Episode
#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
3:53:05
Published: Sun Mar 27 2022
Description
Brett Johnson was a US Most Wanted cybercriminal, called the Original Internet Godfather by US Secret Service for building the the first organized cybercrime community called ShadowCrew, which was the precursor to today's darknet and darknet markets. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Public Goods: https://publicgoods.com/lex and use code LEX to get $15 off - NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour - Blinkist: https://blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium - MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off - Onnit: https://lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off EPISODE LINKS: Brett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/GOllumfun Brett's Website: https://anglerphish.com PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (08:47) - Early years (43:05) - Phishing and social engineering (1:01:09) - SolarWinds cyberattack (1:06:56) - Future social engineering fears (1:09:37) - Early cybercrimes (1:22:10) - Cybercrime entrepreneurship (1:25:39) - ShadowCrew (1:56:42) - Dark web (2:05:29) - ShadowCrew arrested (2:17:28) - Cybercrime (2:22:34) - Love (2:54:39) - Prison (3:22:50) - Life after prison (3:44:39) - Advice for young people (3:46:03) - Hope for the future (3:49:32) - Meaning of life
Chapters
Former cyber criminal Brett Johnson, who previously built the first organized cybercrime community, speaks about his past, time in prison, and work in helping to fight cybercrime today.
00:00 - 02:12 (02:12)
Summary
Former cyber criminal Brett Johnson, who previously built the first organized cybercrime community, speaks about his past, time in prison, and work in helping to fight cybercrime today.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host discusses the significance of using the most fitting tools for the job and working with people you trust, while also introducing ads for Masterclass.com and PublicGoods.com.
02:12 - 09:49 (07:36)
Summary
The host discusses the significance of using the most fitting tools for the job and working with people you trust, while also introducing ads for Masterclass.com and PublicGoods.com.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man shares how his mother involved him in her criminal activities at a young age, including acting as a pimp for their neighbor in exchange for cash.
09:49 - 13:56 (04:07)
Summary
A man shares how his mother involved him in her criminal activities at a young age, including acting as a pimp for their neighbor in exchange for cash.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man describes growing up with a narcissistic mother who would often bring men home in front of his father and once held a knife to his throat.
13:56 - 18:25 (04:29)
Summary
A man describes growing up with a narcissistic mother who would often bring men home in front of his father and once held a knife to his throat.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about how his family used to shoplift with his grandma, and the strategy they used for stealing bread in particular.
18:25 - 21:03 (02:37)
Summary
The speaker talks about how his family used to shoplift with his grandma, and the strategy they used for stealing bread in particular.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing domestic violence in his childhood and in adulthood resulting in a physical altercation with a woman.
21:03 - 26:11 (05:07)
Summary
The speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing domestic violence in his childhood and in adulthood resulting in a physical altercation with a woman.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A former high school student recalls the time when he first competed against a rival school and was recognized as a valuable player.
26:11 - 30:59 (04:48)
Summary
A former high school student recalls the time when he first competed against a rival school and was recognized as a valuable player. He shares how he and his family faced discrimination on his first day of school.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The transcript covers the topic of coal mining, including the weight of bituminous coal and the hiring of a trucking company.
30:59 - 36:59 (06:00)
Summary
The transcript covers the topic of coal mining, including the weight of bituminous coal and the hiring of a trucking company. The conversation also touches on family trauma related to alleged drug trafficking, pimping, and illegal coal mining.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his father's abuse and his sister's coping mechanisms, including drinking and suicide attempts, after experiencing the abuse.
36:59 - 43:28 (06:29)
Summary
The speaker discusses his father's abuse and his sister's coping mechanisms, including drinking and suicide attempts, after experiencing the abuse.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses how trust is established online through a combination of technology, tools, and social engineering, and how social engineering can be used to manipulate people into acting out of emotion rather than reason.
43:28 - 51:45 (08:16)
Summary
The podcast discusses how trust is established online through a combination of technology, tools, and social engineering, and how social engineering can be used to manipulate people into acting out of emotion rather than reason.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the dangers of penny stock schemes, phishing attempts, and other financial scams that people fall for on various platforms, including YouTube and emails.
