Kids spend more time online than ever, and for the most part it feels normal. They’re gaming, watching videos, and chatting with friends. But hidden in those same spaces are adults who know how to pose as kids, build trust, and push conversations into dangerous territory. Parents might think it couldn’t happen to their child, yet detectives see how quickly an “innocent” interaction can turn into grooming or extortion.

That’s the world Detective Seth Cockerham works in every day. He’s been in law enforcement in Texas for close to a decade, and the last few years have been dedicated to investigating crimes against children. He talks about these cases with both the eye of an investigator and the heart of a parent, because he knows what it’s like to raise kids in a world where technology isn’t going away.

Seth explains how predators move kids off kid-friendly apps into spaces parents can’t easily monitor, what behaviors should make families pay attention, and why kids often keep things to themselves. He also shares what has worked in his own home like parental control tools, early conversations about boundaries, and making sure his daughters know they can come to him about anything. At the end of the day, his message is simple: if your child says something feels wrong, take it seriously.

• [01:07] Seth explains his path into law enforcement and how he moved into child crime investigations.
• [02:24] Why drowning and neglect cases motivated him to take a deeper role in protecting kids.
• [04:05] The personal impact of working child abuse cases and balancing it as a parent.
• [05:30] How predators go where kids are online, from YouTube to gaming platforms with chat features.
• [07:00] Grooming tactics predators use, often pretending to be the same age to build trust.
• [07:40] Grooming can escalate in hours or take weeks, with predators moving kids to apps like Snapchat.
• [10:39] AI filters sometimes detect inappropriate content, but predators still find ways around it.
• [11:52] Behavioral changes are often the first signs kids are being exploited or manipulated online.
• [14:10] Why some kids go to police instead of parents and how Seth builds trust with families.
• [16:47] Most child abuse cases involve someone the child already knows; online cases are often strangers.
• [18:20] International predators make prosecutions harder, especially in sextortion cases.
• [21:08] Managing families’ expectations when investigations take longer than TV shows portray.
• [23:55] Fastest time Seth has moved from a report to an arrest in an online case.
• [24:14] Common traits of perpetrators, often highly tech-savvy with strong knowledge of systems.
• [26:46] The parental control tools Seth uses at home, including the Bark phone for his kids.
• [29:30] How to reset boundaries with older kids and use resources like NetSmartz for education.
• [32:37] Seth’s advice to kids: never send selfies to strangers, don’t believe threats, tell a trusted adult.
• [33:39] His warning about sextortion: paying money never works, it only leads to more demands.
• [36:20] Resources for victims include counseling through advocacy centers and photo removal tools.
• [37:20] Seth’s key takeaway: listen to your kids and take their concerns seriously.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

• Podcast Web Page
• Facebook Page
• whatismyipaddress.com
• Easy Prey on Instagram
• Easy Prey on Twitter
• Easy Prey on LinkedIn
• Easy Prey on YouTube
• Easy Prey on Pinterest
• Bark
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
• NetSmartz

Some people are willing to hand over their identities for cash, while organized fraudsters are lining up to buy them. What used to be a matter of stolen credit cards has turned into a global marketplace where personal details fuel large-scale fraud. Now with AI, automation, and deepfakes making impersonation easier than ever, it’s becoming much more difficult to protect identities. 

To understand how we got here and what can be done, I spoke with Ofer Friedman, Chief Business Development Officer at AU10TIX. Ofer has spent more than 15 years in the identity verification and compliance world, working with companies like PayPal, Google, Uber, and Saxo Bank. He’s seen the evolution from basic ID checks to today’s sophisticated fraud-as-a-service platforms, where attackers can buy stolen data cheaply, sometimes for just a few dozen dollars, and use it to launch real-time, undetectable attacks.

Ofer explains why traditional approaches like uploading a photo of your ID are no longer enough, and why privacy, in practice, is already gone. He walks through the “minefield strategy” of fraud prevention, where businesses must layer multiple defenses like device, network, and behavioral indicators. We also talk about the rise of digital IDs, the coming challenge of quantum computing, and why regulators and service providers, not consumers, are now the ones who must shoulder the responsibility of protecting identities.

