Former FBI Special Agent Chris Tarbell and ex-Anonymous/LulzSec blackhat hacker Hector Monsegur (aka Sabu) faced off as adversaries in cyberspace before becoming close friends and podcast co-hosts. Listen to Tarbell, co-founder of the elite cybersecurity firm NAXO, and Monsegur, a top network penetration tester and security engineer, break down the must-know cybersecurity news and topics of the week. You’ll walk away from each episode with unique perspectives on keeping your family, your company, and yourself safe from cyber attacks.
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Smart Bed Backdoor, Crypto Heists, Router Hacks, and U.S. Cyber Command’s Stand Down
In this episode of Hacker in the Fed, former FBI special agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker turned cybersecurity expert Hector Monsegur discuss GrayNoise’s 2025 Mass Internet Exploitation Report, revealing how attackers are exploiting vulnerabilities faster than ever, particularly targeting home routers. The two also cover a shocking backdoor discovery in the Eight Sleep smart mattress, the rising trend of violent crypto-related attacks, and the recent Bybit hack. Hector wraps up with a deep dive into the U.S. Cyber Command's recent decision to halt cyber operations against Russia and what it means for national security. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.
Inside a Ransomware Gang, Leaked Logs, a $1.4B Crypto Heist & Signal Under Attack
In this episode of Hacker in the Fed, former FBI special agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker turned cybersecurity expert Hector Monsegur discuss the leaked Black Basta ransomware logs, a $1.4 billion crypto heist, and new threats targeting Signal Messenger. They also share insights from their latest speaking events, the role of AI in cybersecurity, and the pros and cons of IT centralization in government. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.
School Cyberattacks, Swatting as a Service, and Hector Rants on the Broken Cybersecurity Job Market
In this episode of Hacker in the Fed, former FBI special agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker turned cybersecurity expert Hector Monsegur discuss alarming trends in school cyberattacks and the lack of transparency in reporting breaches, a disturbing case of "swatting as a service," and the ongoing challenges in the cybersecurity job market. Hector delivers a passionate rant on hiring issues in the industry, highlighting unrealistic job requirements and outsourcing concerns. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.
SSH Backdoors, the Decline of Ransomware Payments, and Hector Rants on a MASSIVE Insider Threat
This week on Hacker And The Fed former FBI agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker Hector Monsegur discussdiscuss a newly discovered SSH backdoor used by Chinese cyber spies, the alarming rise of insider threats in critical U.S. infrastructure, and the significant drop in ransomware payments in 2024. Hector also delivers a passionate rant about government security oversight and the risks posed by unvetted personnel in federal systems. Plus, the duo shares insights on bypassing corporate security with SSH tunneling, the evolution of cybercrime tactics, and why cybersecurity resilience is more crucial than ever. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.
Hacked Healthcare, Hacked Cars & The Hidden Risks of Modern Tech
This week on Hacker And The Fed former FBI agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker Hector Monsegur discuss a shocking backdoor found in healthcare patient monitors linked to China, a major vulnerability in Subaru's Starlink system allowing remote vehicle control, and the ongoing concerns over modern cars collecting unnecessary user data. They also discuss cybersecurity career paths—Blue Team vs. Red Team—and how to build a well-rounded skillset. Plus, plenty of laughs, from muscle car nostalgia to an unexpected debate about pole vs. stripper dancing. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.
ROSS ULBRICHT PARDONED, Plus Insider Threats, Corporate Security Risks, and A High-Profile Crypto Kidnapping
This week on Hacker And The Fed former FBI agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker Hector Monsegur talk hector’s much-needed vacation in the rainforest, and onto the major cybersecurity stories they missed while away. They discuss the recent pardon of Ross Ulbricht, second chances in life, and the complexities of law enforcement and the justice system. The conversation covers everything from insider threats, corporate security risks, personal attack surface reduction and even a recent high-profile crypto kidnapping. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.
Holiday Reflections: Cybersecurity, Careers, and Christmas Cheer
This week on Hacker And The Fed former FBI agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker Hector Monsegur celebrate the holidays with heartfelt reflections alongside their standard cybersecurity insights. Hector shares a touching story about family, gratitude, and his journey to providing new opportunities for others. The duo answers listener questions on topics like DDoS attacks, Windows migrations, and breaking into the cybersecurity field, offering practical advice for newcomers and seasoned professionals alike. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.
Yahoo Red Team Layoffs, North Korea Infiltrating U.S. Companies, Data Breaches, and Protecting your Medical History
This week on Hacker And The Fed former FBI agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker Hector Monsegur discuss Yahoo’s controversial decision to lay off its red team, the rise of North Korean IT workers infiltrating U.S. companies, and the ethical dilemmas around hacking. They also reflects on the desensitization to data breaches, debate the significance of protecting medical history, and share candid moments about their personal lives and experiences in the industry. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.
Telecom Hacks, Ransomware Fallout, Encrypted Chats, and a Diss Track Challenge
Cybersecurity Chaos: Encrypted Chats, Ransomware Woes, and a Diss Track Challenge This week on Hacker And The Fed former FBI agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker Hector Monsegur discuss the largest U.S. telecom hack in history attributed to Chinese state-sponsored attackers, the FBI’s surprising push for encrypted communications, and the takedown of an encrypted messaging service used by criminals. They also tackle the bankruptcy of vodka giant Stoli following a devastating ransomware attack and share actionable advice for cybersecurity resilience. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.
