Techno-oligarchs, cartels, organized crime and you.

Cybercriminals have extensively utilized cryptocurrencies for illicit transactions, reaping immense wealth in the wake of the Bitcoin surge. A hacker who acquired, stole, or mined $10,000 worth of Bitcoin during the years 2010 or 2011 would presently possess a fortune exceeding $400 million. These individuals have invested substantially in cutting-edge hacking equipment and software, incorporating advanced technologies such as faster processors, data science, artificial intelligence, 5G networks, and quantum computing. Coupled with the data obtained from the Russian hack, their ability to breach any system has become virtually unstoppable.

Some hackers have ventured into legal enterprises, employing tactics such as acquiring legitimate businesses and recruiting both fresh talent and experienced professionals to carry out their illicit activities. They have organized themselves into specialized cells, with each cell focusing on particular targets like personal or professional video networks, personal or professional computers, cell phones, and peripheral devices. Leveraging the information obtained from the Russian hack, they can swiftly infiltrate any system, stealthily accessing, deleting, copying, and manipulating data without leaving any trace.

The exploitation of human vulnerabilities, through insiders within organizations, has proven surprisingly uncomplicated to orchestrate. These hackers possess nearly unlimited financial resources, enabling them to entice individuals with offers of cash, cars, houses, employment opportunities, or promotions within companies they own or exert influence upon. Alternatively, they leverage the threat of exposing incriminating or embarrassing information, acquired from phone conversations, social media platforms, medical records, text messages, or workplace and home audio/video recordings. The hackers scour terabytes of data belonging to you or your contacts in a matter of seconds. Coupled with a sympathetic narrative aligned with your personal interests or causes, they effectively manipulate individuals into compliance. No distinction exists between a janitor and a CEO—when influenced by cash or threats, people are boundless in the actions they may undertake.

No individual or industry remains immune to victimization by these hackers. They have successfully compromised sectors ranging from manufacturing and banking to healthcare and various levels of government agencies, including city, state, and federal institutions. Confronting this emerging threat necessitates a comprehensive and multifaceted approach.