https://www.npr.org/2025/10/07/nx-s1-5563884/whats-supercharging-data-breaches
This episode of The Indicator from Planet Money explores the alarming rise of data breaches and the sophisticated tactics used by cybercriminals. The hosts delve into the dark web, where hackers showcase their stolen data and demand ransoms, and introduce Troy Hunt’s data breach search service, which reveals the staggering scale of the problem – an estimated 15 billion records breached, with the true scope likely much higher.
The episode highlights how cybercriminals are staying one step ahead by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools. MIT professor Stuart Madnick explains how AI can accelerate various cybercrime activities, from data collection to targeted spearphishing attacks. Additionally, the ability to “franchise” successful hacking methods allows criminals to share knowledge and collectively learn, outpacing the efforts of businesses and governments to protect against these threats.
Despite the grim outlook, the hosts emphasize the importance of personal vigilance, such as using strong and unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. However, experts argue that the responsibility to address the growing cybercrime epidemic lies with governments, businesses, and academia, who must work together to develop more robust solutions to combat this evolving threat to data security.