Psychology of Cybercrime Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Mark T. Hofmann

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Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Cybersecurity can be exciting! Dr. Mark T. Hofmann is a well known Profiling-Expert (CNN, Forbes, 60 Minutes Australia) and takes you on a journey into the mind of hackers. He completed his doctoral degree researching hackers on the darknet. What motivates hackers? What are their latest Social Engineering techniques? How can we protect ourselves? More than 90% of Cyberattacks are caused by human error. Humans are the weakest link in Cybersecurity, – but something can be done about it. Monthly interviews with leading experts on the Psychology of Cybercrime.

Listen to episodes

7 recent

October 28, 2026Episode 626 min

How AI changes Social Engineering | With Staford Titus S. (Charlemagne Labs)

How AI Changes Social Engineering with Staford Titus S. | Charlemagne Labs Link: https://charlemagnelabs.ai/ "The attacker doesn't need to fool you yet." In this episode, Dr. Mark T. Hofmann talks with Staford Titus S., co-founder of the New York-based startup Charlemagne Labs, about how AI agents are changing social engineering and phishing. Classic phishing needs one convincing moment and often urgency: the email you click, the call you trust. AI agents work differently. They are patient. They can build a relationship over weeks, gather context and earn trust long before they ask for anything. The attack begins long before you notice it. What does that mean for security awareness, for companies, and for anyone with an inbox? In this episode: - Why AI agents make patience a weapon - How phishing could shift from one-time deception to slow trust-building - What changes for social engineering defense - The psychology behind trust and manipulation Psychology of Cybercrime is hosted by Dr. Mark T. Hofmann, crime and intelligence analyst and cyber profiler, known as "Dr. Darknet". Keynotes and booking: https://www.mark-thorben-hofmann.de/en/artificial-intelligence/ TEDx Talk: The Dark Side of AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWGZ12ohMJU

October 13, 2026Episode 541 min

Dr. Darknet: What motivates hackers? | Dr. Mark T. Hofmann about his research

Dr. Mark T. Hofmann is a Crime Analyst and subject matter expert in cyber profiling and the Darknet. He has spent more than five years researching the psychology of hackers and the minds behind cybercrime. Combining his unique expertise with extensive public speaking experience, he is considered one of the best Cybersecurity and AI Keynote Speakers , exploring the "dark side" of new Technology. In this episode, Dr. Mark T. Hofmann, aka Dr. Darknet, talks about: his own Dark Web research and insights Hacker profiles and the psychology behind hacking The Dark Triad: psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism among Black Hat Hackers The psychology of cybercrime Cybercrime prevention Cyber profiling The FBI's Most Wanted hackers

May 23, 2024Episode 453 min

FBI Cyber-Profiling with former FBI-Profiler Tim Pappa

FBI Cyber Profiling with Tim Pappa Tim Pappa is a former FBI Profiler and has served for more than 16 years. He was part of the FBIs Behavioral Analysis Unit 2, focused on Cyber offenders. In this episode you will learn why some hackers may be more vulnerable than you might think and we also talked about "aspirational motives" or what your Instagram Profile tells me about your personality. Great journey into the wold of Cyber Profiling with a former FBI Profiler (Tim Pappa). Content of this episode: Chapter 1: Focus on Behavior Chapter 2: Connecting the dots Chapter 3: Cyber Profiling Chapter 4: What your Facebook Profile reveals about your personality Chapter 5: Profiling Hackers Chapter 6: Ransomware Negotiations Chapter 7: Cybersecurity Awareness Chapter 8: Complete the Sentence... Chapter 9: Marks Summary Website & Speaking inquiries Dr. Mark T. Hofmann (host): https://www.mark-thorben-hofmann.de/en/cybercrime/ #cybersecurity #hacker #psychology #fbi #profiling

February 25, 2024Episode 335 min

Crime Prevention - How do kids become cybercriminals? | With Alan Merrett, National Crime Agency

Crime Prevention - How do kids become cybercriminals? Most hacker start learning their skills at a very young age (10-15 years old). But who are they? What are the motives? Where do they learn their skills? Whats the role of YouTube, Gaming and the parents? Are there some red flags for teachers and parents? What can we do to prevent kids from becoming cybercriminals? Guests: Alan Merrett from UKs National Crime Agency (NCA) and Mike Jones (Ex-Anonymous Hacker). Cyber-Profiler Dr. Mark T. Hofmann talks in this episode to Alan Merrett from the National Crime Agency (UK) about their Cyber Prevent Program and asks Hacker Mike Jones how it started, when he was a kid. Chapter 1 - Invisible Talents Chapter 2 - Who are these kids? Chapter 3 - Motives Chapter 4 - Where do they learn their skills? Chapter 5 - Red flags for teachers and parents Chapter 6- Crime prevention National Crime Agency, Cyber Choices Program: https://nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/cyber-choices Mark T. Hofmann Booking & Contact: https://www.mark-thorben-hofmann.de/en/cybercrime/ Mike Jones Booking & Contact: https://thehauntedhacker.com/

January 15, 2024Episode 243 min

Inside The Mind of a Hacker

Follow to make sure you don't miss the next episodes. Inside the mind of a hacker (Ex-Anonymous) Mike Jones is known is the haunted hacker. He was one of the early founding members of Anonymous , the (in)famous hacktivist group. Mike was also a member of an APT group , before the FBI got him . He made a deal and became a confidential FBI-informant . So Mike has been on the good side, the bad side and somewhere in between. Is he a black hat? A white hat? A grey hat ? You are about to find out. He gives rare insights into his mind, hacktivism, APT groups and his time on the dark side . Website & Speaking Inquiries Mike Jones: www.thehauntedhacker.com Website & Speaking inquiries Dr. Mark T. Hofmann (host): https://www.mark-thorben-hofmann.de/en/cybercrime/ #cybersecurity #hacker #psychology

January 14, 2024Episode 133 min

Introduction to the Psychology of Cybercrime

What motivates hackers ? What are their latest Social Engineering techniques? How can we become a " human firewall '"? More than 90% of Cyberattacks are caused by human error. Humans are Cybersecurities weakest link, – but something can be done about it. Dr. Mark T. Hofmann is a Crime- & Intelligence Analyst and well-known expert and Cybersecurity Keynote Speaker . Hofmann has met and anonymously interviewed hackers. Get a rare glimpse into the mind of hackers and an inspiring introduction to the Psychology of Cybercrime. Contact & Booking: https://www.mark-thorben-hofmann.de/en/cybercrime/

January 13, 20241 min

Trailer

Welcome to the Psychology of Cybercrime Podcast! Cybercrime is not just a technical problem, it's a psychological problem. I am Dr. Mark T. Hofmann, a Crime Analyst and Keynote Speaker and I have a unique approach. I go the the darknet and try to learn from hackers first hand: Who are they? What are their motives? Where do hackers learn their skills? How do hackers use AI and Deepfakes? How can we protect ourselves? I will talk to some of the leading experts and hackers. Are you ready for a journey into the mind of hackers? Let's get started, but don't say I didn't warn you. You may get heavily inspired!