Archive

Ransomware Task Force

Announcing the Launch of the México Ransomware Task Force

Announcing the Launch of the México Ransomware Task Force

IST, in collaboration with a coalition of local and global partners, is excited to announce the launch of the México Ransomware Task Force to tackle the growing threat that ransomware poses to Mexican critical infrastructure and the country’s digital economy, made possible through the support of Mastercard, Microsoft, and Sophos.

critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital economy, Mexico, Ransomware, Ransomware Task Force

March 31, 2026

Cybersecurity Awareness Month at IST: Spotlighting our cyber efforts across borders, at the intersection of AI, and throughout sectors

Cybersecurity Awareness Month at IST: Spotlighting our cyber efforts across borders, at the intersection of AI, and throughout sectors

As technologies evolve across the world, so do cyber threats. For Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Institute for Security and Technology shares practical resources, novel research, and critical insights from IST’s cadre of experts to help individuals, organizations, and communities strengthen their cybersecurity practices.

artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, K-12 Cyber Defense Coalition, Ransomware, Ransomware Task Force, UnDisruptable27

November 17, 2025

Law Enforcement Strikes BlackSuit (Royal) Ransomware, Seizing Funds and Infrastructure

Law Enforcement Strikes BlackSuit (Royal) Ransomware, Seizing Funds and Infrastructure

This summer, U.S. and international law enforcement agencies carried out a coordinated operation against the BlackSuit (formerly Royal) ransomware group, confiscating over $1M in illicit cryptocurrency. IST Senior Associate for the Future of Digital Security Gigi Flores Bustamante unpacks the takedown.

cybercrime, cybersecurity, Ransomware, Ransomware Task Force

August 28, 2025

Megan Stifel on the Impact of the Ransomware Task Force

Megan Stifel on the Impact of the Ransomware Task Force

Megan Stifel, Chief Strategy Officer for the Institute for Security and Technology, joins the Nexus Podcast to discuss the four years of progress and challenges experienced by the Ransomware Task Force.

Ransomware, Ransomware Task Force

May 27, 2025

#RansomwareTaskForce at the White House International Counter Ransomware Initiative Summit

#RansomwareTaskForce at the White House International Counter Ransomware Initiative Summit

Last week I was honored to represent the Ransomware Task Force at the second International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) Summit at the White House. While at the CRI, I highlighted the priority recommendations of the RTF, progress achieved since publication of the inaugural report, the Blueprint for Ransomware Defense, and the recently-released Cyber Incident Reporting Framework.

counter ransomware initiative, cyber attacks, operational collaboration, Ransomware Task Force

November 5, 2022

The Hewlett Foundation Cyber Initiative Renews Commitment to the Institute for Security and Technology’s Ongoing Work

The Hewlett Foundation Cyber Initiative Renews Commitment to the Institute for Security and Technology’s Ongoing Work

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Cyber Initiative generously provided $1,000,000 in additional support for the Institute for Security and Technology (IST) for 2022. This funding will allow the organization to expand its work designing solutions to enhance the security of the global commons.

announcements, cyber, cybersecurity, Ransomware Task Force

July 12, 2022

Testimony: Stopping Digital Thieves: The Growing Threat of Ransomware

Testimony: Stopping Digital Thieves: The Growing Threat of Ransomware

On July 20, 2021, Institute for Security and Technology CEO Philip Reiner testified in front of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Energy and Commerce for a hearing entitled, "Stopping Digital Thieves: The Growing Threat of Ransomware."

congress, Ransomware, Ransomware Task Force, testimony

July 20, 2021

Lessons from the Ashes: Interview and Analysis of the FonixCrypter Closure

Lessons from the Ashes: Interview and Analysis of the FonixCrypter Closure

FonixCrypter is a ransomware service that first became available in July 2020. @fnx67482837’s involvement in FonixCrypter was verified with offers to provide a master key, sample decryptor, and assist in decryption for any remaining victims. The account reveals a potential motivation in subsequent tweets.

FonixCrypter, Future of Digital Security, Ransomware, Ransomware Task Force

February 3, 2021