IS HACKING HACKERS A SOLUTION TO CYBERCRIME?
Those of you who know me realize that I am solution-driven. Don’t bring me a problem. Bring me a solution. And maybe hacking hackers is one solution to cybercrime. That’s what former UK National Cyber Security Head, Ciaran Martin, believes. Martin claims that GCHQ (UK Government Communications Head Quarters) or the military could use their own hacking abilities to shut down the servers and tools used by the most determined and damaging criminal groups.
RANSOMWARE IS NOT A JOKE
Ransomware attacks are increasingly becoming a major issue of concern for US and UK businesses. According to cyber security firm, Sophos, about 48% of UK businesses have been a victim of ransomware. Here’s a recent example:
In August 2020, currency exchange operation Travelex collapsed into administration after suffering a massive cyberattack 6 months earlier. The company allegedly paid a $2.3 million (£1.6 million) ransom to hackers who took down its networks and temporarily prevented foreign exchange transactions. While Travelex was saved by a pre-pack sale, 1,309 jobs were lost.
HACK THE HACKERS
So how do we stop ransomware attacks in their tracks? As Ciaran Martin suggests – hack the hackers. However, Martin believes that disruptive attacks applied by the government are only appropriate for large scale operations, where hackers are demanding millions and sophisticated hacking methods have been used. He says:
“I actually think that disruption of infrastructure, what you might call a cyber-attack, is justified. You won’t be able to do it on every ransomware gang and if you did you’d probably start making mistakes. You’d probably start hitting innocent people.”
A UK government spokesperson agreed that counter cyberattacks are an option to paralyze hackers but should only be deployed when all else has failed. Ciaran Martin added:
“If you can have confidence that you can execute a disruption operation that would decrease their ability to operate and you can do that safely, then I don’t see why you shouldn’t do it.”
And I agree. Why shouldn’t we do it? Let’s hack the hackers. What are we waiting for…