Smashing Security·Oct 14, 2026·52m·Episode #488

How a ransomware negotiator ended up arrested at his own conference

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A ransomware negotiator attended a cybersecurity conference, only to be arrested by the FBI in connection with its investigation into the ShinyHunters gang.

Meanwhile, hackers get the keys to ASOS's app and the chance to message every single customer. What did they say? And how did the company respond? We have thoughts.

All this and more is discussed in episode 488 of the "Smashing Security" podcast with cybersecurity expert and keynote speaker Graham Cluley, and special guest Paul Ducklin.

EPISODE LINKS:

”123456” password used in massive Danish CPR data breach - The Copenhagen Post.
‘You have a meeting’: the calendar phishing scam growing exponentially - The Guardian.
Anthropic AI model submitted false tip about unsolved murder, Philadelphia police say - 6abc Philadelphia.
FBI Arrests Executive at Ransomware Negotiation Firm - Krebs on Security.
ASOS hack: If you could message every customer, what would YOU tell them? - SolCyber.
Rooftops, penthouses, and urban living - Mike Tomlin on YouTube.
I built ChatGPT with Minecraft redstone! - YouTube.
&udm=14 - the disenshittification Konami code - Udm14.
Smashing Security merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, stickers and stuff)

SPONSORS:

Origin - Endpoint AI observability. Put your AI agent on the record, and request a demo.
Vanta - Expand the scope of your security program with market-leading compliance automation… while saving time and money. Smashing Security listeners get $1000 off!
Hack The Box - Develop, exercise and measure the capabilities of your human operators and AI agents.

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Tell your friends and colleagues about “Smashing Security”, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

Become a supporter! Join Smashing Security PLUS via Patreon or Apple Podcasts for ad-free episodes on our early-release feed!

FOLLOW THE SHOW:

THANKS:

Theme tune: "Vinyl Memories" by Mikael Manvelyan.

Assorted sound effects: AudioBlocks.

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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A ransomware negotiator attended a cybersecurity conference, only to be arrested by the FBI in connection with its investigation into the ShinyHunters gang. Meanwhile, hackers get the keys to ASOS's app and the chance to message every single customer. What did they say? And how did the company respond? We have thoughts. All this and more is discussed in episode 488 of the "Smashing Security" podcast with cybersecurity expert and keynote speaker Graham Cluley, and special guest Paul Ducklin. EPISODE LINKS: ”123456” password used in massive Danish CPR data breach - The Copenhagen Post. ‘You have a meeting’: the calendar phishing scam growing exponentially - The Guardian. Anthropic AI model submitted false tip about unsolved murder, Philadelphia police say - 6abc Philadelphia. FBI Arrests Executive at Ransomware Negotiation Firm - Krebs on Security. ASOS hack: If you could message every customer, what would YOU tell them? - SolCyber. Rooftops, penthouses, and urban living - Mike Tomlin on YouTube. I built ChatGPT with Minecraft redstone! - YouTube. &udm=14 - the disenshittification Konami code - Udm14. Smashing Security merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, stickers and stuff) SPONSORS: Origin - Endpoint AI observability. Put your AI agent on the record, and request a demo. Vanta - Expand the scope of your security program with market-leading compliance automation… while saving time and money. Smashing Security listeners get $1000 off! Hack The Box - Develop, exercise and measure the capabilities of your human operators and AI agents. SUPPORT THE SHOW: Tell your friends and colleagues about “Smashing Security”, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser . Become a supporter! Join Smashing Security PLUS via Patreon or Apple Podcasts for ad-free episodes on our early-release feed! FOLLOW THE SHOW: Follow us on Bluesky or Mastodon , or on the Smashing Security subreddit , and visit our website for more episodes. THANKS: Theme tune: "Vinyl Memories" by Mikael Manvelyan. Assorted sound effects: AudioBlocks. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy