Smashing Security podcast #458: How not to steal $46 million from the US government

A Wikipedia security engineer accidentally wakes a dormant JavaScript worm that hadn’t stirred since 2024 – and within minutes, giant woodpecker images are plastered across the internet’s favourite encyclopaedia.

Meanwhile, a crypto contractor hired to help the US Marshals manage seized digital assets allegedly decides to help himself to $46 million of it – and then brags about it on a recorded Telegram call.

Plus: Graham champions Asterix, Trisha discovers the fantasy novels of Robin Hobb, and someone called “Lick” ends up in the nick.

All this, and much more, in episode 458 of the “Smashing Security” podcast with cybersecurity veteran Graham Cluley, and special guest Tricia Howard.

Host:

Graham Cluley:

 @grahamcluley.com

 @
 / grahamcluley

Guest:

Tricia Howard:
 / triciakickssaas‬

Episode links:

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Thanks:

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

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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.

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