In this engaging discussion, John DiMaggio, author of 'The Art of Ransomware', shares riveting tales from his experiences in cybersecurity investigations, shedding light on the world of espionage. Dimitri Alperovitch, founder of CrowdStrike, expands on the geopolitical complexities in cybersecurity, as outlined in his book 'World on the Brink'. They delve into the intricacies of cyber warfare, the rise of nation-state threats, and the importance of storytelling in cybersecurity literature to connect and inform professionals in the field.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Cybercriminals Read DiMaggio's Book
John DiMaggio's book, "The Art of Ransomware," has been downloaded illegally by cybercriminals.
They've given him feedback, saying it's a fair portrayal, even though it covers US espionage.
insights INSIGHT
Storytelling in Cybersecurity
DiMaggio's passion lies in storytelling, particularly about espionage and ransomware attacks.
He finds that writing helps him connect dots and uncover bigger pictures within cybersecurity research.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Risks of Public Research
DiMaggio's public research brought personal risks, including Lockbit using his face as their avatar.
He prioritizes free access to research, believing everyone should benefit from cybersecurity information.
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Stuxnet and the Launch of the World's First Digital Weapon
Kim Zetter
In this book, Kim Zetter tells the comprehensive story behind Stuxnet, the first cyberweapon, covering its genesis in the White House and its effects on Iran's nuclear facilities. The book also explores the history and future of cyberwarfare, discussing the potential consequences of Stuxnet-style attacks on infrastructure and painting a portrait of a world on the brink of a new kind of war. Zetter's narrative transforms a complex technical story into an engaging whodunit, highlighting the role of security geeks in unraveling the top-secret sabotage campaign[2][4].
Ransomware Hunting Team
Renee Dudley
Daniel Golden
Inside cyber warfare
Jeffrey Carr
Blue Nomicon, the Network Defenders Compendia
Blue Nomicon, the Network Defenders Compendia
Various
OSINT Techniques
OSINT Techniques
Michael Basil
The Art of Ransomware, an investigator's guide to espionage, ransomware, and organized crime
The Art of Ransomware, an investigator's guide to espionage, ransomware, and organized crime
John DiMaggio
Active Measures
Thomas Rid
Hunting Cyber Criminals
Hunting Cyber Criminals
Vinnie Troia
World on the Brink
How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century
Dmitri Alperovitch
Garrett M. Graff
This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends
The Cyberweapons Arms Race
Nicole Perlroth
This book, written by Nicole Perlroth, delves into the secretive world of cyberweapons, exploring the origins of state-sponsored cyberattacks, the evolution of cyberweaponry, and the potential catastrophic consequences of the ongoing cyber arms race. It includes stories of high-profile cyberattacks like Stuxnet and WannaCry, and discusses the roles of private companies, criminal groups, and individual hackers in this market. The book is based on years of reporting and hundreds of interviews with current and former government officials, cybersecurity experts, and hackers, and is praised for its engaging and terrifying portrayal of modern global warfare[1][3][5].
Normal Accidents
Living with High-Risk Technologies
Charles B. Perrow
In 'Normal Accidents', Charles Perrow argues that accidents in complex and tightly coupled systems are inevitable and cannot be entirely prevented. He identifies three key conditions that make a system susceptible to such accidents: complexity, tight coupling, and catastrophic potential. Perrow uses case studies from various industries, including nuclear power plants, aviation, and chemical processing, to illustrate how multiple and unexpected failures can interact and lead to major accidents. The book challenges the conventional engineering approach to safety and highlights the role of organizational and management factors in technological failures[1][2][4].
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman
In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.
Welcome to this special episode of the Breaking Badness Cybersecurity Podcast! We’re turning the spotlight on the books that have shaped the world of cybersecurity and inspired professionals in the field. As part of our ongoing book club series, this episode is a journey into storytelling, research, and the unique perspectives that make cybersecurity literature so compelling. From Ransomware Diaries to the geopolitics of cyber warfare, this discussion is packed with insights and actionable takeaways for anyone working in Infosec.
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