Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons Podcast

Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons Podcast


Go Forth, Do Good Deeds

June 19, 2023

I launched my mission to improve people’s privacy and security almost ten years ago now. It’s been quite a journey and I’ve learned a lot in that time. One thing I’ve realized is that there’s only so much I can do on my own. And so I’ve encouraged the more technically savvy members of my audience to help others where they can. One downside to being a podcaster is that I don’t have much insight into the effectiveness of my exhortations. I have no idea how many people are going forth to do good deeds nor what those deeds are. So today I’m launching a new campaign to solicit stirring stories of good deeds and every quarter or so I will select the most inspiring deed-doers and reward them with one of my dragon challenge coins!


In the news: Clop ransomware gang lists first victims of MOVEit supply chain hacks; firmware bug in Gigabyte motherboards has a fix now; US Congress and intelligence agencies debate reform for mass surveillance program; tissue and fluid samples are being abused by law enforcement for DNA scans; check washing scams are on the rise; how to avoid being scammed by virtual kidnapping schemes; 1Password announces beta support for browser passkey extension; bold new plan for 311 cyber support line.


Article Links
  1. [TechCrunch] Ransomware gang lists first victims of MOVEit mass-hacks, including US banks and universities https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/15/moveit-clop-mass-hacks-banks-universities/
  2. [restoreprivacy.com] Hackers Stole Millions of Driver’s Licenses and IDs from U.S. States https://restoreprivacy.com/hackers-stole-millions-of-drivers-licenses-and-ids-from-u-s-states/
  3. [Tom’s Hardware] Firmware Backdoor Discovered in Gigabyte Motherboards, 250+ Models Affected https://www.tomshardware.com/news/gigabyte-motherboards-come-with-a-firmware-backdoor
  4. [cyberscoop.com] Congress and intelligence officials spar over surveillance reforms https://cyberscoop.com/congress-fbi-section-702/
    1. Senate hearing: https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/oversight-of-section-702-of-the-foreign-intelligence-surveillance-act-and-related-surveillance-authorities 

  5. [aclu.org] Donated Blood or an Organ? Police Shouldn’t Have Easy Access to Your DNA https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/donated-blood-or-an-organ-police-shouldnt-have-easy-access-to-your-dna
  6. [Lifehacker] Why You Should Stop Sending Checks in the Mail, Especially Now https://lifehacker.com/why-you-should-stop-sending-checks-in-the-mail-especia-1850543113
  7. [connectsafely.org] Quick-Guide to Virtual Kidnapping Scams https://connectsafely.org/virtualkidnapping/
  8. [9to5mac.com] 1Password passkey support for the web launches in public beta on the Mac https://9to5mac.com/2023/06/06/1password-passkey-browser-extension/
  9. [WIRED] The Bold Plan to Create Cyber 311 Hotlines https://www.wired.com/story/ut-austin-cybersecurity-clinic-311/
  10. Tip of the Week: Go Forth, Do Good Deeds: https://fdsd.me/quest 

Further Info

Table of Contents

Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.


  • 0:00:47: News preview
  • 0:03:01: Clop Ransomware hits several public and privacy organizations
  • 0:11:32: Firmware Backdoor Discovered in Gigabyte Motherboards
  • 0:17:04: Congress and intelligence officials spar over surveillance reforms
  • 0:24:13: Police Shouldn’t Have Easy Access to Your DNA
  • 0:28:03: Why You Should Stop Sending Checks in the Mail
  • 0:31:43: Quick-Guide to Virtual Kidnapping Scams
  • 0:37:02: 1Password passkey support for the web launches in public beta
  • 0:38:22: The Bold Plan to Create Cyber 311 Hotlines
  • 0:41:02: Tip of the Week: Go forth, do good deeds
  • 0:49:30: Look ahead

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