Girls Talk Cyber

23. The Dark Web and Cyber Crime - LIVE Podcast with Federal Agent and Cyber Intel Expert

Crime as we know it is changing and the kids are keeping up, faster than we are. 

In this episode, GTC is on stage at the SXSW conference, discussing how the average age of cyber criminals is becoming younger and younger. Joined by our panelists AFP Federal Agent, Amy Phelps and Cyber Intelligence Expert Leah Pinto, we unpack how the dark web is fuelling cyber crime - including hiring violence “as a service” and ransomware toolkits.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, the AFP is hacking back, taking down dark web marketplaces and implementing prevention programs in schools. So tune in, and learn more about the dark web and the cyber crime it’s facilitating. 

Links mentioned: 

AFP Reboot program:

https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/reb00tcmp-inspires-next-generation-cyber-champions

 

Where to find us

Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?hl=en

Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/

22. You Can't Ask That - Cyber Security Edition

We get it, cyber security is tough and some questions can feel too basic to ask. But don’t worry you’re not alone. In this episode we’ve teamed up with Kim from Cyber Wardens to bring you a few things: an overview of the Cyber Wardens program, a list of ‘you can’t ask that’ questions we’ve heard over the years, including their answers, and a story where a Shark Tank business owner almost lost her business to a scammer. 

Whether you’re running a side hustle, or just trying to clean up your online act, this episode will help build your cyber confidence without the technical jargon.

 

Resources:

Cyber wardens: https://cyberwardens.com.au/

Embarrassing questions continued: https://cyberwardens.com.au/asking-for-a-friend-our-most-embarrassing-cyber-questions-answered/

Cyber security pulse check report: https://cyberwardens.com.au/research-report/small-business-cyber-security-pulse-check-report/

Password managers:https://www.passwordmanager.com/best-password-managers/

Where to find us

Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?hl=en

Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/

 

21. The Cyber Spy on the Inside

A billion-dollar rivalry, a spy on the inside, and a sting operation for the history books. This isn’t a Netflix drama — it’s a real lawsuit.

In this episode, GTC dives into the explosive case of Rippling vs. Deel, where Rippling alleges Deel deployed a corporate spy in their ranks.

This case has it all and is the exact kind of story that you might not hear about if you’re outside of the cyber security industry. But with a phone being flushed down the toilet and entire building pipes dismantled to find it, trust us it's an exceptional one.

 

Resources: 

https://rippling2.imgix.net/Complaint.pdf

https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/02/the-affidavit-of-a-rippling-employee-caught-spying-for-deel-reads-like-a-movie/

https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/02/deel-rippling-spy-coporate-espionage-silicon-valley/ 

Socials:

Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?hl=en 

Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/

 

 

20. Cyber Basics That Could Save Your Business

In this episode, we’re joined by Jacqui Loustau —cybersecurity expert, industry powerhouse, and founder of the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN). We dive into the real risks small businesses face online and break down where to start and end with the cyber basics for your business. 

Whether you’re running a side hustle or just want to get smarter about scams, we cover:
- Why your business is a target (yes, if you have an email, you’re a target)
- The 6 accounts you should protect right now
- What to do when things go wrong (because it happens)
- How students are helping secure Aussie small businesses. 

Hit play, take notes, and get your cyber hygiene sorted.

 

For more information about you can act secure online, visit the Act Now, Stay Secure website at: https://www.actnowstaysecure.gov.au/

Resources mentioned:

https://haveibeenpwned.com/

https://www.cyber.gov.au

Socials:

Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?hl=en 

Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you're feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/

 

19. The Art of Cyber Crisis Communications with Chloe

When a cyber attack hits, Chloe is one of the first people called — not to manage the technical disaster, but to translate the technical problems into real world messages, that people can understand. 

Chloe works in the Cyber Strategic Communications at CyberCX, a team that leads communications for organisations before during and after a cyber incident. 

In this episode, Chloe walks us through her background, her memorable crises in the Strategic Communications team (remember the Australian port shut down that almost ruined Christmas?) and lifts the curtain on what happens before those “we regret to inform you, you’ve been breached” emails go out. Plus, she shares some hilarious war stories (think navy twerking scandals) and her best tips for keeping your info safe online.

So if you ever thought cyber security was just for the techies - think again.

