IntrusionsInDepth Podcast
This podcast analyzes cyber attacks and the threat actors behind them. Hosted by Josh Stepp, it provides insights into real-world intrusions and the techniques used by adversaries. Each episode aims to help listeners understand how attacks occur and what can be learned from them to improve security.
Episodes
013.1: THE CYBER PARTISANS
In this episode of Intrusions in Depth, host Josh Stepp dives deep into the extraordinary story of the Belarusian Cyber Partisans, ordinary IT professionals turned hacktivists who waged a digital guerrilla war against the Lukashenko regime. From their roots in Minsk’s High-Tech Park to high-stakes operations disrupting Belarusian railways during Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, this is a real-wo
012.1: WANNACRY
On May 12, 2017, a piece of code quietly executed somewhere in Asia and within hours had locked computers across 150 countries. WannaCry wasn't just a ransomware attack — it was the collision of an NSA cyber weapon, a mysterious group of leakers, a sanctioned rogue nation, and a 22-year-old malware analyst working from his bedroom. In this episode, explore the full WannaCry story — the technical
011.2: Cognitive Maps for AI ADOPTION, GEOPOLITICS & BAD SCIENCE
Key Topics:* Early-stage AI hype vs. real economic impact * Cultural backlash in creative communities * Geopolitical and energy constraints on AI scaling * Job disruption, education failure, and potential social unrest * Critique of Anthropic’s safety approach and effective altruism tiesCall to Action:* Subscribe to the podcast for more episodes on high-profile cyber intrusions.* Visit our website
011.1: Anthropic's AI Attack Report
Key Topics:* State of the frontier AI landscape and competitive dynamics (2026 perspective)* Description and breakdown of the Anthropic-reported AI-orchestrated cyber espionage campaign (GTG-1002)* Technical limitations, hallucinations, and operational skepticismCall to Action:* Subscribe to the podcast for more episodes on high-profile cyber intrusions.* Visit our website at intrusionsindepth.com
010.1: LAB DOOKHTEGAN | The Role of Hacktivism in the Modern World
AUDIO NOTE: There are some portions of audio with slight static. I’m blaming solar flares. On a serious note, I’m troubleshooting this, but the episode is still listenable. Key Topics:* Lab Dookhtegan’s emergence as an Iranian hacktivist group targeting the regime through hack-and-leak operations, data leaks, and sabotage since 2019.* Key attacks, including the 2019 leak of APT34 tools, multiple d
009.1: CRASH COURSE: IRAN | Geopolitics, Cyber Threat Groups and Operations
Key Topics:* US-Iran Historical Tensions* Iran’s Demographics & Strategy* Nuclear Program & 2025 Strikes* Proxy Networks (Axis of Resistance)* Iranian Cyber Threat ActorsCall to Action:* Subscribe to the podcast for more episodes on high-profile cyber intrusions.* Visit our website at intrusionsindepth.com for additional stories and insights.* Share your thoughts on social media using #IntrusionsI
AMA002 : COINBASE | IRAN | CAREER
In this AMA episode of "Intrusions in Depth," host Josh Stepp chats with friend and cybersecurity mentor David "Ponch" Sanchez about pressing topics from the audience. They break down the Coinbase breach, discussing how a bribed contractor exposed user data and balances, which could potentially create targets for phishing and physical attacks. Next, they analyze the risk of Iranian cyber retaliat
Using LLMs to Abuse Sharepoint and Threaten Nuclear Actions
DescriptionIn this informal mini-episode, Josh Stepp delves into two AI-related topics. First, he explores the "Vending Bench" research paper, which tests the long-term coherence of LLM-based agents running a vending machine business, revealing high variance in performance, with top models like Claude 3.5 Sonnet and OpenAI's O3 Mini outperforming humans but occasionally spiraling into chaotic beh
008.1: POLYFILL
In this episode of the Intrusions InDepth Podcast, host Josh Stepp dives into the 2024 Polyfill.io incident, a wake-up call for the web development community that exposed the vulnerabilities of the internet’s sprawling infrastructure. What began as a trusted open-source service, used by over 100,000 websites to ensure cross-browser compatibility, turned into a vehicle for widespread malware distri
007.1: The VIRUS FACTORY
Step back into the late 1980s and early 1990s in Sofia, Bulgaria, a nation transitioning from communism and becoming an unexpected epicenter for early computer virus creation. This episode delves into the story of Vesselin Bontchev, a young researcher studying the nascent threat of computer viruses, and the emergence of the notorious virus writer known only as "Dark Avenger". Explore the destructi
006.2: CHINA'S STRATEGIC CHESSBOARD: Where Salt Typhoon Fits
Episode Description: Dive into the complex world of cybersecurity and geopolitics with this addendum episode of Intrusions in Depth, hosted by Josh Stapp. Expanding on the Salt Typhoon episode, this podcast explores China's strategic cyber operations, global ambitions, and the evolving nature of modern warfare. From hacking tactics to pursuing economic and military dominance. Learn how groups li
006.1: SALT TYPHOON
Episode Description:This episode of The IntrusionsinDepth Podcast released on March 15, 2025, explores the Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon, a sophisticated cyber-espionage outfit linked to the Ministry of State Security that infiltrated nine U.S. telecom companies and the Treasury by exploiting vulnerabilities in Cisco and BeyondTrust systems. The host traces the group’s evolution from its broa
AMA 001 | TIKTOK BAN
Episode Description:Welcome to the first Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode of The Intrusions in Depth Podcast! Host Josh Stepp takes a break from scripting his next deep-dive episode to answer listener questions in an unscripted, off-the-cuff format. To kick off this new series, Josh tackles a listener's question about the TikTok ban, its national security implications, and President Trump’s decision
005.2: Lapsus$ PART DEUX | John Prieto Share Insights from the FRONT LINES
