Secure Talk Podcast

In this eye-opening episode of SecureTalk, host Justin Beals sits down with Nick Furneaux, renowned cryptocurrency investigator and author of the provocatively titled book "There's No Such Thing as Crypto Crime." Furneaux shares his extensive expertise on blockchain technology, cryptocurrency investigations, and the evolving landscape of digital financial crimes.

Key Topics Discussed:

The meaning behind Furneaux's book title "There's No Such Thing as Crypto Crime" and why traditional investigation skills remain relevant

• The fundamental differences between Bitcoin and newer cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Solana
• How blockchain technology actually helps investigators through its open ledger system
• The mechanics behind "rug pulls" and other crypto-related scams
• The role of mining in cryptocurrency ownership and value
• How TRM Forensics tools help trace illicit cryptocurrency transactions
• The concerning rise of human trafficking in crypto scam operations
• How AI is transforming both criminal schemes and investigation techniques

Notable Quotes:

"There is no such thing as a crypto-only crime. There is no new criminal category. There is just a new payment mechanism." - Nick Furneaux

"The Bitcoin source code is some of the most beautiful code ever written. It is extraordinary... and it's never been hacked." - Nick Furneaux

"We're in a situation now where the victim is a victim, and the scammer is a victim." - Nick Furneaux on trafficking in scam compounds

About Nick Furneaux:

Nick Furneaux is a digital forensics expert, cryptocurrency investigator, and cybersecurity specialist. He has worked in digital forensics for many years and is known for his expertise in cryptocurrency investigations. He has served as a trainer and consultant for law enforcement agencies and private organizations on matters related to digital forensics and cryptocurrency tracing.

He is the author of *There’s No Such Thing as Cryptocrime* (2024) and *Investigating Cryptocurrencies* (2018). He has trained thousands of investigators in the essential skills needed to track cryptocurrencies involved in criminal activities. Currently, he works as a Blockchain Intelligence Expert and Master Trainer at TRM Labs and serves as an advisor to the Board of Asset Reality.

Resources Mentioned:

Book: "There's No Such Thing as Crypto Crime" by Nick Furneaux (link)

Book: "Investigating Cryptocurrencies" by Nick Furneaux (link)

TRM Forensics Investigative Toolkit

This episode provides invaluable insights for cybersecurity professionals, financial investigators, and anyone interested in understanding cryptocurrency's role in modern digital crime investigations.

SecureTalk is hosted by Justin Beals, bringing you expert conversations with the leading minds in cybersecurity.

#Cryptocurrency #BlockchainForensics #CryptoInvestigation #Cybersecurity #DigitalForensics #Bitcoin #Ethereum #CryptoScams #FinancialCrime

In our latest SecureTalk episode, Justin Beals gathers Micah Spieler, Chief Product Officer, and Josh Bullers, Head of AI, to explore the multifaceted world of AI and cybersecurity. With the recent release of DeepSeek-r1, the AI marketplace has been thrown into turmoil. It has rocked the hubris of Silicon Valley and questioned the validity and valuations of organizations like OpenAI. What does DeepSeek mean to the AI landscape, and how does it fit into the fundamentals of machine learning and the future of information systems?

Our discussion delves deeply into the synergy of AI advancements and the pressing need for robust security measures. Micah and Josh share their journey in striking the delicate balance between innovation and safety, offering invaluable insights for anyone in the tech and cybersecurity field.

As AI continues to revolutionise industries, cybersecurity experts must adapt and evolve. Tune in as we examine the potential and challenges presented by cutting-edge AI models. This episode is essential listening for those striving to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of AI-driven cybersecurity. Join us and be part of the conversation shaping the future of technology!

My first SOC 2 audit as a Chief Technology Officer felt like performance art. Here we were, dancing to the tune of an auditor that had never built a web application, let alone a business. So many of their playbooks were repeated from other businesses and didn’t make us more secure. When we were done I was certainly glad to show off our new ‘certification’ but I wondered how I could implement great security and create value for my company.

In this compelling episode of Secure Talk, host Justin interviews Bob Chaput, a seasoned CISO and cybersecurity leader with a rich background in the healthcare sector. The conversation traverses Bob’s extensive career, from his early days at GE to establishing Johnson & Johnson’s first information security program. Bob shares profound insights from his book, 'Cyber Risk Management as a Value Creator,' illustrating the shift of cybersecurity from a defensive necessity to a strategic business driver. They explore the critical role of governance, regulatory accountability, and the implementation of risk management frameworks like the NIST cybersecurity framework. Using real-world cases like Equifax’s post-breach recovery, Bob elucidates the tangible business value of robust cybersecurity measures. Learn about budgeting for cybersecurity, fostering organizational engagement, and integrating security into business operations for enhanced resilience and customer trust. This episode is a treasure trove for experts looking to transform their cybersecurity approach into a strategic advantage.

Book: Enterprise Cyber Risk Management as a Value Creator
https://bobchaput.com/enterprise-cyber-risk-management-as-a-value-creator/

00:00 Welcome to SecureTalk: Introduction and Host Overview

00:41 The Importance of Scope in Cybersecurity

02:58 Introducing Bob Chaput: Cybersecurity Expert

04:45 Bob Chaput's Career Journey

08:17 Enterprise Cyber Risk Management as a Value Creator

12:20 The Role of Regulations and Accountability in Cybersecurity

17:26 Strategic Approach to Enterprise Cyber Risk Management

21:33 Risk and Opportunity Assessment in Cybersecurity

26:47 Leveraging Security Practices for Business Value

27:58 The Impact of Cybersecurity on Business Value

28:56 Clearwater's Role in Enhancing Cybersecurity

31:03 The ECRM Budget Philosophy

32:59 Maxims for Effective Cyber Risk Management

35:59 Building a Team Sport Culture in Cybersecurity

40:47 Foundational Components of ECRM

44:19 Challenges in Third-Party Risk Management

49:25 Clearwater's Journey and Future Prospects

In this episode of SecureTalk, Justin Beals welcomes Daniel Oberhaus, the author of Silicon Shrink, to discuss the revolutionary and controversial integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health care. Daniel demystifies the central theme of his book, explaining the concept of Silicon Shrink and exploring how AI tools are increasingly being used to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

He highlights the alarming implications of leveraging AI in psychiatry, the historical intersection of these two fields, and the potential pitfalls and ethical challenges this marriage presents. He also delves into the technical, policy, and philosophical dimensions of using AI in psychiatry, bringing attention to various case studies and real-world applications such as emotion-recognition technology and AI-driven triage systems like those used by the Crisis Text Line.

Daniel's insights present a compelling narrative, urging a cautious yet hopeful approach to adopting AI technologies in areas as sensitive as mental health, underscoring the need for transparency, privacy, and ethical considerations.

Book:

Oberhaus, Daniel. The Silicon Shrink: How Artificial Intelligence Made the World an Asylum. MIT Press, 2025. (Link)