• [01:00] Ofer explains his role in forecasting fraud trends and designing solutions, drawing from years in identity verification and compliance.
• [03:32] The conversation turns to people selling their identities, with fraudsters buying because impersonation is easier than ever.
• [05:18] Ofer describes how sales happen in encrypted channels like Telegram or Discord, often targeting desperate individuals.
• [07:07] He calls these sellers “identity mules,” noting they only receive a few dozen dollars per transaction.
• [08:20] With billions of stolen data points in circulation, there’s more identity data than people, making personal data cheap and plentiful.
• [09:00] Regulations require minimal information, often just basic ID details and a selfie, which makes fraud easier to attempt.
• [11:00] Deepfakes and injection attacks undermine even live ID checks, giving rise to fraud-as-a-service platforms that automate attacks.
• [13:00] New age verification laws in the US and UK highlight the growing tension between privacy and regulation.
• [15:53] Ofer outlines the “minefield strategy,” where layered defenses (ID, device, network, behavior) are needed since no single tool is sufficient.
• [18:46] The discussion shifts to how fraud is global, not just American, and why digital IDs may offer better protection though not without flaws.
• [21:45] Fraud is evolving quickly with automation, enabling fraudsters to launch massive, randomized attacks.
• [29:03] Ofer explains the three lines of defense: live checks, collateral risk factors, and behavioral monitoring.
• [31:40] He stresses that privacy is effectively dead, as the balance between privacy and security always favors security.
• [34:47] Consumer education won’t stop fraud—technology and companies must take the lead in identity protection.
• [39:14] Identity verification and cybersecurity are merging into one process that scrutinizes users everywhere online.
• [45:34] The rise of agentic AI could reduce friction in transactions, but desensitization means people accept more scrutiny over time.
• [47:24] Ofer argues regulations need to evolve, calling for service providers to be rated and held to higher standards.
• [50:36] He reflects that we’re moving into a new era where deepfakes and impersonation will affect not just finances but media, politics, and trust itself.
• [52:05] Ofer closes with advice on evaluating identity verification vendors, emphasizing layered defenses and transparency.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

• Podcast Web Page
• Facebook Page
• whatismyipaddress.com
• Easy Prey on Instagram
• Easy Prey on Twitter
• Easy Prey on LinkedIn
• Easy Prey on YouTube
• Easy Prey on Pinterest
• AU10TIX
• Ofer Friedman - LinkedIn

Technology is moving faster than our ability to process its impact, forcing us to question trust, motivation, and the value of our time. Few people have had a closer view of those shifts than Esther Dyson. With a background in economics from Harvard, Esther built a career as a journalist, author, commentator, investor, and philanthropist, with a unique ability to spot patterns across industries and challenge assumptions before they become mainstream.

She is the executive founder of Wellville, a ten-year nonprofit project dedicated to improving equitable well-being in communities across the United States. Beyond her nonprofit work, Esther has been an active angel investor in healthcare, open government, digital technology, biotechnology, and even outer space. She’s currently focusing on health and technology startups, especially the ones that actually care about human connection instead of just making everything faster and more efficient.

When we chatted, Esther made this really compelling point about AI. She thinks we're asking the wrong question when we debate whether artificial intelligence is good or bad. What really matters, she argues, is how we choose to interact with it. We dove into some tough ethical questions about how quickly we're adopting these technologies, this concept she calls "information diabetes," and why being upfront about who's funding what and why is absolutely crucial if we want to trust anything anymore.

