Ep 7. Gone Phishing

In SciJinks season 1 episode 7, titled "Gone Phishing," the show's hosts, Jon and Tamara, are up to their usual tricks, pulling pranks on unsuspecting victims with the help of science and technology. This time, they take on the world of cybercrime as they try to catch a "phisher" in the act.

The hosts begin the episode by introducing the concept of phishing, which involves luring people into giving up their personal information through fake emails, websites, or other online scams. They explain that these attacks can be difficult to detect and can cause serious harm to victims, such as identity theft or financial loss.

To demonstrate the danger of phishing, the hosts set up a fake website and email address to try and trick their own crew members into giving up their login information. Although the team is wise to the prank, it shows just how easy it can be to fall for a phishing scam if you're not paying attention.

Next, the hosts meet with cybersecurity expert Chris Hadnagy, who shows them how he catches phishers in the act. Using a technique called "vishing," which involves calling a scammer and posing as their bank or another entity, Hadnagy is able to gather information about their operation and even talk them into giving up their own personal information.

Taking inspiration from Hadnagy's techniques, Jon and Tamara decide to try their own form of "phisher fishing." They create a fake bank website and email, and then send out phishing emails to random people, hoping to lure in a scammer. To their surprise, they receive a response almost immediately, and soon find themselves on the phone with a real-life phisher.

The episode takes a suspenseful turn as Jon and Tamara try to keep the phisher on the line while they gather information about his operation. They employ some clever tricks, such as posing as a hotel reservation desk and convincing the scammer to give them his credit card information, but also have to be careful not to reveal their own secrets and tactics.

In the end, the hosts are able to gather enough information to report the scammer to the authorities, and he is arrested for his crimes. The episode ends with a reminder that while there are many dangers lurking online, there are also ways to protect yourself and fight back against cybercrime.

Overall, "Gone Phishing" is a thrilling and educational episode of SciJinks, showcasing the power of science and technology when it comes to catching cybercriminals. With its mix of humor, suspense, and real-world consequences, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of cybersecurity.