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Hacker And The Fed artwork

Hacker And The FedRanked number 11 in the Top 15

Chris Tarbell & Hector Monsegur

Show details

Cadence
Weekly
Typical episode
~52 min
Established
Since 2022
Latest episode
Oct 22, 2026

Former FBI Special Agent, Chris Tarbell, and ex-Anonymous/LulzSec blackhat hacker turned network penetration tester, Hector Monsegur (aka Sabu), once faced off as adversaries in cyberspace before becoming close friends and now podcast co-hosts. Whether you are a legal professional, cybersecurity practitioner, or forensic investigator, Chris and Hector will bring you their unique perspectives on the latest developments in cybersecurity.

Classification

Topics

Cybersecurity NewsCybercrimeAI Security

Formats

Panel & RoundtableCommentary & Analysis

Level

Intermediatelevel

Latest episodes

  • AI Solved a 26-Year-Old NSA Mystery in 30 MinutesOct 22, 2026Episode length: · 56:03Chris and Hector discuss how an internal Anthropic AI model reportedly solved a 26-year-old NSA cryptography mystery in under 30 minutes, a Meta source code theft, and an OpenAI employee accused of hiding a recording device inside an executive conference room. They also break down a sophisticated crypto hardware wallet supply-chain attack allegedly responsible for roughly $100 million in theft, zero-click spyware delivered through online advertisements, and a violent cryptocurrency robbery…
  • Your Coffee Maker Might Be Spying on YouOct 15, 2026Episode length: · 55:41Chris and Hector discuss a smart coffee maker that generated nearly a terabyte of network traffic in just ten days, a lone hacker who reportedly used AI tools to breach South Korean financial institutions, and the latest arrests connected to Shiny Hunters. They also examine allegations against a ransomware negotiator, reports of hackers paying to use the Shiny Hunters name, a SIM-swapping criminal who spent stolen cryptocurrency on gold teeth, and the 40-year prison sentence handed down to an…
  • Claude Reported Her to the PoliceOct 8, 2026Episode length: · 53:59Chris and Hector discuss the reported arrest of a Shiny Hunters figure in Jordan and an investigator who says he infiltrated a Chinese organized crime operation that laundered more than $1 billion. Then they debate the privacy implications of a woman who says she used Claude as a diary before messages were flagged and reported to police, new research showing how connected cars share sensitive data with third parties, and an alleged $300 million scheme to smuggle controlled computer servers into…
  • 700 AI Agents Broke Through Their GuardrailsOct 1, 2026Episode length: · 55:58Chris and Hector break down a $350 million crypto theft suspected to involve North Korean hackers, a massive map exposing hundreds of thousands of surveillance cameras, and the arrest of an alleged Shiny Hunters associate. Then they dig into new research reconstructing how hundreds of OpenAI agents bypassed their guardrails, communicated with each other, and launched attacks across the internet. Plus, Hector predicts where autonomous AI hacking could go next. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus…
  • Gemini Escaped Its Test and Started Hacking Real CompaniesSep 24, 2026Episode length: · 54:52Chris and Hector break down Google's undercover infiltration of hacker group Team PCP, a bug bounty researcher gaining command execution while testing OpenAI, and attackers impersonating European law enforcement to obtain sensitive banking records. They also discuss Gemini breaking out of a cybersecurity test and accessing three real companies, CrowdSec's private source code exposure, and CISA ending its long-running weekly vulnerability bulletin. Plus, the guys discover just how much money…
  • AI Can Clone Your Wife's Voice in Real TimeSep 17, 2026Episode length: · 49:15Chris and Hector break down a real-time AI voice scam that impersonated a victim's wife, the Microsoft vulnerability researcher publicly releasing exploits after his firing, and growing concerns from AI insiders about self-improving models. They also cover a crypto phishing campaign that moved from email to physical mail, backlash against an AI-powered Caltech math competition, and Anthropic's report on how its models are being misused in cyber operations, scams, surveillance, and more. Join our…
  • 153 Million Driver's Licenses Are for SaleSep 10, 2026Episode length: · 53:19Chris and Hector discuss a service claiming to sell more than 153 million driver's licenses, malware hijacking authenticated Claude sessions to drain AI usage, and research into LG smart TVs collecting data from inside users' homes. They also revisit the controversy surrounding Flock surveillance cameras, debate privacy and law enforcement, and explain why unsupported home routers remain a serious security risk. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:…
