In this episode of Digital Desperados, dive into the cautionary tale of hacker-turned-ethical-hacker, Higinio Ochoa, aka w0rmer. What starts as harmless curiosity quickly escalates into full-blown cyber activism with CabinCr3w, an offshoot of Anonymous. Their mission? To expose police misconduct through hacking and doxing. 

But w0rmer’s downfall came not from elite cybersecurity forces—but from a single geotagged photo of his fiancée in a bikini, a memento left to taunt authorities. The FBI tracked him down in record time, leading to his arrest, a 27-month prison sentence, and an internet ban that reshaped his life. 

Now reformed, w0rmer has found a second chance as a white-hat hacker, helping companies and governments identify security flaws. His story is a stark reminder that in the digital world, one mistake is all it takes to lose everything. Stay protected. Get SaferNet VPN at SaferNet.com. 

🔊 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! 

Title Digital Desperados

Subtitle Dark Tales From The Web

Author Jim Brangenberg, Brad Hawkins & Patrick McMurphy

Brought To You By: http://www.safernetvpn.com


Show Links

https://sites.libsyn.com/488183

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ayp-d5QUJr_LkzLR__VcQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5085904

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! SaferNet 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.

Title Digital Desperados

Subtitle Dark Tales From The Web

Author Jim Brangenberg, Brad Hawkins & Patrick McMurphy

Brought To You By: http://www.safernetvpn.com


Show Links

https://sites.libsyn.com/488183

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ayp-d5QUJr_LkzLR__VcQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5085904

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 SaferNet 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.

Title Digital Desperados

Subtitle Dark Tales From The Web

Author Jim Brangenberg, Brad Hawkins & Patrick McMurphy

Brought To You By: http://www.safernetvpn.com


Show Links

https://sites.libsyn.com/488183

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ayp-d5QUJr_LkzLR__VcQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5085904

In this episode of Digital Desperados, hosts Jim Brangenberg and Patrick McMurphy dive into the heroic story of Gary Alford, the IRS investigator who cracked the infamous Silk Road case (see episode 20). Unlike the usual criminals featured on the show, Alford was the determined underdog who outmaneuvered the FBI and Homeland Security with old-school detective work. While high-tech forensic tools failed, Alford relied on logic, persistence, and a simple Google search to find the rookie mistake that brought down Ross Ulbricht—aka “The Dread Pirate Roberts.”  

The irony? While the government chased sophisticated digital trails, it was a forgotten forum post and a Gmail address that sealed the case. Now, with Ulbricht recently pardoned, the story takes on a new twist. Did justice truly prevail? Tune in for a deep dive into the power of traditional investigative instincts in a world obsessed with technology. 

🎧 Listen now: www.safernetvpn.com/podcast 

Title Digital Desperados

Subtitle Dark Tales From The Web

Author Jim Brangenberg, Brad Hawkins & Patrick McMurphy

Brought To You By: http://www.safernetvpn.com


Show Links

https://sites.libsyn.com/488183

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ayp-d5QUJr_LkzLR__VcQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5085904

In this fascinating episode of Digital Desperados, Patrick McMurphy takes us deep into the wild and chaotic life of John McAfee, the tech genius turned fugitive. Best known for creating McAfee Antivirus, John’s story is anything but ordinary. From his early days as a brilliant mathematician and NASA programmer to his rise as a cybersecurity mogul, McAfee’s journey takes a dark turn—one filled with conspiracy, eccentricity, and crime.

After making millions, McAfee walked away from his own company, distancing himself from the software that bore his name. But that was just the beginning. His life spiraled into a bizarre saga of underground drug labs, armed compounds, and international manhunts. Did he really kill his neighbor? Why did he claim the government was after him? And what about his cryptic tweets before his mysterious death in a Spanish prison?

Plus, cybersecurity expert Brad Hawkins joins us to discuss how to stay truly protected online with SaferNet ( https://www.safernet.com ) —a VPN, antivirus, and internet control solution that keeps businesses and individuals safe from digital threats. With plenty of shocking twists, controversial theories, and a dose of dark humor, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Buckle up—this is the true story of a tech legend who lived (and died) on the edge.

