Ever wondered what it’s like to infiltrate a ransomware gang? Well, you’re about to find out. We’re joined by Jon DiMaggio, Chief Security Strategist of Analyst1 and author of the Art of Cyberwarfare, who takes us on a thrilling journey into the perilous world of ransomware. This episode is a fusion of intriguing narratives from Jon’s gripping investigative series, the Ransomware Diaries, and deep insights into the rising menace of ransomware attacks, brought to life by the recent MGM and Caesars attack.
Our conversation spirals into the darker corners of the cyber world, where young minds are being molded into cybercriminals. Jon walks us through the chilling reality of how online forums have become the breeding ground for these young cybercriminals, mentoring them into the world of ransomware. He shares firsthand accounts from his Ransom Mafia project, exposing the distinct playbooks of various ransomware groups, shedding light on their strategies, and offering a deep understanding of their operations.
As we dive deeper, we underline the importance of robust cybersecurity practices, from efficient password management to timely patching. We brainstorm on the critical role of artificial intelligence in enhancing security mechanisms and its potential contribution to fighting ransomware. As we wrap up this whirlwind tour of the cyber underworld, we touch upon tech support scams, the desperate need for better regulations, and how training and preparedness can help organizations armor up against potential threats.
This is an episode you don’t want to miss!
About our special guest:
Jon DiMaggio (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondimaggio/)
The Chief Security Strategist at Analyst1
The Author of The Art of Cyberwarfare, get it from No Starch Press (https://nostarch.com/art-cyberwarfare)
Ransomware Diaries –
https://analyst1.com/ransomware-diaries-volume-2/
https://analyst1.com/ransomware-diaries-volume-3-lockbits-secrets/
Jon has over 15 years of experience hunting, researching, and writing about advanced cyber threats. As a specialist in enterprise ransomware attacks and nation-state intrusions, including the world’s first ransomware cartel and the infamous Black Vine cyberespionage group, he has exposed the criminal organizations behind major ransomware attacks, aided law enforcement agencies in federal indictments of nation-state attacks, and discussed his work with The New York Times, Bloomberg, Fox, CNN, Royters, and Wired.
MGM Hack
- Looks Like MGM Resorts Just Get Hacked (msn.com)
- MGM Resorts: Slot machines go down in cyber-attack on firm – BBC News
- MGM Resorts shuts down IT systems after cyberattack (bleepingcomputer.com)
- Casino hackers demanded ransoms from MGM and Caesar’s (qz.com)
https://www.darkreading.com/application-security/okta-flaw-involved-mgm-resorts-breach-attackers-claim