Secret History of the Future

Human Insecurity

The French telegraph system was hacked in 1834. What does the incident teach us about modern-day network security?

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The French telegraph system was hacked in 1834 by a pair of thieves who stole financial market information—effectively conducting the world’s first cyberattack. What does the incident teach us about network vulnerabilities, human weakness, and modern-day security? Guests include: Bruce Schneier, security expert.*

Email: secrethistory@slate.com

Podcast production by Bart Warshaw and Kate Holland.

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*Correction, Oct. 3, 2018: Due to an editing error, this page originally misidentified Bruce Schneier as a famed hacker.