Short Wave Short Wave

The new era of AI-powered cybercrime

Aug 3, 2026 · 12m

Summary

This Shortwave episode explores the rising threat of cybercrime, highlighting how AI empowers hackers to launch sophisticated attacks like deepfakes and phishing. Hosts Regina Barber and Emily Kwong discuss the cybersecurity triad and the dual nature of AI, featuring expert Ryan Calamber on defense strategies. They also spotlight initiatives like CybeHer and Cyber.org, which aim to educate youth and address the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals through K-12 training.

Topics discussed

Intro: Rise of cybercrime and the Ocean's 8 phishing example Sponsor message from Workday The CIA triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Who are hackers? From lone wolves to nation-state actors How AI makes cyberattacks smarter and harder to detect Government regulation and the AI arms race in cybersecurity AI agents as new targets for social engineering attacks The massive shortage in the cybersecurity workforce Teaching digital hygiene and skepticism to kids CybeHer camp: Training the next generation of defenders Outro and resources for further learning Sponsor messages from Charles Schwab, Capella, and Amazon
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