Easy Prey

The Ransomware War

Ransomware isn't a lone hacker in a hoodie. It's an entire criminal industry complete with developers, brokers, and money launderers working together like a dark tech startup. And while these groups constantly evolve, so do the tools and partnerships aimed at stopping them before they strike. My guest today is Cynthia Kaiser, former Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI's Cyber Division and now the Head of the Ransomware Research Center at Halcyon. After two decades investigating global cyber threats and briefing top government leaders, she's now focused on prevention and building collaborations across government and industry to disrupt ransomware actors at their source. We talk about how ransomware groups operate, why paying a ransom rarely solves the problem, and what layered defense really means for organizations and individuals. Cynthia also shares how AI is reshaping both sides of the cyber arms race and why she believes hope, not fear, is the most powerful tool for defenders. Show Notes: * [01:04] Cynthia Kaiser had a 20-year FBI career and has now transitioned from investigation to prevention at Halcyon. * [03:58] The true scale of cyber threats is far larger than most people realize, even within the government. * [04:19] Nation-state and criminal activity now overlap, making attribution increasingly difficult. * [06:45] Cynthia outlines how ransomware spreads through phishing, credential theft, and unpatched systems. * [08:08] Ransomware is an ecosystem of specialists including developers, access brokers, money launderers, and infrastructure providers. * [09:55] Discussion of how many ransomware groups exist and the estimated cost of attacks worldwide. * [11:37] Ransom payments dropped in 2023, but total business recovery costs remain enormous. * [12:24] Paying a ransom can mark a company as an easy target and doesn't guarantee full decryption. * [13:11] Example of a decryptor that failed completely and how Halcyon helped a victim recover. * [14:35] The so-called "criminal code of ethics" among ransomware gangs has largely disappeared. * [16:48] Hospitals continue to be targeted despite claims of moral restraint among attackers. * [18:44] Prevention basics still matter including strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and timely patching. * [19:18] Cynthia explains the value of layered defense and incident-response practice drills. * [21:22] Even individuals need cyber hygiene like unique passwords, MFA, and updated antivirus protection. * [23:32] Deepfakes are becoming a major threat vector, blurring trust in voice and video communications. * [25:17] Always verify using a separate communication channel when asked to send money or change payment info. * [27:40] Real-world example: credential-stuffing attack against MLB highlights the need for two-factor authentication. * [29:55] What to do once ransomware hits includes containment, external counsel, and calling trusted law-enforcement contacts. * [32:44] Cynthia recounts being impersonated online and how she responded to protect others from fraud. * [34:28] Many victims feel ashamed to report cybercrime, especially among older adults. * [36:45] Scams often succeed because they align with real-life timing or emotional triggers. * [38:32] Children and everyday users are also at risk from deceptive links and push-fatigue attacks. * [39:26] Overview of Halcyon's Ransomware Research Center and its educational, collaborative goals. * [42:15] The importance of public-private partnerships in defending hospitals and critical infrastructure. * [43:38] How AI-driven behavioral detection gives defenders a new advantage. * [44:48] Cynthia shares optimism that technology can reduce ransomware's impact. * [45:43] Closing advice includes practicing backups, building layered defenses, and staying hopeful. Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easy-prey/id1488678905] and leave a nice review. Links and Resources: * Podcast Web Page [https://www.easyprey.com/] * Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/EasyPreyPodcast] * whatismyipaddress.com [https://whatismyipaddress.com/] * Easy Prey on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/easypreypodcast/] * Easy Prey on Twitter [https://twitter.com/easypreypodcast] * Easy Prey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/easy-prey-podcast/] * Easy Prey on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCgy_xKrjiXghSgGFEAFdTQ] * Easy Prey on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/easypreypodcast/] * Halcyon [https://www.halcyon.ai/] * Cynthia Kaiser - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-kaiser-cyber/]

