How not to steal $46 million from the US government

2026-03-12

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A Wikipedia security engineer accidentally wakes a dormant JavaScript worm that hadn't stirred since 2024 - and within minutes, giant woodpecker images are plastered across the internet's favourite encyclopaedia.Meanwhile, a crypto contractor hired to help the US Marshals manage seized digital assets allegedly decides to help himself to $46 million of it - and then brags about it on a recorded Telegram call.Plus: Graham champions Asterix, Trisha discovers the fantasy novels of Robin Hobb, and someone called "Lick" ends up in the nick.All this, and much more, in...

Meanwhile, a crypto contractor hired to help the US Marshals manage seized digital assets allegedly decides to help himself to $46 million of it - and then brags about it on a recorded Telegram call.

Plus: Graham champions Asterix, Trisha discovers the fantasy novels of Robin Hobb, and someone called "Lick" ends up in the nick.

All this, and much more, in episode 458 of the "Smashing Security" podcast with cybersecurity veteran Graham Cluley, and special guest Tricia Howard.

EPISODE LINKS:

Major data leak forum dismantled in global action against cybercrime forum - Europol.
Ericsson blames vendor vishing slip-up for breach exposing thousands of records - The Register.
How hackers bypassed MFA with a $120 phishing kit – until law enforcement shut them down - Hot for Security.
Wikipedia hit by self-propagating JavaScript worm that vandalized pages - Bleeping Computer.
FBI arrests crypto thief accused of stealing $46 million from seized government wallet - Tom’s Hardware.
Twitter thread by ZachXBT about John Daghita’s arrest - Twitter.
Asterix - Wikipedia.
Robin Hobb.
The Complete Farseer trilogy - Harper Collins.
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Theme tune: "Vinyl Memories" by Mikael Manvelyan.

Assorted sound effects: AudioBlocks.

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