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Hey HN, I'm a reporter at the non-profit newsroom ProPublica. I used to be a software engineer in the Bay Area, but now I work primarily with data and code for
by jkao-propublica 7y ago
Hey HN, I'm a reporter at the non-profit newsroom ProPublica. I used to be a software engineer in the Bay Area, but now I work primarily with data and code for news investigations.
We published a story today that found that a lot of the firms touting their ransomware decryption services actually end up paying the hackers (often behind the client's back) and then tacking on a fee.
Though you all would find it interesting. A great tidbit that my reporting partner Renee uncovered: a former deputy FBI director was paid to promote MonsterCloud, while knowing that they paid bitcoin to cybercriminals.
He's also a former TSA director. So of course, he partnered with their CEO on a side biz to put massage chairs in airports. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Anyway, thought this would be a story that HN would enjoy. Would love to hear y'all's thoughts since this is the community with the expertise & experience to comment. If you have things (ransomware or otherwise) you think we should look into, would love to hear as well. :-)
- jpfed 7y ago>a former deputy FBI director >He's also a former TSA director. That narrows it down a bit. With a name like that you'd hope he was more of a straight shooter.
- behringer 7y agoWell we're talking about the TSA here.
- inflatableDodo 7y agoThousands Standing Around, now with added massage chairs.
- acct1771 7y agoI would encourage you to read more political news/geopolitical discussion.
- dboat 7y agoWhat does this comment mean? Like, read more in general, or what?
- acct1771 7y agoYes, and about the topics I mentioned.
- dboat 7y agoThat wasn't helpful. Instead of repeating a vaguely condescending remark, please elaborate on what you think he needs to learn.
- jpfed 7y agoUm, guys, this is a little embarrassing but I was literally just making a lame pun about the dude's name. awkward finger guns
- inflatableDodo 7y agoI liked it. I even curled my upper lip appreciatively after reading and let out a derisive snort. At least I hope that's what it was.
- jmkni 7y agoFrom the article: > former FBI Deputy Director John Pistole
- stOneskull 7y agoI don't think it matters if the people are from Iran. It's still people messing with a hospital and paying them, for now, is the best strategy. Then a system put in to where paying them isn't necessary.
- deleted 7y ago[deleted]
- pbhjpbhj 7y ago>put massage chairs in airports // Do the chairs hack your phone or something, I've never seen anyone pay to use one, only sit on them without paying. They have them in motorway service stations in UK as well as at airports.