Hacker And The Fed

125
Technology #78

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.

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Recent Episodes
  • Credential Theft, InfoStealers, and the Rise of Cyber Snake Oil
    May 1, 2025 – 54:24
  • DOGE Drama, Digital Grit, and CVE Chaos
    Apr 24, 2025 – 51:49
  • Starlink Bugs, Bank Regulator Breach, and the LastPass Fallout
    Apr 17, 2025 – 40:47
  • Oracle Breach, MGM Hacker Busted, North Korean IT Scams
    Apr 10, 2025 – 37:34
  • Telecom Hacks, AI Fears, and the Quantum Threat – Plus, Hector Rants!
    Mar 20, 2025 – 51:26
  • Hacks, Heists, and the Rise of Digital Deception
    Mar 13, 2025 – 53:55
  • Smart Bed Backdoor, Crypto Heists, Router Hacks, and U.S. Cyber Command’s Stand Down
    Mar 6, 2025 – 54:58
  • Inside a Ransomware Gang, Leaked Logs, a $1.4B Crypto Heist & Signal Under Attack
    Feb 27, 2025 – 48:28
  • School Cyberattacks, Swatting as a Service, and Hector Rants on the Broken Cybersecurity Job Market
    Feb 20, 2025 – 53:32
  • SSH Backdoors, the Decline of Ransomware Payments, and Hector Rants on a MASSIVE Insider Threat
    Feb 13, 2025 – 54:40
  • Hacked Healthcare, Hacked Cars & The Hidden Risks of Modern Tech
    Feb 6, 2025 – 49:13
  • ROSS ULBRICHT PARDONED, Plus Insider Threats, Corporate Security Risks, and A High-Profile Crypto Kidnapping
    Feb 1, 2025 – 48:49
  • Holiday Reflections: Cybersecurity, Careers, and Christmas Cheer
    Dec 26, 2024 – 45:32
  • Yahoo Red Team Layoffs, North Korea Infiltrating U.S. Companies, Data Breaches, and Protecting your Medical History
    Dec 19, 2024 – 47:04
  • Telecom Hacks, Ransomware Fallout, Encrypted Chats, and a Diss Track Challenge
    Dec 12, 2024 – 46:00
  • DB Cooper, ExxonMobil & Corporate Espionage, and Ross Ulbricht's Potential Pardon
    Dec 5, 2024 – 44:55
  • A THANKSGIVING SPECIAL: Phishing Failures, Red Team Career Advice, and Cybersecurity Ethics
    Nov 28, 2024 – 47:12
  • Italian Hacking Scandal, NSA Best Practices, Insider Threats & a Former Anonymous Hacker?
    Nov 21, 2024 – 40:19
  • We're Back!
    Nov 14, 2024 – 29:46
  • The Colonial Pipeline Hack, the SEC's X Account, and Special Agent Aron Mann on Homeland Security and Cyber
    Jan 31, 2024 – 01:33:38
  • A Train Hack, $80M Pig Butchering Scheme, and Greg Van Houten of Haynes Boone on the SEC's New Cybersecurity Disclosure Rules
    Dec 21, 2023 – 01:25:30
  • The FBI Shares Tactics of a Ransomware Gang, a Ransom Payment Fail, and Cyber Law with Lance Taubin
    Nov 30, 2023 – 01:24:17
  • The SolarWinds hack, North Korea IT Workers, Hackers Targeting a Data Company, and Listener Questions
    Oct 26, 2023 – 01:25:00
  • MOVEit and MGM Resorts Hacks, U.S. Senate's Email System Melts Down, Cisco Can't Stop Using Static Passwords, and Listener Questions
    Oct 19, 2023 – 01:24:49
  • Are Paying Ransoms Illegal? Ransomware Shuts Down a 158 Year Old Company, Fido2 Security Keys, and Hacktivist Rules
    Oct 12, 2023 – 01:14:42
  • Artificial Intelligence Doxxing in Viral Videos, Billions of Usernames and Passwords Exposed, and a HATF Contest
    Oct 5, 2023 – 01:12:12
  • Equifax Breach, a Hack of 27 Crypto Companies, and the Arrest of a Department of State IT Contractor
    Sep 28, 2023 – 01:13:06
  • Finding out our Relative is a Hacker, Working for the FBI, Prepping for a Technical Interview, and More Listener Questions
    Sep 21, 2023 – 01:10:52
  • Your Car and Your Sex Life, US Departments of State and Commerce Compromised, Iran and North Korea Hacking Crews, and Victories Over Russian Hackers
    Sep 14, 2023 – 01:05:21
  • The FBI's Operation "Duck Hunt" Takes Down a Botnet, NYC Subway Allows Users to be Tracked Online, and Why Chris Left the FBI
    Sep 7, 2023 – 01:29:19
  • Hacking Through a Fire Stick, a Danish Cloud Provider Loses all Their Customer Data, an Active Hacker Becoming a White Hat