51:45 - 55:18 (03:33)
Summary
The podcast discusses the dangers of penny stock schemes, phishing attempts, and other financial scams that people fall for on various platforms, including YouTube and emails.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Business email compromise involves an attacker targeting a specific individual in the organization, often a payroll person or CEO, creating a spearfishing email, and then substituting the real email with a Unicode email that looks the same.
55:18 - 1:00:19 (05:00)
Summary
Business email compromise involves an attacker targeting a specific individual in the organization, often a payroll person or CEO, creating a spearfishing email, and then substituting the real email with a Unicode email that looks the same. The attacker will send a message using the appropriate language and relationships, manipulating individuals into transferring funds or sensitive information by masquerading as a trusted source.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
SolarWinds lied to investors for years about their vulnerabilities, leading to the recent massive hack, but the only ones responsible for the crime are the actual criminals who did the attacking.
1:00:19 - 1:04:50 (04:30)
Summary
SolarWinds lied to investors for years about their vulnerabilities, leading to the recent massive hack, but the only ones responsible for the crime are the actual criminals who did the attacking.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of absolute truth is outdated, and we should instead adopt a blockchain-style consensus, where several perspectives are taken into account to form a more reliable truth, according to the speaker.
1:04:50 - 1:11:53 (07:02)
Summary
The concept of absolute truth is outdated, and we should instead adopt a blockchain-style consensus, where several perspectives are taken into account to form a more reliable truth, according to the speaker.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker tells a story of how he worked long hours and faked a car accident to get the money needed to fund his wedding, with the help of his wife and a chiropractor.
1:11:53 - 1:14:52 (02:59)
Summary
The speaker tells a story of how he worked long hours and faked a car accident to get the money needed to fund his wedding, with the help of his wife and a chiropractor.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man shares his experience of getting arrested for committing theft by deception through an eBay scam and feeling embarrassed about it.
1:14:52 - 1:20:40 (05:48)
Summary
A man shares his experience of getting arrested for committing theft by deception through an eBay scam and feeling embarrassed about it.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast speaker shares his experience in developing ways to pirate satellite cards and cable television boxes as a way of bypassing traditional methods.
1:20:40 - 1:27:21 (06:40)
Summary
The podcast speaker shares his experience in developing ways to pirate satellite cards and cable television boxes as a way of bypassing traditional methods. He explains how a Canadian judge's ruling on satellite card piracy helped to shape the market for pirated signals in Canada.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares his experience with attempting to conduct money laundering using a fake ID and the advice he received from a friend to trust people in order to be successful in this business.
1:27:21 - 1:31:16 (03:54)
Summary
The speaker shares his experience with attempting to conduct money laundering using a fake ID and the advice he received from a friend to trust people in order to be successful in this business.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The process of selling stolen credit card details involves gathering data, committing the crime, and cashing it out.
1:31:16 - 1:34:42 (03:26)
Summary
The process of selling stolen credit card details involves gathering data, committing the crime, and cashing it out. This episode discusses how it all works.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker recounts their experience running a fraudulent PayPal and eBay site, which turned into a credit theft site overnight.
1:34:42 - 1:37:34 (02:52)
Summary
The speaker recounts their experience running a fraudulent PayPal and eBay site, which turned into a credit theft site overnight. They express fear of potential law enforcement involvement.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Learn about the different data tracks on your credit card and how criminals steal and sell this information for fraudulent purchases.
1:37:34 - 1:40:22 (02:48)
Summary
Learn about the different data tracks on your credit card and how criminals steal and sell this information for fraudulent purchases.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The traditional method of encrypting credit card numbers required the full track two, but now only a 16 digit algorithm opposite to the card number is needed.
1:40:22 - 1:43:03 (02:40)
Summary
The traditional method of encrypting credit card numbers required the full track two, but now only a 16 digit algorithm opposite to the card number is needed.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The hosts discuss the possibility of filing for social security benefits for a deceased individual and reveal the only way the federal government knows if someone has died prior to 1998.
1:43:03 - 1:47:15 (04:12)
Summary
The hosts discuss the possibility of filing for social security benefits for a deceased individual and reveal the only way the federal government knows if someone has died prior to 1998. They also mention receiving IP addresses from various government agencies during that time period.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The episode talks about money laundering techniques, including using several bank accounts and funneling cash through legal transactions, and Estonia's role in facilitating illicit transactions.
