How AI Could Save (or Destroy) Us | Bastien Treptel’s Warning for Australia

At just 16 years old, Bastien Treptel hacked into a big four bank — all for the price of a pizza. Today, he’s one of Australia’s leading voices in cybersecurity, AI safety, and digital identity protection. In this Pick My Brain episode, Bastien shares his incredible journey from teenage hacker to purpose-driven tech entrepreneur. Unpack: ➤ How curiosity led to his infamous hacking story and arrest ➤ The dangers of social engineering and why Australians are prime targets ➤ How AI is reshaping cybercrime and human behaviour ➤ The mission behind his company Ironclad ID, protecting the vulnerable from scams ➤ The future of work, ethics, and humanity in an AI-powered world A must-watch conversation for anyone curious (or concerned) about the digital age ahead. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and Meet Bastien Treptel: from hacker to entrepreneur 04:30 – The pizza that caught a hacker 07:00 – Lessons from getting arrested by the AFP 10:00 – Why kids fall into online crime 13:00 – The rise of social engineering scams 17:00 – How hackers target Australians 20:00 – AI: opportunity or existential threat? 26:00 – Quantum computing, robotics & the future of work 32:00 – What businesses must do to protect themselves 36:00 – Why cutting staff for AI is a big mistake 40:00 – How Ironclad ID protects people & companies 44:00 – The human side of technology 47:00 – Final reflections: embracing AI with awarenes About Bastien Treptel: Founder of Ironclad ID and co-founder of CTRL Group, Bastien now partners with law enforcement, boards, and businesses to keep Australians safe online. About Cuppa.tv: Cuppa.tv is home to powerful conversations that inspire, inform, and empower communities through connection and learning. 👉 Subscribe for more thought-provoking chats 👉 Chat with Bastien Treptel https://cu