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Artwork for Hacker And The Fed
Cybersecurity
Ransomware
Colonial Pipeline
Phishing
Cryptocurrency
North Korea
SEC
Darknet
Insider Threats
US Cyber Command
Eight Sleep
Cyber Security
Alpha Blackcat
Scattered Spiders
NSA
Homeland Security Investigations
FBI
Lulzsec
Guidepoint Security
Italian Hacking Scandal

Former FBI Special Agent, Chris Tarbell, and ex-Anonymous/LulzSec blackhat hacker turned network penetration tester, Hector Monsegur (aka Sabu), once faced off as adversaries in cyberspace before becoming close friends and now podcast co-hosts. Whether you are a legal professional, cybersecurity practitioner, or forensic investigator, Chris and Hector will bring you their unique perspectives on th... more

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Artwork for Hacker And The Fed

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Chris and Hector dig into how cyber operations are no longer a background activity but a core part of modern conflict. They break down reported US cyber actions tied to operations in Venezuela, Chinese state sponsored email intrusion... more

In the first days of 2026, the line between reality and fiction is already collapsing. From massive data thefts and cloud misconfigurations to deepfakes, AI hype, and executives openly calling for limits on free speech, the guys break down how cybers... more

Chris and Hector look back at a year where AI quietly reshaped the threat landscape and look ahead to what 2026 may bring. From zero click AI browser attacks and runaway automation to insider threats, mass breaches, and the growing tension between se... more

Chris and Hector break down a string of stories that show how fragile modern cyber defenses really are. From a malicious open source package quietly stealing WhatsApp messages, to a senior government official failing a counterintelligence polygraph, ... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Aron Mann
Special Agent with the Homeland Security Investigation Cybercrime Unit
Department of Homeland Security
Episode: The Colonial Pipeline Hack, the SEC's X Account, and Special Agent Aron Mann on Homeland Security and Cyber
Greg Van Houten
Attorney specializing in insurance recovery and cybersecurity.
Haynes Boone
Episode: A Train Hack, $80M Pig Butchering Scheme, and Greg Van Houten of Haynes Boone on the SEC's New Cybersecurity Disclosure Rules
Lance Taubin
Attorney with a focus on cybersecurity law at Alston Bird
Alston Bird
Episode: The FBI Shares Tactics of a Ransomware Gang, a Ransom Payment Fail, and Cyber Law with Lance Taubin

Hosts

Chris Tarbell
Former FBI Special Agent with extensive experience in cybersecurity, working throughout his career in the field and bringing insights on law enforcement's perspective on cyber issues.
Hector Monsegur
Former blackhat hacker turned network penetration tester and cybersecurity expert, with a rich background in hacking culture and insider perspectives on cyber threats.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 522 ratings
  • You are what you do

    Crappie people do crappie things. You are what you do so there for you are what you do.

    Criminal cowards of chaos.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dunka Dude
    United States5 months ago
  • Listen to their Patreon

    Long time listener of the pod and I have zero IT background. That’s how amazing this podcast is. Then when they came out with a paid Patreon subscription pod, it exceeded my expectations. The stuff they talk about on Patreon is hilarious lol

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Qallen2013
    United States6 months ago
  • Love and Respect!

    Great show with awesome dynamic between the hosts. Up to date industry news, funny stories and loads of banter!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NonRelativist
    United Kingdom6 months ago
  • Really enjoyable, but…

    They make cyber security entertaining and informative for normal people. I would suggest any executive or business owner listen regularly to keep such things top of mind. I hesitate to recommend it to friends and family because they just can’t resist the occasional F bomb.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Clintonrebel
    United States7 months ago
  • Disappointed

    I started an episode but had to turn it off shortly after they both announced their admiration for Joe Rogan and joking about the cohost getting trafficked to an el Salvadoran death camp.

    These guys are complete jokers

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Mike ahh
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the hosts' personal anecdotes, which add depth to the conversations about cyber threats and ethics.
Hosts provide engaging content that blends humor and expert insights into cybersecurity.
Offers a relatable approach to complex cybersecurity topics, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Critiques vary regarding the hosts' occasional humor and language choices, which may not resonate with all audiences.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#170
United States/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#198
Canada/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#127
Australia/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#54
Ireland/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#100
United Arab Emirates/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#104
Poland/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Everyone Has Your Data and Nobody Is Accountable
Q: What about credentials? Credentials timing out?
You should get rid of dormant accounts. But are you a big proponent for running a network that the passwords have to be changed every 30 days?
Everyone Has Your Data and Nobody Is Accountable
Q: So what can you do? I will tell you what you can do.
If you're a CISO, managing your security program for your organization, and you're not SOC 2 compliant, or even close to being SOC 2 compliant, then you should probably do a SOC 2 level one self-assessment.
We Fixed Cybersecurity (You're Welcome)
Q: What do you think the government can do to turn things around and make the federal workforce great again?
The government needs to invest in their people, improving pay and training to keep up with the private sector.
School Cyberattacks, Swatting as a Service, and Hector Rants on the Broken Cybersecurity Job Market
Q: Are there certain email services that are more private than others?
Hector discusses the importance of understanding the user's risk appetite and that email privacy can vary based on the service used, noting that ProtonMail is a popular choice for privacy but emphasizes the need for encryption regardless of the service.
School Cyberattacks, Swatting as a Service, and Hector Rants on the Broken Cybersecurity Job Market
Q: Is it safe to give them the old device? Can anyone access any data from the old device?
Hector explains that while the iPhone has several layers of protection, it's best not to trust the process of wiping old devices and suggests destroying it himself for safety.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Location
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Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Hacker And The Fed

What is Hacker And The Fed about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The podcast features a unique blend of perspectives on cybersecurity, provided by a former FBI Special Agent and an ex-blackhat hacker. Each episode tackles pressing issues in cybersecurity, encompassing a broad range of topics including the latest trends in cybercrime, data privacy, and national security threats. With a blend of humor and expert analysis, the hosts aim to make complex topics accessible and engaging for listeners across various professional backgrounds, from law and cybersecurity to business and technology. They frequently draw on personal anecdotes and current events to illustrate the evolving landscape of cyber threats and protections, creating a compelling mix of entertainment and education.

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Which podcasts are similar to Hacker And The Fed?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Hacker And The Fed:

1. Hacked
2. Darknet Diaries
3. CyberWire Daily
4. Click Here
5. Cybersecurity Headlines

How many episodes of Hacker And The Fed are there?

Hacker And The Fed launched 3 years ago and published 115 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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Recent guests on Hacker And The Fed include:

1. Aron Mann
2. Greg Van Houten
3. Lance Taubin

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