Kurtis Minder has spent the past year negotiating six-figure ransom demands from gangs of ruthless criminals. Not for the safe return of kidnap victims, but for the release of valuable data that is being held hostage by hackers. Ransomware attacks, which see hackers lock up data or computer systems until they are paid off, have been one of the biggest cyber security headaches for the private and public sectors in the past year.

Ransomware has been one of the most devastating malware threats that organizations have faced over the past few years, and there's no sign that attackers will stop anytime soon. It’s just too profitable for them. Ransom demands have grown from tens of thousands of dollars to millions and even tens of millions because attackers have learned that many organizations are willing to pay.

GroupSense, a digital risk protection services company, today announced several milestones from a successful 2020, including doubling its customers base, recording 60 percent year-over-year revenue growth and adding eight strategic partnerships, among many other accomplishments.

Ever thought of hiring a ransomware negotiator, or becoming one yourself? On today’s episode, Kurtis Minder of GroupSense tells us what makes a good ransomware negotiator, why setting the right tone is crucial in a successful negotiation, and why, in the right situation, you can get away with referring to a ransomer as “grasshopper.”

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GroupSense, a digital risk protection services company, today announced it has signed a deal with a major U.S. city to provide its COVID-19 Vaccine Threat Protection offering. This first-of-its-kind service offering uses cyber threat monitoring, similar to the approach GroupSense uses in its Election Threat Protection offering. This service provides the most comprehensive package available to protect the city and its millions of residents against COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, disinformation and supply disruptions from cyberattacks, including ransomware attacks.

Researchers see one bright spot as far-right extremists turn to private and encrypted online platforms: Friction.

In many ways, the beginning of 2021 isn’t just one of the most welcome New Years of the modern era — it could also be a turning point between the pre-COVID and post-COVID worlds. 

Driving the news: Extremism researchers worry the threat is more diffuse than the openly plotted Jan. 6 attack in Washington, with far-right groups taking to non-mainstream channels to plan nationwide disruption and broadly whip up anger and calls to arms.

CyberSocial IV: 

‘21 and Over!

2020 Threat Intel Recap and Look Ahead

Ransomware became deadly in 2020.