• [01:44] Esther describes her career path from journalism to independent investing and healthcare projects.
• [02:52] She explains why Wellville had a set end date and connects it to her upcoming book on time and mortality.
• [04:08] Esther gives her perspective on AI, tracing its evolution from expert systems to neural networks and LLMs.
• [06:17] She stresses the importance of asking who benefits from AI and being aware of hidden motives.
• [12:44] The conversation turns to ethical challenges, biased research, and the idea of “information diabetes.”
• [15:37] Esther reflects on how wealth and influence can make it difficult to get honest feedback.
• [18:09] She warns that AI speeds everything up, making it easier to do both good and harm.
• [20:14] Discussion shifts to the value of work, relationships, and finding meaning beyond efficiency.
• [25:45] Esther emphasizes negotiation, balance, and how ads and AI should benefit everyone involved.
• [27:28] She highlights areas where AI could be most beneficial, such as healthcare, education, and reducing paperwork.
• [29:26] Esther argues that AI companies using public data should help fund essential workers and services.
• [31:08] She voices skepticism of universal basic income and stresses the need for human support and connection.
• [34:55] Esther says AI is far from sentience and accountability lies with the humans controlling it.
• [36:46] She explains why AI wouldn’t want to kill humans but might rely on them for energy and resources.
• [37:33] The discussion turns to addiction, instant gratification, and the importance of valuing time wisely.
• [41:02] Esther compares GDP to body weight and calls for looking deeper at its components and meaning.
• [42:19] She explains why she values learning from failures as much as from successful investments.
• [43:18] Esther closes with advice: ask good questions, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of a smile.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

• Podcast Web Page
• Facebook Page
• whatismyipaddress.com
• Easy Prey on Instagram
• Easy Prey on Twitter
• Easy Prey on LinkedIn
• Easy Prey on YouTube
• Easy Prey on Pinterest
• Wellville
• Esther Dyson - LinkedIn
• The Beans
• Scarcity: The New Science of Having Less and How It Defines Our Lives
• Analogia: The Emergence of Technology Beyond Programmable Control

Cybercrime continues to evolve in sophistication and scale, with attackers running their operations much like businesses. From ransomware gangs with customer support desks to AI-generated phishing campaigns that erase traditional red flags, scams are becoming harder to detect and stop.

In this episode, David Bittner, host of the CyberWire Daily Podcast, shares his perspective on the changing landscape of fraud and cyberattacks. Drawing on his background in media, theater, and podcasting, as well as years of reporting on security issues, he explains how both criminals and defenders are using AI, why ransomware has exploded instead of fading, and how scams exploit human trust and expectations..

David also talks about common scams hitting people today, from toll violation texts and fake bank calls to romance scams on social media. He recounts personal experiences of being targeted, including a Facebook credential-harvesting attempt and an exit-ramp “out of gas” con, to show that no one is immune. Looking ahead, he predicts existing scams will keep evolving, AI will continue to raise the stakes, and defenders may eventually need AI “agents” watching out for them in real time.

• [02:00] David explains how CyberWire grew from a daily news brief into a full podcast network covering cybersecurity.
• [04:21] David recalls his background in media, theater, and early computer culture that shaped his path.
• [05:52] We hear how luck, timing, and technical skills combined to make podcasting a success for him.
• [07:17] David shares why he believes AI is the biggest change to cybersecurity in the past decade.
• [08:00] He notes that bad grammar is no longer a reliable phishing red flag thanks to large language models.
• [10:11] We discuss how phishing awareness training must adapt to more convincing scams.
• [12:30] He reflects on the unexpected rise of ransomware compared to early predictions about cryptomining.
• [14:08] David explains how ransomware groups now operate like corporations with support teams.
• [16:00] He raises concerns about ransom payments funding overseas criminal networks in Russia and North Korea.
• [18:15] We learn how scammers use call centers and human trafficking to scale their operations.
• [19:30] David describes current scam trends, including fake toll violation texts and AWS account alerts.
• [21:32] He points out how romance scams thrive on social media platforms like Facebook.
• [22:16] David recounts a frightening call where his mother was nearly scammed by criminals posing as bank security.
• [25:09] He emphasizes how scammers manipulate victims to stay locked into the story and ignore warnings.
• [26:03] We hear how criminals pressure victims into withdrawing cash, buying gold, or handing funds to unwitting couriers.
• [27:00] David shares a case where a delivery driver was tragically killed after being caught up in a scam pickup.
• [29:00] He talks about his own experiences of being scammed, including a Facebook credential-harvesting attempt.
• [32:08] David recalls falling for an “out of gas” roadside con and explains why he still prefers trusting people.
• [34:00] He reflects on how vague scam messages exploit imagination and insecurities.
• [36:08] We hear examples of scams that exploit real-life contexts, such as HR benefits or package deliveries.
• [37:45] David explains his current vigilance with real estate transactions and wire transfer fraud.
• [39:26] He predicts the next wave of scams will be evolutions of what already works, boosted by AI.
• [40:07] David outlines the persistence of “treasure box” and inheritance scams dating back hundreds of years.
• [41:02] He shares his hope that future AI “agents” will act as a safeguard for vulnerable users.
• [42:21] David speculates about “nuisance ransomware” that charges small amounts to fly under the radar.
• [43:25] He jokes about calling it “inconvenienceware” and wonders if such a niche could emerge.
• [44:39] David directs listeners to CyberWire.com to explore his podcasts and resources.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

