Ransomware costs billions, cybercrime leads to real violence, three arrested for hacking tools

Ransomware payments pass $4.5 billion

Cybercrime networks orchestrate real-world violence

Three arrested over possessing hacking tools

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Adaptive Security

This episode is brought to you by Adaptive Security, the first cybersecurity company backed by OpenAI. Attackers don’t need malware anymore; they need trust. Tip: set a simple passphrase for high-risk actions, like wire requests or “urgent” account recovery – especially within finance teams and families. If the caller can’t answer it, pause and verify. Adaptive runs deepfake and vishing simulations so employees practice this before it’s real. adaptivesecurity.com.