Where Are All the Russian Hackers?

May 2, 2023

Today’s video was recorded in Wānaka, New Zealand, during my yearly backpacking trip.

Since the onset of the Ukraine War, everyone’s been checking under their bed and looking in their closet for the boogeyman – a.k.a Russian Hackers – but they haven’t been there.

There are a few reasons why Russian cybercrime has been lying low. The Russians have been hitting NATO countries with cyber attacks for the past few years. Places like Estonia have learned a thing or two, enabling other NATO members to build robust cyber defenses over the past few years.

Additionally, much of Russian cybercrime is carried out by private crime syndicates, which makes going on the offense a bit easier. Unofficially, of course, the US was able to drop the hammer on many of these organizations, which limited their capabilities heading into the war.

I’m not saying everything is hunky dory, but we’re starting to see the true power of some offensive cyber tactics now on the table.

Relevant and recent posts

Mike Pence on Leadership and the Future of the Republican Party

Former US Vice President Mike Pence looks back on the events of January 6 2021, his final days in office with President Trump and his…

Thought Leader: Mike Pence

Marc Short on U.S. Investment in Critical Minerals

Why do critical minerals matter now? Marc Short explains how U.S. investment in critical minerals fits into a broader strategy around economic security, manufacturing, and…

Thought Leader: Marc Short