US Prosecutors Charge Cybersecurity Specialists with Operating Cybercrime Network

Brief Overview

• Three experts in cybersecurity have been charged with operating a ransomware scheme in the United States.
• Those identified include Ryan Goldberg and Kevin Martin.
• The scheme reportedly involved partnership with the ALPHV BlackCat hacking group.
• The charges were brought in federal court in Miami.
• Goldberg and Martin were affiliated with Sygnia and DigitalMint, respectively.
• Both organizations are aiding the investigation.

Cybercrime Allegations

Three cybersecurity specialists from the US are accused of plotting a ransomware operation. The implicated, including Ryan Goldberg and Kevin Martin, reportedly collaborated with the ALPHV BlackCat hack group to extort US companies by encrypting their systems and demanding cryptocurrency payments.

Indictment Details

The charges, submitted in Miami, accuse the individuals of engaging in a complex cybercrime operation. Ryan Goldberg has been arrested, whereas Kevin Martin has entered a not guilty plea. The indictment does not name the affected companies but suggests their businesses extend across multiple US states, including California and Florida.

Professional Histories

Kevin Martin was associated with DigitalMint, an organization focused on cybercrime incident response. Ryan Goldberg worked as an incident response manager at Sygnia. Both companies have expressed they are not involved in any wrongdoing and are assisting law enforcement. Goldberg’s employment with Sygnia was terminated in light of the allegations.

Responses from Corporations

DigitalMint has acknowledged that a former staff member is facing indictment and is cooperating as a witness. Sygnia, upon gaining awareness of the developments, has also collaborated with legal authorities, ensuring that their company is not included in the investigation.

Conclusion

The indictment of three cybersecurity professionals accused of managing a ransomware operation has raised alarms regarding insider threats in the cybersecurity sector. With both DigitalMint and Sygnia collaborating with the investigation, this case emphasizes the significance of internal security protocols and organizational accountability.

Q: What charges are levied against the cybersecurity professionals?

A: They are accused of executing a ransomware scheme alongside the ALPHV BlackCat group to extort businesses through network encryption for cryptocurrency ransoms.

Q: Who are the implicated individuals?

A: The individuals identified are Ryan Goldberg and Kevin Martin, with an additional unnamed co-conspirator cited.

Q: Which companies were they affiliated with?

A: Ryan Goldberg was part of Sygnia, while Kevin Martin was associated with DigitalMint.

Q: How have the companies responded to the allegations?

A: Both companies have refuted involvement and are collaborating with the investigation. Sygnia has terminated Goldberg’s employment.

Q: In which states are the affected businesses located?

A: The impacted companies are situated in California, Florida, Virginia, and Maryland.