Privacy Files Anonyome Labs

Cryptocurrency has made many people very wealthy. There are more than 88,000 millionaires who got rich through crypto investing. In fact, there are even 17 "crypto billionaires."

But for every person who makes it big in the world of cryptocurrency, there are many times more who either never grow their investment or who lose money.

In this episode of Privacy Files, Brian Tillman returns to the studio to help Rich make sense of the extremely complex environment of cryptocurrency.

Brian runs through some examples of cryptocurrency scams with the goal of pinpointing the red flags to watch out for.

Rich takes a more holistic view by examining the common question of whether or not cryptocurrency is actually a decentralized Ponzi scheme.

This is an episode that covers many angles. On the fraud side, we look at a variety of frauds, from pig butchering scams to phishing attacks. Globally, we break down how cryptocurrency actually works to better understand what it actually is.

Is cryptocurrency really a currency? Is it an unregistered security? Or, is cryptocurrency just a decentralized Ponzi scheme?



Links Referenced:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhyatt/2024/04/02/the-richest-crypto-and-bitcoin-billionaires-in-the-world-2024/?sh=1e04cfab726b

https://dfpi.ca.gov/crypto-scams/

https://www.web3isgoinggreat.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORdWE_ffirg



OUR SPONSORS:

Anonyome Labs - Makers of MySudo and Sudo Platform. Take back control of your personal data. www.anonyome.com

MySudo - The world's only all-in-one privacy app. Communicate and transact securely and privately. Talk, text, email, browse, shop and pay, all from one app. Stay private. www.mysudo.com

MySudo VPN - No personal information required to sign up. You don't even need a username and password. Finally, a VPN that is actually private. https://mysudo.com/mysudo-vpn/

Sudo Platform - The cloud-based platform companies turn to for seamlessly integrating privacy solutions into their software. Easy-to-use SDKs and APIs for building out your own branded customer apps like password managers, virtual cards, private browsing, identity wallets (decentralized identity), and secure, encrypted communications (e.g., encrypted voice, video, email and messaging). www.sudoplatform.com

According to the United States Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $10 billion to fraud in 2023 alone. In that same year, Americans were defrauded $4.6 billion via investment scams.

In this episode of Privacy Files, we talk to Val Harkless, a government contractor who assists with fraud and analysis for the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Division of Enforcement. She works tirelessly to uncover a variety of crimes, including insider trading, pump and dumps, Ponzi schemes, unregistered soliciting entities, and cryptocurrency investment fraud.

Val provides insight into how she investigates potential fraud cases, including going back to her time working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In all, Val is an extremely seasoned fraud investigator who has seen more than her fair share of scams. It's an enlightening discussion about the many dangers people face daily.

It's also a reminder of why it's important to stay vigilant when protecting your personal information and financial assets.

And if you're wondering what Val does to unwind from the realities of a stressful job...she sings and plays guitar! You can check out her music here:

https://acaciagrace.com/home

https://open.spotify.com/artist/47iXlfc6a21sIgHWawJA0D



Links Referenced:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/02/nationwide-fraud-losses-top-10-billion-2023-ftc-steps-efforts-protect-public

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valehark/



OUR SPONSORS:

Anonyome Labs - Makers of MySudo and Sudo Platform. Take back control of your personal data. www.anonyome.com

MySudo - The world's only all-in-one privacy app. Communicate and transact securely and privately. Talk, text, email, browse, shop and pay, all from one app. Stay private. www.mysudo.com

MySudo VPN - No personal information required to sign up. You don't even need a username and password. Finally, a VPN that is actually private. https://mysudo.com/mysudo-vpn/

Sudo Platform - The cloud-based platform companies turn to for seamlessly integrating privacy solutions into their software. Easy-to-use SDKs and APIs for building out your own branded customer apps like password managers, virtual cards, private browsing, identity wallets (decentralized identity), and secure, encrypted communications (e.g., encrypted voice, video, email and messaging). www.sudoplatform.com

In the United States, fraud and identity theft together result in tens of billions of dollars in losses annually.

Contributing to this growing problem is the continued use of usernames and passwords stored in giant, centralized databases owned by large companies. These databases are often the target of hacking attacks. And this stolen data finds its way into marketplaces on the dark web.