Opportunistic Crimes

Criminals are always adapting. Whether it's copper wiring stripped from job sites or porch pirates grabbing deliveries in broad daylight, they keep finding new ways to take what isn't theirs. But maybe prevention isn't about harsher punishment or more cameras. Maybe it's about smarter design and understanding what drives people to steal in the first place. My guest today is Dr. Ben Stickle, a professor of criminal justice at Middle Tennessee State University and one of the country's top researchers on property crime. Before entering academia, he worked in law enforcement, which gives him a rare mix of real-world perspective and research-based insight. His work on metal theft, catalytic converter crime, and package theft sheds light on who's actually committing these offenses, what motivates them, and which prevention methods truly work. We discuss how fluctuating metal prices influence theft rates, why cameras often fail to stop certain crimes, and how a few simple design changes to your home can make a real difference. Dr. Stickle also shares unexpected examples of modern theft, from stolen pets to disappearing beehives, and explains how communities can act early before small trends turn into national headlines. Show Notes: * [01:22] Ben recalls his early years as a police officer and what motivated him to serve. * [01:27] The conversation moves into crime scene investigation training and lessons from real-world cases. * [03:38] Ben talks about transitioning into teaching and research, guided by a drive to improve policing through knowledge. * [05:30] The focus turns to crime prevention and understanding how to stop crimes before they happen. * [06:15] Discussion shifts to metal theft, from copper wiring to catalytic converters, and the steep cost of replacing what's stolen. * [10:47] Ben explains how metal theft isn't new, tracing its roots all the way back to ancient Greece. * [14:58] The challenges of balancing better security design with cost and practicality come to light. * [17:46] The topic turns to porch piracy and why package theft has become one of the most common crimes in America. * [19:43] Ben breaks down how daily routines influence theft risk and how thieves range from organized groups to impulsive opportunists. * [25:23] The role of cameras is questioned as Ben explains why surveillance doesn't always deter crime. * [27:00] Practical prevention strategies emerge like delivering to lockers, hiding packages, and using better drop-off options. * [28:53] New tech enters the discussion with alarms, GPS tracking, and geofencing tools designed to stop porch pirates. * [29:14] Ben explores how rethinking porch layouts could help protect deliveries and reduce crime opportunities. * [31:47] The conversation expands to environmental criminology and how physical spaces can influence criminal behavior. * [34:00] Ben emphasizes the importance of targeted prevention instead of one-size-fits-all solutions. * [38:00] The value of using local crime data, rather than fear-driven news, to make safety decisions is underscored. * [40:30] Emerging trends come up, from pet and beehive thefts to crimes tied to the growing sharing economy. * [42:00] The episode wraps with takeaways on prevention, awareness, and where listeners can find Ben's research. Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easy-prey/id1488678905] and leave a nice review. Links and Resources: * Podcast Web Page [https://www.easyprey.com/] * Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/EasyPreyPodcast] * whatismyipaddress.com [https://whatismyipaddress.com/] * Easy Prey on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/easypreypodcast/] * Easy Prey on Twitter [https://twitter.com/easypreypodcast] * Easy Prey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/easy-prey-podcast/] * Easy Prey on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCgy_xKrjiXghSgGFEAFdTQ] * Easy Prey on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/easypreypodcast/] * The Knoble [https://theknoble.com/] * Freddy Massimi - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddymassimi3/]