1:47:15 - 1:52:17 (05:01)
Summary
The episode talks about money laundering techniques, including using several bank accounts and funneling cash through legal transactions, and Estonia's role in facilitating illicit transactions.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the power of online communities and mob mentality, using the example of a man who was tied up and tortured in a viral video.
1:52:17 - 1:56:53 (04:35)
Summary
The speaker discusses the power of online communities and mob mentality, using the example of a man who was tied up and tortured in a viral video. He reflects on how he may have acted similarly in the same circumstances.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The dark web and dark net markets originated from the shadow crew, providing a way for people to engage in illegal or secretive activities while protecting their identity.
1:56:53 - 2:01:34 (04:41)
Summary
The dark web and dark net markets originated from the shadow crew, providing a way for people to engage in illegal or secretive activities while protecting their identity. However, using these platforms comes with the risk of dealing with scammers or getting caught by law enforcement.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The amount of cognitive dissonance of those who think they can change the world by running drug sites is immense, and those who are motivated by ideology are a different breed.
2:01:34 - 2:10:28 (08:54)
Summary
The amount of cognitive dissonance of those who think they can change the world by running drug sites is immense, and those who are motivated by ideology are a different breed. Legalizing all drugs is what a professor from Columbia argues for, citing that the negative consequences of drugs are actually caused by other factors in your life.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Thomas and his girlfriend rented an office space with the plan of placing the biggest order Outpost.com had ever received, which they successfully did through full account access and avoiding credit card fraud.
2:10:28 - 2:14:03 (03:34)
Summary
Thomas and his girlfriend rented an office space with the plan of placing the biggest order Outpost.com had ever received, which they successfully did through full account access and avoiding credit card fraud.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Secret Service cataloged illegal transactions worth $7 million and managed to inform Ukrainian cops about Tron's impending arrest, causing him to flee to South America for six years.
2:14:03 - 2:17:45 (03:42)
Summary
The Secret Service cataloged illegal transactions worth $7 million and managed to inform Ukrainian cops about Tron's impending arrest, causing him to flee to South America for six years.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the speaker shares his experience with cyber crime, including his theft of $900 from a victim, and discusses the potential consequences that dishonest behavior can have on both oneself and others.
2:17:45 - 2:23:35 (05:49)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker shares his experience with cyber crime, including his theft of $900 from a victim, and discusses the potential consequences that dishonest behavior can have on both oneself and others.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man notices something different about his partner and seeks the help of a criminal psychologist to figure out what's going on.
2:23:35 - 2:27:30 (03:55)
Summary
A man notices something different about his partner and seeks the help of a criminal psychologist to figure out what's going on.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares an account of their encounter with a prostitute and how they offered her a different kind of help.
2:27:30 - 2:30:57 (03:27)
Summary
The speaker shares an account of their encounter with a prostitute and how they offered her a different kind of help.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker explains how he was left with no option but to run counterfeit cashier checks to sustain himself and his fiancé, who he bought a three-carat ring for, with the fake checks as she didn't want him to go anywhere.
2:30:57 - 2:36:27 (05:30)
Summary
The speaker explains how he was left with no option but to run counterfeit cashier checks to sustain himself and his fiancé, who he bought a three-carat ring for, with the fake checks as she didn't want him to go anywhere.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man talks about his experience of being caught by the Secret Service after various tech-related crimes and how the charges just kept increasing.
2:36:27 - 2:39:46 (03:18)
Summary
A man talks about his experience of being caught by the Secret Service after various tech-related crimes and how the charges just kept increasing.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes their experience as a cyber operative, detailing their daily job and interactions with law enforcement and secret service officers.
2:39:46 - 2:44:26 (04:40)
Summary
The speaker describes their experience as a cyber operative, detailing their daily job and interactions with law enforcement and secret service officers.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The episode features a man sharing his experience of giving his girlfriend a monthly allowance and eventually, her request for him to receive oral sex from someone else.
2:44:26 - 2:49:17 (04:50)
Summary
The episode features a man sharing his experience of giving his girlfriend a monthly allowance and eventually, her request for him to receive oral sex from someone else.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man reflects on his past experiences with giving money to a stripper and trying to improve his behavior.
2:49:17 - 2:55:37 (06:20)
Summary
A man reflects on his past experiences with giving money to a stripper and trying to improve his behavior.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man recounts his experience being interviewed by a psychologist in county jail, where he was asked about drug use and learned about a drug program in federal prison.
