LABScon24 Replay | The Ransomware Trust Paradox | Max Smeets

Max Smeets explores how ransomware operators uniquely leverage public visibility to build trust with victims. Unlike stealth-focused APTs, ransomware gangs publicize attacks to convince victims that they will deliver the promised decryptors and delete stolen data if paid.

Max highlights how media and security vendor reporting reinforce this trust, which then enables profitability. He outlines how operators manage to build this brand awareness and reliability, opening up discourse on the role of those who report on crimeware activities. Max’s presentation ultimately calls for ethical reporting standards and policy shifts to disrupt the trust dynamic between threat actors and victims.

Read the full blog here: https://s1.ai/LC24-MS