The good news is, there's a better way and it's being put to the test now.

In this episode of Privacy Files, we welcome back Anonyome Labs CTO, Dr. Paul Ashley.

Dr. Ashley provides an update on the topic of decentralized identity and how companies are using blockchain technology to develop reusable credentials, sometimes referred to as reusable digital identity.

So much has happened in the world of decentralized identity since Dr. Ashley last appeared on Privacy Files.

Many industries are now exploring ways to implement reusable credentials as a way to reduce fraud and improve the customer experience. From banking and healthcare to insurance and cybersecurity, industry leaders are pioneering the transformation of the way businesses secure information and protect their clients.

Dr. Ashley covers many examples of how the concept of reusable credentials can work and proves that the best use case for blockchain technology is not cryptocurrency, but data verification.

A future where clunky usernames and passwords are a thing of the past is just around the corner.



OUR SPONSORS:

Anonyome Labs - Makers of MySudo and Sudo Platform. Take back control of your personal data. www.anonyome.com

MySudo - The world's only all-in-one privacy app. Communicate and transact securely and privately. Talk, text, email, browse, shop and pay, all from one app. Stay private. www.mysudo.com

MySudo VPN - No personal information required to sign up. You don't even need a username and password. Finally, a VPN that is actually private. https://mysudo.com/mysudo-vpn/

Sudo Platform - The cloud-based platform companies turn to for seamlessly integrating privacy solutions into their software. Easy-to-use SDKs and APIs for building out your own branded customer apps like password managers, virtual cards, private browsing, identity wallets (decentralized identity), and secure, encrypted communications (e.g., encrypted voice, video, email and messaging). www.sudoplatform.com

When it comes to data privacy, the legal and regulatory environment is changing faster than ever.

While in the United States, no federal privacy law exists, there's a growing sentiment from those who are watching closely that things are about to change.

In this episode of Privacy Files, we talk to privacy law attorney Alan Chapell. Alan is the Founder of Chapell & Associates, a legal consulting firm that helps digital media companies navigate the challenges associated with regulations, public policy and the overall marketplace as it relates to privacy.

From serving as Chief Privacy Officer for startups to transitioning into a general counsel role for more established organizations, Alan's primary goal is to help companies maximize opportunities while avoiding the major pitfalls.

Alan is also the Chief Analyst and Publisher of The Chapell Report, a monthly research report focusing on the most important topics pertaining to digital media and privacy.

To learn more about The Chapell Report:

https://thisischapell.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/The-Chapell-Report-one-page-description-041821.pdf

In this interview, Alan reflects on the significant changes that have taken place over the last twenty years in the digital media industry.

We talk about the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) is having on digital media and privacy.

Alan has consulted in more than 25 bankruptcy cases, including General Motors, Chrysler, Eddie Bauer, Atari and St. Vincent’s hospitals. Related to this topic, we discuss a little about the dangers involved with mergers and acquisitions and why it so critical for companies to conduct their due diligence before finalizing any agreements to ensure the company will be compliant with privacy laws and regulations.

Alan is also a professional musician and talks about how his career in music inspired him to help the digital media industry raise its game in the privacy arena.

To learn more about Alan's music:

https://thisischapell.com/

To learn more about Chapell & Associates:k

https://chapellassociates.com/



OUR SPONSORS:

Anonyome Labs - Makers of MySudo and Sudo Platform. Take back control of your personal data. www.anonyome.com

MySudo - The world's only all-in-one privacy app. Communicate and transact securely and privately. Talk, text, email, browse, shop and pay, all from one app. Stay private. www.mysudo.com

MySudo VPN - No personal information required to sign up. You don't even need a username and password. Finally, a VPN that is actually private. https://mysudo.com/mysudo-vpn/

Sudo Platform - The cloud-based platform companies turn to for seamlessly integrating privacy solutions into their software. Easy-to-use SDKs and APIs for building out your own branded customer apps like password managers, virtual cards, private browsing, identity wallets (decentralized identity), and secure, encrypted communications (e.g., encrypted voice, video, email and messaging). www.sudoplatform.com

Ever since the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT in November 2022, artificial intelligence (AI) has dominated the news.