DB Cooper, ExxonMobil & Corporate Espionage, and Ross Ulbricht's Potential Pardon
This week on Hacker And The Fed former FBI agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker Hector Monsegur discuss their obsession with the DB Cooper case and the latest potential break in the decades-old mystery. Hector shares stories about his early days as a hacker and the challenges of trust in loosely connected cybercriminal groups. They also tackle corporate espionage and the ethics of hackers-for-hire in light of ExxonMobil’s alleged involvement in a hacking scandal. Wrapping up, they address listener questions about second chances, with Hector reflecting on his journey of redemption, and weigh in on the contentious debate around Ross Ulbricht's potential pardon.
A THANKSGIVING SPECIAL: Phishing Failures, Red Team Career Advice, and Cybersecurity Ethics
This week on Hacker And The Fed former FBI agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker Hector Monsegur discuss key cybersecurity challenges, from the effectiveness of phishing training to the ethical dilemmas of vulnerability disclosure. They explore how technical controls and employee education can work together to defend against increasingly sophisticated attacks, including SMS and social media phishing. They also dive into career advice for transitioning from Blue Team to Red Team roles and the complexities of the cybersecurity job market. And to close out, a heartfelt Thanksgiving message.
Italian Hacking Scandal, NSA Best Practices, Insider Threats & a Former Anonymous Hacker?
This week on Hacker And The Fed former FBI agent Chris Tarbell and ex-black hat hacker Hector Monsegur dive into a massive hacking scandal targeting Italian political elites, revealing insider threats and international intrigue. They break down NSA mobile device security best practices and share their own successes (and failures) in following them. Plus, updates on their personal lives, community work, and how ethical hacking can prevent breaches like this. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.
We're Back!
Hacker And The Fed is back. Finally rebooting after a temporary hiatus. 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. Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com.
The Colonial Pipeline Hack, the SEC's X Account, and Special Agent Aron Mann on Homeland Security and Cyber
On this episode of Hacker And The Fed we interview Special Agent Aron Mann with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crime Center about their cyber role and career opportunities. We break down the Colonial Pipeline hack, how the dark web is intensifying the insider threat, and dig into the mother of all breaches. And finally, the SEC's X account was hacked. Links from the episode: https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/homeland-security-investigations https://www.ice.gov/partnerships-centers/cyber-crimes-center https://www.usajobs.gov/ https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/?k=homeland%20security%20investigator Colonial Pipeline Hack - May 2021 https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/dag-monaco-delivers-remarks-press-conference-darkside-attack-colonial-pipeline https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-seizes-23-million-cryptocurrency-paid-ransomware-extortionists-darkside https://www.justice.gov/media/1159701/dl From Loyal Employees to Cybercriminals https://thesun.my/opinion_news/from-loyal-employees-to-cybercriminals-AC12012406 Mother of All Breaches Reveals 26 Billion Records: What We Know So Far https://cybernews.com/security/billions-passwords-credentials-leaked-mother-of-all-breaches/ SECGov X Account https://www.sec.gov/secgov-x-account Support our sponsors: NAXO is a premier cybersecurity and investigations firm, including blockchain forensics, whose mission to fight cybercrime aligns perfectly with Hacker and the Fed’s content. Go to cloudsolvers.com tell them “Hacker and the Fed sent you” to get a free assessment of your current environment.
A Train Hack, $80M Pig Butchering Scheme, and Greg Van Houten of Haynes Boone on the SEC's New Cybersecurity Disclosure Rules
This week on Hacker And The Fed we interview Greg Van Houten of Haynes Boone and policyholderplaybook.com, a seasoned civil litigator who focuses on insurance recovery. We talk to Greg about the SEC's new cybersecurity disclosure rules, which went into effect this month. We also discuss a massive hack that went unreported, a train hack due to a vendor’s geofencing feature, indictments in an 80-million-dollar pig butchering scheme, and a MongoDB security breach. Links from the episode: Greg Van Houten of Haynes Boone policyholderplaybook.com SEC’s cyber disclosure rules: Key considerations for the board, C-suite and risk managers. Authored by Greg Van Houten (Haynes Boone), David Franzel (NAXO), and Chris Tarbell (NAXO) https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/secs-cyber-disclosure-rules-tips/700550/ The Biggest Hack Over the Last Few Years Has Gone Unreported https://twitter.com/mattjay/status/1735046508242780575 Train Hack Due to Vendor Geofencing Feature https://social.hackerspace.pl/@q3k/111528165627522619 Polish Hackers Repaired Trains the Manufacturer Artificially Bricked. Now The Train Company Is Threatening Them https://www.404media.co/polish-hackers-repaired-trains-the-manufacturer-artificially-bricked-now-the-train-company-is-threatening-them/ Four Men Indicted in $80 million ‘Pig Butchering’ Scheme https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/14/pig-butchering-scam-results-in-four-indictments-two-arrests-doj.html MongoDB Suffers Security Breach, Exposing Customer Data https://thehackernews.com/2023/12/mongodb-suffers-security-breach.html Support our sponsors: NAXO is a premier cybersecurity and investigations firm whose mission to fight cybercrime aligns perfectly with Hacker and the Fed’s content. Go to cloudsolvers.com tell them “Hacker and the Fed sent you” to get a free assessment of your current environment.