Digital Desperados
Welcome to the Digital Desperados Podcast featuring Dark Tales from the Web with Patrick McMurphy. Patrick brings his Irish story telling origins into the limelight as he highlights the Dark Tales of Digital Desperados from around the globe. Cyber Criminal masterminds who are world renowned. Listen in and be prepared to be amazed and intrigued. This podcast is Brought to you by SaferNet VPN.
info_outline
Episode #17 – Nasty Nastra, the King of Fraud
05/15/2024
Episode #17 – Nasty Nastra, the King of Fraud
This episode of Digital Desperados exposes Alexander Zhukov, aka "Nastra," the King of Fraud. Nastra wasn't your average hacker. He started young, hustling on the streets before moving on to online scams. In the 2010s, he created MethBot, a program generating fake website visits to inflate ad revenue for his fake advertising company, Media Methane. When that got heat, Nastra's team developed the even nastier 3VE malware. This invisible enemy infected computers through phishing emails and ran in the background, secretly generating fake ad views for Nastra's profit. Nastra's scheme raked in millions before his arrest, but a slap-on-the-wrist sentence and potential hidden riches might mean he's not done yet. The story serves as a chilling reminder: online dangers lurk everywhere. Protect you and your loved ones with , a VPN and internet security suite, to fight back against digital desperados. Stay safe and don't click on suspicious links!
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/31043523
info_outline
Episode #16 – The Treasonous Story of Forb
05/01/2024
Episode #16 – The Treasonous Story of Forb
Dmitry Dukachaev, aka Forb, lived a life stranger than fiction. Starting as a Robin Hood hacker providing free internet, he soon dove into the dark world of cybercrime. Forb's skills made him a sought-after hacker-for-hire, stealing financial data and supposedly even infiltrating a U.S. government website. But things took a turn from our normal hacker story. As usual, Forb ended up working for the Russian FSB, but allegedly became a double agent for the CIA! This backfired spectacularly, later landing him in a Russian prison for treason, where he is thought to be to this day. Forb's story is a chilling reminder of the murky world of cyber espionage, where trust is a luxury and allegiances can switch faster than a flick of a digital switch. Be on your toes, because most hackers aren’t in prison.
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/30954883
info_outline
Episode #15 – Beware the Cozy Bear!
04/17/2024
Episode #15 – Beware the Cozy Bear!
The Digital Desperados Podcast explores infamous cybercriminals and attacks with host Jim Brangenberg, story guide Patrick McMurphy, and CEO Brad Hawkins. In this episode, they delve into the activities of Cozy Bear, a sophisticated state-sponsored hacking group linked to Russia. Cozy Bear specializes in cyber espionage, targeting entities largely across the US, Canada, and Europe, with a focus on disrupting sectors like military, government, and energy. Using advanced techniques like steganography, Cozy Bear became famous for embedding viruses in image files for covert infiltration. Their notorious tool, Cozy Duke, silently extracts data from compromised computers for prolonged intrusion. The podcast highlights Cozy Bear's major attacks, including breaches at the Pentagon and DNC servers during the 2016 US election. Despite occasional detections, Cozy Bear remains elusive, continuously adapting to evade detection. The episode underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, such as VPNs and antivirus software, in safeguarding against cyber threats like Cozy Bear. No one is safe! Sign up for to protect your family and business.
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/30557538
info_outline
Episode #14 – Spam Lord: Genius, Elusivity, and Mystery
04/03/2024
Episode #14 – Spam Lord: Genius, Elusivity, and Mystery
In episode 14 of the Digital Desperados podcast, hosts Jim Brangenberg, Patrick McMurphy, and Brad Hawkins embark on a wild ride into the world of cybercrime with the intriguing tale of Pytor Levashov, aka the Spam Lord. Levashov, hailing from Russia, made waves in the cyber underworld with his knack for spam email campaigns and the creation of the infamous Kelihos botnet. Despite his mischievous exploits, Levashov's background in mathematics and economics added an unexpected twist to his cyber escapades. With his Kelihos botnet, Levashov played a high-stakes game, challenging authorities with its decentralized structure. However, his downfall came in a surprising fashion - through his use of an Apple iCloud email address. After an inexplicably short stint in prison, Levashov's release sparked curiosity, leading him to Connecticut where he's rumored to be delving into AI ventures. Yet, amidst his newfound freedom, Levashov's name mysteriously vanishes from AI-generated content, leaving the hosts pondering his enigmatic fate. As the episode unfolds, you'll hear the importance of safeguarding against digital threats. Sign up for VPN for an affordable, versatile, and secure online experience!
