Smashing Security podcast #453: The Epstein Files didn’t hide this hacker very well

Supposedly redacted Jeffrey Epstein files can still reveal exactly who they’re talking about – especially when AI, LinkedIn, and a few biographical breadcrumbs do the heavy lifting.

Sloppy redaction leads to explosive claims, and difficult reputational consequences for cybersecurity vendors, and we learn how trust – once cracked – can be almost impossible to fully restore.

Elsewhere, the spotlight turns to insider threat in the age of AI, after a senior US cybersecurity official uploads sensitive government material into the public version of ChatGPT. Oops.

All this, and much more, in episode 453 of Smashing Security with cybersecurity veteran Graham Cluley and special guest Tricia Howard.

Host:

Graham Cluley:

 @grahamcluley.com

 @
 / grahamcluley

Guest:

Tricia Howard:
 / triciakickssaas‬

Episode links:

Sponsored by:

• Passwork – a reliable secrets manager and password management solution.
• Meter– Network infrastructure for the enterprise. Get a free personalised 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!

Support the show:

You can help the podcast by telling your friends and colleagues about “Smashing Security”, and leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

Join Smashing Security PLUS for ad-free episodes and our early-release feed!

Follow us:

Follow the show on Bluesky, or join us on the Smashing Security subreddit, or visit our website for more episodes.

Thanks:

Theme tune: “Vinyl Memories” by Mikael Manvelyan.
Assorted sound effects: AudioBlocks.

Found this article interesting? Follow Graham Cluley on LinkedIn, Bluesky, or Mastodon to read more of the exclusive content we post.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

See author's posts