Episode Description: Intrusions and Depth welcomes its first-ever guest, John Prieto, a cybersecurity professional with experience at CrowdStrike, Mandiant, USAA, and the U.S. Air Force. Together, they dissect the chaotic rise and fall of the Lapsus$ hacking group—a crew of teenagers who turned the cybersecurity world upside down with brazen attacks on tech giants like Microsoft, Nvidia, and Roc
*BONUS CROSS-POST* PSYOPS.001 Mossad's Pager Operation
PsyOps, short for psychological operations, involves the use of tactics to influence emotions, perceptions, and behavior. This series explores the diverse applications of psychological influence, from media strategies to social interactions. There’s no specific order or structured episodes—each piece stands on its own, offering unique insights into the power of persuasion. To explore the entire se
005.1: Lapsus$ | The APTeens and INTERNET JOYRIDING
Episode Description:In this episode of Intrusions and Depth, Josh Stepp unpacks the audacious rise and chaotic downfall of the Lapsus$ hacking collective. Known for targeting some of the biggest names in technology, including Microsoft, Nvidia, and Rockstar Games, this group rewrote the playbook on cybercrime with tactics as unconventional as their teenage leadership. From SIM-swapping and MFA fat
*BONUS CROSS-POST* Nation-State HACKING, Cybercrime, and GEN AI
Episode Description: This episode breaks down insights from the 2024 Global Threat Report by Elastic and the 2024 Digital Defense Report from Microsoft. It explores the blurring lines between state-sponsored hackers and cybercriminals, the rising role of generative AI in cyber-attacks and propaganda, and the use of commodity malware by sophisticated threat actors. Josh shares both the report high
004.1: Behind Enemy CODE
Episode Description: In this episode of IntrusionsInDepth, host Josh Stepp uncovers the story of how a Ukrainian-developed artillery targeting app, designed to assist soldiers on the battlefield, was compromised by the Russian cyber espionage group Fancy Bear. The episode explores the technical breakdown of the malware used, its devastating impact on Ukrainian forces, and the broader implications
003.1: North Korea HACKS Hollywood
In this episode of Intrusions In-Depth, host Josh Stepp dives into the infamous 2014 Sony hack, where North Korea allegedly targeted Sony Pictures over the controversial film The Interview. The episode explores the timeline of the hack, technical analysis of the malware used, and the political implications, including the response from President Obama. Josh also examines various conspiracy theories
001.3: CYBERWAR is MEMEWAR
In this episode of Intrusions InDepth, Josh Stepp delves into the complexities of information warfare and its intersection with cyber warfare. Drawing on historical examples and modern tactics, Josh explores how disinformation, psychological operations, and propaganda shape modern conflicts.Key Topics Discussed:* Defining Information Warfare* What is information warfare? Josh explains the definiti
002.5: PhineasFisher | The Legacy of HACKBACK
In this final episode of "The Curious Case of PhineasFisher," host Josh Stepp dives deep into the legacy of one of the most infamous hacktivists of our time. From exposing the dark side of commercial spyware to inspiring a new generation of cyber-revolutionaries, PhineasFisher’s impact on the world of hacktivism is undeniable. The episode explores key moments in PhineasFisher's career, their influ
002.4: PhineasFisher | From RUSSIA with HACKS?
In this episode of Intrusions in Depth, host Josh Stepp explores the intriguing theory that Phineas Fisher may be linked to Russian intelligence. Inspired by a listener's email and drawing on various data points and historical incidents, Josh delves into the possibility of Phineas Fisher being a Russian asset, comparing their tactics to those of known cybercriminals and government operatives.Main
002.3: PhineasFisher | Taking on The STATE and the BANK!
In this episode of the Intrusions in Depth Podcast, host Josh Stepp delves into the multifaceted story of Phineas Fisher, exploring three significant cyber-attacks: the AKP email release in Turkey, the ethical bank heist at the Cayman National Bank, and the hack of the Catalan police union. Phineas Fisher's actions highlight the intersection of political activism and cyber warfare against global t
002.2: PhineasFisher | Hacking Team
Topics:1. Introduction to PhineasFisher and Hacking Team* A brief recap of part one and its focus on Gamma Group.* Overview of PhineasFisher’s most notorious hack on Hacking Team in 2015.* The hack exposed over 400GB of internal data, shedding light on the company’s shady dealings.2. The Hacking Team Leak* A detailed description of Hacking Team’s activities and their flagship product, Remote Contr
002.1: PhineasFisher
The Intrusions in Depth Podcast is a detailed exploration of major cyber attacks, the threat actors that conduct them, and their broader implications. The podcast, hosted by Josh Stepp, delves into the technical aspects, historical context, and global impact of significant cybersecurity events. In this episode: Josh Stepp takes you into the shadowy world of hacktivism and surveillance tools, focus
001.2: The Rules of Cyberwar
The Intrusions in Depth Podcast is a detailed exploration of major cyber attacks, the threat actors who carry them out, and their broader implications. Hosted by Josh Stepp . In this episode: Topics:* Evolution of Cyber Warfare: Discusses the shift from traditional forms of cyberattacks, like DDoS, to more severe threats targeting critical infrastructure and sensitive personal data.* Government Re
001.1: NotPetya
The Intrusions in Depth Podcast is a detailed exploration of major cyber attacks and their broader implications. Hosted by Josh Stepp , the podcast delves into the technical aspects, historical context, and global impact of significant cybersecurity events. In the premiere episode: notPetya, the show examines the 2017 NotPetya malware attack, which caused an estimated $10 billion in damages worldw
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