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/30443358
info_outline
Episode #13 – I Spy with My Little Eye... SpyEye and the Smiling Hacker
03/20/2024
Episode #13 – I Spy with My Little Eye... SpyEye and the Smiling Hacker
Welcome to the Digital Desperados podcast, sponsored by . In this episode, we delve into the dark tale of Hamza Bendelladj, also known as BX1, the Smiling Hacker. The story unfolds as Hamza, a linguistic genius from Algeria, quickly becomes a notorious hacker. Collaborating with Russian hacker buddy Gribodemon, they create the SpyEye malware, a formidable rival to the insanely popular Zeus. Operating stealthily, SpyEye infiltrates millions of computers, executing keystroke logging and web injections to compromise financial institutions and personal accounts. It’s estimated that billions of dollars were stolen thanks to SpyEye. But, alas, life isn’t all phishing heists and spreading malware. Due to what we might consider reckless behavior, the FBI and Interpol eventually tracked Hamza down, leading to his arrest in Bangkok. In his arrest photo, Hazma grins from ear to ear, leading to his “Smiling Hacker” nickname. Largely because of that photo, he gained sympathy on social media, earning yet another moniker: "the Robin Hood of Hackers," with people believing he stole and donated to various charity organizations. However, his lavish lifestyle contradicts claims of charity of any sort. Hamza was sentenced to 15 years in prison, a small price to pay considering the gravity of his crimes. SaferNet VPN emphasizes the importance of online security, urging listeners to protect themselves from digital desperados like Hazma and Gribodemon (who was also arrested). Visit for ultimate cybersecurity. Stay vigilant, click wisely, and secure your digital life!
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/30248503
info_outline
Episode #12 – SEA: The Power of State-Sponsored Hacking
03/06/2024
Episode #12 – SEA: The Power of State-Sponsored Hacking
In a whirlwind cybersecurity adventure, hosts Jim Brangenberg, Patrick McMurphy, and Brad Hawkins of SaferNet VPN unravel the intriguing history of the Syrian Electronic Army (SEA), a state-sponsored hacking group specializing in propaganda and chaos. Sponsored by SaferNet.com, the trio inject humor into the serious havoc that the SEA has caused. You’ll hear details of the SEA's origins and about their loyalty to President Assad, weaving in anecdotes of high-profile cyber infiltrations. The episode showcases SaferNet's role in defending against phishing attacks, one of the most common forms of cybercrime. Not all laughs – we take a darker turn with revelations about the SEA's surveillance leading to the execution of Syrian rebels. This group is a threat that is still alive and thriving today. Don’t be left wondering if you might be the next victim. Protect yourself with today!
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/29722638
info_outline
Episode #11 – The Gray Legacy of Adrian Lamo
02/21/2024
Episode #11 – The Gray Legacy of Adrian Lamo
In the riveting 11th episode of the Digital Desperadoes podcast, the gang dive deep into the captivating and tumultuous tale of Adrian Lamo, famously known as the Homeless Hacker. Lamo's journey unfolds from a tech-savvy enthusiast to a gray hat hacker, blurring the lines between morality and mischief. You'll hear about Lamo's audacious exploits, from exposing security flaws on major networks to hacking NBC live on air. The hosts infuse the narrative with a blend of sadness and humor, shedding light on Lamo's eccentricities, including a post-prison phase of "body hacking" through experimental drugs. The episode concludes with a reminder to stay safe in the digital realm, utilize for robust cybersecurity, and steer clear of becoming the next victim of a Digital Desperado!
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/29639758
info_outline
Episode #10 – Condor: The Legendary Fugitive
02/07/2024
Episode #10 – Condor: The Legendary Fugitive
This Digital Desperados episode introduces Kevin Mitnick, known as The Condor, a legendary figure in the hacking world. Mitnick displayed social engineering skills from a very early age, initiating his hacking journey at 16. After unauthorized access to the Arc and subsequent legal troubles, he became a fugitive from 1992 to 1995, evading capture with false identities and lies. Notably pursued by the FBI, his legend grew and the hacker community respected him all the more. Mitnick's capture, aided by cybersecurity researcher Tsutomu Shimomura, marked a turning point. Despite misconceptions about his capabilities, Mitnick's influence continued after release. Although no longer with us, Mitnick became a respected figure in both white and black hat hacking communities. Learn more about this memorable hacker. As always, we highlight the importance of cybersecurity, showing how could have mitigated The Condor's activities. Remember, if you’re not digitally secured, you could be the next victim of a digital desperado!
