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PODCAST

NeedleStack

NeedleStack co-hosts interview professional open-source researchers who discuss tips, tricks and insights into the practice of digital investigative research. Whether you’re an open-source expert or aficionado, tune in to learn how to hone your skills, improve your craft and protect yourself as you search the surface, deep and dark web. From Authentic8, creators of Silo for Research. Visit authentic8.com/needlestack to learn more!

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All Episodes

44:54

Navigating China's Strategic Landscape

NeedleStack ·

2026/01/21

In this episode of NeedleStack, hosts AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi engage with John Costello, a director at WireScreen, to discuss the complexities of China's strategic competition with the United States. The conversation covers China's technological advancements, the implications of its five-year plans, challenges in intelligence gathering, and the dynamics of military-civil fusion. The discussion also touches on the importance of due diligence for businesses engaging with Chinese companies and the

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55:03

Is Mass Surveillance Helping or Hindering Intelligence?

NeedleStack ·

2026/01/07

In this episode, the hosts discuss the implications of surveillance technology and AI on intelligence, journalism, and civil liberties. They explore the dual nature of surveillance as both a tool for security and a potential threat to privacy. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by misinformation, the importance of expertise in navigating these issues, and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of surveillance technology. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of

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49:40

Mastering the Art of Disappearing Online

NeedleStack ·

2025/12/11

In this episode of Needlestack, hosts AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi delve into the complexities of disappearing online, drawing insights from their experiences and the book 'The Art of Invisibility' by Kevin Mitnick. They discuss practical steps for maintaining anonymity, the role of technology in obfuscation, and the challenges of creating and sustaining multiple identities. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on privacy and the importance of understanding personal risks in a digital

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42:43

The Rise of Citizen OSINT, and What to Do About It

NeedleStack ·

2025/11/26

In this episode, hosts Robert Vamosi and AJ Nash engage with Neil Ysart, a seasoned expert in cyber investigations and open source intelligence (OSINT). They discuss the Coalition of Cyber Investigators, its role in promoting OSINT, and the importance of establishing standards in the field. The conversation delves into the challenges and risks associated with OSINT, emphasizing the need for ethical practices and the potential dangers of unregulated citizen intelligence efforts. The episode concludes

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46:59

What is Cyber HUMINT?

NeedleStack ·

2025/11/12

In this episode, Michael DeBolt joins Robert Vamosi and AJ Nash to dive into the world of Cyber HUMINT — the application of traditional human intelligence (HUMINT) tradecraft in cyberspace. They discuss how investigators use digital personas (sometimes called “sock puppets”) to infiltrate online threat actor communities, collect intelligence, and even engage adversaries safely. Michael explains how credibility, language, slang, and cultural nuance are essential to blending in, while AJ highlights

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57:44

Dealing with AI Slop in OSINT Investigations

NeedleStack ·

2025/10/29

In this episode, AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi discuss the challenges posed by misinformation and the rise of AI-generated content. They explore the evolution of journalism, the impact of social media on information consumption, and the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in content creation, the balance between technology and human oversight, and the potential positive aspects of AI technology. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for

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48:44

What is GEOINT in OSINT?

NeedleStack ·

2025/10/15

In this episode of NeedleStack, hosts AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi engage with James Villenueve, a geospatial intelligence expert, to explore the world of GEOINT and its intersection with open source intelligence (OSINT). They discuss the importance of understanding geospatial data, the ethical implications of its use, and the challenges of protecting personal information in a data-rich environment. The conversation also highlights positive applications of geospatial intelligence, including

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26:17

Ransomware’s Collateral Damage

NeedleStack ·

2025/10/01

Jason Baker from the Guidepoint Research & Intelligence Team (GRIT) shares his background and provides insights into ransomware attribution, the challenges of defending against ransomware, and the implications of AI in ransomware operations.

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41:22

Identifying fraud in financial services

NeedleStack ·

2025/09/17

How can Intelligence benefit financial sectors? It can address challenges like sanctions, data privacy, and cryptocurrency. Teresa Walsh highlights the importance of collaboration, the role of AI in intelligence, and the necessity to professionalize intelligence roles in the private sector. The conversation also delves into building mature and unified intelligence programs, emphasizing the need for a Chief Intelligence Officer role in any organization.