    Aug 31, 2023 – 01:29:06
  • Demystifying Internet Honeypots and Getting into Cyber Security with Andrew Morris, Founder and CEO of GreyNoise
    Aug 24, 2023 – 50:44
  • Zoom and AI, the NSA and DARPA Presenting Challenges to the Cyber Security Community and Listener Questions
    Aug 17, 2023 – 01:34:12
  • Chinese Malware, a Year in Review of Zero-day Exploits, a Ransomware Study, and Listener Questions
    Aug 10, 2023 – 01:18:53
  • Authentication Attacks, US Government Domains, and New Cyber Incident Disclosure Guidelines
    Aug 3, 2023 – 01:13:09
  • Thousands of Intelligence and Defense Employees Exposed, a Hacker Infects His Own Computer, Google Accuses Apple Employee of Not Reporting a Zero-day
    Jul 27, 2023 – 01:27:20
  • The Dangers of Googling Phone Numbers, an Attack on a Security Platform, and Typo Squatting on US Military Domains
    Jul 20, 2023 – 01:23:24
  • Are Your Lightbulbs a Security Risk? Voice Authentication May be Broken, and Logistics Security
    Jul 13, 2023 – 01:11:11
  • Your Car’s Data Might Be For Sale, a New Malware Payload Vector Using DNS, and Listener Questions
    Jul 6, 2023 – 01:19:28
  • A Hack-Back Lands a CEO in Prison, Repo Jacking, and When to Use a VPN
    Jun 30, 2023 – 01:12:32
  • A Massive Ongoing Ransomware Attack, Google Claims to Catch Chinese Hackers, and the Feds Arrest a Russian Hacker in Arizona
    Jun 22, 2023 – 01:09:50
  • China's Tik Tok "God Credential" Allegation, a New Phishing and Email Takeover Campaign, and Listener Questions
    Jun 15, 2023 – 01:06:13
  • Zero-click Exploits Attacking iPhones, PC Motherboards Downloading Malware, and a New Dutch Mandate
    Jun 8, 2023 – 01:05:46
  • An Insider Exploits A Ransomware Attack, AI Photos, And Hector's Indonesian Hack
    Jun 1, 2023 – 57:08
  • Pig Butchering And Crypto Crime-fighting With Erin West
    May 25, 2023 – 47:33
  • Vehicle Location Data Leaked For Over 2 million Drivers, Another US Government Breach, And D.B. Cooper
    May 18, 2023 – 01:00:05
  • Chinese State Hackers, Ransom Negotiation, And Listener Questions
    May 11, 2023 – 59:55
  • Cyber Insurance With Michelle Chia, Head Of Cyber Insurance At Zurich North America
    May 4, 2023 – 47:02
  • Search Engine Vulnerabilities, Ghost Tokens, Anna Kournikova
    Apr 27, 2023 – 58:24
  • The Classified Document Leak, A Hacker Gets Hacked, And Can A Video Silently Hack Your Phone?
    Apr 20, 2023 – 56:08
Recent Reviews
  • SparksJoy
    Too much chit chat
    Please get to the point. Thank you!
  • Sunndawgg
    LOVE IT & LEARNING LOTS
    Love this podcast! I know almost nothing about computers, except control+ ALT+Delete does not work like it used to. These guys have opened my eyes to a whole world that is fascinating and a bit scary. They've mastered discussing complex cycber security topics with levity and everyday lanuage. Thanks guys! Glad show is back!
  • Kekius Maxi
    I can’t believe I just found this!
    I listened to the Lex podcast with Chris the week it came out and must’ve been distracted during the podcast plug. I recently saw the Lex podcast again and heard about The Hacker and The Fed. It’s great and I hope to hear more! I can’t believe I missed the plug for this podcast last year!
  • MarcBartel
    Love these guys!
    Love these two guys. Where did they go?
  • swileyriley
    Great show, never miss a week!
    Keep it going!
  • Headspacebro
    Amazing show!
    I’ve been listening to this show for a few months now and have enjoyed every episode. On my weekly routine now.
  • brianrpatterson
    Great show!
    Information Security’s answer to Dr Drew and Adam Corolla
  • Luckiirish
    Hashtag TeamFineas
    Chris!!! You keeping calling it “pound”….. it’s a hashtag in that context! ###################### #teamFineas Hashtag #notpound
  • [REDACTED] USER
    Great conversations! But yeah-no.
    Great podcast except y’all yeah-no a lot;) lol.