• Podcast Web Page
• Facebook Page
• whatismyipaddress.com
• Easy Prey on Instagram
• Easy Prey on Twitter
• Easy Prey on LinkedIn
• Easy Prey on YouTube
• Easy Prey on Pinterest
• CyberWire Daily
• Hacking Humans
• Caveat
• CyberWire

Cybercriminals are accelerating their attacks in ways that weren’t possible a few years ago. Artificial intelligence is giving them the ability to spin up phishing campaigns, voice clones, and deepfakes in minutes instead of days. As a result, the gap between what’s genuine and what’s fake is closing fast, making it harder for both individuals and organizations to defend themselves.

I’m thrilled to welcome Brett Winterford, Vice President of Okta Threat Intelligence. Brett has had a front row seat to these changes. His team analyzes identity-based attacks and delivers insights to help organizations adapt their defenses. Brett previously served as Okta’s Regional CISO for Asia-Pacific and Japan and started his career as a journalist covering information security before moving into leadership roles in banking, government, and technology.

In this episode, Brett explains how AI is reshaping the speed and scale of cybercrime, why trusted platforms like email, SMS, and collaboration tools are being targeted, and what practical steps can reduce risk. He highlights the growing importance of phishing-resistant authentication methods like passkeys, the need for clearer communication between service providers and users, and the role of collaboration across industries and law enforcement in pushing back against attackers.

• [00:00] Brett Winterford introduces himself as Vice President of Okta Threat Intelligence and explains how identity-based threats are monitored.
• [02:00] He shares his career path from cybersecurity journalist to CISO roles and now to leading threat intelligence.
• [05:48] Brett compares phishing campaigns of a decade ago with today’s AI-driven ability to launch attacks in minutes.
• [08:00] He notes how reconnaissance and lure creation have become easier with artificial intelligence.
• [10:40] Brett describes the shift from banking malware to generic infostealers that sell stolen credentials.
• [12:30] He explains how cryptocurrency changed the targeting of attacks by offering higher payouts.
• [14:21] We learn about the Poison Seed campaign that used compromised bulk email accounts to spread phishing.
• [15:26] Brett highlights the rise of SMS and other trusted communication channels as phishing delivery methods.
• [16:04] He explains how attackers exploit platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack to bypass traditional defenses.
• [18:30] Brett details a Slack-based campaign where attackers impersonated a CEO and smuggled phishing links.
• [22:41] He warns that generative AI has erased many of the old “red flags” that once signaled a scam.
• [23:01] Brett advises consumers to focus on top-level domains, official apps, and intent of requests to detect phishing.
• [26:06] He stresses why organizations should adopt passkeys, even though adoption can be challenging.
• [27:22] Brett points out that passkeys offer faster, more secure logins compared to traditional passwords.
• [28:31] He explains how attackers increasingly rely on SMS, WhatsApp, and social platforms instead of email.
• [31:00] Brett discusses voice cloning scams targeting both individuals and corporate staff.
• [32:30] He warns about deepfake video being used in fraud schemes, including North Korean IT worker scams.
• [34:59] Brett explains why traditional media-specific red flags are less useful and critical thinking is essential.
• [37:15] He emphasizes the need for service providers to create trusted communication channels for verification.
• [39:29] Brett talks about the difficulty of convincing users to reset credentials during real incidents.
• [41:00] He reflects on how attackers adapt quickly and why organizations must raise the cost of attacks.
• [44:18] Brett highlights the importance of cross-industry collaboration with groups like Interpol and Europol.
• [45:24] He directs listeners to Okta’s newsroom for resources on threat intelligence and recent campaigns.
• [47:00] Brett advises consumers to experiment with passkeys and use official apps to reduce risk.
• [48:00] He closes by stressing the importance of having a trusted, in-app channel for security communications.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