🎙️ Listen at https://www.safernetvpn.com/podcast

Title Digital Desperados

Subtitle Dark Tales From The Web

Author Jim Brangenberg, Brad Hawkins & Patrick McMurphy

Brought To You By: http://www.safernetvpn.com


Show Links

https://sites.libsyn.com/488183

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ayp-d5QUJr_LkzLR__VcQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5085904

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.

Title Digital Desperados

Subtitle Dark Tales From The Web

Author Jim Brangenberg, Brad Hawkins & Patrick McMurphy

Brought To You By: http://www.safernetvpn.com


Show Links

https://sites.libsyn.com/488183

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ayp-d5QUJr_LkzLR__VcQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5085904

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.

Title Digital Desperados

Subtitle Dark Tales From The Web

Author Jim Brangenberg, Brad Hawkins & Patrick McMurphy

Brought To You By: http://www.safernetvpn.com


Show Links

https://sites.libsyn.com/488183

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ayp-d5QUJr_LkzLR__VcQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5085904

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.

Title Digital Desperados

Subtitle Dark Tales From The Web

Author Jim Brangenberg, Brad Hawkins & Patrick McMurphy

Brought To You By: http://www.safernetvpn.com


Show Links

https://sites.libsyn.com/488183

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ayp-d5QUJr_LkzLR__VcQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5085904

In this episode of Digital Desperados, host Jim Brangenberg is joined by Patrick McMurphy and SaferNet CEO Brad Hawkins to uncover the chilling world of DarkSide, one of the most notorious ransomware groups. DarkSide operates like a corporate enterprise, offering Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) to affiliates who target high-value organizations. From their carefully crafted business model to their role in the Colonial Pipeline attack that sent fuel prices soaring, this episode unpacks their methods, motivations, and the chaos they leave in their wake.

Patrick unravels the intricacies of the group’s operations, explaining their strict affiliate screening process, “white-label” ransomware "services,” and use of double extortion tactics, where stolen data is weaponized for maximum leverage. Meanwhile, Brad highlights how businesses can defend themselves against these relentless cybercriminals with tools like SaferNet.

The team also shares critical insights to protect yourself and your organization—don’t click unknown links, back up your data, and prioritize cybersecurity. This episode sheds light on the hidden world of ransomware, its lasting impact, and the ever-evolving ecosystem of cybercrime.

https://www.safernetvpn.com

🎙️ Listen at https://www.safernetvpn.com/podcast

Title Digital Desperados

Subtitle Dark Tales From The Web

Author Jim Brangenberg, Brad Hawkins & Patrick McMurphy

Brought To You By: http://www.safernetvpn.com


Show Links

https://sites.libsyn.com/488183

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ayp-d5QUJr_LkzLR__VcQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5085904

In this episode of Digital Desperados, the spotlight is on Ehud “Udi” Tenenbaum, a hacker whose story of genius and cybercrime shook the digital world. Udi’s tale begins in the late 1990s when his knack for uncovering software vulnerabilities earned him the nickname “The Analyzer.” Targeting unpatched Solaris systems, Udi and his friends hacked over 500 U.S. military and research networks, including NASA and the Pentagon, in an infamous attack dubbed "Solar Sunrise." Though he didn’t steal data, his actions exposed critical flaws in cybersecurity practices.

Years later, Udi shifted from proving flaws to exploiting them, running a global credit card fraud operation that caused millions in damages. This show breaks down how vulnerabilities like SQL injections and unpatched systems enabled his schemes. Today, Udi’s LinkedIn lists him as a CTO in Dubai—though his employer is a secret.

Brad shares how SaferNet’s real-time cloud updates combat vulnerabilities like the ones Udi exploited. With simple, automatic protection for businesses, SaferNet ensures hackers can’t exploit your unpatched systems. Tune in for this gripping cybercrime saga and learn why keeping your systems updated is more than just good advice—it’s vital.

https://www.safernetvpn.com

🎙️ Listen at https://www.safernetvpn.com/podcast

Title Digital Desperados

Subtitle Dark Tales From The Web

Author Jim Brangenberg, Brad Hawkins & Patrick McMurphy

Brought To You By: http://www.safernetvpn.com


Show Links

https://sites.libsyn.com/488183

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ayp-d5QUJr_LkzLR__VcQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5085904