Speaker 1: Charlie arrived early at the Daily Beacon, determined to dive
deeper into the leads from the previous day. She settled
at her desk, reviewing the encrypted emails Lisa had uncovered
as she sipped her coffee. Jake arrived, his expression resolute
morning Charlie, Jake greeted, setting up his laptop. I've been
thinking about those emails all night, morning, Jake. Charlie replied,
Let's see if we can get it off your mind
and decrypt some more of those messages. Lisa the Intern
approached Jake and Charlie with the fresh lead. Charlie, Jake,
I found something interesting while I was going through the
encrypted emails. I noticed a pattern. Some of the files
referenced of specific security protocol used by multiple companies. Jake
looked up, intrigued. What kind of protocol, Lisa pointed to
her screen. It's a shared encrypted method developed by a
tech firm called cyber Shield. It's supposed to be top notch.
But if the phantoms have cracked it, then they could
have access to every company using it. Charlie's eyes widened. Shield.
That's a big name in cybersecurity. If the phantoms have
found a way in this could be massive. Lisa nodded.
Cyber Shield is presenting at the tech conference next week.
If they're aware of this breach, they might have more
information about the phantoms methods. Jake's expression grew serious. We
need to reach out to cyber Shield, but in a
way that the phantoms won't know. Just then, Jake's computer chimed,
they bought to crypt in another email. It's a payment confirmation.
Looks like one of the tech companies caved in to
the phantom's demands. Charlie's eyes narrowed. We need to speak
to someone from that company. If they paid once, they
might know more about what the phantoms want. Charlie and
Jake visited a sleek high rise office building downtown. They
were greeted by a composed business like mister Thompson. Thank
you for meeting us, Charlie began, we understand your company
has been targeted by hackers recently. Mister Thompson shook his head,
maintaining a calm demeanor. Experienced to stay the security breach.
Our IT team is handling it. Charlie nodded, keeping her
tone inquisitive. Has your company noticed any unusual activity or
demands from the hackers. Mister Thompson's expression remained unchanged, just
the usual random threats, nothing more. Jake leaned in slightly.
These breaches seem to be part of a larger pattern
affecting other tech firms as well. Have you shared any
information about the breach with the other companies? Thompson shook
his head. No, we keep everything internal. Charlie tilted her head,
studying Thompson. We've noticed a pattern with the breaches involving
a specific encryption protocol. Were there any signs that the
hackers had access to sensitive company information before the breach?
Thompson hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. No,
nothing like that. Our security team assured us. It was
just a typical breach. Jake pressed on, sensing the deflection.
Are you aware of any other former employee who might
have had knowledge or access to facilitate such a breach?
Thompson's eyes flickered briefly with something akin to panic, before
he quickly composed himself. No, nothing, Num, I'm not aware
of any Our employees are thoroughly vetted. Charlie exchanged a
glance of Jake, both of them sensing that Thompson was
holding back. They thank mister Thompson and headed towards the elevator.
As the doors were closing, a young employee, nervously fidgeting,
approached them. Wait. The employee whispered urgently, I found something.
Meet me in the parking garage. In ten minutes. Charlie
and Jake waited in the parking garage. The young employee
approached them, glancing around nervously. I'm uh, you can call
me Sam, he introduced himself. I work with IT Security.
I found these while running diagnostics. He handed them a
flash drive. I think it's connected to what you're looking for.
Charlie accepted the drive. Thank you, Sam, you've done the
right thing. Sam nodded, looking relieved. Just be careful. I
think they're watching everything. Back in the Beacon's newsroom, Charlie, Jake,
and Lisa gathered around a conference table, sorting through the
files that Sam had provided. If they have the break
we're looking for, it's going to be hard to find,
Charlie said. Lisa pointed to a name that appeared frequently
in the emails on this person. Kevin Grant shows up
a lot in the communications. He's a former employee of
cyber Shield, connections to several tech firms. Jake nodded. I
looked into the IP addresses used by the phantoms VPN.
Grant's name and IP address keep coming up. We need
to track him down. He might have the key to
understanding their next move. Feeling the weight of their investigation,
Charlie decided to seek Rick's advice. She stepped into Rick's office,
closing the door behind her. Rick looked up from his desk,
his stern expression softening slightly. I have seen Charlie, Rick said,
gesturing to the chair across from them. How's the investigation going,
Charlie sighed as she sat down. It's tough, Rick, We're
uncovering more leads, but it feels like we're a confusing
path to the truth. I'm not even sure when we
should involve the police. Rick lean back in his chair,
considering her words. You're doing good work, Charlie. These kinds
of stories are always the hardest. But remember it's not
just about the facts, it's about the story behind the facts.
When to involve the police is a crucial decision. I know.
It's just frustrating when the path to the truth is
so unclear, But if we bring in the police now,
we might lose the trust of our sources and the
anonymity that's been keeping us safe. Rick smiled slightly. Exactly.
Sometimes the police can act too quickly, which can spook
your sources or even tip off the people you're investigating.
Keeping it within the newsroom gives you time and control,
but it's a balance you have to weigh the risk.
Charlie took a deep breath, feeling a bit more encouraged. Thanks, Rick,
We're following a lead on a former employee named Kevin Grat.
We think he might be able to help us understand
the Phantoms better. Rick's expression grew serious. Be careful with him.
People involved with groups like the Phantoms can be unpredictable,
but if you can get him to talk, it could
be a breakthrough. Charlie stood up to termination in her eyes.
We'll get him to talk. Thanks for the advice, Rick,
Rick nodded, any time, Charlie, stay safe out there. Charlie
returned to the newsroom with urgency in her steps. We
need to warn cyber Shield about the conference, Charlie said.
Jake nodded, and we need to stay one step ahead
of the phantoms. Let's make sure our security is tight
and keep digging for more information. Lisa's eyes were determined,
we'll get them. Charlie, We're not going to let the
fantoms win. Charley's expression was resolute, No, we won't. Let's
get to work.