139: D3f4ult

139: D3f4ult

Nov 7, 2023 1h 18m

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Episode Description

This is the story of D3f4ult (twitter.com/_d3f4ult) from CWA. He was a hacktivist, upset with the state of the way things were, and wanted to make some changes. Changes were made.

Sponsors

Support for this show comes from Axonius. The Axonius solution correlates asset data from your existing IT and security solutions to provide an always up-to-date inventory of all devices, users, cloud instances, and SaaS apps, so you can easily identify coverage gaps and automate response actions. Axonius gives IT and security teams the confidence to control complexity by mitigating threats, navigating risk, decreasing incidents, and informing business-level strategy — all while eliminating manual, repetitive tasks. Visit axonius.com/darknet to learn more and try it free.

Support for this show comes from Thinkst Canary. Their canaries attract malicious actors in your network and then send you an alert if someone tries to access them. Great early warning system for knowing when someone is snooping around where they shouldn’t be. Check them out at https://canary.tools.

Support for this show comes from Quorum Cyber. Their mantra is: “We help good people win.” If you’re looking for a partner to help you reduce risk and defend against the threats that are targeting your business — and especially if you are interested in Microsoft Security — reach out to Quorum Cyber at www.quorumcyber.com/darknet-diaries.

Sources

https://www.vice.com/en/article/z3ekk5/kane-gamble-cracka-back-online-after-a-two-year-internet-ban

https://www.wired.com/2015/10/hacker-who-broke-into-cia-director-john-brennan-email-tells-how-he-did-it/

https://www.hackread.com/fbi-server-hacked-miami-police-data-leaked/

https://archive.ph/Si79V#selection-66795.5-66795.6

https://wikileaks.org/cia-emails/John-Brennan-Draft-SF86/page-7.html

AI-Generated Summary

The Evolution of a Hacker

The podcast begins with the guest recounting his journey into hacking. Starting in Newport News, Virginia, as a teenager, he got involved in gaming and eventually stumbled upon hacking when someone threatened to hack him. His curiosity about computers intensified when he successfully cracked his neighbor's Wi-Fi, leading him down a path of exploration into the world of hacking and IRC chat rooms around 2008, during the heyday of anonymous hacking groups.

From Playfulness to Activism

As he navigated through various hacking groups, the guest's motivations evolved from curiosity to activism. He describes being part of 'Ainon.sec', where they executed politically motivated attacks, including one against Detroit’s water payment system, showcasing how hackers could use their skills for social justice. Their early work centered around issues such as government corruption and legal injustices.

Hacking the Powerful

The conversation reveals a significant turning point when they decided to target high-profile individuals in the intelligence community, fueled by outrage over government surveillance. They engaged in social engineering tactics to access confidential information and hack accounts of notable figures like John Brennan, the CIA director, highlighting their disdain for perceived government hypocrisy and injustice.

Impact of Hacking and Consequences

The podcast also covers the repercussions of their actions, depicting the thrill of hacking juxtaposed with the risks involved. Their hacking activities led to public exposes, stirring fear within government agencies and putting them in personal danger. Eventually, the guest experienced a raid where the FBI seized his computer, leading to his arrest.

Life After Hacking

Finally, the guest shares insights about his time in prison and life after release. Although he faced hardships reintegrating into society due to his felony record, he has since learned valuable lessons and started trading stocks and cryptocurrencies. He emphasizes the potential for redemption and the notion that one's past does not define their future.