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/29514423
info_outline
Episode #9 – A Global War: State-Sponsored Hacking
01/24/2024
Episode #9 – A Global War: State-Sponsored Hacking
In this lively episode of the Digital Desperados Podcast, hosts Jim Brangenberg and Patrick McMurphy, accompanied by SaferNet VPN's Brad Hawkins, unravel the thrilling world of state-sponsored hacking. The spotlight is on the infamous Lazarus Group, North Korea's cyber mischief-makers, engaging in espionage and global disruption. From Lazarus' humble beginnings as novice hackers trained in China to their sophisticated attacks on South Korea and beyond, learn about their evolution. Escapades include hacking Sony Pictures in retaliation of a movie poking fun at North Korea and multiple attacks on South Korea – the hacking groups favorite training ground. You'll also hear about the devastating WannaCry Ransomware Attack, a worldwide cyber rollercoaster leaving chaos in its wake. SaferNet VPN emerges as the superhero of the digital realm, offering simplified cybersecurity with VPN, internet controls, and antivirus. With a dash of humor, the episode stresses the importance of wearing your "digital bulletproof vest" by using to navigate the digital war's front lines. Get ready for a wild ride in the cyber realm with the Digital Desperados!
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/29445248
info_outline
Episode #8 – Iceman’s Cyber Freeze
01/10/2024
Episode #8 – Iceman’s Cyber Freeze
This newest episode of the Digital Desperados Podcast recounts the chilling story of Max Butler, aka the Iceman, known for his cool demeanor and freezing victims' assets through credit card fraud. Butler's journey from teenage mischief to a hacking career unfolds as he evolves from theft and assault to orchestrating elaborate credit card schemes. Despite facing legal consequences, Iceman’s criminal endeavors escalate, showcasing the dark side of the digital realm. Discover the twists and turns of the Iceman's story, his prison stints, and the sophisticated techniques he employed in his cyber exploits. From pirated software to phishing, learn about the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. And defend your own digital space! VPN offers internet controls, virus protection, and 84 website filters. Don't navigate the internet without protection – sign up at SaferNet.com and secure your online presence.
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/29298843
info_outline
Episode #7 – Sabu: Hacktivist, Informant, Cybersecurity Advocate
12/27/2023
Episode #7 – Sabu: Hacktivist, Informant, Cybersecurity Advocate
This episode’s featured dark tale revolves around Hector Xavier Monsegur, also known as Sabu, a prominent figure in hacking and hacktivism. Born in 1983 in Puerto Rico, Sabu's challenging upbringing led him to explore hacking from a young age. The story follows Sabu's hacking techniques, such as exploring vulnerabilities, phishing attacks, social engineering, and cross-site scripting. Although a prominent figure within the hacker group Anonymous, Sabu eventually became an FBI informant, leading to the arrest of several hackers. As always, listeners learn the importance of cybersecurity and can see why is an ideal solution. SaferNet's features – including VPN, internet controls, virus protection, and web filters – can help individuals and businesses stay secure online. The episode concludes with insights into Sabu's post-arrest life, his current role as a white hat hacker, and his advocacy for ethical behavior in the digital domain.
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/29155843
info_outline
Episode #6 – Solo's UFO Odyssey: The NASA Hack Chronicles
12/13/2023
Episode #6 – Solo's UFO Odyssey: The NASA Hack Chronicles
Welcome to the Digital Desperados Podcast, where we embark on an enthralling journey into the life of Gary McKinnon, also known as Solo, the NASA Hacker. Gary's story is nothing short of extraordinary - driven by his obsession with UFOs, he dared to breach the formidable digital fortresses of NASA, the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Department of Defense in search of evidence of extraterrestrial life. This podcast is made possible by SaferNet, your steadfast ally in the battle for online security. SaferNet offers a robust suite of cybersecurity tools, including VPN, internet controls, virus protection, and web filters. It's your ultimate defense against the unpredictable digital universe. Protect your family and business by visiting SaferNet.com and embracing the power of cybersecurity.
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/28966318
info_outline
Episode #5 – Mafia Boy: A Hacker Prodigy's Redemption Story
11/29/2023
Episode #5 – Mafia Boy: A Hacker Prodigy's Redemption Story
In this episode of the Digital Desperados Podcast, we explore the riveting tale of Mafia Boy, a child prodigy turned hacker extraordinaire. His early experiments with AOL trials led to a life in the shadows, culminating in a colossal DDoS attack that caused a jaw-dropping $1.7 billion in damages. Our podcast is proudly sponsored by SaferNet VPN, your go-to cybersecurity app for business and family protection. With features like VPN, internet controls, virus protection, and website filters, SaferNet ensures your digital security. Don't leave your online world vulnerable—sign up at SaferNet.com today to fortify your defenses. Join us as we delve into the darker side of the web, showcasing how even the most notorious figures can find redemption and become cybersecurity champions.
