Discover how ransomware actors sometimes decrypt files for free, even for rival gangs. Learn about the surprising 'honor among thieves' in the digital underworld and the efforts of white hats to help victims. #Ransomware #Cybersecurity #DataRecovery #WhiteHat #Tech
Even cybercriminals have rivals. One ransomware gang offered free decryption services to undermine a competitor. No honor among thieves in the digital underworld. #Ransomware #Cybercrime #Hacking #TechNews #InfoSec
Ransomware gangs sometimes compete, leading to a rival actor cracking keys and offering free decryption. A surprising twist in the cybercrime underworld. #Ransomware #Cybersecurity #Hacking #Decryptor #Cybercrime
The cryptolocker virus was the attack that turned ransomware from a nuisance into a full-blown criminal industry — and in this episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we break down exactly how that happened. W. Curtis Preston (Mr. Backup) sits down with co-host Prasanna Malaiyandi and cybersecurity expert Dr. Mike Saylor…
The cryptolocker virus changed cybercrime forever — here's how it worked and what it means for your backups today. In this episode of The Backup Wrap-up, I sit down with my co-host Prasanna Malaiyandi and Dr. Mike Saylor to break down the full evolution of ransomware, starting from the days…
Ransomware attackers are now going after the clients and students of breached companies. They threaten to release data unless the individual pressures the company to pay. #Ransomware #CyberSecurity #DataBreach #Privacy
Nation-state cyber activity focuses on intelligence gathering. Taking action compromises that intelligence, cutting off future collection. Understand the balance between intel and action. #CyberSecurity #NationState #Intelligence #CyberCrime
Ransomware isn't just one thing. It's a business model for some, a tool for others. Criminals use it. Nation states use it as a distraction. Recovery is a choice. #Ransomware #Cybersecurity #CriminalEnterprise #NationState #DataRecovery
A sneaky social engineer prints fake tech support postcards, plants them on desks, then calls users to reset passwords. Classic reverse phishing. #SocialEngineering #PhishingScam #TechSupport #Cybersecurity
Scary truth: bad actors analyze how companies & employees use tech to design attacks. From centralized servers to laptops & phones, they target vulnerabilities in end-user behavior for higher success. #CyberSecurity #DataBreach #InfoSec #Privacy
Why do cybercriminals love Bitcoin? Anonymity. In the early days, law enforcement didn't understand crypto, making it easy for bad actors to get paid and spend with relative impunity. Ransomware Recovery Is a Choice! #Bitcoin #Cybercrime #Ransomware #Crypto #Hacking
CryptoLocker paved the way for ransomware attacks. Bad actors tweak and redeploy existing frameworks, bypassing antivirus for weeks. A simple change avoids detection, building a massive criminal industry. #CryptoLocker #Ransomware #Cybersecurity #Malware #DataSecurity
Ransomware attacks now include data exfiltration. Is a good backup system pointless if you still pay ransom due to double extortion? The impact can lead to legal battles and regulatory issues. #Ransomware #DataSecurity #Cybersecurity #DataBackup #DataRecovery
Ransomware as a service is like a franchise—anyone can buy in. You don't have to be technical, but you take on all the risk. It's all on you once it's set up. 🤔 #Ransomware #CyberSecurity #DataProtection #Cybercrime
Rogue admins or planted insiders—are they real threats or just boogeymen? One Elon Musk company faced an employee propositioned to deploy malware for a ransom cut. It's more common than you think. #InsiderThreats #CyberSecurity #Ransomware #DataBreach
China turned gangs into hackers, funding attacks inside our borders. Plus, North Korea's inside game: planting agents with direct access. Traditional defenses are failing. What's the new strategy? #Cybersecurity #ChinaHacks #NorthKorea #CyberWarfare
How organized crime uses cybercrime for profit and espionage. Nation-state governments are also getting involved, creating complex global security risks. Is your business prepared? #Cybersecurity #CyberCrime #OrganizedCrime #NationState #InsiderThreat
China turned gangs into hackers, funding attacks inside our borders. Plus, North Korea's inside game: planting agents with direct access. Traditional defenses are failing. What's the new strategy? #Cybersecurity #ChinaHacks #NorthKorea #CyberWarfare
Rogue admins or planted insiders—are they real threats or just boogeymen? One Elon Musk company faced an employee propositioned to deploy malware for a ransom cut. It's more common than you think. #InsiderThreats #CyberSecurity #Ransomware #DataBreach
Ransomware as a service is like a franchise—anyone can buy in. You don't have to be technical, but you take on all the risk. It's all on you once it's set up. 🤔 #Ransomware #CyberSecurity #DataProtection #Cybercrime
Ransomware isn't just about encrypted files anymore. Now, attackers are after your personal photos. Will you pay to keep them private? Don't let AI-manipulated images ruin your life. #Ransomware #CyberSecurity #DataPrivacy #AIManipulation
A Department of Defense contractor is about to get hit with ransomware. But the ransomware is just a distraction for a bigger attack. Recovery Is a Choice. #Ransomware #CyberAttack #DataBreach #CyberSecurity
Targeting facilities? Open-source intel reveals employees with financial woes or personal crises. A cash offer can be surprisingly effective in gaining insider help. It highlights the need for constant vigilance. #InsiderThreats #SocialEngineering #CyberSecurity #DataBreach
A history of ransomware is more than just dates and names—it's the story of how criminals evolved from mailing infected floppy disks in 1989 to running billion-dollar enterprises that cripple entire organizations. On this episode of The Backup Wrap-up, I sit down with Dr. Mike Saylor, my co-author on "Learning…