Hacker And The Fed

Latest Episodes:

AI Agents Gone Rogue: The Next Breach Waiting to Happen Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Chris and Hector break down a new bill proposing U.S. “cyber privateers,” the DOJ’s takedown of the RapperBot botnet, and a zero-day flaw hitting millions of password manager users. They debate hackback authority, AI agents gone rogue, and why hoarding vulnerabilities always backfires.

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Your Nudes Aren’t Private: The Meta AI Leak Aug 21, 2025

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Meta reportedly offered Apple’s head of AI $1.25 billion to jump ship. Chris and Hector explore the AI talent war, resource shortages, and what happens when private industry outpaces government.

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Zero-Days, Cookies, and the Death of Dial-Up Aug 14, 2025

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Chris and Hector break down a Russian-linked zero-day exploit targeting WinRAR users, why stolen browser cookies bypass MFA, the economic motives behind security features (or lack thereof), and Hector’s nostalgic farewell to AOL dial-up.

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Send HATF your questions at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

$48 Billion and No 2FA, What Could Go Wrong? Aug 07, 2025

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Chris and Hector break down the ransomware attack on Ingram Micro, exposing how a missing MFA on a VPN led to a massive breach. They also dig into the Department of Defense’s new CMMC rules and sound off on Microsoft’s $30 charge for Windows 10 security updates.

Join our new Patreon!

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Send HATF your questions at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

Your Favorite Game Just Stole Your Crypto Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Chris and Hector unpack a big week, they dive into the info-stealing malware hidden inside Steam games, break down how it works, who it targets, and why you should care. Also on the docket, the Pentagon’s rush to secure IT supply chains, and a California broadband subsidy clash that sparks a classic Hector rant.

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Send HATF your questions at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

Zero Trust, Many Fails: Government Cybersecurity Exposed Jul 24, 2025

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Chris and Hector dive into alarming cyber incidents shaking the U.S. government and military. They break down the massive National Guard network compromise by Chinese-linked group Salt Typhoon and the shocking revelation that Microsoft allowed Chinese engineers indirect access to Defense Department systems. Plus, they preview their upcoming Patreon series on the top 10 hacks of all time.

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Send HATF your questions at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

McDonald’s Has Been Compromised Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Chris and Hector then discuss the McDonald’s AI hiring bot breach caused by a weak password, the risks of AI in HR, and why cybersecurity basics still matter. They also touch on hacker penalties in the UK, a hack targeting a security researcher, and answer a listener’s email about a dam breach in Norway.

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Send HATF your questions at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

Are We Losing the Cyber War? Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Chris and Hector break down the massive Qantas Airlines data breach, expose the growing threat of ransomware negotiation scams, and discuss a dam hack in Norway that had potentially disastrous consequences. They get into real-world advice on 2FA bypass scams, the importance of network segmentation, and a candid look at why critical infrastructure hacks are so dangerous.

Join our new Patreon!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send HATF your questions at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

Arrests, Airline Breaches, and the Human Side of Hacking Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Chris and Hector dive deep into the latest waves of cybercrime, from the FBI’s battle with the Scattered Spider group targeting airlines, to takedowns of notorious data breach forums. The duo break down government responses, the real risks for average people, and share honest, hard-won advice for young hackers.

Join our new Patreon!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send HATF your questions at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

Burning Millions and Breaking MFA Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

Chris and Hector break down major cyber attacks, from SIM swaps to insider breaches. They expose weak MFA, vendor failures, and the real cost of outdated systems. They also highlight how even small actions (like a single employee recognizing a phishing attempt) can prevent disaster.

Join our new Patreon!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send HATF your questions at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠questions@hackerandthefed.com

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