Detonation Point

Matt O'Neill

Hosted by Matt O'Neill, retired U.S. Secret Service Special Agent, Detonation Point presented by Elastio is where powerful conversations spark. Each episode brings you into the room with fascinating guests as they share their stories, dive into cutting-edge technology, and tackle the challenges of fighting cybercrime in the 21st century. Along the way, expect insider insights from a career spent protecting leaders and confronting threats, plus a few detours into Philadelphia Eagles football. Go Birds. 🦅

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 50 - From Federal Cybercrime Prosecutor to Big Tech Security Leader with Joe Sullivan

    Joe Sullivan joins Detonation Point presented by Elastio to trace the evolution of cybercrime from the early days of federal electronic-crime investigations to today’s challenges in Big Tech, fraud, and security leadership. After nearly eight years as a federal cybercrime prosecutor, Joe went on to lead security at companies including eBay, PayPal, Facebook, Uber, and Cloudflare. He shares stories from the 9/11 investigation, the Patriot Act, international cybercrime cases in Romania, and the lessons he learned moving from government into the private sector. Resources Connect with Joe Sullivan on LinkedInVisit Joe Sullivan Security 00:00 Cybercrime, 9/11 and the Patriot Act 05:54 Joe Sullivan’s First Cybercrime Case 07:28 Fighting Cybercrime in Romania 17:30 From Federal Prosecutor to Big Tech Security 24:22 Balancing Security, Growth & Business Risk 29:25 Why Online Fraud Keeps Growing 36:05 Law Enforcement, Big Tech & Security Leadership About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio  This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

  2. Aug 10

    Episode 49 - Inside the DEA: The Evolution of Drug Enforcement with Gary Owen

    Gary Owen, Chief Operating Officer at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), discusses how the agency is evolving, from recruiting and developing the next generation of agents to embracing new technology and innovation. He also explores how the DEA is responding to a rapidly changing drug landscape, including the rise of fentanyl and synthetic drugs, and the growing importance of prevention and education alongside enforcement. Resources Fentanyl Free America: Learn more about the DEA’s fentanyl prevention and education initiativeOperation Prevention: Explore free drug prevention resources from the DEA and Discovery EducationConnect with Gary Owen on LinkedIn Chapters 00:07 Gary Owen’s Journey to the DEA 02:36 Evolution of DEA Recruitment and Training 09:45 Cartels, Crypto, Money Laundering & Global Operations 14:39 How Technology Changed DEA Investigations 26:06 How DEA Buys and Funds New Technology 32:33 The Role of Asset Forfeiture in Law Enforcement 34:47 How Fentanyl Changed the Drug Trade 46:24 DEA’s Approach to Drug Prevention & Education About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio  This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

  3. Aug 4

    Episode 48 - SIM Swapping: How to Protect Your Digital Identity with Mark Kreitzman

    Mark Kreitzman, General Manager and co-founder of Efani, discusses one of today's fastest-growing cybersecurity threats: SIM swapping. After becoming a victim himself despite nearly two decades of experience building cybersecurity companies, Mark turned that experience into a mission to help protect people from mobile account takeovers. Mark explains how SIM swapping works, why your mobile number has become the master key to your digital identity, and how attackers use social engineering to bypass traditional security measures. He also shares real-world examples of high-profile SIM swap attacks, discusses the growing impact of AI-driven scams, and offers practical steps anyone can take to better protect their personal information. Resources Learn more about Efani: https://www.efani.com/detonationpointConnect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kreitzman/ Chapters 00:00 How a SIM Swap Changed Mark Kreitzman's Career 02:44 What Is SIM Swapping and How Criminals Take Over Your Phone Number 10:09 Real World SIM Swap Attacks: From Cryptocurrency Theft to Corporate Breaches 18:42 Why SMS Two-Factor Authentication Is No Longer Enough 22:31 Beyond SIM Swapping: Mobile Security Threats You Should Know 26:57 How Efani Protects Against Mobile Account Takeovers 34:14 AI, Voice Cloning, and Practical Steps to Protect Your Digital Identity About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio  This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

