Bart Holzer, cyber expert and founder of Overt Channel, shares his journey from FBI intern to tackling high-profile cybercrime cases. He recounts early days investigating online criminals, cases like Top 10 fugitive Charles Cobb and serial killer Maury Travis, and how the Patriot Act reshaped the landscape for cybersecurity experts.
Bart also breaks down what you should do if you become a victim of cybercrime, why recovery vs. prosecution is a constant trade-off, and why every business and family needs a cybersecurity plan. From multi-factor authentication to password managers and protecting elderly relatives from fraud, Bart offers practical steps anyone can take to stay secure in the digital world.
Notes:
2:40 – Bart’s start in cybersecurity through an FBI internship
3:55 – How early internet crime was tackled
8:05 – Early cases: child exploitation, white-collar crime, and more
14:15 – How the Patriot Act empowered cyber investigators
21:00 – Working alongside tech agents in the field
22:20 – Serial killer Maury Travis case (St. Louis)
23:53 – Charles Cobb, Top 10 fugitive case
26:48 – German child predator caught through internet data
30:20 – Steps to take if you’re a cybercrime victim
31:45 – Negotiating recovery vs. prosecution
42:00 – Bart’s top 3 cybersecurity tips
47:10 – Why Bart uses Keeper as his password manager
48:50 – Family uses for Keeper (even pool codes)
59:25 – Visit overtchannel.com