• Podcast Web Page
• Facebook Page
• whatismyipaddress.com
• Easy Prey on Instagram
• Easy Prey on Twitter
• Easy Prey on LinkedIn
• Easy Prey on YouTube
• Easy Prey on Pinterest
• Brett Winterford - LinkedIn
• Brett Winterford - Okta

Trying to erase yourself from the internet sounds simple until you start counting up old accounts, scattered social media posts, and the hundreds of data brokers quietly collecting and selling your information. The reality is messy, and for most people, the idea of fully disappearing online is more myth than possibility. But there are practical steps you can take to cut down what’s out there and regain some control.

My guest, Max Eddy, is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter who covers privacy, security, and software platforms. For one of his projects, he set out to see how much of his own digital footprint he could realistically reduce. Max shares what he discovered along the way and what worked, what didn’t, and how even small changes can make a meaningful difference.

In our conversation, Max talks about the value of using password managers and email masking, what he learned from testing multiple data removal services, and the emotional side of deleting old social media history. He also explains why perfection isn’t the goal, and how thinking differently about privacy can help you stay one step ahead of scammers, marketers, and anyone else trying to piece together your personal information.

• [00:50] Max explains why he got into covering privacy and security and what keeps him motivated in the field.
• [03:27] We discuss the Wirecutter project on disappearing online and why it resonated with readers.
• [04:12] Using Have I Been Pwned, Max was able to reduce 350 online accounts down to 27 that needed immediate attention.
• [09:10] Max describes the tactics he used to break the links between his online accounts with fake names, masked emails, and random images.
• [11:55] We talk about data removal services, their limitations, and the challenges of removing certain public records.
• [17:52] We learn how scammers can piece together a person's complete profile from inconsistent, fragmented data from different data brokers.
• [18:54] We discuss how Google's removal tools only make information harder to find, but don't delete it.
• [23:15] We talk about the emotional side of deleting social media history and the automation tools he used to make it possible.
• [29:40] Max discusses the risks of deleting accounts entirely, from impersonation threats to losing important communication channels.
• [32:28] We talk about the value of taking a gradual approach to improving your digital privacy and how small, steady steps are most effective.
• [38:44] Max shares his key takeaways from the project: first, ask why you want to disappear, and second, remember that any effort to reduce data is valuable.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

• Podcast Web Page
• Facebook Page
• whatismyipaddress.com
• Easy Prey on Instagram
• Easy Prey on Twitter
• Easy Prey on LinkedIn
• Easy Prey on YouTube
• Easy Prey on Pinterest
• Max Eddy - Wirecutter
• I Tried, and Failed, to Disappear From the Internet
• Max Eddy
• Have I Been Pwned

Cyberattacks aren’t just about hackers in hoodies anymore. Today, we’re up against professionalized, well-funded organizations that run like businesses. They use AI to crack defenses, run labs that simulate the tools we rely on, and rake in trillions while defenders struggle to keep pace. The scary part? Even the strongest companies and governments can fall behind when the threat landscape moves this fast.

My guest, Evan Powell, has spent nearly 30 years in the cybersecurity world. He’s the founder and CEO of Deep Tempo, and a serial entrepreneur who’s helped industries from cloud data to resilience engineering make big transitions. Evan knows what it looks like when attackers have the upper hand, and he’s seen firsthand how enterprises try to shift the balance.

In this conversation, Evan explains why compliance checkboxes aren’t enough, why raising the cost of an attack is often more realistic than stopping one outright, and how AI is reshaping both sides of the fight. He also shares the creative ways defenders are adapting, from honeypots to sock puppets, and the simple steps every one of us can take to make life harder for attackers.

