Crime as we know it is changing and the kids are keeping up, faster than we are.  In this episode, GTC is on stage at the SXSW conference, discussing how the average age of cyber criminals is becoming younger and younger. Joined by our panelists AFP Federal Agent, Amy Phelps and Cyber Intelligence Expert Leah Pinto, we unpack how the dark web is fuelling cyber crime - including hiring violence “as a service” and ransomware toolkits. But it’s not all doom and gloom, the AFP is hacking back, taking down dark web marketplaces and implementing prevention programs in schools. So tune in, and learn more about the dark web and the cyber crime it’s facilitating.  Links mentioned:  AFP Reboot program: https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/reb00tcmp-inspires-next-generation-cyber-champions   Where to find us Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?hl=en Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/

We get it, cyber security is tough and some questions can feel too basic to ask. But don’t worry you’re not alone. In this episode we’ve teamed up with Kim from Cyber Wardens to bring you a few things: an overview of the Cyber Wardens program, a list of ‘you can’t ask that’ questions we’ve heard over the years, including their answers, and a story where a Shark Tank business owner almost lost her business to a scammer.  Whether you’re running a side hustle, or just trying to clean up your online act, this episode will help build your cyber confidence without the technical jargon.   Resources: Cyber wardens: https://cyberwardens.com.au/ Embarrassing questions continued: https://cyberwardens.com.au/asking-for-a-friend-our-most-embarrassing-cyber-questions-answered/ Cyber security pulse check report: https://cyberwardens.com.au/research-report/small-business-cyber-security-pulse-check-report/ Password managers:https://www.passwordmanager.com/best-password-managers/ Where to find us Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?hl=en Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/  

A billion-dollar rivalry, a spy on the inside, and a sting operation for the history books. This isn’t a Netflix drama — it’s a real lawsuit. In this episode, GTC dives into the explosive case of Rippling vs. Deel, where Rippling alleges Deel deployed a corporate spy in their ranks. This case has it all and is the exact kind of story that you might not hear about if you’re outside of the cyber security industry. But with a phone being flushed down the toilet and entire building pipes dismantled to find it, trust us it's an exceptional one.   Resources:  https://rippling2.imgix.net/Complaint.pdf https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/02/the-affidavit-of-a-rippling-employee-caught-spying-for-deel-reads-like-a-movie/ https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/02/deel-rippling-spy-coporate-espionage-silicon-valley/  Socials: Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?hl=en  Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/    

In this episode, we’re joined by Jacqui Loustau —cybersecurity expert, industry powerhouse, and founder of the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN). We dive into the real risks small businesses face online and break down where to start and end with the cyber basics for your business.  Whether you’re running a side hustle or just want to get smarter about scams, we cover:- Why your business is a target (yes, if you have an email, you’re a target)- The 6 accounts you should protect right now- What to do when things go wrong (because it happens)- How students are helping secure Aussie small businesses.  Hit play, take notes, and get your cyber hygiene sorted.

When a cyber attack hits, Chloe is one of the first people called — not to manage the technical disaster, but to translate the technical problems into real world messages, that people can understand.  Chloe works in the Cyber Strategic Communications at CyberCX, a team that leads communications for organisations before during and after a cyber incident.  In this episode, Chloe walks us through her background, her memorable crises in the Strategic Communications team (remember the Australian port shut down that almost ruined Christmas?) and lifts the curtain on what happens before those “we regret to inform you, you’ve been breached” emails go out. Plus, she shares some hilarious war stories (think navy twerking scandals) and her best tips for keeping your info safe online. So if you ever thought cyber security was just for the techies - think again. _________________ This episode is sponsored by CyberCX, the leading provider of professional cyber security and cloud services across Australia and New Zealand. With a workforce of over 1,400 professionals, CyberCX is a trusted partner to private and public sector organisations helping customers confidently manage cyber risk, respond to incidents and build resilience in an increasingly complex and challenging threat environment. Find out more about how CyberCX can help your organisation by visiting https://cybercx.com.au/ today. _________________Socials: Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: GTC - Girls Talk Cyber | Facebook  

