Smashing Security podcast #459: This clever scam nearly hijacked a tech CEO’s Apple ID

In episode 459 of Smashing Security, we dive into a chillingly clever account takeover attempt targeting WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg – involving MFA fatigue, real Apple alerts, a convincing support call, and a phishing page that oh-so-nearly worked. If a famous techie could have this happen to you, can you be sure you’re immune?

Plus: would you donate your lifetime medical history to science if you were promised anonymity? We unpack serious concerns around UK Biobank, where “de-identified” data may not be as anonymous as you think — and how surprisingly little information it takes to reveal everything.

And! Human-powered “AI”, and a punishment worse than prison: eight hours on the RSA expo floor…

All this, and much more, in episode 459 of the “Smashing Security” podcast with cybersecurity veteran Graham Cluley, and special guest Paul Ducklin.

Host:

Graham Cluley:

 @grahamcluley.com

 @
 / grahamcluley

Guest:

Paul Ducklin:
 / pducklin

Episode links:

Sponsored by:

• Vanta – Expand the scope of your security program with market-leading compliance automation… while saving time and money. Smashing Security listeners get $1000 off!
• Adaptive Security – request a custom demo featuring a real CEO deepfake simulation.
• Meter – Network infrastructure for the enterprise. Get a free personalised demo.

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