• [00:57] Evan Powell introduces himself as founder and CEO of Deep Tempo, with nearly 30 years in cybersecurity and tech innovation.
• [02:39] He recalls a high-profile spearphishing case where the CIA director’s AOL email and home router were compromised.
• [03:51] Attackers are professionalizing, running AI-powered labs, and making trillions while defenders spend billions and still fall behind.
• [07:06] Evan contrasts compliance-driven “checkbox security” with threat-informed defense that anticipates attacker behavior.
• [09:40] Enterprises deploy creative tactics like honeypots and sock puppet employees to study attackers in action.
• [12:22] Raising the cost of attack through stronger habits, better routers, and multi-factor authentication can make attacks less profitable.
• [15:01] Attackers are using AI to morph and simulate defenses, while defenders experiment with anomaly detection and adaptive models.
• [20:56] Evan explains why security vendors themselves can become attack vectors and why data should sometimes stay inside customer environments.
• [24:50] He draws parallels between fraud rings and cybercrime, where different groups handle exploits, ransomware, and money laundering.
• [26:29] The debate over “hacking back” raises legal and policy questions about whether enterprises should strike attackers directly.
• [30:18] Network providers struggle with whether they should act as firewalls to protect compromised consumer devices.
• [34:59] Data silos across 50+ vendors per enterprise create “Franken-stacks,” slowing real-time defense and collaboration.
• [37:28] AI agents may help unify security systems by querying across silos and tightening the OODA loop for faster response.
• [39:10] MITRE’s ATT&CK framework and open-source collaboration are pushing the industry toward more shared knowledge.
• [41:05] Evan acknowledges burnout in cybersecurity roles but sees automation and better tools improving day-to-day work.
• [42:59] Final advice: corporations should rethink from first principles with data-centric solutions, and consumers must build protective habits like MFA and secret family phrases.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

• Podcast Web Page
• Facebook Page
• whatismyipaddress.com
• Easy Prey on Instagram
• Easy Prey on Twitter
• Easy Prey on LinkedIn
• Easy Prey on YouTube
• Easy Prey on Pinterest
• Evan Powell - DeepTempo
• Evan Powell - LinkedIn

Scams aren’t what they used to be. These days, AI can write perfect emails, mimic voices, and even fake a video call so well you’d swear you were talking to the real person. The problem is, the timing of a scam can be just right when you’re distracted, busy, or looking for exactly what they’re offering. That’s when even the most careful person can get caught.

My guest, Ritesh Kotak, knows this world inside and out. He’s a cybersecurity analyst, an Ontario lawyer, and a tech innovator who’s worked with Fortune 500 companies and served in policing, where he helped start one of Canada’s first municipal cybercrime units. He’s got a BBA, MBA, and JD, all focused on privacy, cybercrime, and the way emerging tech impacts everyday life.

In our conversation, Ritesh explains how criminals are using AI as a weapon, how it can also be a shield, and why simple, low-tech steps, like having a secret phrase with family or confirming a request through a different channel, are still some of the best defenses. He even shares a close call he had himself, which is a good reminder that nobody’s immune when scams are this convincing.

• [00:50] Ritesh shares his background as a lawyer helping clients navigate AI, tech, and cybercrime.
• [01:18] His fascination with technology began at age three after taking apart his father’s computer.
• [03:59] In policing, Ritesh saw early signs of cybercrime blending with physical crime.
• [06:55] He demonstrates cybersecurity risks by live hacking a police chief, leading to the creation of a cybercrime unit.
• [09:16] A near-miss phishing scam involving discounted amusement park tickets highlights how timing plays a role.
• [15:14] Spoofed calls and evolving scam tactics make detection harder despite telecom safeguards.
• [17:09] Ritesh explains AI as both a sword for criminals and a shield for protection.
• [20:00] Generative AI enables flawless phishing emails, fake websites, and realistic deepfake audio and video.
• [28:00] Simple defenses like secret phrases and multi-channel verification can stop many scams.
• [31:45] Reporting scams to police can help investigations and sometimes recover funds.
• [33:17] Ritesh advocates for centralized fraud response centers to improve victim support.
• [36:45] Calling a lawyer can help victims navigate legal and civil remedies.
• [38:05] Final advice: pause, verify, and use low-tech habits to prevent high-tech crime.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

• Podcast Web Page
• Facebook Page
• whatismyipaddress.com
• Easy Prey on Instagram
• Easy Prey on Twitter
• Easy Prey on LinkedIn
• Easy Prey on YouTube
• Easy Prey on Pinterest
• Ritesh Kotak
• Ritesh Kotak - LinkedIn

Privacy in the digital age has grown from a background concern into one of the defining issues of our time. What began with simple questions about online safety has expanded into a complex, global conversation about how artificial intelligence, biometric data, and massive data ecosystems are reshaping daily life.