TikTok might be getting banned in the United States, and VPN’s could be the access solution. But what the heck is a VPN anyway? How do they work? What are they used for outside of side stepping TikTok bans? Are they the silver bullet to cyber security? The answer may surprise you. Tune in to this week’s episode as we unpack these questions and help you decide if a VPN is the right security choice for you.  For more information about you can act secure online, visit https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/cyber-security/strategy/act-now-stay-secure Resources:  https://nordvpn.com/ _________________ Socials: Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU  Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/ _________________ This episode is sponsored by CyberCX. Enjoy hearing about all things cyber here on the pod? Then maybe you should think about making the career switch into cyber security. There’s no better place to begin this journey than with the CyberCX Academy. A paid, permanent full time employment opportunity designed to launch your career in cyber security. No prior experience is necessary. Applications open here: https://cybercx.com.au/cyber-security-academy-cybercx/  

An FBI and Australian Federal Police operation named Trojan Shield, convinced criminals to obtain a mobile device and discuss their criminal operations on a law-enforcement encrypted messaging app. This led to the infiltration of 300 criminal groups across 100 countries. Wild right? Hear more about this operation and a bunch of others as GTC sits down with Nitiana Mann to discuss her work as an FBI Legal Attaché , and how her passion for financial crime led her to this position. _________________ This episode is sponsored by CyberCX, the leading provider of professional cyber security and cloud services across Australia and New Zealand. With a workforce of over 1,400 professionals, CyberCX is a trusted partner to private and public sector organisations helping customers confidently manage cyber risk, respond to incidents and build resilience in an increasingly complex and challenging threat environment. Find out more about how CyberCX can help your organisation by visiting https://cybercx.com.au/ today. _________________Socials: Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: GTC - Girls Talk Cyber | Facebook  

A cyber criminal has been caught two years after coordinating a cyber attack against Medibank, one of Australia’s largest private health care providers. The attack was ruthless, with the cyber criminal leaking stolen medical data, bit by bit into the public arena, including: HIV statuses, sexually transmitted diseases and abortion data. Who was the brutally brazen hacker behind this attack? How did they get caught and where did it all begin? GTC investigates in this episode: Catching the Criminal: A deep dive into the Medibank cyber attack. All information collected and used for this episode in publicly available from the following resources: Resources mentioned in the episode: OAIC - Medibank data breach alleged timeline.  https://www.oaic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0037/228979/Medibank-data-breach-alleged-timeline-infographic.pdf   Intel 471 report https://intel471.com/blog/medibanks-attacker-it-businessman-claimed-psychologist-and-alleged-cybercriminal   US Department of Treasury on REvil Ransomware Gang https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2041   Medibank’s cyber crime update from Nov 7 2022:  https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-cybercrime-update%207%20November   ABC News Article on the hacker https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-23/aleksandr-ermakov-medibank-private-data-breach-cyber-attack/103378142   Hacker detained in Russia https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2024/medibank-hacker-detained-in-russia.html

Content warning: This episode includes discussion involving imaged based abuse, child sexual abuse, violence and suicide. Please listen with care. If content raises anything for you, please seek support by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via the website https://www.lifeline.org.au/.   Sit down with us in the CyberCX lounge at SXSW as we interview the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant. This episodes explores the critical work being done by eSafety which seeks to make the internet a safer place for all Australians. From tackling deep fakes to online harassment, this two-part interview sees us deep dive into the initiatives, policies and tools designed  to protect individuals in our increasingly connected world. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply an internet user, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.   Interview part two of two.   This episode is sponsored by CyberCX, Enjoy hearing about all things cyber here on the pod? Then maybe you should think about making the career switch into cyber security. There's no better place to begin this journey than with the CyberCX Academy. A paid, permanent full-time employment opportunity designed to launch your career in cyber security. No prior experience is necessary. Applications open here: CyberCX Academy   Stay up to date with the eSafety Commissioner on LinkedIn here: eSafety Commissioner: Overview | LinkedIn   eSafety website: Online safety | eSafety Commissioner   Other Mental Health Resources: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/   Kids Helpline | National Office for Child Safety Support the Girls Talk Cyber podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re loving the show, leave us a review and share it with your family and friends! _________________GTC Socials: Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU  Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/

