Boston Security August 2025 Meetup

Important Notice

All meetup venues we currently use require us to provide a list of names (First & Last) to their door security so they can check people in at the time of the event. We are also required to bring "a picture ID" that matches the name we provide at the time of registration. Please be mindful of this requirement and provide the necessary information to ensure a smooth check in process at the door. Thank you for your cooperation - the management! RSVP closes July 15th, 2025 4 PM, RSVP soon to reserve a spot! There will be no entry without a confirmed RSVP.

ONLY HUMANS ALLOWED AT THIS EVENT

TWO TALKS!

What: We continue to our two talk format. We also will have a cool sticker swap and show & tell slot.

>>> Bring your favorite stickers and tell us where you got it. Bring extras and swap it with fellow security enthusiasts at the sticker swap table! <<<

Talk #1 - Playing Hide and Seek with Obfuscated Power Shell Commands

Description
Attackers frequently leverage Power Shell to compromise user devices. They try to evade Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems on these devices by hiding their activities under a thick layer of confusing mess. This talk takes examples from real instances I've come across in my work and explores how adversaries obfuscate Power Shell commands to evade detection.
We'll analyze techniques like string manipulation, encoding, and command splitting, demonstrating how they transform recognizable code into seemingly benign text.

Speaker Bio - Animish Phatak
I have worked with securing IT infrastructure, data, and assets in industries like manufacturing, banking and corporate world.

Talk#2 - Money Mules , Phantom Hackers

Description - Tech support scams, though commonplace for decades, have evolved considerably in recent years, he said, with each new iteration more aggressive and effective than the last. One of the most troubling recent innovations has been the growing use of in-person couriers to collect victims’ cash quickly while leaving little digital footprint. Tech support scammers have also learned to specifically target older adults, who often lack confidence or familiarity with technology. In this talk Mike will talk about how this is happening and what is its impact

Speaker Bio - Michael McCall has over thirty years of experience as a forensic accountant and investigator. He is a trusted corporate security consultant with experience in high-risk, complex government and private sector environments. Michael spent over 28 years with the U.S. Government, serving as a Special Agent with the FBI, working on financial crimes, money laundering, health care fraud, organized crime, and terrorism investigations. During his time with the FBI, Michael served as a Senior Team Leader on the Evidence Response Team. He also spent 5 years as a Special Agent for IRS-CID investigating tax fraud and money laundering; a specialist in “following the money”.
Michael also has experience working at Raytheon Company as well as Kroll Associates and Forensic Risk Alliance where he conducted internal investigations, establishing insider threat programs, and conducting training on Effective Interviewing Techniques, a Certified Instructor on Interviewing. Throughout his career, Michael has gained experience in security, crisis management, white collar crime, and financial compliance, including monitorships. His experience with the FBI and IRS allows him to act as a law enforcement liaison.

When: August 21, 2025, Doors Open 6:30 PM, Talks start 7 PM
Where: Partners Health,
399 Revolution Dr,
Somerville MA 02145