We’re already in World War III—just not the kind you’re thinking of. Cyber warfare is here, and the battlefield is your inbox, your bank account, and your digital identity. So why are we still acting like it’s peacetime?

Dr. Eric Cole, cybersecurity pioneer and former CIA hacker, joins the show to drop hard truths about the state of cyber warfare, AI’s role in our digital future, and why most people are sleepwalking through a war they don’t even realize they’re in. From the rise of deepfakes to North Korea’s billion-dollar hacking economy, this episode is one you can’t afford to ignore.

Impactful Moments:

00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - Dr. Eric Cole’s journey from the CIA to cybersecurity leadership

07:20 - The fundamentals of hacking and why they still matter

11:00 - AI is only as smart as the data we give it

17:00 - The rise of deepfakes and digital deception

19:45 - Cyber warfare: How North Korea funds its economy through hacking

23:50 - The problem with America’s peacetime mentality

30:00 - Should we be worried about AI replacing humans?

36:10 - The key to success: mastering people skills, not just tech skills

40:30 - Final thoughts and where to follow Dr. Eric Cole

Connect with Dr. Eric Cole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericcole1/

Check out Dr. Eric Cole’s books – 

Cyber Crisis: Protecting Your Business from Real Threats in the Virtual World: https://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Crisis-Protecting-Business-Threats/dp/B093X3YNPT

Online Danger: How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from the Evil Side of the Internet:

https://www.amazon.com/Online-Danger-Protect-Yourself-Internet-ebook/dp/B078WK39TT

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