  • seveneightsnineRight
    Interesting & ENTERTAINING
    I listen to various shows, the technology sector talk format is generally a droning, monotonous voice. I listen for the entertainment factor, some facts, digging into the ‘how’ the feats were accomplished. However, if I want the specific details, I’ll look up the topic and read about it. The two play off of one another very well. I would suggest you facetime (or the equivalent) each other during the show if you don’t already do so (better yet, in studio). The facial expressions of your co-host after a cutting remark, can lead to interesting places I’ve found. Thank you
  • Lofi Digital Monk
    Great Pod. My man needs a better mic.
    This is a great show and informational. But my man, The Hacker, needs to purchase a better microphone. Is he recording in the bathroom with a 2012 Apple Headphone with Mic? LOL. Makes no sense. The Fed could benefit from a better mic, but is manageable.
  • DoodleSnips
    Making me Smarter!
    I just recently graduated with a BA in Science Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity. This is WHAT I NEED! These two add the real world experience and expertise that I absolutely LOVE! Thank you guys so much! You are “Makin me smarter!”
  • Rudymus Prime
    Awesome show
    I think the podcast is awesome and you guys do a great job hosting it.
  • Brown Eye Board
    Bromance
    Guys I’m loving your Bromance❤️💕 Opposites do attract, you know that right?! I find your podcast informative, educational, and love the topics you cover. Picked up your show after listening to your case file on Agent Williams podcast…Great job! Hector – That’s a good question! Yes, Dude... I would The Hacker and A Fed gear.
  • Lowell_Fleming
    Keep it cool!
    Guys, every episode has been awesome until today’s! We want to hear cool stories not insurance promos. Keep it cool!
  • Phillywigs
    Insightful, a rare perspective
    I’ve been telling everyone in my network about this for the last couple months. Incredible show, glad you guys are discussing these topics. Definitely a bright future ahead for this project.
  • CreeperFace211
    Very Informative and Awesome!
    I am a novice programmer and I love learning about cybersecurity. The fact that this is hosted by a hacker and a federal agent is proof that Chris and Hector know what they are talking about (Great job, guys)! This dynamic duo has put together an awesome podcast that I have learned a lot from, and I definitely recommend this podcast for anyone who is interested in cybersecurity and wants to learn more, or anybody who wants to know how to protect their devices in such a way as to protect them from bad actors. I am also a huge nerd, and I love hearing Chris and Hector get nerdy about their computing terms. Most of the cybersecurity books I read dumb down the terms as to make it easier to understand, and I love hearing computer experts use computing terms that I like using. All in all, a great show, and I hope to see a bunch more episodes in the future! Great job, Chris and Hector! I have learned a lot.
  • Captain_Anarchy
    Didn’t know this was THE Hector! Great show - really like it!
    Ok, EDIT here: this show is now one of my favorites. Hector AND Chris make an awesome team for this and I love hearing them talk. Their stories and conversations are just incredible and the wisdom here is so valuable! I wish the episodes were longer! I also wish it was twice a week! Honestly though, great show guys. Truly. I’ll also say my opinion of Hector has completely changed. The REAL Hector seems like a great human being. It’s awesome. And Chris too - what a great guy. They compliment each other perfectly. Anyway, GREAT JOB guys. Keep the episodes coming!
  • Steve-James-90
    Fascinating
    Excellent information from an unlikely duo - highly engaging!
  • eagerkd
    eager.Kelly
    Excellent!
  • 1jayme
    Very Fun
    I learned about this on Lex Fridman’s podcast; and I’m happy I did!
  • Lisa_A
    Thank you gentlemen!
    Hector I’m very happy for you that you decided to use your skills to help regular people learn about what we need to know to try to protect ourselves. Thank you both for teaching us and sharing your fascinating stories!
  • LOW843
    Great new show + well worth the listen
    I learned of this show while listening to Chris on Lex’s show. I find the topic (cyber security & cyber crime) interesting and thought that Chris was a great guest on Lex’s show. I also thought the back story of how Chris & Hector came together was a great story that everyone could learn from. So, I decided to give this show a listen and I’m so glad I did. Chris & Hector make for a really good team in how each compliments the other, and how each comes from a different background, and therefore are able to bring different but equally interesting content to the table. I just started listening, so I’m looking forward to catching up and hearing new episodes in the future. Good luck to you both.
  • Jigs Gaton
    Never heard of this guy before seeing him on Lex’s Podcast
    After listening to Chris on Lex’s show, I decided to try this. Fascinating!
  • Radradd
    Much appreciated gentlemen
    This is the show I’ve been looking for to help teach family and friends the fundamentals of good cyber hygiene. Captivating and technical. Props for the jazz/lo-fi segues!
  • RogerRants&Raves
    Fascinating
    Great podcast and so informative. It’s very special to hear Chris talk about the humanity of criminals. We all need to have empathy toward others
  • cmurray302
    A great listen!
    Really enjoyed this podcast; super relevant and interesting
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