  4. Jul 28

    Episode 47 - Beyond the Badge: Leadership, Cyber & the Next Mission with Ray Shuler

    Ray Shuler, former Assistant Director for Cyber and Operational Technology at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and partner at 5OH Consulting, joins Matt O'Neill to discuss the evolution of federal law enforcement, cyber investigations, and the transition from government service to the private sector. Drawing on more than three decades of experience, Ray shares lessons from investigating cyber-enabled crime, leading large-scale technology initiatives, protecting investigators working child exploitation cases, and integrating artificial intelligence into modern investigations. He also reflects on retirement, leadership, and the importance of helping the next generation of federal agents prepare for life after government. Key Takeaways Ray's path from local law enforcement to leading HSI's cyber and operational technology programsHow child exploitation investigations shaped HSI's cyber missionThe role of AI and big data in modern criminal investigationsWhy collaboration between government and private industry is more important than everLessons on leadership, mentoring, and preparing the next generation of investigatorsPractical advice for federal agents transitioning into the private sector Resources Connect with Ray Shuler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-shuler-06bb02282/Learn more about 5OH Consulting: https://5ohconsulting.com/ Chapters 00:07 Intro to Ray Shuler: From Local Police to HSI Leadership 08:24 Investigating Child Exploitation and Protecting Investigators 11:49 Drug Investigations, Agency Collaboration, and Data Sharing 15:16 AI, Big Data, and the Future of Criminal Investigations 23:30 Government and Industry: Bridging the Communication Gap 29:23 Transitioning from Federal Service to the Private Sector 34:41 Career Advice for Retiring Federal Agents 43:06 What Federal Agents Miss Most After Retirement About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio  This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

  5. Jul 20

    Episode 46 – Going Undercover to Infiltrate Cybercriminal Networks with Rich LaTulip

    Rich LaTulip, a legend of undercover cybercrime investigations and author of Operation Carder Kaos, takes listeners behind the scenes of an international undercover operation against global cybercriminals. Rich shares the story behind Operation Carder Kaos, an investigation into online carding forums and organized cybercrime. He explains how he gained the trust of cybercriminals, maintained his undercover identity, and worked alongside international law enforcement partners to identify and dismantle major criminal networks. Key Takeaways How Rich transitioned into cybercrime investigationsThe story behind Operation Carder KaosWhat it takes to build and maintain an undercover identity onlineHow organized cybercrime networks operated through carding forumsThe importance of international cooperation in cyber investigationsHow undercover tradecraft continues to shape Rich’s work in cybersecurity Resources Read Operation Carder Kaos by Richard K. LaTulip: https://www.amazon.com/Operation-Carder-Kaos-Penetrated-Underground/dp/1041082061/Connect with Rich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-latulip-5852606/ Chapters 00:00 Intro to Rich LaTulip & Operation Carder Kaos 05:11 From Secret Service Rookie to Cybercrime Investigator 11:51 Undercover Operations & Training 16:59 Operation Firewall & Its Impact 21:45 Operation Carter Chaos: Origins & Execution 27:35 Going Undercover: Meeting Elite Cybercriminals Around the World 30:40 Maksik: The Prolific Hacker & His Operations 41:37 The Arrest: Challenges & Bureaucracy 47:01 The Fall of Maksik & Lessons from a Global Cybercrime Investigation 53:26 Rich LaTulip's Book, Future Projects & Final Thoughts About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio  This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

