From Instagram panic to Grok gone wild

from Smashing Security · host Graham Cluley

Confusion reigns after claims that data linked to 17.5 million Instagram accounts is up for sale - sparked by a vague post, contradictory statements, and a flood of password reset emails nobody asked for.And we dig into Grok, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, after it started generating sexualised images of women and children - raising uncomfortable questions about guardrails, accountability, and why playing the censorship card doesn’t make the problem go away.All this, and much more, in this episode of the "Smashing Security" podcast with Graham Cluley, and special guest Monica Verma.EPISODE LINKS:Free Speech Union website down after alleged funders exposed by trans hackers - Pink News.Illinois Man Charged in Snapchat Hacking Investigation - US Dept of Justice.Hackers get hacked, as BreachForums database is leaked - Hot for Security.Post by Malwarebytes - Bluesky.Post by Instagram - Twitter.Instagram denies breach amid claims of 17 million account data leak - Bleeping Computer.Ofcom asks X about reports its Grok AI makes sexualised images of children - BBC News.Musk’s Grok blocked by Indonesia, Malaysia over sexualized images in world first - CNN.Elon Musk shares AI images of Starmer in bikini in row over grim Grok deepfakes - Mirror.Soul Music - BBC Sounds.Smashing Security merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, stickers and stuff)SPONSORS:Vanta - Expand the scope of your security program with market-leading compliance automation… while saving time and money. Smashing Security listeners get $1000 off!Meter - Network infrastructure for the enterprise. Get a free personalised demo.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Tell your friends and colleagues about “Smashing Security”, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.Become a supporter! Join Smashing Security PLUS via Patreon or Apple Podcasts for ad-free episodes on our early-release feed!FOLLOW THE SHOW:Follow us on Bluesky or Mastodon, or on the Smashing Security subreddit, and visit our website for more episodes.THANKS:Theme tune: "Vinyl Memories" by Mikael Manvelyan.Assorted sound effects: AudioBlocks.ENJOYED THE SHOW?Make sure to check out our sister podcast, "The AI Fix".Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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This episode was published on January 15, 2026.

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