AI is bringing a level of realism and human-like behavior to technology that just two years ago would have been considered unthinkable.

But AI is also introducing new data privacy concerns.

In this episode of Privacy Files, we examine the rising phenomenon of romantic AI chatbots and what these applications are doing with your personal data.

Colin from Anonyome Lab's Security & Compliance team joined Rich to discuss the findings of the Mozilla Foundation's review of 11 romantic AI chatbots. Each one received Mozilla's notorious warning label "Privacy Not Included."

Only one of the chatbot apps confirmed in their privacy policy that they don't share or sell personal data.

Half of the chatbots reviewed won't even allow you to delete your personal data.

64% of the apps were not clear about encryption technology and whether or not they employ it.

Overall, it's an interesting look into yet another AI-spawned industry where the security of personal data might not be a top priority.



Links Referenced:

https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/articles/happy-valentines-day-romantic-ai-chatbots-dont-have-your-privacy-at-heart/

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67012224

https://www.reuters.com/technology/what-happens-when-your-ai-chatbot-stops-loving-you-back-2023-03-18/

https://www.vice.com/en/article/pkadgm/man-dies-by-suicide-after-talking-with-ai-chatbot-widow-says



OUR SPONSORS:

Anonyome Labs - Makers of MySudo and Sudo Platform. Take back control of your personal data. www.anonyome.com

MySudo - The world's only all-in-one privacy app. Communicate and transact securely and privately. Talk, text, email, browse, shop and pay, all from one app. Stay private. www.mysudo.com

MySudo VPN - No personal information required to sign up. You don't even need a username and password. Finally, a VPN that is actually private. https://mysudo.com/mysudo-vpn/

Sudo Platform - The cloud-based platform companies turn to for seamlessly integrating privacy solutions into their software. Easy-to-use SDKs and APIs for building out your own branded customer apps like password managers, virtual cards, private browsing, identity wallets (decentralized identity), and secure, encrypted communications (e.g., encrypted voice, video, email and messaging). www.sudoplatform.com

On this show, we have talked quite a bit about the red hot cybersecurity industry. Companies can't fill open positions fast enough.

Globally, cybersecurity spending exceeds $200 billion.

But there's a small problem. You might call it a cybersecurity paradox.

Despite companies spending more than ever on cybersecurity, companies are also losing data more than ever.

In this episode of Privacy Files, we talk to Richard Hollis, a 35-year veteran of the cybersecurity industry.

Richard works at Risk Crew, a London-based cyber risk management consulting firm that strengthens companies' cybersecurity defenses through ethical hacking and information security awareness programs.

Overall, Richard believes the cybersecurity industry has failed to accomplish its mission, citing how companies around the world are collectively losing on average 20 million personal records every single day.

Over the last five years globally, companies have lost the records of more than 17 billion people.

These are staggering numbers.

We talk about some of the reasons the cybersecurity industry is failing, including looking at the largest incentive not to protect personal data: the desire to make money from it.

Richard brings a very refreshing perspective to the cybersecurity discussion, believing that companies should start viewing this from an individual privacy perspective.

To learn more about Richard Hollis:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/riskexpertrichardhollis/

To learn more about Risk Crew:

https://www.riskcrew.com/



Links Referenced:

https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/cybersecurity-spending-increase-idc/645338/



OUR SPONSORS:

Anonyome Labs - Makers of MySudo and Sudo Platform. Take back control of your personal data. www.anonyome.com

MySudo - The world's only all-in-one privacy app. Communicate and transact securely and privately. Talk, text, email, browse, shop and pay, all from one app. Stay private. www.mysudo.com

MySudo VPN - No personal information required to sign up. You don't even need a username and password. Finally, a VPN that is actually private. https://mysudo.com/mysudo-vpn/

Sudo Platform - The cloud-based platform companies turn to for seamlessly integrating privacy solutions into their software. Easy-to-use SDKs and APIs for building out your own branded customer apps like password managers, virtual cards, private browsing, identity wallets (decentralized identity), and secure, encrypted communications (e.g., encrypted voice, video, email and messaging). www.sudoplatform.com