  6. Jul 13

    Episode 45 - Building Cyber Resilience Against Modern Threats with Kiersten Todt

    Kiersten Todt, Senior Vice President of Cybersecurity Partnerships & Engagement at Mastercard and former Chief of Staff at CISA, joins Detonation Point presented by Elastio to discuss the evolution of cybersecurity policy, public-private collaboration, and the growing challenges posed by AI, fraud, and global cyber threats. With experience spanning the White House, Capitol Hill, CISA, and now Mastercard, Kiersten offers insights on cyber resilience, critical infrastructure protection, fraud prevention, and the future of public-private cyber defense. Key Takeaways Lessons from helping build DHS and leading cybersecurity initiatives across government and industry.The critical role of public-private partnerships in strengthening cyber resilience.How AI is reshaping cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and the future threat landscape.Why combating global scams requires better information sharing and cross-sector collaboration.The importance of cyber hygiene, identity security, and workforce development. Resources CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency): https://www.cisa.govKiersten Todt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiersten-e-todt-73b81359/ Chapters 00:00 From DHS & CISA to Mastercard: Intro to Kiersten Todt 04:32 Reflections on the Creation of DHS 09:25 The Real Mission of CISA & Public-Private Cyber Defense 12:33 Are We More Cyber Resilient Today? 13:56 AI, Cyber Threats & the Future of Cybersecurity 19:04 Fighting Global Scams Through Information Sharing & Collaboration 30:08 Identity, Vulnerabilities & the New Cybersecurity Arms Race 39:35 Education & Awareness in Cybersecurity 42:44 Rapid Fire: Cyber Hygiene, AI & Leadership Lessons About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio  This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

  7. Jul 6

    Episode 44 - The Evolution of Cybercrime: Ransomware, AI & Global Investigations With Jim Meehan

    Jim Meehan, Director of DFIR Global Investigation and Threat Intelligence at Verizon and former U.S. Secret Service special agent, joins Detonation Point presented by Elastio to discuss the evolution of cybercrime, from payment card fraud to modern ransomware operations. Drawing on decades of investigative experience, Jim shares lessons from major cybercrime cases, the importance of international partnerships, key findings from Verizon's 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), and how organizations can better defend against today's threats. Key Takeaways Lessons from the TJX cybercrime investigation.Why cybercriminals shifted to ransomware.The growing threat of vulnerability exploitation.How AI is changing phishing and social engineering.Why patch management remains a challenge.The importance of international cybercrime partnerships. Resources Verizon 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR): https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/Jim Meehan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-meehan-7a110a15a/ Chapters 00:00 Secret Service Cyber Journey: Intro to Jim Meehan 05:15 The TJX Hack: How Investigators Tracked a Global Cybercrime Ring 11:03 International Cybercrime Takedowns & Working with Foreign Police 15:15 Evolution of Cyber Threats: Credit Card Fraud to Ransomware 18:47 Emerging Cyber Threats: Vulnerabilities and AI 25:57 Human Element in Cybersecurity Breaches 29:40 Future Predictions and the State of Cybercrime About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio  This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

  8. Jun 29

    Episode 43 - Why Most Briefings Fail and How Great Leaders Communicate with Joe McCormack

    Joe McCormack, communication expert, author, and founder of The Brief Lab, joins Detonation Point presented by Elastio to discuss why so many briefings, presentations, and emails fail, and what leaders can do to communicate more effectively. Drawing from his experience working with senior executives, government agencies, and elite military organizations, Joe shares practical strategies for communicating with clarity, brevity, and purpose. The conversation explores executive briefings, email communication, simplifying complex information, and creating work environments that balance collaboration with focused thinking. Key Takeaways How to deliver more effective executive briefings.The importance of leading with the main point.Why less information often creates more clarity.Simple techniques for writing better emails.Why organizations need quiet spaces for focused work. Resources The Brief Lab: https://www.thebrieflab.com The Clarity at Work Collection: https://thebrieflab.com/resources/books/ Joe McCormack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephpmccormack/ Chapters 00:00 The Art of Briefing: Intro to Joe McCormack 01:32 3 Biggest Communication Mistakes 03:36 Levels of Detail in Briefings 07:52 Start With the Outcome, Not the Information 12:15 From Marketing to Training Special Operations 20:10 Writing Emails People Actually Read 27:34 The Quiet Workplace: Fixing Modern Office Noise About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio  This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Hosted by Matt O'Neill, retired U.S. Secret Service Special Agent, Detonation Point presented by Elastio is where powerful conversations spark. Each episode brings you into the room with fascinating guests as they share their stories, dive into cutting-edge technology, and tackle the challenges of fighting cybercrime in the 21st century. Along the way, expect insider insights from a career spent protecting leaders and confronting threats, plus a few detours into Philadelphia Eagles football. Go Birds. 🦅

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