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Hackers: Code & Chaos | National Media Archive

Hackers: Code & Chaos | National Media Archive

By: National Media Archive
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 In the shadows of the digital world, where anonymity is power and information is currency, battle lines are drawn not with bullets but with code. This show takes listeners deep into the heart of cyberspace’s most high-stakes confrontations — where rogue programmers exploit vulnerabilities, corporations scramble to secure their data empires, and government agencies wage invisible wars across invisible lines. It’s a realm shaped by encryption, espionage, whistleblowers, and wild ambition. From black hat exploits to state-sponsored surveillance, every episode explores the blurred boundaries between ethics and law, privacy and paranoia, control and chaos. This isn’t just about computers — it’s about the future of power itself. Join as we uncover 11 million untold true stories. Disclosure Statement: The National Media Archive and affiliated programs use Artificial Intelligence throughout areas of research, production, and editing. These tools are actively embraced as part of our approach to development and workflow. All outputs are subject to human review to ensure they meet our editorial standards. For more information about our use of AI, please visit our website at NationalMediaArchive.com/aiCopyright 2025 All rights reserved. True Crime
Episodes
  • The Rise and Impact of the Mirai Botnet

    The Rise and Impact of the Mirai Botnet
    Jul 31 2025

    What began as a Minecraft server rivalry among three young hackers escalated into the Mirai botnet, the most powerful DDoS tool in history. Infecting hundreds of thousands of unsecured IoT devices worldwide, Mirai launched record-breaking attacks on major companies and internet infrastructure in 2016. Its creators were caught, but the release of Mirai's code sparked a new era of botnet threats, highlighting vast security flaws and reshaping the cybercrime landscape.

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    15 mins
  • Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack

    Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack
    Jul 15 2025

    In May 2021, the Colonial Pipeline, the largest refined oil pipeline in the US, was crippled by a ransomware attack exploiting weak VPN security and leaked credentials. The hack led to fuel shortages, panic buying, and a $4.4M ransom payment. Despite partial ransom recovery by the FBI, the incident exposed major gaps in US critical infrastructure cybersecurity. Two years on, cyber threats to essential systems persist, with little meaningful change in defenses.

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    11 mins
  • The Gary McKinnon UFO Hack: Inside the Biggest Military Cyber Intrusion

    The Gary McKinnon UFO Hack: Inside the Biggest Military Cyber Intrusion
    Jul 7 2025
    Between 2001 and 2002, British hacker Gary McKinnon accessed 97 US military and NASA computers, searching for evidence of UFOs and secret space programs. His actions caused major disruptions and led to charges of the largest military hack in history, sparking a decade-long extradition battle. Diagnosed with Asperger's, McKinnon avoided extradition due to mental health concerns. You're listening to the National Media Archive. To learn more or volunteer, go to nationalmediaarchive.com.
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    14 mins
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