247. Social Engineering: Chris Hadnagy

“Understanding the ways humans make decisions is integral in everything we do from maintaining security to communicating with the people in your life. Social engineering skills, when used properly, can make your life so much better.”

– Chris Hadnagy

 Welcome back to Turmeric & Tequila with your host, Kristen Olson, where we dive into the delicate balance of disruption and dialogue in pursuit of a better way. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Chris Hadnagy, a distinguished leader in the field of social engineering. Kristen and Chris explore the complexities of human behavior, uncovering the motives behind our actions and the profound influence of ethical social engineering. From Chris's diverse career path to his work in cybersecurity and his nonprofit organization, the Innocent Lives Foundation, this conversation is rich with insights on communication, ethical influence, and the intersection of human connection with modern technology. Tune in as we discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, the evolving landscape of AI, and the ways we can use social engineering practices for the greater good. If you're passionate about understanding and improving human interactions, this episode is a must-listen.

 

Time Stamps:

00:00 Sponsors Shoutout and Highlights

05:48 Ethical Hacking Framework Development

09:22 Creative Pretexts for Infiltration

11:01 Cybersecurity: Protecting, Educating, Enhancing Lives

14:47 Geolocating Dark Web Exploiters

17:22 Addressing Digital Sextortion Challenges

19:54 Supportive Parenting Through Mistakes

23:09 Instant Gratification's Hidden Costs

28:28 Podcaster on Human Stories & Challenges

30:48 Workshops on Elicitation and Non-verbals

34:12 Parental Safety Advice Scenario