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The Growing Ransomware Threat: Targets, Insights, and Strategies with Halcyon's Jon Miller | E1877

E1877 • Jan 9, 2024 • 56 mins

Jon Miller, CEO and Founder of halcyon joins Jason to discuss how ransomware attackers get away with it and stay anonymous (6:12), hacker markets, bounties, tools, and AI's role (16:20), proactive measures for startups to safeguard themselves (34:42), and more!

Key Points

A recent hacking attempt on the Tampa water district aimed to poison the water, illustrating the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks.
Ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated, with affiliate programs allowing individuals to partake in cybercrime using tools developed by larger groups often tied to intelligence agencies.
The increasing sophistication of AI and machine learning models poses a dual-edged sword, enhancing both legitimate business efficiency and the capabilities of hackers, especially in widespread ransomware attacks.

LINKS: Global Ransomware Damages https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/ransomware-exceed-30bn-dollars-2023/ https://therecord.media/dhs-ransomware-headed-for-second-profits

How Bitcoin Fuels Ransomware Attacks https://www.npr.org/2021/06/10/1004874311/how-bitcoin-has-fueled-ransomware-attacks

Massive MGM and Caesars Ransomware Attacks https://www.wired.com/story/mgm-ceasars-hack-ransomware/ https://www.msspalert.com/news/mgm-expects-100-million-hit-from-cyber-attack-stolen-personal-data

Password Cracking Techniques Used in Cyber Attacks https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/information-protection/password-cracking-techniques-used-in-cyber-attacks

Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack https://www.vox.com/recode/22428774/ransomeware-pipeline-colonial-darkside-gas-prices https://therecord.media/colonial-pipeline-attributes-ransomware-claims-to-unrelated-third-party-breach

Former Uber CISO and Cyber Attack https://www.cm-alliance.com/cybersecurity-blog/former-uber-ciso-convicted-what-how-why

Speakers

Jon Miller

Guest • 59%

Jason Calacanis

Host • 39%

Nick Calacanis

Host • 2%

Partners

Chapters

0:00	Jon from Halcyon joins host Jason.
2:52	Delving into the renaissance of ransomware.
6:12	How ransomware attackers get away with it and stay anonymous.
8:27	Strategies for counteraction and policy implications.
10:10	Scalable Path - Get 20% off your first month at http://www.scalablepath.com/twist
11:31	2023 ransomware attacks on MGM and Caesar's in Las Vegas.
13:52	Halcyon's endpoint agent: a solution to thwart threats.
16:20	Exploring hacker markets, bounties, tools, and AI's role.
19:57	Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
21:55	The effectiveness of multi-factor authentication and strong passwords.
22:49	Comparing financial vs. espionage attacks and the Colonial Pipeline event.
29:26	The escalating danger for companies and the Uber cyber attack.
31:27	Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at http://www.vanta.com/twist
32:35	AI and quantum computing: new frontiers for hackers.
34:42	Proactive measures for startups to safeguard themselves.
37:08	Growing hacker sophistication in places like China, North Korea and Iran.
41:00	How the USA ranks in the world with cybersecurity and computer hacking.
43:41	Illusion of privacy, and a look at the information available on TikTok.
48:01	The biggest threat that keeps Jon up at night.
50:36	American Power Grid Vulnerabilities and ways to be prepared.

Transcript

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