Podcast
Hacker And The Fed
Hosted by Chris Tarbell & Hector Monsegur · EN
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.
68episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Cyber Attacks Without a Declaration of War
Jan 1500:47:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Chris and Hector dig into how cyber operations are no longer a background activity but a core part of modern conflict. They break down reported US cyber actions tied to operations in Venezuela, Chinese state sponsored email intrusions targeting congressional staff, and the global scam economy built on human trafficking and crypto fraud. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com
Transcribe →Everyone Has Your Data and Nobody Is Accountable
Jan 800:48:17Tap to summarizeIn the first days of 2026, the line between reality and fiction is already collapsing. From massive data thefts and cloud misconfigurations to deepfakes, AI hype, and executives openly calling for limits on free speech, the guys break down how cybersecurity, media, and power are colliding. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com
Transcribe →We Gave AI the Keys and It Learned to Steal
Jan 100:52:45Tap to summarizeChris and Hector look back at a year where AI quietly reshaped the threat landscape and look ahead to what 2026 may bring. From zero click AI browser attacks and runaway automation to insider threats, mass breaches, and the growing tension between security and convenience, they break down how small design decisions are creating big risks. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com
Transcribe →China’s Leaked Cyber Warfare Playbook
Dec 4Tap to summarizeThis week on Hacker and the Fed, Chris and Hector break down a violent $11 million crypto heist tied to a fake delivery, dissect leaked documents exposing China’s internal cyber warfare training program, and examine how sloppy developer habits are feeding credential-stuffing attacks worldwide. Plus, updates on GrapheneOS, a look at rising physical threats around digital assets, and details on the first live Hacker and the Fed event. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com
Transcribe →Zero-Days, Cookies, and the Death of Dial-Up
Aug 14, 202500:43:07Tap to summarizeChris 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. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com
Transcribe →$48 Billion and No 2FA, What Could Go Wrong?
Aug 7, 202500:50:50Tap to summarizeChris 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! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com
Transcribe →Your Favorite Game Just Stole Your Crypto
Jul 31, 202500:47:48Tap to summarizeChris 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. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com
Transcribe →Zero Trust, Many Fails: Government Cybersecurity Exposed
Jul 24, 202500:57:43Tap to summarizeChris 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. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com
Transcribe →McDonald’s Has Been Compromised
Jul 17, 202500:45:01Tap to summarizeChris 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. Join our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/hackerandthefed Send HATF your questions at questions@hackerandthefed.com
Transcribe →Are We Losing the Cyber War?
Jul 10, 202500:49:51Tap to summarizeChris 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
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