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This episode is sponsored by CyberCX, the leading provider of professional cyber security and cloud services across Australia and New Zealand. With a workforce of over 1,400 professionals, CyberCX is a trusted partner to private and public sector organisations helping customers confidently manage cyber risk, respond to incidents and build resilience in an increasingly complex and challenging threat environment.

Find out more about how CyberCX can help your organisation by visiting https://cybercx.com.au/ today.

 

For more information about you can act secure online, visit https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/cyber-security/strategy/act-now-stay-secure
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Socials:

Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU

Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: GTC - Girls Talk Cyber | Facebook

 

18. What the heck is a VPN anyway?

TikTok might be getting banned in the United States, and VPN’s could be the access solution. But what the heck is a VPN anyway? How do they work? What are they used for outside of side stepping TikTok bans? Are they the silver bullet to cyber security? The answer may surprise you.

Tune in to this week’s episode as we unpack these questions and help you understand the tip of the iceberg when it comes to VPNs and your security.

Though free VPN options seem like a good idea, GTC doesn't endorse their use (there are sometimes hidden nasties you want to avoid). Always do your own, thorough research when finding a VPN which is right for you, and lean-in to paid services over free options. 

For more information about you can act secure online, visit https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/cyber-security/strategy/act-now-stay-secure

Resources: 

https://nordvpn.com/

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Socials:

Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU 

Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/groups/828589538834261/

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This episode is sponsored by CyberCX. Enjoy hearing about all things cyber here on the pod? Then maybe you should think about making the career switch into cyber security. There’s no better place to begin this journey than with the CyberCX Academy. A paid, permanent full time employment opportunity designed to launch your career in cyber security. No prior experience is necessary. Applications open here: https://cybercx.com.au/cyber-security-academy-cybercx/

 

17. Behind The Badge, Tales From An FBI Agent

An FBI and Australian Federal Police operation named Trojan Shield, convinced criminals to obtain a mobile device and discuss their criminal operations on a law-enforcement encrypted messaging app. This led to the infiltration of 300 criminal groups across 100 countries. Wild right? Hear more about this operation and a bunch of others as GTC sits down with Nitiana Mann to discuss her work as an FBI Legal Attaché , and how her passion for financial crime led her to this position.

_________________

This episode is sponsored by CyberCX, the leading provider of professional cyber security and cloud services across Australia and New Zealand. With a workforce of over 1,400 professionals, CyberCX is a trusted partner to private and public sector organisations helping customers confidently manage cyber risk, respond to incidents and build resilience in an increasingly complex and challenging threat environment.

Find out more about how CyberCX can help your organisation by visiting https://cybercx.com.au/ today.

_________________

Socials:

Follow the Girls Talk Cyber Instagram account for all your cyber tips and tricks: https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkcyber/?fbclid=IwAR1evKo-CQONzg3aCr5bOuEBxHJMOBGkWYJKa_GPswFOEEbks_YqAT3dMQU

Join the Girls Talk Cyber Facebook community to share your cyber security stories and let us know how you’re feeling about the content covered in this episode: GTC - Girls Talk Cyber | Facebook

 

16. Catching the Criminal: A Deep Dive into the Medibank Cyber Attack

A cyber criminal has been caught two years after coordinating a cyber attack against Medibank, one of Australia’s largest private health care providers. The attack was ruthless, with the cyber criminal leaking stolen medical data, bit by bit into the public arena, including: HIV statuses, sexually transmitted diseases and abortion data. Who was the brutally brazen hacker behind this attack? How did they get caught and where did it all begin? GTC investigates in this episode: Catching the Criminal: A deep dive into the Medibank cyber attack.

All information collected and used for this episode in publicly available from the following resources:

Resources mentioned in the episode:
OAIC - Medibank data breach alleged timeline. 

https://www.oaic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0037/228979/Medibank-data-breach-alleged-timeline-infographic.pdf

 

Intel 471 report

https://intel471.com/blog/medibanks-attacker-it-businessman-claimed-psychologist-and-alleged-cybercriminal

 

US Department of Treasury on REvil Ransomware Gang

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2041

 

Medibank’s cyber crime update from Nov 7 2022: 

https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-cybercrime-update%207%20November

 

ABC News Article on the hacker

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-23/aleksandr-ermakov-medibank-private-data-breach-cyber-attack/103378142

 

Hacker detained in Russia

https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2024/medibank-hacker-detained-in-russia.html