About Hackers: Code & Chaos | National Media Archive
In the shadows of the digital world, where anonymity is power and information is currency, battle lines are drawn not with bullets but with code. This show takes listeners deep into the heart of cyberspace’s most high-stakes confrontations — where rogue programmers exploit vulnerabilities, corporations scramble to secure their data empires, and government agencies wage invisible wars across invisible lines. It’s a realm shaped by encryption, espionage, whistleblowers, and wild ambition. From black hat exploits to state-sponsored surveillance, every episode explores the blurred boundaries between ethics and law, privacy and paranoia, control and chaos. This isn’t just about computers — it’s about the future of power itself.
Join as we uncover 11 million untold true stories.
Disclosure Statement: The National Media Archive and affiliated programs use Artificial Intelligence throughout areas of research, production, and editing. These tools are actively embraced as part of our approach to development and workflow. All outputs are subject to human review to ensure they meet our editorial standards. For more information about our use of AI, please visit our website at NationalMediaArchive.com/ai
In 1999, David Smith created the Melissa virus, which spread rapidly via Microsoft Word email attachments, causing $1.1 billion in damages and infecting major organizations like Microsoft and the US Marine Corps. Named after a stripper, the virus exploited Outlook to auto-email itself to 50 contacts, overwhelming email servers. Smith was arrested, pled guilty, and helped the FBI catch other virus creators. Melissa revealed vulnerabilities in popular software and the need for better cybersecurity.
You're listening to the National Media Archive.
To learn more or volunteer, go to nationalmediaarchive.com.
31 Jul 2025
The Rise and Impact of the Mirai Botnet
What began as a Minecraft server rivalry among three young hackers escalated into the Mirai botnet, the most powerful DDoS tool in history. Infecting hundreds of thousands of unsecured IoT devices worldwide, Mirai launched record-breaking attacks on major companies and internet infrastructure in 2016. Its creators were caught, but the release of Mirai's code sparked a new era of botnet threats, highlighting vast security flaws and reshaping the cybercrime landscape.
You're listening to the National Media Archive.
To learn more or volunteer, go to nationalmediaarchive.com.
15 Jul 2025
Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack
In May 2021, the Colonial Pipeline, the largest refined oil pipeline in the US, was crippled by a ransomware attack exploiting weak VPN security and leaked credentials. The hack led to fuel shortages, panic buying, and a $4.4M ransom payment. Despite partial ransom recovery by the FBI, the incident exposed major gaps in US critical infrastructure cybersecurity. Two years on, cyber threats to essential systems persist, with little meaningful change in defenses.
You're listening to the National Media Archive. To learn more or volunteer, go to nationalmediaarchive.com.
7 Jul 2025
The Gary McKinnon UFO Hack: Inside the Biggest Military Cyber Intrusion
Gary McKinnon recounts his extensive hacking into US military and NASA systems seeking UFO evidence, triggering an extradition fight and raising questions about cyber intrusion.
10 Jun 2025
The Hacker, the FBI, and the Fall of Anonymous
Mustafe Al-Bassam recounts his involvement with Anonymous and LulzSec, detailing the hacking of major companies and exposure of customer data, in this interview.
10 Jun 2025
The Teenager Who Beat Apple, Sony, and Elon Musk
This episode explores how George Hotz, a teenager, challenged major corporations like Apple and Sony by hacking their systems, sparking debates about digital ownership and control.
10 Jun 2025
Teen Hackers vs Microsoft, Epic, and the FBI
David Pokora, a self-taught teen hacker, masters programming and exploits systems, revealing the thrill and danger of early hacking culture in an interview.
10 Jun 2025
The Surfer Who Saved the Internet
Marcus Hutchins, a young hacker, explores the world of online chaos and develops his coding skills by creating password-stealing software, gaining recognition within a hacking forum.
1 May 2025
The Coming Age of AI Hackers
Industry experts examine the rise of AI-driven hacking and its potential to exploit vulnerabilities in financial, political, and social systems, necessitating innovative defense strategies.
16 Mar 2025
Russian Businessman Convicted in $90M Insider Trading Hack
Vladislav Klyushin, a Russian IT businessman, faces conviction for orchestrating a hacking scheme that stole insider information from U.S. companies, resulting in $90 million in illicit stock trades.
4 Feb 2025
Red Golf: Prolific Chinese Hacking Group Exposed
Industry experts discuss Red Golf, a Chinese hacking group, exposing their tactics of exploiting vulnerabilities across aviation, government, IT, and media sectors, revealing the persistent global cyber threat they pose in this episode.
26 Dec 2024
Linus Tech Tips YouTube Hack Exposed
This episode analyzes the Linus Tech Tips YouTube hack, where malware led to crypto scams and video deletion, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security and authentication measures.
15 Nov 2024
Teen Hacker 'MafiaBoy' Shuts Down the Internet
Michael Calce, known as 'MafiaBoy', recounts how he executed crippling cyberattacks against major websites as a teenager, leading to his eventual capture and transformation into a cybersecurity advocate in this interview.
Who has been a guest on Hackers: Code & Chaos | National Media Archive
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Gary McKinnon
Mustafe Al-Bassam
George Hotz
David Pokora
Marcus Hutchins
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
4
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Host of Hackers: Code & Chaos | National Media Archive?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