Content warning: This episode includes discussion involving imaged based abuse, child sexual abuse, violence and suicide. Please listen with care. If content raises anything for you, please seek support by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via the website https://www.lifeline.org.au/.   Sit down with us in the CyberCX lounge at SXSW as we interview the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant. This episodes explores the critical work being done by eSafety which seeks to make the internet a safer place for all Australians. From tackling deep fakes to online harassment, this two-part interview sees us deep dive into the initiatives, policies and tools designed  to protect individuals in our increasingly connected world. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply an internet user, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.   Interview part one of two.   This episode is sponsored by CyberCX, Enjoy hearing about all things cyber here on the pod? Then maybe you should think about making the career switch into cyber security. There's no better place to begin this journey than with the CyberCX Academy. A paid, permanent full-time employment opportunity designed to launch your career in cyber security. No prior experience is necessary. Applications open here: CyberCX Academy   Stay up to date with the eSafety Commissioner on LinkedIn here: eSafety Commissioner: Overview | LinkedIn   eSafety website: Online safety | eSafety Commissioner   Other Mental Health Resources: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/   Kids Helpline | National Office for Child Safety Support the Girls Talk Cyber podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re loving the show, leave us a review and share it with your family and friends! _________________GTC Socials: Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU  Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/

In this episode we walk you through a timeline of how a criminal gets from point A to point B when they are pulling off a successful credential stuffing attack. And spoiler alert, it all starts on the darknet marketplace. Walk away feeling confident on how to protect yourself from a credential stuffing attack.  We also sneak in a Fraud File segment where we unpack a listeners experience in a Meta account takeover and how they got it back.

Ever wondered how scams really work? In this episode, we are joined by scam expert Shameela Gonzalez as we dive into the shady world of scammers. From pulling on heart strings to encouraging the purchase of questionable Taylor Swift tickets, nothing is off limits for these criminals. Let this episode be your guide on how to spot a scam and stay one step ahead of these cyber criminals and avoid their art of manipulation.

Who do you call when you are going through a cyber attack? The answer is someone like Claudia, a Digital Forensics and Incident Response investigator. In this episode Claudia takes us through a day in her life as an investigator, how she got into the industry and answers the arguably more important question, what is the funniest google search you’ve seen during an investigation.  Follow Claudia on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-squire-a35505126/ If you’re lucky you may get to catch her speaking at a conferences on the topic of Electron apps unplugged: Unveiling Digital Forensic treasures.  Support the Girls Talk Cyber podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re loving the show, leave us a review and share it with your family and friends! _________________ Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU  Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/

In this episode we give you some tips and tricks to stay cyber secure when you’re on the go, so you can say bon voyage to cyber criminals ruining your holiday.  Connecting to public WiFi? Posting a boarding pass on your socials? Working on the train? Hold that thought, because we’ve got some wild stories to share that will help you understand the potential risks associated with these seemingly harmless actions.

One of the largest casino chains in Las Vegas, MGM Grand, became paralysed after they were hit by a ransomware attack in September 2023. The bustling casino floor was unrecognisable as casino slot machines, hotels, restaurants and more were disconnected for allegedly 10 days in one of the biggest cyber attacks of our time. Who was responsible? How did they do it? Did cyber criminals really tell a $33.9 trillion dollar company to “grow a pair” and pay them? Tune in to this episode to find out.