Pam Dixon has been at the center of these discussions for more than two decades. As the founder and executive director of the World Privacy Forum, she’s worked across the U.S., Europe, India, Africa, and beyond, advising governments, international organizations, and policymakers on how to create effective privacy protections. 

In this episode, Pam takes us through the history of modern privacy law, the ways different regions approach the challenge, and the new frontiers like collective privacy, AI governance, and health data that demand fresh thinking. She also offers a grounded perspective on how to build systems that safeguard individuals while still allowing innovation to thrive, and why getting those guardrails right now will shape the future of trust in technology. 

• [4:49] Pam identified privacy risks in early resume databases and produced a 50-page report on job boards, now known as job search platforms.
• [8:56] Pam now chairs the civil society work at OECD in AI, contributing to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Privacy Guidelines (first adopted in 1980).
• [11:17] The launch of the internet marked a major shift in privacy, transitioning from slower, isolated systems to globally connected networks.
• [11:46] Early adoption of the internet was limited to academia, government, and tech enthusiasts before reaching the public.
• [12:45] Privacy frameworks were built on Fair Information Practices, developed in the United States in the 1970s by the Health, Education, and Welfare Committee (later HHS).
• [15:58] GDPR was developed and enforced in 2018 with extraterritorial provisions applying to companies worldwide (General Data Protection Regulation, enacted in 2016 and enforced in 2018).
• [18:59] Large language models and deep machine learning advancements have created new and complex privacy challenges.
• [22:06] Some countries approach privacy with more flexibility and openness, while maintaining strong guardrails.
• [23:37] In June 2023, a University of Tokyo study on data privacy was presented at an OECD meeting, highlighting evolving global strategies.
• [26:30] Governments are working together on “data free flow with trust” to address cross-border data concerns.
• [28:09] Pam warns that AI ecosystems are still forming, and policymakers need to observe carefully before rushing into regulation.
• [28:31] She emphasizes the emerging issue of collective privacy, which impacts entire groups rather than individuals.
• [29:04] Privacy issues are complex and not linear; they require ongoing adaptation.
• [30:24] ChatGPT’s launch did not fundamentally change machine learning, but the 2017 transformer paper did, making AI more efficient.
• [31:53] Known challenges in AI include algorithmic bias related to age, gender, and skin tone.
• [33:07] Legislative proposals for privacy now require practical testing rather than theoretical drafting.
• [35:39] AI legislative debates often center on fears of harming innovation, but scientific data should guide regulation.
• [40:29] NIH reports caution participants in certain medical AI programs to fully understand risks before joining.
• [41:59] Some patients willingly share all their health data to advance medical research, while others are more cautious.
• [43:50] Tools for privacy protection are developing, but the field remains in transition.
• [48:56] Asia and Europe are leading in AI and privacy transitions, with strong national initiatives and regulations.
• [52:42] The U.S. privacy landscape relies on sector-specific laws such as HIPAA (1996) and COPPA (1998) rather than a single national framework.
• [54:48] Studies show that wealthy nations often have the least trust in their digital ecosystems, despite advanced infrastructure.
• [56:19] A little-known U.S. law, A119, allows for voluntary consensus standards in specialized areas, enabling faster innovation compared to ISO processes.
• [56:48] Voluntary standards can accelerate development in fields like medical AI, avoiding years-long delays from traditional approval processes.
• [57:32] An FDA case study on an AI-driven heart pump showed significant performance changes between initial deployment and later use, underscoring the importance of testing and oversight.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

• Podcast Web Page
• Facebook Page
• whatismyipaddress.com
• Easy Prey on Instagram
• Easy Prey on Twitter
• Easy Prey on LinkedIn
• Easy Prey on YouTube
• Easy Prey on Pinterest
• Pam Dixon
• Be Your Own Headhunter Online: Get the Job You Want Using the Information Superhighway
• World Privacy Forum
• World Privacy Forum - LinkedIn
• Pam Dixon - Carnegie Mellon University
• UNSD
• Health Data Collaborative

Most of us think of scams as random or isolated or something that just happens to unlucky people. But what if the truth is far more organized, far more disturbing? Behind many of today’s scams is a global web of criminal enterprises, structured like corporations and fueled by technology, data, and billions of stolen dollars.