2:55:37 - 2:59:22 (03:45)
Summary
A man recounts his experience being interviewed by a psychologist in county jail, where he was asked about drug use and learned about a drug program in federal prison.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker goes on a incoherent rant about a court case, involving manipulation by Mr. Johnson and the Secret Service.
2:59:22 - 3:02:51 (03:28)
Summary
The speaker goes on a incoherent rant about a court case, involving manipulation by Mr. Johnson and the Secret Service.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The online reputation that you have built can impact your job search efforts.
3:02:51 - 3:05:54 (03:03)
Summary
The online reputation that you have built can impact your job search efforts. It is important to make sure that what you share online aligns with the professional image you want to portray to potential employers.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares their experience of being incarcerated for identity theft and how they were tracked down.
3:05:54 - 3:10:21 (04:27)
Summary
The speaker shares their experience of being incarcerated for identity theft and how they were tracked down.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The conversation revolves around the stereotype of computer hackers and how it is often wrong.
3:10:21 - 3:13:55 (03:34)
Summary
The conversation revolves around the stereotype of computer hackers and how it is often wrong. The guest speaker talks about how his appearance does not match the typical hacker stereotype.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A former inmate shares his experience teaching a literature class in prison, where the security level was high and communication was restricted.
3:13:55 - 3:17:54 (03:58)
Summary
A former inmate shares his experience teaching a literature class in prison, where the security level was high and communication was restricted.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares his experience in prison where he witnessed two murders, three prison riots and four suicides.
3:17:54 - 3:21:42 (03:47)
Summary
The speaker shares his experience in prison where he witnessed two murders, three prison riots and four suicides. He described the fear and chaos during the riots and how inmates would migrate down towards the gate in anticipation.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode discusses the connection between wrongful convictions and game theory, as well as the crucial need for criminal justice reform.
3:21:42 - 3:25:41 (03:59)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the connection between wrongful convictions and game theory, as well as the crucial need for criminal justice reform.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Brett shares a funny story about posting a fake online dating profile and how he ended up meeting his future wife through it.
3:25:41 - 3:30:06 (04:24)
Summary
Brett shares a funny story about posting a fake online dating profile and how he ended up meeting his future wife through it.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the story of Chris Johnson, a hacker who gained unauthorized access to the email accounts of several celebrities and he eventually landed up being represented by a guy named David Markarian.
3:30:06 - 3:35:25 (05:19)
Summary
The podcast discusses the story of Chris Johnson, a hacker who gained unauthorized access to the email accounts of several celebrities and he eventually landed up being represented by a guy named David Markarian.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Cyber criminals work together to hit companies and freely share information, while companies often underestimate the importance of networking and trust in cyber crimes.
3:35:25 - 3:40:24 (04:58)
Summary
Cyber criminals work together to hit companies and freely share information, while companies often underestimate the importance of networking and trust in cyber crimes.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The usage of ID verification companies, which sell customer ID information to third-party marketers, raises concerns particularly for government agencies that require citizens to give up their complete identity profile for services.
3:40:24 - 3:44:52 (04:27)
Summary
The usage of ID verification companies, which sell customer ID information to third-party marketers, raises concerns particularly for government agencies that require citizens to give up their complete identity profile for services. This information is then utilized to further profit, raising issues of true consent and privacy concerns.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a mindset of helping people and not hurting them, highlighting the benefits of doing so and the satisfaction it brings.
3:44:52 - 3:49:42 (04:49)
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a mindset of helping people and not hurting them, highlighting the benefits of doing so and the satisfaction it brings.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Brett Johnson introduces his upcoming show which will focus on crime and redemption, but takes a moment to discuss the importance of love in one's life and asks the guest about their perspective on the meaning of life.
3:49:42 - 3:52:30 (02:48)
Summary
Brett Johnson introduces his upcoming show which will focus on crime and redemption, but takes a moment to discuss the importance of love in one's life and asks the guest about their perspective on the meaning of life.
Episode#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Brett Johnson, one of the world's most notorious cybercriminals, talks about his life after crime and how he uses his expertise to help law enforcement and businesses.
3:52:30 - 3:53:30 (01:00)
Summary
Brett Johnson, one of the world's most notorious cybercriminals, talks about his life after crime and how he uses his expertise to help law enforcement and businesses.