  • Your Router Might Come With a Backdoor Already InstalledSep 3, 2026Episode length: · 52:16Chris and Hector break down routers shipping with built-in backdoors, new details about AI agents escaping their sandboxes and attacking real infrastructure, the arrests of two young hackers in Australia, a major breach targeting Philippine nuclear and naval systems, and a vulnerability that exposed Signal users' contact data. Plus, Chris reacts to changes in the FBI's applicant vetting standards. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • AI Is Getting Access to Your Private MessagesAug 27, 2026Episode length: · 49:59Chris and Hector debate whether paper password books are actually safer, break down a “zombie card” attack on expired credit cards, discuss millions of allegedly stolen Microsoft records, and examine the privacy and security risks of giving AI access to messages and the open internet. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • Someone Tried to Hack the Court With an AI PromptAug 20, 2026Episode length: · 48:59Chris and Hector break down a $34 million bank heist that looks suspiciously like an inside job, hidden AI prompts in court filings, a new government-backed cyber operations program, and hundreds of fake VPN extensions spying on users. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • The Cybersecurity Industry Can’t Keep Up With AIAug 13, 2026Episode length: · 44:41Chris and Hector break down why ransomware gangs are shifting their focus from executives to mid-level employees, another AI model escaping its cybersecurity sandbox, uncertainty surrounding CMMC requirements, the decline of HackerOne, and a new wave of critical Cisco vulnerabilities. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • The $90 Million Crypto Wallet Disaster Nobody Saw ComingAug 6, 2026Episode length: · 55:12Chris and Hector break down the massive Bitcoin wallet compromise tied to flawed hardware wallets, Android TV boxes secretly acting as residential proxies, Anthropic's AI breaking into real systems during testing, Coinbase scaling back bug bounties, and a Firefox vulnerability that could expose Tor users. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • The Snapchat Phishing Scam That Stole Hundreds of Private PhotosJul 30, 2026Episode length: · 55:35Chris and Hector discuss the ransomware attack that disrupted Coca-Cola's Fairlife dairy operations, a phishing campaign that stole hundreds of private Snapchat accounts, Romania's crippled land registry after a destructive cyberattack, LG's decision to shut down controversial smart TV proxy software, the growing debate over automated surveillance cameras, and the latest AI security vulnerabilities affecting developers. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:…
  • The Steam Malware That Stole Crypto From ThousandsJul 23, 2026Episode length: · 56:16Chris and Hector break down a critical WordPress vulnerability discovered with AI, the Steam malware campaign that stole cryptocurrency from gamers, Madison Square Garden's secret facial recognition database, AI voice cloning scams targeting families, leaked evidence of AI music training on copyrighted songs, and the White House employee accused of profiting from prediction markets. They also discuss SafeHill's latest work, insider threats, and why today's biggest cyber risks often begin with…
  • Japan's First ChatGPT-Powered Hacker ArrestJul 16, 2026Episode length: · 56:03Chris and Hector cover the FBI's takedown of the NetNut residential proxy network, Microsoft's role in identifying a Scattered Spider suspect, a ransomware negotiator who secretly worked with criminals, a controversial Windows zero-day disclosure, a HackerOne data exposure, and a Japanese teenager arrested after using ChatGPT to automate a cyberattack. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • Canada Just Hacked the Drug CartelsJul 9, 2026Episode length: · 57:02Chris and Hector break down Canada's offensive cyber campaign against fentanyl traffickers, the arrest of an alleged Scattered Spider member, a new wave of AI infrastructure hijacking, growing privacy protections in Virginia, and why the U.S. still struggles to deliver high-speed internet while other countries race ahead Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • They Mocked the Hackers... Then Lost $3 MillionJul 2, 2026Episode length: · 45:07Chris and Hector break down Polymarket's $3 million supply chain attack, a wave of physical intrusions targeting U.S. law firms, a major breach at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Ford's costly attempt to replace veteran engineers with AI. They also dive into the growing controversy over AI export controls and what they mean for cybersecurity researchers. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • FIFA Left the Front Door Wide OpenJun 25, 2026Episode length: · 48:45Chris and Hector break down a defense contractor caught faking cybersecurity compliance, Germany's growing push away from U.S. cloud providers, the ongoing Anthropic AI controversy, and a FIFA vulnerability that could have exposed critical World Cup systems. Plus, they answer listener questions on how modern hackers actually gain access to corporate networks. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • Hackers Are Using Fake LinkedIn Jobs to Break Into CompaniesJun 18, 2026Episode length: · 58:13Chris and Hector break down a fake LinkedIn recruiting campaign used to deploy malware, AI-generated evidence appearing in criminal investigations, Meta’s internal AI turmoil, and the escalating battle between tech giants fighting for dominance in the global AI race. They explore how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, privacy, and the future of trust online. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • Your Smart TV Might Be Part of a BotnetJun 11, 2026Episode length: · 44:50Chris and Hector break down a shocking discovery involving smart TVs being used as residential proxy nodes, a major Meta AI support failure that enabled widespread Instagram account takeovers, and new AI systems uncovering decades-old software vulnerabilities. They also discuss AI security guardrails, consumer privacy, and the growing risks of convenience-driven technology. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • A Single Email Took Down a Major Food SupplierJun 4, 2026Episode length: · 45:27Chris and Hector break down a phishing attack that exposed employee data at a major food supplier, Microsoft's escalating fight with a security researcher publishing zero days, and the eye watering cost of enterprise AI adoption. They also discuss insider trading on prediction markets, the takedown of a massive DDoS botnet, and why basic security failures continue to create outsized consequences. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • Texas Just Declared War on WhatsAppMay 28, 2026Episode length: · 1:12:01Chris and Hector break down Texas suing WhatsApp over encryption claims, a law enforcement operation targeting a ransomware linked VPN provider, and a bizarre hack involving FBI Director Kash Patel’s apparel website. They also dive into the nonstop wave of AI driven supply chain attacks, fake OnlyFans breach panic, and how online scams continue turning ordinary people into criminal defendants. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • Microsoft Has a Bigger Security Problem Than Anyone AdmitsMay 21, 2026Episode length: · 53:19Chris and Hector break down a major ransomware attack on Foxconn, the growing strain AI data centers are putting on power grids, and new allegations surrounding Microsoft security and cloud infrastructure. They also discuss insider threats, ransomware leaks, BitLocker concerns, and why cybersecurity vendors continue to overwhelm the industry with noise instead of solutions. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • The Student Hack That Crashed BitcoinMay 14, 2026Episode length: · 49:48Chris and Hector break down a massive cyberattack affecting thousands of schools during finals week, Russia’s reported hacker training pipeline through universities, and the growing wave of developer focused supply chain attacks. They also discuss North Korean laptop farms, SIM swap scams tied to Bitcoin manipulation, and why online privacy continues to disappear. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:
  • AI Deleted the Entire Database in 9 SecondsMay 7, 2026Episode length: · 51:31Chris and Hector break down a series of AI and cybersecurity failures, including an autonomous coding agent that deleted an entire production database, a breach exposing voice and biometric data from 40,000 AI contractors, and major GitHub and supply chain vulnerabilities. They also discuss the growing risks of AI decision making, deepfakes, and why basic security failures continue to spiral into massive incidents. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes:…

Hosts

Show account

@HackerAndTheFed

For the show’s team

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