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Ransomware attacks and other cybersecurity threats are hitting companies across the federal supply chain, leaving businesses and government agencies vulnerable to major data breaches and financial losses. In this episode of "Security Clearance Insecurity," host Lyndy Kyzer speaks with GroupSense CEO, Kurtis Minder, about the latest cyber threats and best practices for protecting against them.

GroupSense CEO Kurtis Minder was featured in the Tuesday, March 14 issue of the Axios Codebook Newsletter. The "1 big thing" section is focused on the increasing threat posed by ransomware gangs and their extreme blackmail tactics. These cyber criminals have been fine-tuning their strategies to maximize their profits and inflict more damage on their victims. Ransomware attacks involve the use of malware that encrypts a victim's files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. The attackers typically demand payment in cryptocurrency, making it difficult to track the money and identify the criminals.

Ransomware gangs have evolved their tactics, not only encrypting victims' files but also stealing sensitive data before locking it down. This technique is called "double extortion," where the criminals threaten to publish or sell the data if the ransom is not paid. The gangs are also targeting larger organizations and demanding higher ransoms, with some demanding payments of up to $50 million.

The section also highlights Kurtis' contributions to the fight against ransomware. He has been a vocal advocate for proactive measures to prevent ransomware attacks, including monitoring networks for signs of an attack and training employees to recognize phishing and social engineering tactics commonly used by ransomware gangs. For many organizations, these measures can prevent cyber attacks and ransomware attacks.

Kurtis' expertise in ransomware has led him to create a "Ransomware Task Force" that includes experts from both the public and private sectors. The task force's goal is to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat ransomware, including prevention, response, and recovery measures. The task force has already published a report with recommendations for improving ransomware defenses, and Kurtis has been actively promoting these recommendations to policymakers and business leaders. Check out the full newsletter here.

Ransomware gangs have increasingly focused their attacks on the K-12 education sector, even though most school districts do not pay the ransom. But how long will that last? GroupSense CEO Kurtis Minder was featured in a recent TechTarget article exploring the trend of ransomware attacks on education institutions. 

When faced with ransomware, revenue loss and damage to your organization’s reputation aren’t the only things to worry about. To reach the best-case scenario after an attack, your ransomware response team must understand how to talk to threat actors. With the right people on the team, you’re already off to a good start.

Old misconceptions of lone hackers sitting in dark basements are long gone and are replaced by the new wave of cybercrime-as-a-service models marking a new era. With operations like many other businesses, ransomware and other cybercrime gangs have a business structure, “customer” support, and an org chart. How can organizations communicate effectively with the threat actors that are attacking their systems with ransomware? 

Cybersecurity professionals now think of ransomware as inevitable for organizations of all shapes and sizes. With a relatively quick payoff, ransomware provides cyber criminals with a fast, reliable revenue stream. If your organization is facing an attack, it’s vital to get the first few decisions right. 

Earlier this week, Kurtis Minder, CEO at GroupSense, joined Defendify's Cyber Crystal Ball panel with Lori Sussman, Professor at University of Southern Maine and Antoinette King, Founder at Credo Cyber Consulting.

Kurtis Minder, GroupSense CEO, was featured in VICE Media's "I Stop Multimillion Dollar Cyberattacks." Kurtis spoke to VICE about his experience as a ransomware negotiator and what happens during and after a ransomware attack. 

Hackers have increasingly roped in everyday people whose information is stored in computers that have been breached, pestering them by phone and email.

Earlier this week, GroupSense's CEO, Kurtis Minder, participated in *AIMA's APAC Webinar: Cyber Security x Ransomware: Squid Games Edition.

*Note: An account is needed to view the replay.