Two ransomware questions for #cososec:
1. Is the spread of cryptocurrencies directly related to the spread of ransomware?
^
CLARIFICATION: I am not ONLY looking for responses from infosec pros here. I was hoping some of those people might offer their comments, but I would definitely like to hear what everyone else thinks as well.
@Armchaircouch
I made the second poll to allow multiple selections.
if I recall correctly that is app dependent! The one I use does not allow multiple choices @voltronic
@voltronic ^^^ I voted. Can you guess what I opted for?
@th3j35t3r @voltronic all the above? 😂
@th3j35t3r
All of the above.
"Yeah, thought so." — Big Trouble in Little China
@voltronic following
@voltronic Gotcha...not a pro, just offered my opinion. 👍
@voltronic I say go on the offensive if you are able to. Make the bastard regret it and cry.
I vote educate targets and regulate crypto but I have NO idea how to regulate crypto without fucking it up. But we got Al Capone with taxes, and Deep Throat told us to Follow The Money. I imagine that’s our most powerful offensive tactic.
Going on the offensive a la Tango Downs doesn’t solve the root problem.
@voltronic I think education is huge on this one but honestly, all of the above would be the better answer.
@voltronic
All three, and more. The only real reasons to have crypto currencies in the first place is to avoid our current systems of regulation and taxation, so almost all use for amounts over the cost of a beer end up being criminal. We already have quite sufficient protection in our current financial systems for the majority of users, so why go out, create a new system that has virtually no protections for the end user, is extremely complicated to use and use securely, hides the people involved allowing widespread criminal activity, and is pretty much designed for money laundering? They are an environmental disaster to boot.
@Spartan @voltronic
I look at cryptocurrency as gambling. If you find that entertaining and are willing to lose the money, that's your choice. But as cash, a liquid asset -- it's just too volatile to be useful. If someone pays me in bitcoin today, I don't want the value to drop 20% tomorrow. I might as well accept payment in Venezuelan Bolivars.
Forgive me if any of this seems too obvious. I want the perspective of the pros who do this stuff for a living, and I know I'll get honest answers here.