Post Scam Guidebook

Fraud usually gets talked about in numbers like how much money was stolen, how many people were affected, how many cases got filed. But behind every one of those numbers is a person who's been blindsided, manipulated, or left trying to rebuild trust in others and in themselves. This episode shifts the focus back to those human stories and the fight to protect them. My guest, Freddie Massimi, has spent more than a decade helping scam victims find both financial and emotional recovery, bringing empathy and understanding to a field that too often feels cold and procedural. As a certified financial crimes investigator and program manager at The Knoble, Freddie has made it his mission to bridge the gap between institutions and individuals. He shares the heartbreaking and hopeful moments that define his work including one phone call that saved a life. Along with how that experience changed the way he thinks about what true fraud prevention really means. Freddie also opens up about The Knoble's Post-Scam Victimization Guide, a collaborative, trauma-informed resource designed to help victims regain control of their lives and prevent re-victimization. From crypto scams to romance cons, he explains how these schemes keep evolving, why empathy is still one of the best tools we have, and how every fraud fighter can make a difference simply by listening and responding with humanity. Show Notes: * [00:40] Freddie shares his background as a certified financial crimes investigator and program manager at The Knoble. * [01:40] A look back at Freddie's early path into criminal justice and how empathy shaped his fraud-fighting approach. * [03:07] The story of a Tennessee widow who lost $300,000 in a pig-butchering crypto scam. * [04:30] Freddie's emotional account of saving a victim's life and how it reframed his mission to protect others. * [07:42] The rise of collaborative fraud-fighter networks and Freddie's work leading The Knoble's post-scam initiatives. * [08:11] How The Knoble unites financial institutions, law enforcement, and NGOs to address "human crime." * [08:58] Development of the Post-Scam Victimization Guide, a trauma-informed resource for banks and fraud teams. * [10:39] How financial crime has evolved from simple check scams to complex digital exploitation and trafficking. * [13:01] The need for faster, more transparent information sharing between banks and law enforcement. * [14:04] What makes the Post-Scam Guide different including actionable steps, empathy-driven language, and real-world tools. * [15:00] Sextortion cases, Gavin's Law, and how shame and silence compound the harm. * [18:30] Practical tools in the guide, including hotline numbers, QR codes, and scripts for supporting victims. * [20:20] How to talk to romance scam victims with compassion including using questions that spark reality checks, not judgment. * [22:00] Why shame keeps scams underreported and how trauma-informed communication changes outcomes. * [23:19] The role of technology in scams: remote access, malware, and how scammers exploit smartphones and computers. * [24:36] Shoutout to Kitboga for his cybersecurity tools and awareness campaigns against scam call centers. * [25:22] Why elderly victims remain the most vulnerable and how education can empower prevention. * [27:24] The double victimization cycle like when scammers return pretending to recover lost money. * [30:00] Freddie's real-world example of helping a victim secure their accounts and recover identity. * [32:50] How banks can adjust fraud detection systems to catch hidden patterns of exploitation. * [34:30] Spotting red flags in gift card purchases and why speaking up can literally save lives. * [36:31] Freddie's advice for anyone who suspects they're being scammed: stop all contact and secure your accounts. * [37:06] The importance of documenting everything and reporting through IC3.gov and law enforcement. * [38:30] Emotional recovery and community support are just as vital as financial recovery. * [41:00] The biggest mistake victims make after being scammed is staying silent out of shame or fear. * [41:40] Freddie's story about protecting his own grandmother from IRS and WhatsApp scams. * [43:00] Common text-message scams and why you should never reply, even with "wrong number." * [44:48] How to access The Knoble's free, vetted Post-Scam Victimization Guide. * [45:30] Where to connect with Freddie and The Knoble's wider fraud-fighter network. Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easy-prey/id1488678905] and leave a nice review. Links and Resources: * Podcast Web Page [https://www.easyprey.com/] * Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/EasyPreyPodcast] * whatismyipaddress.com [https://whatismyipaddress.com/] * Easy Prey on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/easypreypodcast/] * Easy Prey on Twitter [https://twitter.com/easypreypodcast] * Easy Prey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/easy-prey-podcast/] * Easy Prey on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCgy_xKrjiXghSgGFEAFdTQ] * Easy Prey on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/easypreypodcast/] * The Knoble [https://theknoble.com/] * Freddy Massimi - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddymassimi3/]

Can You Trust Anything Online

You think you'd never fall for a scam until you meet someone like Kitboga. He's a software engineer who's turned his curiosity about online fraud into a full-time mission to outsmart scammers and protect the people they target. His YouTube channel, The Kitboga Show, has millions of followers and nearly a billion views, thanks to his mix of humor, empathy, and clever ways of exposing how scams really work. In our conversation, Kit opens up about how this all started, what it's really like to spend hours pretending to be a scam victim, and how organized crime has turned fraud into a massive global business. He shares what's changed over the years and why those old "red flags" don't always work anymore and how new tools like deepfakes and AI have made deception harder to spot than ever. Kit also talks about his newest project, Serif Secure, a free tool he created to help people clean and protect their computers after a scam attempt. He's honest, thoughtful, and a little funny even when the subject is dark. By the end, you'll see just how much one person can do to fight back. Show Notes: * [01:15] Kit explains how he got into "scam baiting" and why protecting victims became personal. * [03:05] He shares how streaming scam calls to friends unexpectedly turned into a viral mission. * [06:07] Kit recounts nearly falling for a Discord impersonation scam himself. * [09:17] We discuss how deepfakes and AI are changing what a "red flag" looks like online. * [11:31] Scammers now use real services like PayPal and DocuSign to appear legitimate. * [13:11] Kit explains how long-term investment and "pig-butchering" scams draw people in slowly. * [15:51] Fraudsters are now going after 401(k)s and retirement funds instead of small cash grabs. * [17:00] We examine how fake phone numbers and online ads make verification harder than ever. * [19:56] Kit talks about the emotional toll of scam-baiting and why he sometimes needs a break. * [21:51] We reflect on why decades-old scams, like Nigerian letters, still thrive today. * [23:57] The scale of organized fraud is compared to global industries worth trillions. * [25:41] Kit admits scams will never truly disappear—only evolve with new technology. * [26:44] We learn how his team uses automation to detect and map out scam networks. * [30:24] Kit describes juggling live streaming with scam calls and the role humor plays in coping. * [33:37] He explains why scammers' aggression still works and what it reveals about victims. * [37:00] Kit shares moving stories of victims, including a widower deceived in a romance scam. * [40:00] We explore how scams erode self-trust and make victims doubt their own judgment. * [42:13] Kit talks about working with law enforcement and the need for stronger collaboration. * [44:10] We hear about Serif Secure, his anti-scam software designed to protect users' devices. * [47:04] The software now proactively blocks remote access tools and phishing websites. * [48:14] Kit warns about "scam recovery" frauds and the cruel trick that targets victims twice. * [49:30] We wrap with practical advice on skepticism, security, and staying a step ahead of scammers. Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easy-prey/id1488678905] and leave a nice review. Links and Resources: * Podcast Web Page [https://www.easyprey.com/] * Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/EasyPreyPodcast] * whatismyipaddress.com [https://whatismyipaddress.com/] * Easy Prey on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/easypreypodcast/] * Easy Prey on Twitter [https://twitter.com/easypreypodcast] * Easy Prey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/easy-prey-podcast/] * Easy Prey on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCgy_xKrjiXghSgGFEAFdTQ] * Easy Prey on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/easypreypodcast/] * Kitboga - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm22FAXZMw1BaWeFszZxUKw] * Seraph Secure [https://www.seraphsecure.com/] * Kitboga [https://kitboga.com/] * Kitboga - Instagram [https://kitboga.com/] * The Scamcast with Kitboga [https://podcast.kitbogashow.com/]

