EP 32 - Real Life Hacker Stories and the Workday Hack

"I recommend for anything that involves somebody saying that they want money, then you should always double check the email address because it's a really common way. Especially if it's an invoice that doesn't make sense."

 

Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this gripping episode, host John Hansman and co-host Ryan dive deep into the often-unseen world of cybercrime, sharing real-life hacker stories that hit uncomfortably close to home. Kicking off with an audio recording from John's personal archives, you'll hear an actual conversation with a brazen hacker threatening to drain a victim’s bank account—an incident that resulted in a devastating $40,000 loss for a small business.

 

John and Ryan unpack the evolution of hacker tactics, from email phishing and classic social engineering schemes to the latest AI-driven voice scams and sophisticated business email compromises. They break down what went wrong in these incidents, how attackers exploit emotions like fear and urgency, and why even tech-savvy individuals can find themselves on the losing end.

 

The episode also covers the recent Workday hack, exploring how large-scale breaches often start with a simple phish and the critical need for layered cybersecurity defenses. John and Ryan share practical advice on cyber insurance, bank protections, and, above all, the importance of regular training and vigilant security practices for businesses of all sizes.

 

If you’re wondering what steps you can take to better safeguard your business from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, this episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips you can’t afford to miss. Tune in as Business and Bytes pulls back the curtain on the human element of cybersecurity—and what you can do to stay one step ahead.

 

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00:00 Customer's Account Hacked: $40K Lost

04:03 "Business Invites Podcast Introduction"

09:07 Customer Info Shared with Hacker

13:13 Clever Social Engineering Scam

16:54 Business Email Compromise Prevention

18:45 Cloud-Connected Office Tech Solutions

24:06 Email Scam Concerns in Corporations

26:59 Verifying Client Authenticity

28:54 Free Tools Aren't Enough

32:38 Cybersecurity Tools: Beyond Basics

36:31 "Live Interaction Invitation"

37:48 "Follow Us on Your Podcast"