Ransomware and Cybercrime

Jim Gosler, known as the Godfather of US agencies' cyber offensive capability, warned in May 2021 that the Internet would eat us alive if the Intelligence Community (IC) did not adapt. Over the last two decades, Gosler and his army of Internet keyboard warriors have created the modus operandi for state-sponsored or individual cybercriminals to replicate against executives and security professionals. This book covers many cyber and ransomware attacks and events, including the global lockdown and COVID-19 pandemic, and online spending that will see twice the monetary amount lost to cybercrime than what is spent online. The IC has little to no answer for the disastrous situation we are currently in, and we must demand change to ensure the Internet and all connections to it are secure and no longer allow easy access and exfiltration for both the ICs and cybercriminals.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In May 2021, Jim Gosler, renowned as the "Godfather" and commander of US agencies' cyber offensive capabilities, made a profound statement that echoed the growing concerns about the evolving threat landscape. He stated that the Intelligence Community (IC) had two choices: either it would evolve and adapt to the rapidly changing digital environment, or the Internet would consume us alive. Gosler's remarks came just months before the tragic events of 9/11, highlighting the potential unawareness of the catalyst and the subsequent tsunami that he and his tens of thousands of US IC offensive website operatives had set in motion.

Over the past two decades, Gosler and his army of Internet keyboard warriors have created a modus operandi that has become the blueprint for countless cybercriminals, both state-sponsored and individual. This modus operandi involves targeting unsuspecting executives and security professionals who lack knowledge about the clandestine methods of infiltration and weaponization of the Internet that US and UK agencies have spearheaded in the name of security. This book delves into numerous cyber and ransomware attacks and events, shedding light on the significant digital utilization, particularly during the global lockdown and COVID-19 pandemic, leading to unprecedented online spending that is projected to double the monetary amount lost to cybercrime.

One of the most concerning aspects of these attacks is the lack of attribution, with the IC itself being blamed for sophisticated cyberattacks. This attribution problem highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the cyber security realm. The IC must take responsibility for its actions and implement measures to enhance its cybersecurity posture, rather than shifting the blame to others.

We are witnessing the undermining of our entire way of life, our economies, and even our liberties. The IC has a lot to answer for, and it is unequivocally responsible for the disastrous situation we find ourselves in. However, at present, the IC has limited answers to offer. We need, and indeed must demand, change. That change must start by ensuring the Internet and all its connections are secure, preventing easy access and exfiltration of sensitive data.

In conclusion, the threat posed by cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors continues to evolve rapidly. The IC must rise to the challenge and take proactive measures to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities, protect critical infrastructure, and safeguard the interests of the nation. The time for change is now, and we must demand action to secure a safer and more resilient digital future.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032235493