The hack that brought back the zombie apocalypse

EPISODE · Nov 27, 2025 · 40 MIN

The hack that brought back the zombie apocalypse

from Smashing Security · host Graham Cluley

America's airwaves are haunted by zombies again, as we dig into a decade of broadcasters leaving their hardware open to attack, giving hackers the chance to hijack TV shows, blast out fake emergency alerts, and even replace religious sermons with explicit furry podcasts.Meanwhile, we look at how a worker at a cybersecurity firm allegedly leaked internal information to a hacking gang - raising big questions about insider threats.Plus: Frankenstein on Netflix, Vine nostalgia, and why Barney the Dinosaur may be the true criminal mastermind behind it all.All this and more is discussed in episode 445 of the “Smashing Security” podcast with cybersecurity veteran Graham Cluley, and special guest Dan Raywood.EPISODE LINKS:Fake adult websites pop realistic Windows Update screen to deliver stealers via ClickFix - Acronis.Tokyo Court Finds Cloudflare Liable For Manga Piracy in Long-Running Lawsuit - TorrentFreak.Former Google chief accused of spying on employees through account ‘backdoor’ - LA Times.Bogus zombie apocalypse warnings undermine US emergency alert system - Ars Technica.2013 EAS Zombie Hoax - Emergency Alert System Wiki.The 1987 Max Headroom incident - YouTube.Nation-wide radio station hack airs hours of vulgar “furry sex” ramblings - Ars Technica.ESPN 97.5 Houston Victim Of Barix Hack - Radio Insight.ESPN Houston apologises to viewers - Facebook.CrowdStrike fires ‘suspicious insider’ who passed information to hackers - TechCrunch.Frankenstein official trailer - YouTube.Frankenstein - Netflix.Vine: Six Seconds that changed the world - Global Player.Smashing Security merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, stickers and stuff)SPONSORS:Action1 - Keep your systems safe (and your sanity intact) with the patch management platform that just works. The best part? Your first 200 endpoints are free, forever, with no functional limits.Vanta - Expand the scope of your security program with market-leading compliance automation… while saving time and money. Smashing Security listeners get $1000 off!Horizon3.ai - Get an autonomous pentest demo and see your network the way attackers do. Visit Horizon3.ai.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

NOW PLAYING

The hack that brought back the zombie apocalypse

0:00 40:58

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

The Wall Ronald W. Chapman II and Sean Weiss The Wall protects our republic by safeguarding our democratic processes, civil liberties, and national security through laws and institutions. Its role in protecting the republic involves balancing security concerns with humanitarian and legal considerations.With over 50 years of legal and government experience combined, Ron Chapman and Sean M. Weiss pull back the curtain on the US government, the U.S. Judicial System, and some of the most influential trials in history that continue to shape our nation today.Join every week for unfiltered conversations, in-depth analysis, and commentary from some of America’s boldest thought leaders.Be sure to follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode. Iran's Gambit Ali Alfoneh "Iran's Gambit" is a weekly podcast produced by Ali Alfoneh, on Iranian politics, and Iran's national security strategy, intentions, capabilities and impact. Full Disclosure The Rich Dad Media Network Worried about your financial future? Let's be real, the world shapes your wallet. We're diving deep and going behind the scenes to expose what's genuinely unfolding in the real world, because these seismic events shape your financial destiny.Your host, John MacGregor, is an internationally recognized best-selling author, renowned keynote speaker, and an empowering wealth coach. MacGregor has inspired thousands to make more astute financial decisions, catering to every stage of their journey in life. We're here to enlighten, equip, and empower you. This isn't just a podcast—it's your roadmap to financial literacy and your security. Welcome to the 'Full Disclosure' podcast, with John MacGregor. Hello Retirement Emlen Miles-Mattingly Retirement brings a lot of questions, concerns, and excitement. Together, we'll explore common worries like finances, inflation's impact, Medicare intricacies, and the fate of Social Security. Join me each week as we untangle these topics and more, offering insights to empower your retirement journey.
URL copied to clipboard!