

189. Mic Drop: Return to Wazawaka
10 snips Dec 6, 2024
Dive into the world of cybercrime with a focus on Wazawaka, a hacker recently added to the FBI's Most Wanted List. Discover the rise of cybercriminals and the Justice Department's challenges in tackling these threats. Explore the tactics of notorious ransomware groups like Conti and their impact on local governments. The conversation even highlights the potential of Russia’s IT sector, emphasizing the need for cybersecurity education to empower the youth against external threats.
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Wazawaka's Role in Ransomware
- Wazawaka (Misha) is an affiliate to several ransomware groups, including Lockbit, Babook, and Hive.
- He claims he isn't running them, but he works with them and provides insights into their operations.
Conti's Operations
- Wazawaka praises the Conti ransomware group for being well-run and professional, unlike Lockbit.
- He claims Conti still exists, operating discreetly despite public perception of its shutdown.
Prospect Park Ransomware Attack
- Prospect Park, New Jersey, was attacked by the Lockbit ransomware gang in 2020.
- The attack encrypted city files, changing their extensions to "Lockbit."