In this special 100th episode of Needlestack, hosts Robert Vamosi and AJ Nash celebrate the milestone with former NeedleStack host, Matt Ashburn, discussing the evolution and importance of OSINT. They dive into best practices, the risks of normalized habits, and the significance of isolation in investigations. The conversation highlights the behavioral attributes that can identify investigators, the challenges of new generations in the field, and the need for accountability and reputation in intelligence work. They also explore the role of technology, the importance of first-hand access, and the balance between timeliness and accuracy in intelligence reporting.

NeedleStack hosts, AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi engage with Roman Sannikov a seasoned expert in cyber threat intelligence, to explore the complexities of the dark web. The conversation delves into the myths surrounding the dark web, the community dynamics within cybercrime, and the professionalization of criminal enterprises. Roman shares insights on how trust and reputation are managed in these underground communities, the barriers to entry for new members, and the human element that often gets overlooked in discussions about cybercriminals.

In this episode of NeedleStack, hosts AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi engage with John Costello, a director at WireScreen, to discuss the complexities of China's strategic competition with the United States. The conversation covers China's technological advancements, the implications of its five-year plans, challenges in intelligence gathering, and the dynamics of military-civil fusion. The discussion also touches on the importance of due diligence for businesses engaging with Chinese companies and the role of Chinese students in U.S. education.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the implications of surveillance technology and AI on intelligence, journalism, and civil liberties. They explore the dual nature of surveillance as both a tool for security and a potential threat to privacy. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by misinformation, the importance of expertise in navigating these issues, and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of surveillance technology. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of journalism and the role of AI in shaping public perception and trust.

In this episode of Needlestack, hosts AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi delve into the complexities of disappearing online, drawing insights from their experiences and the book 'The Art of Invisibility' by Kevin Mitnick. They discuss practical steps for maintaining anonymity, the role of technology in obfuscation, and the challenges of creating and sustaining multiple identities. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on privacy and the importance of understanding personal risks in a digital world. Through engaging anecdotes and expert insights, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of the art of invisibility in today's interconnected society.

In this episode, hosts Robert Vamosi and AJ Nash engage with Neil Ysart, a seasoned expert in cyber investigations and open source intelligence (OSINT). They discuss the Coalition of Cyber Investigators, its role in promoting OSINT, and the importance of establishing standards in the field. The conversation delves into the challenges and risks associated with OSINT, emphasizing the need for ethical practices and the potential dangers of unregulated citizen intelligence efforts. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to advocate for the development of global standards in OSINT.

In this episode, Michael DeBolt joins Robert Vamosi and AJ Nash to dive into the world of Cyber HUMINT — the application of traditional human intelligence (HUMINT) tradecraft in cyberspace. They discuss how investigators use digital personas (sometimes called “sock puppets”) to infiltrate online threat actor communities, collect intelligence, and even engage adversaries safely. Michael explains how credibility, language, slang, and cultural nuance are essential to blending in, while AJ highlights the risks of untrained amateurs attempting such operations. They explore the art, ethics, and operational security challenges of conducting human intelligence in the digital realm.

In this episode, AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi discuss the challenges posed by misinformation and the rise of AI-generated content. They explore the evolution of journalism, the impact of social media on information consumption, and the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in content creation, the balance between technology and human oversight, and the potential positive aspects of AI technology. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for source verification and the ongoing struggle to navigate the post-truth era.

In this episode of NeedleStack, hosts AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi engage with James Villenueve, a geospatial intelligence expert, to explore the world of GEOINT and its intersection with open source intelligence (OSINT). They discuss the importance of understanding geospatial data, the ethical implications of its use, and the challenges of protecting personal information in a data-rich environment. The conversation also highlights positive applications of geospatial intelligence, including environmental monitoring and humanitarian efforts, while addressing the risks associated with data misuse and the evolving role of AI in the field.

Jason Baker from the Guidepoint Research & Intelligence Team (GRIT) shares his background and provides insights into ransomware attribution, the challenges of defending against ransomware, and the implications of AI in ransomware operations.