To ban or not to ban, a conversation on ransomware with Azim Khodjibaev

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This month’s guest of the Cyber Insider is Azim Khodjibayev.  With over a decade of experience in intelligence analysis, Azim has focused on Russian APT and cybercrime activity, particularly in the realm of ransomware. He shares his insights on the current state of cyber threats, the impact of recent breaches, and the future of cybersecurity. 

One notable trend observed in 2023 was the splintering of cybercriminal groups. Azim highlights how these groups can quickly switch affiliations and work with multiple organizations simultaneously. This flexibility allows them to evade detection and maximize their impact. Azim suggests that this splintering may be a response to increased law enforcement activities and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.  

Law enforcement efforts have seen some success in recent years, with notable takedowns of cybercriminal groups like ALPHV/BlackCat and Hive. However, the impact of these actions on cybercriminal operations is a subject of debate. Azim acknowledges that short-term disruptions can occur, as cybercriminals assess the risks and adjust their strategies. However, he emphasizes that the allure of quick financial gains and the addictive nature of cybercrime make it unlikely for these individuals to abandon their activities permanently. 

Azim states, "As long as they have access to computers, as long as they have access to their communication channels, they're going to come back, and they'll do it a little bit better, a little bit more sophisticated."  
As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is essential to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their organizations. Azim emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity education, particularly for the younger generation who are increasingly reliant on technology. Azim explains, "It would be really nice to see middle school classes, for example, about online safety... treating it as bad as we treat all the other safety stuff."  
As we enter 2024, the cybersecurity landscape remains challenging. While progress has been made in disrupting cybercriminal operations, the battle is far from over. Azim believes that the rate of learning and collaboration among cybersecurity professionals is a positive sign. However, he cautions that the worst is yet to come, as cybercriminals become more sophisticated and globalized. 

All this and much more is discussed in this episode of The Cyber Insider podcast by Emsisoft, the award-winning cybersecurity company delivering top-notch security solutions for over 20 years.   

Be sure to tune in and subscribe to The Cyber Insider to get your monthly inside scoop on cybersecurity. 
 
Hosts:  
Luke Connolly – partner manager at Emsisoft  
Brett Callow – threat analyst at Emsisoft  
 
Intro/outro music: “Intro funk” by Lowtone.