Iranian Hackers Claim Cyberattack on U.S. Company | John Grisham on His First Ever Spy Novel - CBS Mornings on the Go Recap

Podcast: CBS Mornings on the Go

Published: 2026-03-12

Duration: 26 min

Guests: Chris Krebs, Dr. Becky Kennedy, Dr. Cheryl Ziegler, John Grisham, Quintavious 'Q' Burnett

Summary

Iranian hackers claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on U.S.-based medical device company Stryker, marking a significant escalation in cyber warfare. Bestselling author John Grisham unveils his first spy novel, 'The French Illusion,' blending legal and espionage elements set in Paris.

What Happened

Hackers tied to Iran launched a cyberattack on Stryker, a U.S.-based medical device company, wiping devices like phones and laptops and disrupting global Microsoft networks. Cybersecurity expert Chris Krebs emphasized that this attack signals the opening of a cyber front in the ongoing conflict with Iran, with hacktivist groups potentially acting as proxies for the Iranian regime. Krebs also highlighted vulnerabilities in the U.S. cybersecurity posture, exacerbated by the partial government shutdown and staff furloughs at the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency.

Parenting experts Dr. Becky Kennedy and Dr. Cheryl Ziegler addressed the growing concern of reduced independence among teens and tweens. They attributed this trend to overinvolvement by parents, advocating for a balance between guidance and allowing kids to fail and learn resilience. Their advice emphasized the importance of fostering independence early, such as letting children take on basic responsibilities like meal preparation.

Bestselling author John Grisham revealed details about his first spy novel, 'The French Illusion,' set to release on September 29th. The book revolves around a honeymooning American couple in Paris, where the husband is mysteriously kidnapped. Grisham, drawing inspiration from his frequent travels to Paris, described the novel as a fast-paced mix of international suspense and legal drama.

Grisham also expressed concern about declining reading habits among children, noting the rise of distractions like video games and screens. He shared his personal efforts to instill a love of reading in his grandchildren, emphasizing the role of parents in building reading habits from an early age.

The episode also featured Quintavious “Q” Burnett, the latest castaway to be voted off Survivor 50. Q reflected on the strategic missteps and tribe dynamics that led to his elimination. Despite his early exit, he expressed admiration for the show’s format and predicted that Tiffany from his season would emerge victorious this time around.

Lastly, the show teased upcoming coverage of the next episode of Survivor 50 and reminded listeners about the release of John Grisham’s novel, encouraging preorders through a QR code.

Key Insights

• Hackers linked to Iran targeted Stryker, a U.S. medical device company, in a cyberattack that wiped devices and disrupted Microsoft networks globally. With U.S. cybersecurity already weakened by government shutdown furloughs, experts warn these attacks could escalate as hacktivist groups act as Iran's proxies in global conflicts.
• Teens and tweens are losing independence because parents step in too often, especially when failure could teach resilience. Parenting experts recommend small steps, like letting kids cook meals, to build responsibility and confidence early.
• John Grisham’s first spy novel, 'The French Illusion,' involves a honeymooning American man kidnapped in Paris, blending legal drama with international intrigue. The story draws heavily from Grisham’s own travels to Paris, giving it a vivid sense of place.
• John Grisham sees video games and screens as major threats to kids’ reading habits. To counter this, he reads to his grandchildren regularly, showing how parental involvement can spark a lifelong love of books.

Key Questions Answered

What did Chris Krebs say about the Iranian cyberattack on Stryker on CBS Mornings?

Chris Krebs described the attack as a significant escalation in the cyber front of the conflict with Iran, likely involving hacktivist groups acting as Iranian proxies. He called for U.S. companies to rehearse their cybersecurity measures given vulnerabilities in the system.

What is John Grisham's new spy novel about?

John Grisham's upcoming novel, 'The French Illusion,' follows a young American couple honeymooning in Paris when the husband is kidnapped. The story blends espionage and legal drama, with Paris as a key setting.

What parenting advice did Dr. Becky Kennedy share on CBS Mornings?

Dr. Becky Kennedy emphasized the importance of fostering independence in children by allowing them to take on responsibilities and experience failure. She advised parents to prepare their kids for life's challenges rather than shielding them from adversity.