• Explain how cybercrime runs like a business
• Illustrate how cybercriminals profit from stolen information
• Highlight the specialized roles in the cybercrime supply chain
• Emphasize that everyone is a potential target
• Demonstrate safe online habits to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime

• Understand elevated privileges and how they increase user vulnerability
• Identify tactics used to steal privileged accounts
• Explain the risks of overprovisioned access and accidental misuse
• Learn the benefits of not having elevated privileges
• Apply safe practices for responsibly managing elevated privileges

Willie’s dream getaway is just days away when a suspicious toll text demands quick action. Smishing, or SMS phishing, attempts to trick victims into clicking sketchy links or sharing sensitive info. These attacks often pose as urgent messages from “trusted” sources, such as fake toll road alerts, shipping confirmations, or past-due payment notices. Willie’s phony toll alert is a classic bait-and-switch, looking for victims to fall into the trap of identity theft, financial fraud, or malware attacks. Willie must stay alert to avoid having his plans—and more importantly, his personal data—compromised.

• Recognize common signs of a smishing text
• Identify tactics scammers use in toll text scams
• Understand the potential risks of smishing
• Respond appropriately to suspected smishing messages

• Recognize key signs of a spear phishing attempt
• Identify fake landing pages and spoofed websites used in spear phishing
• Understand how attackers use personal information and OSINT to target individuals
• Use safe online habits to reduce the risk of phishing
• Respond appropriately to suspected spear phishing emails
• Understand what Living Off Trusted Sites (LOTS) is and the associated risks

Seth, a call center scammer, uses AI tools to craft convincing emails, targeting individuals like Larry. Refund scams exploit false purchase notifications to manipulate victims into paying money they don’t owe. These scams often involve remote computer access, gift card payments, or wire transfers, leading to financial loss and even identity theft. Will Larry learn how to spot this convincing attack type, or fall victim to Seth’s dangerous con?

Felix never expected his weak passwords to cause chaos, but when he’s pulled into the digital world, he finds his online accounts under attack. The Titans--dangerous cyber threats of Brute Force, Phishing, and Infostealers--are closing in, ready to wreak havoc. Enter the Passmaster, a wise security guru who shows Felix the ropes of securing his digital identity and the importance of fortifying digital defenses against the Titans’ relentless assault. Will Felix rise to the challenge, strengthen his defenses, and crush the Titans, or will his weak passwords bring everything crashing down?

Learning Objectives:

• Explain why strong passwords are essential
• Identify common password risks
• Provide steps to create strong, memorable passwords
• Understand the importance of using a password manager

• Define deepfakes and demonstrate how they are created
• Explain deepfake risks in work and daily life
• Provide steps to verify the authenticity of suspicious requests
• Identify ways to protect yourself against becoming a deepfake

Janel's groundbreaking invention could change the world, but Quincy's open-source research skills and big ambitions. Hackers, like Quincy, can use public sources to gather personal or sensitive details about people or organizations. Will Quincy find any information to change Janel’s future?

Learning Objectives:

• Define and describe what OSINT is
• Identify how Spear Phishing works
• Show methods of defending against Spear Phishing
• Provide steps to reduce OSINT exposure

Tina, Joshhh's new intern, thinks she can use a chatbot to help her become the best assistant ever. Tina may learn the hard way that artificial intelligence (AI) systems can provide false, misleading, or entirely fabricated information—even if the data that went into the system was accurate. With the creation of Joshhh's new album on the line, will Tina save the day or will her contributions hit a sour note with Joshhh and team?

The learning objectives of this episode include:

• Defining AI Hallucinations
• Demonstrating appropriate uses of AI
• Building an understanding for how generative AI works
• Showing the importance of validating factual data