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/28816133
info_outline
Episode #4 – Game Over Zeus: Slavik’s Cybercrime Dark Tale
11/15/2023
Episode #4 – Game Over Zeus: Slavik’s Cybercrime Dark Tale
In this podcast, you’ll hear the dark tale of Evgeny Mikhailovich Bogachev, also known as Slavik, a prolific Russian cybercriminal. Slavik's cybercrime journey began around 2010 when he created the Game Over Zeus (GOZ) botnet, a vast network of compromised computers. GOZ was responsible for distributing the Cryptolocker ransomware, resulting in significant financial losses, particularly in the United States. Slavik's activities were highly sophisticated, and he continued to evade law enforcement despite the FBI's efforts. He remains under the protection of Russian authorities and seems to be motivated by the thrill and challenge of cybercrime rather than financial gain. Despite a $3 million bounty on his head, Slavik is still at large, active in the world of cybercrime, and continues to develop new malware.
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/28640323
info_outline
Episode #3 – The Thrill of Cybercrime: Alberto Gonzalez’s Digital Desperado Story
10/19/2023
Episode #3 – The Thrill of Cybercrime: Alberto Gonzalez’s Digital Desperado Story
It seems that Alberto Gonzalez has always been a thrill seeker. From hacking into NASA at just 14 years old to eventually working as a government spy, Gonzalez seemed to have a love for getting into trouble. From his early hacking days, he began collecting, using, and selling credit card information, which he continued to do throughout his life of crime. Even though he was caught, arrested, and worked as a government spy in the hacking community, Gonzalez still went back to organizing and executing cyber-attacks that stole millions of credit and debit card numbers. This was probably needed because of the lavish lifestyle he’d become accustomed to, which included drugs, luxury cars, posh hotels, and parties. Being back on the government’s cybercrime radar, it only took Alberto one slip-up to get caught and lose it all. To this day, he’s serving a prison sentence for multiple company breaches that he orchestrated. When asked about why he committed these crimes, he’s quoted saying, “Whatever morality I should have been feeling was trumped by the thrill.” This story shows just how easy it can be for hackers to access your information at airports, cafes, and the like, if you don’t have a 24/7 VPN on your device. makes it extremely difficult for cybercriminals to access your computer, tablet, and phone. Get protected today!
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/28371476
info_outline
Episode #2 – Alexsey Belan Could Be Selling Your Information
10/19/2023
Episode #2 – Alexsey Belan Could Be Selling Your Information
This episode highlights the story and crimes of Alexsey Belan, a Latvian hacker best known for Yahoo data breaches and for stealing the information (login, credit card, etc.) of millions. All at about only 19 years old! This highly evasive young man was also well-known for hacking into Wordpress and e-commerce websites. As such, the US put out an international warrant for his arrest along with a $100,000 reward. He was once arrested in Greece, but somehow escaped, fleeing to Russia where, of course, he found sanctuary as he’s worked with the government there to hack accounts of multiple foreign dignitaries and businesses. Aside from his work compromising half a billion Yahoo accounts, Alexsey used his skills as a side hustle to drive Yahoo search engine users to his affiliate links, earning him what we now call “passive income.” Little is known about this mastermind these days, but it’s assumed he continues to steal and sell the information of countless unsuspecting internet users. is made to protect devices from any malware or virus that might lurk nearby. So, while it can’t stop your accounts from being hacked from criminals like Alexsey Belan, it can secure your business and family devices against downloading malicious materials, showing you explicit content that you don’t want to see, and hiding your location and device information from those with harmful intent. We recommend getting the app on all your devices!
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/28371164
info_outline
Episode #1 – The Life & Criminal Activity of Maksim Yakubets (AKA Aqua)
10/19/2023
Episode #1 – The Life & Criminal Activity of Maksim Yakubets (AKA Aqua)
This premier episode of the Digital Desperados Podcasts introduces a desperado indeed. Maksim Yakubets, known primarily as “Aqua” is a Ukranian-Russian hacker who has stolen and aided in stealing hundreds of millions of dollars. Patrick McMurphy, who’s spent years studying hackers, joins Digital Desperados to tell of Aqua’s dark deeds. Aqua and his hacking group “Evil Corps” employ the malwares “Zeus” and “Dridex” in phishing schemes reported in over 40 countries. These malwares are capable of replicating login pages to infecting your device through attached documents, and more. One of Aqua’s most notable attacks was on the Kentucky County Treasury in 2009, when he stole $500,000. What’s Aqua up to now? He lives a life of luxury and is still “at large” with a $5million dollar ransom offered by the FBI for information that would lead to his arrest. It’s believed he lives under the protection of the Russian government, as they benefit greatly from his hacking capabilities. How can you protect yourself against hackers like Aqua? Beware of “scammy” emails and delete them immediately. Patrick also recommends reviewing your accounts for any suspicious activity. And be sure to get protection from ! It’s always “on” so your devices are protected 24/7. It can stop you from pulling up false login pages or downloading infected documents. It’s a VPN, virus protection, and internet filter, all offered in one incredible app.
/episode/index/show/131707df-a8a4-4ea8-a890-894c3d431b4c/id/28370756