155: Kingpin

This Darknet Diaries episode features an interview with Joe Grand, a hacker known for his work in hardware hacking and his contributions to DEF CON. The conversation traces Joe's career, starting with his early explorations of computers and phone systems, his involvement with the L0pht, and his subsequent work on the Discovery Channel show "Prototype This." A significant portion focuses on Joe's creation of DEF CON's iconic hackable badges, which spawned a large community. The interview concludes with a discussion of Joe's recent viral video demonstrating a fault injection attack on a Trezor hardware wallet and the subsequent challenges of dealing with impersonators. The episode highlights the evolution of hacking culture and the unexpected consequences of online fame.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction and Hacker Ethos

Part 2: Early Hacking Experiences

Part 3: Hardware Hacking and DEF CON

Part 4: Career, Balance, and Trezor Hack

Part 5: Conclusion

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Darknet Diaries

Part 1: Introduction and Hacker Ethos

Introduction and Guest Introduction

Sponsor Mentions and Early Life Influences

The Hacker Mindset and the Loss of Rebellion

Joe Grand's Enduring Hacker Ethos

Part 2: Early Hacking Experiences

Early Hacking Experiences: Renegade Legion and Phone Phreaking

The Renegade Legion's Michigan Bell Break-in and Consequences

The L0pht: A Hacker Safe Space and its Impact

L0pht's Senate Testimony and Responsible Disclosure

Part 3: Hardware Hacking and DEF CON

Joe's Focus on Hardware Hacking

L0pht's Hardware Projects and Joe's Independent Career

Prototype This: A Cable TV Show Featuring Hardware Prototypes

Sponsor Mention and DEF CON 17

DEF CON Badges and the Birth of Badge Life

Evolution of DEF CON Badges and their Widespread Influence

Part 4: Career, Balance, and Trezor Hack

Joe's Career Trajectory and Psychological Evaluation

Balancing Multiple Roles and the Hacker Spirit

Hacking a Trezor Hardware Wallet

The Aftermath of Viral Success: Impersonators and Scams

Part 5: Conclusion

Conclusion and Call to Action

155: Kingpin

Darknet Diaries

Part 1: Introduction and Hacker Ethos

00:00Introduction and Guest Introduction

Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:56Sponsor Mentions and Early Life Influences

Sponsor Mentions and Early Life Influences

04:43The Hacker Mindset and the Loss of Rebellion

The Hacker Mindset and the Loss of Rebellion

08:09Joe Grand's Enduring Hacker Ethos

Joe Grand's Enduring Hacker Ethos

Part 2: Early Hacking Experiences

10:35Early Hacking Experiences: Renegade Legion and Phone Phreaking

Early Hacking Experiences: Renegade Legion and Phone Phreaking

16:01The Renegade Legion's Michigan Bell Break-in and Consequences

The Renegade Legion's Michigan Bell Break-in and Consequences

18:04The L0pht: A Hacker Safe Space and its Impact

The L0pht: A Hacker Safe Space and its Impact

20:38L0pht's Senate Testimony and Responsible Disclosure

L0pht's Senate Testimony and Responsible Disclosure

Part 3: Hardware Hacking and DEF CON

25:36Joe's Focus on Hardware Hacking

Joe's Focus on Hardware Hacking

30:05L0pht's Hardware Projects and Joe's Independent Career

L0pht's Hardware Projects and Joe's Independent Career

32:45Prototype This: A Cable TV Show Featuring Hardware Prototypes

Prototype This: A Cable TV Show Featuring Hardware Prototypes

41:10Sponsor Mention and DEF CON 17

Sponsor Mention and DEF CON 17

43:06DEF CON Badges and the Birth of Badge Life

DEF CON Badges and the Birth of Badge Life

46:07Evolution of DEF CON Badges and their Widespread Influence

Evolution of DEF CON Badges and their Widespread Influence

Part 4: Career, Balance, and Trezor Hack

50:16Joe's Career Trajectory and Psychological Evaluation

Joe's Career Trajectory and Psychological Evaluation

55:31Balancing Multiple Roles and the Hacker Spirit

Balancing Multiple Roles and the Hacker Spirit

1:00:22Hacking a Trezor Hardware Wallet

Hacking a Trezor Hardware Wallet

1:04:21The Aftermath of Viral Success: Impersonators and Scams

The Aftermath of Viral Success: Impersonators and Scams

Part 5: Conclusion

1:09:19Conclusion and Call to Action

Conclusion and Call to Action