Robert Hanssen, a senior FBI agent, betrayed the United States by selling secrets to Russia for over 20 years. An undercover operative worked within the FBI to gather evidence against Hanssen, leading to his arrest and inspiring the book Gray Day and the film Breach. Transitioning to national security and cybersecurity roles, the operative views cyber threats as intelligence issues, not merely technical problems. Cybercrime reflects the evolution of espionage, where tactics have remained constant, and the dark web serves as a significant hub for such activities, generating over $12 trillion annually.
Data is encrypted or destroyed, and the victim is hit with a ransom demand. We call it ransomware, but it's just espionage with a smash-and-grab exit.
The goal is always the same: gain access, gather intelligence and exploit the target. What separates a cyber spy from a cybercriminal is not technique, but intention.
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