcasing the collaborative nature of the podcast’s community.
Moving on to the main stories of the episode, Dave highlighted an alarming incident involving an Amazon ad in Google search results. This ad, cleverly designed to resemble a legitimate Amazon page, tricked unsuspecting users into clicking on it. Once clicked, the ad redirected users to a fake Microsoft Defender tech support scam that locked up their browsers. This scam was particularly concerning as Dave himself had recently assisted his father in dealing with a similar issue.
Joe’s story revolved around a shed builder from Cambridge who was led to believe he was receiving an award. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a scam that left him empty-handed. This tale served as a cautionary reminder that scams can target anyone, regardless of their occupation or status.
The podcast also shared the “catch of the day,” featuring an email received by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity from an individual posing as eBay. This suspicious email highlighted the ongoing efforts of cybercriminals to deceive and exploit individuals and organizations.
Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasized the need for individuals to remain vigilant and exercise caution while navigating the online shopping landscape. They reiterated the importance of double-checking the legitimacy of ads and websites, particularly when it comes to sensitive transactions involving personal and financial information.
As the episode came to a close, the hosts encouraged listeners to share their own experiences and insights by submitting their “Catch of the Day” stories. This call for engagement further exemplified the podcast’s commitment to creating a community of individuals who are knowledgeable and informed about the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity.
In conclusion, this episode of the “Hacking Humans” podcast shed light on the necessity of being cautious and vigilant while engaging in online shopping. By sharing real-life examples and addressing listener feedback, the podcast provided valuable insights to its audience, empowering them with the knowledge and awareness needed to navigate the online world safely.