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Westbrook. Ken spent over three decades in the CIA before retiring, only to return to the fight after his own mother was targeted and lost most of her life savings to a tech support scam. That moment changed everything. He founded Stop Scams Alliance, a nonprofit on a mission to stop scams before they ever reach our devices. His approach? Building bridges between tech companies, banks, telecom, government, and consumer advocates to cut these criminal operations off at the source.

Ken brings a rare blend of intel experience and personal urgency to this issue. He breaks down what’s really going on behind the scenes, why the U.S. is falling behind in this fight, and how other countries are pushing back effectively. If you think this can’t happen to you or someone you love, think again. This conversation is a wake-up call.

• [00:58] Ken is the founder and CEO of Stop Scams Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to reducing scams in the United States.
• [01:21] They are focused on the left of the boom or before the scam happens.
• [01:43] Ken served for 33 years in the CIA. 
• [02:28] We learn how Ken's mother was scammed on Valentine's Day of 2023. He started looking into these scams, and he was horrified. 
• [03:19]  As a nation, we need to do better to defend ourselves. Ken came out of retirement to do just that.
• [03:32] His board of directors has a lot of government officials who decided to join the fight. We are literally under attack by foreign organized crime, and we're not doing enough to protect ourselves.
• [04:03] 21 million Americans are scammed each year.
• [04:45] The number of scam and fraud victims are increasing.
• [05:15] It's become a business, and the scammers are getting better at what they do.
• [06:36] How Chinese criminal gangs shifted from casinos to scamming operations. People join voluntarily or are sometimes kidnapped.
• [07:24] It's also expanding around the world.
• [10:12] The British government actually has a scam czar. So does Australia. They have a strategy and a fraud policy.
• [12:08] You think you're talking to the IRS or your bank, but you're not.
• [13:45] Having a whitelist for financial advertising. Other countries are finding value in authenticating, maybe the United States should pay attention.
• [15:36] Scammers love to get people on the telephone. In many countries, telecom companies will block spoofing calls from other countries. 
• [16:47] We need authenticated text messages in the US.
• [17:42] We have more companies and free enterprise, so it's more complicated in the US.
• [19:35] We need somebody in charge. It's an economic war with transnational organized crime.
• [22:34] Fake investment scams are the number one scam when it comes to losses.
• [27:46] Ken shares what happened in his mom's case. It was a tech support scam. His mom clicked on an obituary site and scareware popped up.
• [30:08] The whole point is to get you to call a fake 1-800 number that you think is Microsoft.
• [30:51] The Phantom hacker was able to look up where she banked by using her phone number. Then they put her in touch with the fake fraud department at the bank.
• [32:11] Then they sent her to Home Depot to buy gift cards and then cashier's checks.
• [33:55] Fortunately the banks intervened, but she still lost a lot of money.
• [36:38] We need to realize that we're being attacked by Chinese cyber criminals.
• [39:38] People under the age of 50 are falling victim to scams more than the elderly people.
• [41:31] The average loss last year of an older person was $83,000. Older people are being targeted because of their demographic.
• [43:31] Criminals micro-target just like advertisers.
• [44:04] We all need to be aware of the threats out there. If you get a call that you're not expecting, always assume it's not legitimate.
• [45:21] Be wary of links.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

• Podcast Web Page
• Facebook Page
• whatismyipaddress.com
• Easy Prey on Instagram
• Easy Prey on Twitter
• Easy Prey on LinkedIn
• Easy Prey on YouTube
• Easy Prey on Pinterest
• Stop Scams Alliance
• Ken Westbrook - LinkedIn
• FBI - Public Service Announcements