What is old is new again, especially when involves ransomware. Trends in malware recycle old concepts and techniques, adapting them with a modern crypto twist. Criminals now employ anonymity tactics through cryptocurrency payment options, such as bitcoin, to extort their victims. These criminals spread their malware using distribution campaigns via botnets, exploited websites, spam, and malvertising. This will be a technical talk taking a look at historical ransomware/scareware and comparing them to modern ransomware campaigns.
Keywords: Ransomware, Scareware, Reverse Engineering, Malware Analysis, Botnets
Andrew Perkes is a core developer and security researcher for Global Infotek. He is also the current instructor for IS4953 – Malware Agent Analysis at the University of Texas, San Antonio. He has over 8 years of experience in computer security, which includes developing security tools, auditing, and reverse-engineering a wide range of applications (including mobile) on multiple operating systems. In previous positions he worked as a malware reverse-engineer, system administrator, and freelance pen-tester. He held a few industry certifications and is a member of a local security association called SAHA.