Further Reading on Cybercrime Milestones and Business Models

To deepen your understanding of the evolving landscape of cybercrime, consider exploring the following articles and resources:

1. Cynet – “Zeus malware: Variants, methods, and history” (2023)
   This article provides an in-depth analysis of the notorious Zeus malware, detailing its different variants, the methods it employs, and its historical impact on the cybercrime ecosystem.
2. Zerofox (2021) – “Ransomware and Bitcoin: How Cryptocurrencies Play in the Cybercrime Game” by A. Ries
   This piece explores the critical role cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have played in facilitating ransomware attacks, highlighting how digital currencies have transformed cybercriminal operations.
3. Microsoft (2023) – “Ransomware as a Service: Understanding the Cybercrime Gig Economy and How to Protect Yourself”
   This article from Microsoft dives into the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, explaining how the cybercrime gig economy functions and offering practical advice on protection strategies.
4. The Guardian (2022) – “Influencer ‘Ray Hushpuppi’ Jailed Over Plan to Launder $300M”
   This report covers the case of Ray Hushpuppi, a social media influencer involved in a massive money laundering scheme, illustrating the intersection of cybercrime and traditional financial crime.
5. Wired (2022) – “The US Offers a $10 Million Bounty for Intel on the Conti Ransomware Gang” by M. Burgess
   Wired’s article discusses the U.S. government’s efforts to combat ransomware by offering bounties for information on major cybercriminal groups, specifically focusing on the Conti ransomware gang.
6. University of Cambridge (2020) – “Lockdown ‘Helps Fuel Rise in Cybercrime”
   This study examines how the global COVID-19 lockdowns contributed to a surge in cybercrime, emphasizing the vulnerabilities exposed during the pandemic.
7. Global Trade Review (2020) – “Fraud, Money Laundering, and Cybercrime: How Covid-19 Has Changed the Threat to Banks” by J. Basqull
   This article explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the landscape of financial crime, including fraud and money laundering, with a particular focus on the banking sector.

These resources will offer you a more comprehensive view of how cybercrime has evolved and the various business models that cybercriminals employ. If you encounter any issues accessing these articles, please reach out through the Student Portal.