002.1: PhineasFisher

The Intrusions in Depth Podcast is a detailed exploration of major cyber attacks, the threat actors that conduct them, and their broader implications. The podcast, hosted by Josh Stepp, delves into the technical aspects, historical context, and global impact of significant cybersecurity events. In this episode:

Josh Stepp takes you into the shadowy world of hacktivism and surveillance tools, focusing on the notorious hacktivist, Phineas Fisher, and their audacious cyber-attack on Gamma Group in 2014.

Topics:

1. Introduction to Hacktivism and Phineas Fisher

   • Overview of hacktivism and its moral complexities

   • Phineas Fisher’s background and motivations

   • The significance of the Gamma Group hack

2. Citizen Lab & Gamma Group

   • Gamma Group’s controversial surveillance tools

   • Key findings from Citizen Lab’s reports

   • The global impact and ethical implications of FinSpy

3. Phineas Fisher's Attack on Gamma Group

   • Step-by-step breakdown of the attack

   • Tools, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) used

   • The aftermath and the data leak’s significance

4. The Broader Context of Hacktivism

   • Discussion on the effectiveness and ethics of hacktivism

   • Comparisons with other notable hacktivist actions

   • Reflections on legal versus moral justifications

Explore the blurred lines between hero and villain, and ponder the question: Is hacktivism a necessary fight for justice, or a dangerous path of vigilantism?

Show Notes

• https://citizenlab.ca/tag/finfisher/page/4/

• https://therecord.media/poland-pegasus-spyware-more-than-500-citizens

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens%27_Commission_to_Investigate_the_FBI

• https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/belarusalert/cyber-partisans-target-russian-army-in-belarus-amid-ukraine-war-fears/

• https://notesfrompoland.com/2024/04/16/almost-600-people-targeted-with-pegasus-spyware-under-former-polish-government/

• https://www.vice.com/en/article/3k9zzk/hacking-team-hacker-phineas-fisher-has-gotten-away-with-it

• https://www.vice.com/en/topic/phineas-fisher?

• https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/phineas-fisher-hackback-a-diy-guide-ii

• https://citizenlab.ca/2012/07/from-bahrain-with-love-finfishers-spy-kit-exposed/

• https://citizenlab.ca/2013/03/you-only-click-twice-finfishers-global-proliferation-2/

• https://citizenlab.ca/2012/08/the-smartphone-who-loved-me-finfisher-goes-mobile/

• https://citizenlab.ca/storage/finfisher/final/fortheireyesonly.pdf

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma_Group

• https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/radio-address-nation-terrorism