Ransomware Gangs Recruit Cybersecurity Professionals for Operations

Ransomware gangs are recruiting cybersecurity professionals to enhance their operations. Cybercriminal organizations are increasingly advertising for skilled individuals capable of developing advanced malware and conducting penetration testing to improve their ransomware products. This trend, highlighted in Cato Networks’ “Q3 SASE Threat Report,” reflects a shift towards more structured and corporate-like operations within these groups, which now resemble legitimate businesses. The report notes a significant rise in ransomware activity, with 68 groups claiming over 2,600 breaches in the first half of 2024 alone. As law enforcement intensifies efforts to dismantle these networks, the demand for cybersecurity expertise among cybercriminals is expected to grow, particularly in regions affected by economic instability, where skilled professionals may be more willing to engage in illegal activities.