Your Best Defense against Social Engineering: The Gray-Matter Firewall

DISCARDED: Tales From the Threat Research Trenches

Hello to all our Cyber Pals! Join host Selena Larson and guest hosts, Sarah Sabotka and Tim Kromphardt, both Senior Threat Researchers from Proofpoint, as they dive into the realities of current social engineering schemes —especially during high-risk times like tax season. Cybercriminals exploit fear, urgency, and excitement to manipulate victims, from IRS impersonation scams and fraudulent tax payment requests to deepfake cons and TikTok frauds.

Our hosts dive into real-world examples, including:

• tax-themed phishing attacks
• tech support scams targeting the elderly
• job scams leveraging Taylor Swift’s tour

They explore how AI is reshaping fraud tactics, why scammers still rely on outdated schemes like overseas financial windfalls, and how platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram play a role in modern cybercrime.

Tune in to learn how these scams work, why they succeed, and—most importantly—how you can protect yourself. Check out our show notes for additional resources, and don’t forget to share this episode with friends and colleagues!

For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.

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