The Extortion Economy

Ransomware is proliferating across the country, disabling computer systems and harming critical infrastructure — hospitals, city governments, schools, even an oil pipeline. The technology that enables ransomware may be new, but extortion and ransom are not. So why is this happening now? And can it be stopped? In this 5-part series from MIT Technology Review and ProPublica we look at the money, people and technology behind the explosion of ransomware that is delivering hundreds of millions of dollars to cybercriminals around the world. Hosted by Meg Marco.

Episodes

Welcome to The Extortion Economy

November 4, 2021 • 2 mins

A five part series about the money, technology and people behind the ransomware epidemic from MIT Technology Review and ProPublica.

Mark as Played

Part 3: All Cats, No Mice

November 23, 2021 • 18 mins

After the Colonial Pipeline payment, the FBI followed the money and cybersecurity researchers followed the ransomware group. We followed both. This is part three. We Meet: Fabian Wosar, CTO, Emsisoft Elvis Chan, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, FBI San Francisco Credits: This series is hosted by Meg Marco and produced by Emma Cillekens, Tate Ryan-Mosley and Anthony Green. It’s inspired by reporting from Renee Dudley and Danie...

Mark as Played

Part 1: The Problem

November 23, 2021 • 21 mins

A new-age iteration of the old-age extortion problem. A ransomware vigilante, a piracy (as in actual boats) expert, a school administrator, and a kidnapping victim share their experiences. This is part one. We Meet: Fabian Wosar, CTO, Emsisoft Doug Russell, Director of Technology, Haverhill Public Schools Lisa Forte, Co-founder, Red Goat Cyber Security Credits: This series is hosted by Meg Marco and produced by Emma Cillekens...

Mark as Played

Part 2: The Bad Actors

November 23, 2021 • 22 mins

In an absurd contract, look into the criminal world where the stakes are high, but the methods are increasingly business-like and meet the people who interact with the ransomware hackers. This is part two. We Meet: Chester Wisniewski, Principal Research Scientist, Sophos Allan Liska, Principal Research Scientist, Recorded Future Fabian Wosar, CTO, Emsisoft Kurtis Minder, CEO, GroupSense Lisa Forte, Co-founder, Red Goat Cyber Sec...

Mark as Played

Part 4: The Extortion Industry

December 23, 2021 • 18 mins

We look at the reasons ransomware is so hard to solve and ask hard questions about who is really helping the victims. This is part four. We Meet: Fabian Wosar, CTO, Emsisoft. Bob Wice, Head of Underwriting Management. Cyber and Tech, Beazley. Bill Siegel, CEO and cofounder, Coveware. Sounds From: Video: CDOT employees dealing with yet another SamSam ransomware attack, Source: Denver7, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lubGaiNT1IU...

Mark as Played

Part 5: File Not Found

December 23, 2021 • 15 mins

The problem of ransomware has many causes but no clear solution. What's coming next? This is part five. We Meet: Fabian Wosar, CTO, Emsisoft Jake Johnson, North Carolina State Representative Abishur Prakash, Geopolitical Futurist Paul Rosenberg, Mayor, Village of Rye Brook, New York Kimberly W. LaGrue, CIO, City of New Orleans, Louisiana Allan Liska, Principal Research Scientist, Recorded Future Sounds From: Video: Governor dec...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club

Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com