@Virtualroutes @ETH_en @BindingHook. Author of NO SHORTCUTS (2022) & RANSOM WAR (2025)
Zurich
Joined June 2016
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I am excited to announce my new book “Ransom War: How Cyber Crime Became a Threat to National Security” published by @OUPAcademic & @HurstPublishers, out in February 2025.
Max Smeets retweeted
Happy Publication Day @Maxwsmeets!
#RansomWar: How Cyber Crime Became a Threat to National Security is out now.
Smeets sheds light on the inner workings of the groups responsible for deploying ransomware, and on how governments and businesses can combat the threat.
‘An expert look at the ins and outs of ransomware.’ — @KirkusReviews
Get 25% off with code RANSOM25 ➡️ tinyurl.com/mrxcf4ek
ALT An image of the cover of Max Smeets' new book, Ransom War. The cover has a red background with padlocks and various cryptocurrency symbols on it, with black and white lettering.
Max Smeets retweeted
It’s time! 🥁 @BindingHook & @MunSecConf proudly announce the AI-Cybersecurity Essay Prize Competition’s five winning essays. Read more: bindinghook.com/
Max Smeets retweeted
Join us for a book talk with Dr @Maxwsmeets on how ransomware is reshaping national security.
Learn about the rise of cybercrime, the 2022 Costa Rica crisis, and more. Stay for a discussion with Max and light refreshments.
📅05 Feb |📍 Strand Campus
🎟️: bit.ly/4gUvGC1
Max Smeets retweeted
Join Dr @Maxwsmeets for an eye-opening talk on the rise of ransomware and its impact on national security. Uncover how these attacks are threatening global stability and learn about the Costa Rica cyber crisis.
📅05 Feb |🕚16:30 |📍Strand Campus
Register:bit.ly/4gUvGC1
The 3buddyproblem podcast has definitely added some fun to my commutes home this year
The Best Cybersecurity Stories of 2024 you might have missed: medium.com/@costin.raiu/the-… featuring @ryanaraine and @juanandres_gs
Max Smeets retweeted
The Best Cybersecurity Stories of 2024 you might have missed: medium.com/@costin.raiu/the-… featuring @ryanaraine and @juanandres_gs
Max Smeets retweeted
In my latest analysis for @bindinghook I explore how 🇬🇪’s shifting political landscape is affecting its cybersecurity capacity. As the government takes an increasingly anti-democratic turn, Western partners are cutting critical aid and strategic programming.
#GeorgiaProtests
Cyberattacks on Georgia in 2008 were the first large-scale computer network attacks to ever accompany major ground combat operations. Despite this early warning of cyber threats to come, Georgia’s cyber footing is still shaky. Read more from @therealosint: bindinghook.com/articles-bin…
Max Smeets retweeted
‘Predatory Sparrow’, a mysterious ‘hacktivist’ group, targets Iran’s critical infrastructure, claiming ethical restraint while violating international cyber norms. Who are they? @Maxwsmeets, @jamessshires and @Hannah_Soph investigate for @bindinghook. bindinghook.com/articles-bin…
Max Smeets retweeted
The emotional layer of hostage negotiation—de-escalation through empathy—doesn’t exist in ransomware. Attackers see businesses as faceless targets, making negotiations cold, transactional, and often futile. bindinghook.com/articles-bin…
Max Smeets retweeted
Ransomware isn’t just digital hostage-taking. While both involve leverage and ransom demands, ransomware’s dynamics are fundamentally different. Read @Maxwsmeets' analysis: bindinghook.com/articles-bin…
My thoughts on why the hostage negotiation analogy falls short for understanding ransomware
bindinghook.com/articles-bin…
Max Smeets retweeted
Very happy to see this article with @aa_gilli out. Thanks to all the editorial team of The Republic for their support and help.
A big day: Virtual Routes launches! This is a major milestone for our team and mission. Really excited to see what lies ahead!
📣 Virtual Routes is here! ECCRI and ECCRI CIC are now Virtual Routes, an organization dedicated to tackling the impact of digital technologies on global affairs through research, education, and public engagement. Learn more on our new site: virtual-routes.org/ #VirtualRoutes
Check out our new website: virtual-routes.org. In the coming months, we will be adding more resources and launching new programs!
Max Smeets retweeted
📣 Virtual Routes is here! ECCRI and ECCRI CIC are now Virtual Routes, an organization dedicated to tackling the impact of digital technologies on global affairs through research, education, and public engagement. Learn more on our new site: virtual-routes.org/ #VirtualRoutes
Is ransomware organized crime? It seems obvious, but it’s not. In my latest @bindinghook piece, I explain why ransomware groups don’t fit traditional definitions and what this means for understanding their operations.
bindinghook.com/articles-bin…
Max Smeets retweeted
Germany cybersecurity strategy evolved in the wake of the 2015 Russian hack of the Bundestag and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but still faces limitations on countering cyber operations in peace time, writes Matthias Schulze: bindinghook.com/articles-bin…
Max Smeets retweeted
North Korea’s sanctions evasion is evolving – now with cyber freelancers raising millions for the regime’s nuclear ambitions. Read more from Chandana Seshadri on @bindinghook. bindinghook.com/articles-hoo…
Max Smeets retweeted
@jamessshires proposes principles for responsible state use of cyber intrusion capabilities. They include aligning with OECD guidelines & UN norms, promoting transparency, oversight, and legal accountability. #ResponsibleTech #CyberGovernance bindinghook.com/articles-bin…