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Breadcrumbs into the Dark Web: Ransomware, Extortion, and Real Cyber Risk
In the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel, breadcrumbs were meant to guide the way—but in today’s digital world, those breadcrumbs are data trails, and they can lead cybercriminals straight to your front door. With cybercrime losses soaring past $16.6 billion in 2024, attackers have become more cunning—luring victims deeper into a forest of ransomware, extortion, and dark web exploitation. In this session, Senior Engineer at Arctic Wolf Bruce Cheney will guide you through real-world extortion cases, reveal how data is weaponized on the dark web, and expose how businesses often leave digital breadcrumbs behind—unintentionally aiding their adversaries.
Walk away with:
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A clearer view of how ransomware and extortion threats unfold.
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Insights into the latest dark web tactics used by threat actors.
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Actionable steps to close gaps, monitor the underground, and avoid becoming the next headline.
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Bruce Cheney is a seasoned cybersecurity expert, keynote speaker, and thought leader with over 25 years of hands-on IT and security experience. Known for translating complex cyber threats into practical, real-world insight, Bruce specializes in helping organizations understand and mitigate the real risks of ransomware, data leaks, extortion campaigns, and emerging threats on the dark web.
With a deep technical foundation spanning the full technology stack (Layers 1–7), Bruce combines technical credibility with executive-level communication skills. He is widely recognized for his ability to identify security gaps and clearly articulate the steps needed to close them—whether he's presenting to boardrooms, security teams, or global conference audiences.
Bruce has a proven track record of designing, deploying, securing, and educating on a broad range of enterprise technologies. His unique strength lies in operationalizing cybersecurity—ensuring that teams not only implement defenses but also understand and maintain them through effective training and knowledge transfer.
Whether he's on stage, consulting with leadership, or mentoring technical teams, Bruce brings clarity, urgency, and practical solutions to today’s most pressing cyber threats.