Ethical hacking. Two words that can’t possibly go together right?  How can hacking be an ethical activity?    Well in this episode we are joined by cyber security professional and ethical hacker, Vikki Grouios who proves hacking with a conscious is possible. Vikki has dedicated her career to testing systems, breaking into client networks and securing organisations and communities. Vikki has also featured on Season 1 and 2 of the latest hit show Hunted where viewers were able to see her skills in action..    In this episode Vikki shares some of her stories and experiences in this role and break down some buzzwords in this position.    To bring it back to the listeners, Vikki also gives us some tips and tricks for our Cyber Queens, including developing a different online identity for non essential accounts.    Support the Girls Talk Cyber podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re digging the show, leave us a review and share it with your family and friends!   Show Resources:  Have I been Pwned: https://haveibeenpwned.com/ _________________   Socials:   Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU    Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/  

So cyber, does it involve the mysterious bunkers just like the movies? Well, not quite.. But defensive cyber does share some similarities.    In this episode you can expect to hear a breakdown of what defensive cyber actually is and what it looks like in the real world. We shine a light on our unsung, defensive cyber security heroes and professionals and chat about what they can get up to on the daily, as well as bringing it back to what’s relevant for you, and learning some hot tips on how you can boost your own cyber defences.    We jump back to one of our favourite segments, The Fraud Files, and check out an online shopping scam sent-in from a listener and discuss what you can learn from the situation.     Support the Girls Talk Cyber podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re digging the show, leave us a review and share it with your family and friends!   Show Resources:  Report a cyber incident: https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/report _________________   Socials:   Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU    Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/   

Today we are joined by an expert in cyber security, Shireen Syed, the University of Newcastle’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Shireen’s job is to not only help secure students and teachers but so many elements in between including cyber security strategy and incident response. Shireen gives us a rundown of what her day-to-day looks like, what is expected of her in her role as CISO and walks us through her career path leading up to this position. We learn about the unique challenges a university faces when securing their environment - with bespoke gadgets and intellectual property being developed, where do you start trying to secure these? Finally, Shireen shares her perspective on how exciting the cyber security industry is and promotes how to get women interested and engaged in cyber. Shireen also gives our listeners some tips on staying safe online. We hope you enjoy! Support the Girls Talk Cyber podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re digging the show, leave us a review and share it with your family and friends. _________________ Socials: Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU    Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/    Report a cyber incident: https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/report

What information about you resides on the internet today that anyone can access? In this episode we give you the tools to answer that question and walk you through the definition of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). We look at how it can benefit our lives and how it can also be used in a borderline creepy way. Jules and I also give you some tools to perform OSINT on yourself, and while it may be confronting to see a bunch of information about yourself strewn across the internet, we believe if the bad guys know it exists, you should too. Finally with all this being said and done, we run you through some tips on how to protect your privacy whilst still existing in the online world. Support the Girls Talk Cyber podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re digging the show, leave us a review and share it with your family and friends! _________________ Show Resources:  Have I Been Pwned  https://haveibeenpwned.com/ Account Analysis https://accountanalysis.app/ OSINT SnapMaps  https://www.osintcurio.us/2020/04/13/using-snapchat-for-osint-10-minute-tip/ Maltego https://www.maltego.com/ Facebook privacy restrictions https://www.facebook.com/help/193677450678703 LinkedIn privacy restrictions https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a1338877/understanding-your-privacy-settings?lang=en Privacy with google https://www.mbsdirect.com/mbs-blog/article-what-is-google-web-app-activity-and-should-you-leave-it-enabled     Report a cyber incident: https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/report _________________ Socials: Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU  Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/

Today we take you through the rumblings of a cyber attack. How does it start and what does it look like? By the end of the episode you’ll be able to identify and avoid cyber threats quicker than you can say GTC. We also take a look at who is behind these cyber attacks. The type of people sitting behind a computer, pulling these attacks off, may surprise you. From phishing to "J-elena" (Justin and Selena) references, this episode has everything you need to understand ransomware headlines and protect yourself from cyber attacks. Let’s redefine how you act online. Support the Girls Talk Cyber podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re digging the show, leave us a review and share it with your family and friends! Show Resources: Report a cyber incident: https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/report _______________ Socials: Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/