Real Time Fraud Detection

Everywhere you turn, someone's trying to fake something like an image, a voice, or even an entire identity. With AI tools now in almost anyone's hands, it takes minutes, not days, to create a convincing fake. That's changed the game for both sides. The fraudsters have new weapons, and the rest of us are scrambling to keep up. The real question now isn't just how to stop scams, but how to know who or what to trust online. My guest today, Bala Kumar, spends his days on the front lines of that battle. He's the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Jumio, a company working to make digital identity verification faster, smarter, and safer. Bala has more than twenty years in the industry, including leadership roles at TransUnion, and he's seen firsthand how the race between innovation and exploitation never really ends. It just keeps speeding up. In our conversation, Bala shares how generative AI has supercharged the fraud world, what makes identity such a fragile link in digital trust, and why biometrics may finally offer a way forward. We also dig into the psychology behind online risk, how convenience often wins over caution, and what small habits can help people protect themselves in an age where deception looks more real than ever. Show Notes: * [01:04] Bala Kumar has a background in product management and fraud prevention from TransUnion to Jumio. * [01:59] He describes how fraudsters constantly evolve, forcing companies to anticipate attacks instead of just reacting. * [03:56] The quality of manipulated images has skyrocketed, making real vs. fake nearly indistinguishable. * [05:17] Jumio's systems catch most fake IDs, but Bala admits even advanced systems must keep auditing for missed fraud. * [07:16] Regular audits and rapid response cycles help Jumio identify attack spikes within 24–48 hours. * [09:40] Generative AI has dramatically increased the speed and volume of fraud attempts across industries. * [11:33] Jumio uses cross-transaction risk analysis to detect emerging fraud patterns and shut down attacks quickly. * [13:00] Fraudsters move from one platform to another, always searching for weaker defenses and faster wins. * [15:10] Bala explains how fraud prevention has expanded beyond banking into gaming, dating, and gig platforms. * [16:38] Consumers crave low friction, which ironically makes them more vulnerable to scams. * [17:20] Instant gratification culture pressures companies to reduce security steps, fueling greater risk. * [19:52] New AI-driven fraud tactics include injected camera feeds and highly realistic deep fakes. * [20:12] Old tricks like "send me a selfie with proof" no longer work—deepfakes can now mimic anything. * [22:22] Bala sees biometrics as the next major safeguard for digital identity and real-time verification. * [23:12] Facial recognition has become mainstream, paving the way for secure and low-friction identity checks. * [26:19] Jumio is already deploying biometric check-ins for events and hotel registrations with great success. * [27:30] Account recovery and payout systems now use liveness and device checks to confirm identity safely. * [30:09] Bala critiques outdated knowledge-based questions like "What's your favorite food?" as unreliable security. * [31:12] Consumers lack visibility into which apps use strong verification or multi-factor authentication. * [33:56] He calls for an independent rating system to rank apps based on security and identity protection. * [37:53] Bala urges users to question why companies ask for personal data like SSNs or ZIP codes. * [39:29] Even a ZIP code and last name can expose personal records, highlighting the need for awareness. Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easy-prey/id1488678905] and leave a nice review. Links and Resources: * Podcast Web Page [https://www.easyprey.com/] * Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/EasyPreyPodcast] * whatismyipaddress.com [https://whatismyipaddress.com/] * Easy Prey on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/easypreypodcast/] * Easy Prey on Twitter [https://twitter.com/easypreypodcast] * Easy Prey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/easy-prey-podcast/] * Easy Prey on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCgy_xKrjiXghSgGFEAFdTQ] * Easy Prey on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/easypreypodcast/] * Jumio [https://www.jumio.com/] * Bala Kumar - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbalak/]