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Why Russia Hacks
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GonzSTL
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GonzSTL,
 User Rank: Ninja
1/23/2015 | 12:40:23 PM
Re: Why ANY Nation Hacks
@Mike Walls: And thank you for yours, shipmate! It really was an honor to serve; I come from a military family. At last count, around 20 veterans (some still serving) in all branches except the Coast Guard.

You are correct; it is an exciting time for young folks to be in IT security right now, as it is a wide open field with many openings in all industry segments. When I teach, I emphasize to my students that in addition to the technical skills, they must also strengthen their business savvy, soft skills like interpersonal relationships, presentation and communication skills, both oral and written. It is tough enough to get the security agenda pushed forward, and even tougher if you cannot communicate it in a way that is fit for executive consumption and for the lay person, and not just for their peers.
Marilyn Cohodas
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Marilyn Cohodas,
 User Rank: Strategist
1/23/2015 | 1:32:19 PM
Re: Why ANY Nation Hacks
To you r point, @Gonz "Everybody who thinks that nations do not hack to further their geopolitical ambitions raise their hand." True, but what I'm taking away from this series is that the what, where and why nations hack are very different.

So my question to Mike is: what can security professionals take away from understanding the various motivations of nation-states, to help them better secure corporate systems and data? Does the "why" really matter?

 
aws0513
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aws0513,
 User Rank: Ninja
1/23/2015 | 4:32:58 PM
Re: Why ANY Nation Hacks
Hello @Marilyn,

I think what Mike is providing is a better understanding of the threat side of the risk assesment equation.

The understanding of why state actors may want to target any organization can better help any risk assessment effort for any organization.  This kind of information can help analysts to determine a better threat score to assess against known state actors when compared to their line of business or valued properties. 
Understanding the why could have helped Sony change their risk assessment when they know that the movie they were making would upset or embarrass a dictator.  Although the why seems to be insanity in this case, it is a tangable fact that could have changed the threat value of a risk assessment involving North Korea as the possible threat actor.

This is rock solid analysis @Mike.  Thank you for all of this.

Keep fighting the good fight out there sir!
Marilyn Cohodas
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Marilyn Cohodas,
 User Rank: Strategist
1/23/2015 | 4:36:04 PM
Re: Why ANY Nation Hacks
Well said, @aws0513! Thanks.
Joe Stanganelli
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Joe Stanganelli,
 User Rank: Ninja
1/25/2015 | 8:41:28 PM
FWIW...
I recently saw former DHS chief Michael Chertoff speak at a cybersecurity conference, and he himself outright accused Russia of actively working with and supporting criminal organizations so as to perpetrate cyberwarfare.
lynnbr2
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lynnbr2,
 User Rank: Strategist
1/26/2015 | 8:52:24 AM
Re: Financial gain?
Russia & China both have a long history of hacking for over fifty years. Their primary reason is military. Remenber the Buran shuttle - amazinging similar to our old Space Shuttle. And now look at the Chinese J-20 & J-31 stealth fighters.

It is incrediby more cost effective to steal information, than it is to invest in the time and resources to design them yourself.

To be able to do this in a way without any fingerprints is a bonus. While military is their state primary goal, to employ third parties, they need a carrot - financial, to keep these third parties motivated and compensated, and up-to-date in their techniques.
JJack154
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JJack154,
 User Rank: Apprentice
2/5/2015 | 12:13:30 PM
Re: Why ANY Nation Hacks
Putin's KGB roots and his belief that Russia will again become a major world power have given an attitude and the will to do what it takes! That's why Russin Hackers can do their thing in a sheltered environment sanctioned by their government.
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