Synopsis
A practical guide to understanding and analyzing cyber attacks by advanced attackers, such as nation states.
Cyber attacks are no longer the domain of petty criminals. Today, companies find themselves targeted by sophisticated nation state attackers armed with the resources to craft scarily effective campaigns. This book is a detailed guide to understanding the major players in these cyber wars, the techniques they use, and the process of analyzing their advanced attacks. Whether you’re an individual researcher or part of a team within a Security Operations Center (SoC), you’ll learn to approach, track, and attribute attacks to these advanced actors.
The first part of the book is an overview of actual cyber attacks conducted by nation-state actors and other advanced organizations. It explores the geopolitical context in which the attacks took place, the patterns found in the attackers’ techniques, and the supporting evidence analysts used to attribute such attacks. Dive into the mechanisms of:
North Korea’s series of cyber attacks against financial institutions, which resulted in billions of dollars stolen
The world of targeted ransomware attacks, which have leveraged nation state tactics to cripple entire corporate enterprises with ransomware
Recent cyber attacks aimed at disrupting or influencing national elections globally
The book’s second part walks through how defenders can track and attribute future attacks. You’ll be provided with the tools, methods, and analytical guidance required to dissect and research each stage of an attack campaign. Here, Jon DiMaggio demonstrates some of the real techniques he has employed to uncover crucial information about the 2021 Colonial Pipeline attacks, among many other advanced threats. He now offers his experience to train the next generation of expert analysts.
About the Author
Jon DiMaggio is a seasoned cybersecurity expert specializing in hunting, researching, and writing about advanced cyber threats. His career began in the intelligence community as a Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) analyst supporting government agencies. He has developed extensive expertise in enterprise ransomware attacks and nation-state intrusions, particularly through conducting human intelligence (HUMINT) operations to infiltrate ransomware gangs. In 2024 his research series The Ransomware Diaries delivered crucial insights that helped law enforcement disrupt the LockBit Ransomware operation.
Jon is a two-time recipient of the SANS Difference Makers Award (2022, 2023), and his research has appeared in leading media outlets including the New York Times, Wired, Bloomberg, Fox, CNN, and Reuters. In 2024, he appeared on CBS's 60 Minutes to discuss his experiences infiltrating ransomware operations. He frequently presents at major cybersecurity conferences including RSA and DEFCON.
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