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57:10

Adding Agentic AI to Analysis

NeedleStack ·

2025/09/03

Ultimately, GenAI has the potential to create jobs in areas like data science and cybersecurity, but only if it is integrated responsibly. However, the consensus today is that AI should remain a just tool for analysts, not a direct decision-maker, until reliability and trust in its outputs significantly improve.About Brian FullerBrian A. Fuller is Director of Operations for the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences at Mercyhurst University, a position he assumed in December

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33:47

Hacker Summer Camp 2025

NeedleStack ·

2025/08/20

Robert and AJ went to Hacker Summer Camp. What’s that? It’s a week of conferences such as Black Hat USA, BSidesLV, the Dianna Initiative, Squadcom, and of course DEF CON. Find out what’s relevant for the intelligence community during this first week in August annual event.

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40:36

Intelligence tradecraft in the digital age

NeedleStack ·

2025/08/06

From street cop to OSINT expert, Nico Dekens aka “the Dutch OSINT Guy” shares his incredible journey and insights. Discover the evolution of OSINT and the challenges of integrating AI in intelligence collection and analysis.

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34:02

Using OSINT to protect celebrities and athletes

NeedleStack ·

2025/07/23

Sometimes, when a Hollywood actor stars in a blockbuster film or a hit TV show, or when an athlete wins the Super Bowl, their personal problems begin with scandalous photos, property theft, even death threats. That’s where OSINT can help them stay one step ahead.About Chad BrockwayChad Brockway, President of the Intelligence Operations Division at Edgeworth Security, is an industry expert in the fields of digital intelligence investigations and methodologies where he leverages his extensive

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39:49

An OSINT investigator’s toolkit

NeedleStack ·

2025/07/09

There are OSINT tools that mirror or provide workarounds for hidden social media posts. Join us as we talk with an investigator who really knows his way around the internet, dark web, social platforms and more.

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41:24

AI as an insider threat

NeedleStack ·

2025/06/25

AJ and Robert explore the shadowy side of AI — how some users are becoming addicted, confiding in it like a personal therapist and then gaining confidence to take risky actions in their lives and at work. They discuss what this could mean for insider threats and the broader impact on security.

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46:56

Adventures in OSINT Red Teaming

NeedleStack ·

2025/06/11

Anna discusses her career trajectory from corporate security and financial crimes to becoming the CEO of Pine Risk Management. She shares her experiences in conducting complex risk assessments, fraud detection, and crisis communications, particularly highlighting her role at Meta where she led Silicon Valley's largest physical red team.

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33:16

How culture can inform OSINT investigations

NeedleStack ·

2025/05/28

An OSINT Arabic instructor and geopolitical risk expert joins the show to discuss what can get lost in translation when performing OSINT investigations. Plus learn how cultural knowledge can unlock key insights.About Paolo WalcherPaolo Walcher is a leading OSINT trainer and security consultant, recognized for his expertise in Arabic-language investigations, geopolitical risk, and strategic intelligence. With a background in counterterrorism and crisis management, Paolo delivers advanced OSINT

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19:01

Ransomware gangs and OSINT

NeedleStack ·

2025/05/14

Ransomware groups continue to generate significant profits, frequently relying on recycled or leaked code—leading researchers to describe them as “lazy.” OSINT analysts follow cryptocurrency transactions to trace financial trails, while effective defense depends on early detection, system-level visibility, and staying alert to shifts in attacker techniques.

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52:23

Using AI in OSINT investigations

NeedleStack ·

2025/04/30

Discover how AI is revolutionizing OSINT, from speeding up data collection to generating comprehensive reports, while also addressing the challenges and ethical considerations. Hosts AJ and Robert dive deep with Lance James, discussing real-world insights and the potential for misuse.

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43:27

Entering infosec as an outsider! Tips from a...

NeedleStack ·

2025/04/16

A librarian and an OSINT analyst may have more in common than you realize. That’s how Tracy Maleeff found her way into cyber and made a name as InfoSec Sherpa.

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99 results

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