AI bots are having existential crises, inventing religions, and allegedly plotting against humanity... or so the internet would have you believe.

We dig into Moltbook, the “AI-only” social network that sent Twitter into a meltdown, attracted breathless talk of the singularity, and turned out to be far less Terminator and far more humans role-playing as bots.

Plus we discuss why "vibe coding" your app might be a catastrophically bad idea, when security researchers can easily peek inside rifle through your private messages, API keys, and databases.

Also this week we learn that pro-Russian hackers are circling the Winter Olympics - or is it the Jamaican Bobsleigh team?

All this and more is discussed in episode 454 of the "Smashing Security" podcast with cybersecurity veteran Graham Cluley, and special guest Iain Thomson.

EPISODE LINKS:

• AI Agents Created Their Own Religion, Crustafarianism, On An Agent-Only Social Network - Forbes.
• I Infiltrated Moltbook, the AI-Only Social Network Where Humans Aren’t Allowed - Wired.
• 'Moltbook' social media site for AI agents had big security hole, cyber firm Wiz says - Reuters.
• Italy blames Russia-linked hackers for cyberattacks ahead of Winter Olympics - The Record.
• Italy says railways hit by 'serious sabotage' as Winter Olympics begin - BBC News.
• EpsteIN - GitHub.
• Private Eye.
• Smashing Security merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, stickers and stuff)

SPONSORS:

• Meter - Network infrastructure for the enterprise. Get a free personalised demo.
• Vanta - Expand the scope of your security program with market-leading compliance automation… while saving time and money. Smashing Security listeners get $1000 off!
• Passwork - a reliable secrets manager and password management solution.

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Tell your friends and colleagues about “Smashing Security”, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

Become a supporter! Join Smashing Security PLUS via Patreon or Apple Podcasts for ad-free episodes on our early-release feed!

FOLLOW THE SHOW:

Follow us on Bluesky or Mastodon, or on the Smashing Security subreddit, and visit our website for more episodes.

THANKS:

Theme tune: "Vinyl Memories" by Mikael Manvelyan.

Assorted sound effects: AudioBlocks.

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy