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Surveillance, spyware, and self-driving snafus episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 2, 2025 · 34 MIN

Surveillance, spyware, and self-driving snafus

from Smashing Security · host Graham Cluley

A Mexican drug cartel spies on the FBI using traffic cameras and spyware — because "ubiquitous technical surveillance” is no longer just for dystopian thrillers. Graham digs into a chilling new US Justice Department report that shows how surveillance tech was weaponised to deadly effect.Meanwhile, Carole checks the rear-view mirror on the driverless car industry. Whatever happened to those million Tesla robotaxis Elon Musk promised by 2020? Spoiler: they’re here — sort of — but they sometimes drive into oncoming traffic.Plus: Leighton House, heatwave survival gadgets, and an unflushable toilet situation (not what you think).All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the "Smashing Security" podcast by cybersecurity veterans Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault.Warning: This podcast may contain nuts, adult themes, and rude language.Episode links:Mexican drug cartel hacker spied on FBI official’s phone to track and kill informants, report says - TechCrunch.Audit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Efforts to Mitigate the Effects of Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance - US Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.Tesla driver tells police he was using 'self-drive' system when his car hit a parked police vehicle - AP News.‘Lidar is lame’: why Elon Musk’s vision for a self-driving Tesla taxi faltered - The Guardian.Tesla invited influencers to test its robotaxi. Here's what they had to say - USA Today Europe.Elon Musk Hails 'Successful' Tesla Robotaxis Launch in Austin Amid Reported Glitches - eWEEK.A Fatal Tesla Crash Shows the Limits of Full Self-Driving - Bloomberg.The Arab Hall at Leighton House.Spandau Ballet’s “Gold” - shot at Leighton House!Shark FlexBreeze Fan With InstaCool Mist Attachment - Shark.Smashing Security merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, stickers and stuff)Sponsored by:Vanta – Expand the scope of your security program with market-leading compliance automation… while saving time and money. Smashing Security listeners get $1000 off!Trelica by 1Password - Access Governance for every SaaS app. Discover, manage, and optimize access for any of your SaaS apps - whether managed or unmanaged.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Tell your friends and colleagues about “Smashing Security”, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.Become a supporter via Patreon or Apple Podcasts for ad-free episodes and our early-release feed!FOLLOW US: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.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What this episode covers

A Mexican drug cartel spies on the FBI using traffic cameras and spyware — because "ubiquitous technical surveillance” is no longer just for dystopian thrillers. Graham digs into a chilling new US Justice Department report that shows how surveillance tech was weaponised to deadly effect.Meanwhile, Carole checks the rear-view mirror on the driverless car industry. Whatever happened to those million Tesla robotaxis Elon Musk promised by 2020? Spoiler: they’re here — sort of — but they sometimes drive into oncoming traffic.Plus: Leighton House, heatwave survival gadgets, and an unflushable toilet situation (not what you think).All this and more is discussed in the latest edition of the "Smashing Security" podcast by cybersecurity veterans Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault.Warning: This podcast may contain nuts, adult themes, and rude language.Episode links:Mexican drug cartel hacker spied on FBI official’s phone to track and kill informants, report says - TechCrunch.Audit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Efforts to Mitigate the Effects of Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance - US Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.Tesla driver tells police he was using 'self-drive' system when his car hit a parked police vehicle - AP News.‘Lidar is lame’: why Elon Musk’s vision for a self-driving Tesla taxi faltered - The Guardian.Tesla invited influencers to test its robotaxi. Here's what they had to say - USA Today Europe.Elon Musk Hails 'Successful' Tesla Robotaxis Launch in Austin Amid Reported Glitches - eWEEK.A Fatal Tesla Crash Shows the Limits of Full Self-Driving - Bloomberg.The Arab Hall at Leighton House.Spandau Ballet’s “Gold” - shot at Leighton House!Shark FlexBreeze Fan With InstaCool Mist Attachment - Shark.Smashing Security merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, stickers and stuff)Sponsored by:Vanta – Expand the scope of your security program with market-leading compliance automation… while saving time and money. Smashing Security listeners get $1000 off!Trelica by 1Password - Access Governance for every SaaS app. Discover, manage, and optimize access for any of your SaaS apps - whether managed or unmanaged.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Tell your friends and colleagues about “Smashing Security”, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.Become a supporter via Patreon or Apple Podcasts for ad-free episodes and our early-release feed!FOLLOW US: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. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Surveillance, spyware, and self-driving snafus

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Smashing Security?

This episode is 34 minutes long.

When was this Smashing Security episode published?

This episode was published on July 2, 2025.

What is this episode about?

A Mexican drug cartel spies on the FBI using traffic cameras and spyware — because "ubiquitous technical surveillance” is no longer just for dystopian thrillers. Graham digs into a chilling new US Justice Department report that shows how...

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