You click the link in the email you received. It seems legit - from a former co-worker - you're just going to sign the documents and then get back to your day.

Your computer shuts down. You can't click on the pop-up that is now covering your entire screen. It says that you have to pay $1,000 to unlock your computer, only payable in Bitcoin. You have until the end of the week.

You realize you fell victim to a ransomware attack. Who would do this? Why would someone do this?

You're not alone in asking why. It is one of the fundamental question of criminologists and cybercrime researchers.

In this episode of Crossing the Firewall, we get inside the mind of hackers and cybercriminals with Dr. Rutger Leukfeldt. As one of the leading cybercrime researchers in the world, Rutger regularly works with the public to help us understand the motivations of hackers and how to protect ourselves from potential attacks.

Dr. Leukfeldt is a Professor at the Hague University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands). His research primarily focuses on the human element of cybercrime, specifically the motivations and connections of hackers.

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Crossing the Firewall is hosted by Dr. Tom Holt, Dr. Rachel McNealey, and Dr. Taylor Fisher. Edited by JJ Thomas.

All views and opinions expressed are the views of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of their home institutions or places of work. All information provided in this podcast should not be taken as business, personal, financial, or legal advice.