Unspoken Security

What if Paying Ransom Was Illegal?

January 22, 2024 AJ Nash and Brian Stack Season 1 Episode 6
What if Paying Ransom Was Illegal?
Unspoken Security
More Info
Unspoken Security
What if Paying Ransom Was Illegal?
Jan 22, 2024 Season 1 Episode 6
AJ Nash and Brian Stack

In this episode of Unspoken Security AJ Nash is joined by Brian Stack, the Vice President of Engineering and Dark Web Intelligence for Experian, a globally recognized leader in data analytics and consumer credit reporting.

Brian and AJ take on the topic of ransomware, including talking about some criminal groups associated with this activity and the evolution from simple ransomware attacks up to complex double-, triple-, and quadruple-extortion tactics being used by some of the most industrious criminal groups that are always looking for new ways to pressure companies into paying these ever-growing ransoms.

After examining the financial impact of these ransomware attacks, the conversation turns to recent changes to the laws in a handful of states - making it illegal to pay ransom - and what those changes could mean
- What will the impact of these laws likely be?
- Will criminals change their behavior?
 -- If so, will this create haves and have-nots among corporations that eventually require the U.S. to consider a national law?

To prevent becoming a victim of a ransomware attack - or at least limit the harm of a ransomware attack should it happen - AJ and Brian provide recommendations for proactive defense, playbooks, and exercises that build organizational strength BEFORE things go wrong. 

As always, the show wraps up with Brian revealing something that had, to date, gone "unspoken." If you want to know the truth about some of the ugliest things you've ever heard about on the Dark Web...Brian's answer is one you'll absolutely want to hear.

Support the Show.

Show Notes

In this episode of Unspoken Security AJ Nash is joined by Brian Stack, the Vice President of Engineering and Dark Web Intelligence for Experian, a globally recognized leader in data analytics and consumer credit reporting.

Brian and AJ take on the topic of ransomware, including talking about some criminal groups associated with this activity and the evolution from simple ransomware attacks up to complex double-, triple-, and quadruple-extortion tactics being used by some of the most industrious criminal groups that are always looking for new ways to pressure companies into paying these ever-growing ransoms.

After examining the financial impact of these ransomware attacks, the conversation turns to recent changes to the laws in a handful of states - making it illegal to pay ransom - and what those changes could mean
- What will the impact of these laws likely be?
- Will criminals change their behavior?
 -- If so, will this create haves and have-nots among corporations that eventually require the U.S. to consider a national law?

To prevent becoming a victim of a ransomware attack - or at least limit the harm of a ransomware attack should it happen - AJ and Brian provide recommendations for proactive defense, playbooks, and exercises that build organizational strength BEFORE things go wrong. 

As always, the show wraps up with Brian revealing something that had, to date, gone "unspoken." If you want to know the truth about some of the ugliest things you've ever heard about on the Dark Web...Brian's answer is one you'll absolutely want to hear.

Support the Show.