'You'll never need to work again': Criminals offer reporter money to hack BBC

Criminals Target Insider Threats: BBC Reporter Receives Offer to Hack BBC Systems A shocking incident has highlighted the growing threat of insider threats in the world of cybercrime, with a BBC reporter receiving an offer from a criminal gang to help hack into the BBC's systems. The proposition, made through the encrypted chat app Signal, offered a 15% cut of any ransom payment in exchange for access to the reporter's PC. According to Joe Tidy, the BBC Cyber Correspondent who received the message, "If you are interested, we can offer you 15 of any ransom payment if you give us access to your PC." The message was sent by someone calling themselves Syndicate in July. Tidy immediately recognized the attempt as a classic insider threat tactic. "We were being offered a portion of a potentially large amount of money if I helped cyber criminals access BBC systems through my laptop," Tidy explained. "They would steal data or install malicious software and hold my employer to ransom, and I would secretly get a cut." This incident is not an isolated case. Only days before the message was received, news emerged from Brazil about a similar insider threat attack on a major bank. Insider Threats: A Growing Concern Insider threats are a growing concern in the world of cybercrime. According to a recent report by the Ponemon Institute, 60% of organizations have experienced an insider threat incident in the past year. Insider threats can come from various sources, including employees, contractors, or even partners. "Insider threats are often difficult to detect because they involve individuals who have authorized access to sensitive systems and data," said Dr. Larry Ponemon, founder of the Ponemon Institute. "They can be particularly damaging because they often go undetected for long periods." Background and Context The incident highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the importance of cybersecurity measures in organizations. The BBC has a robust cybersecurity system in place to prevent such incidents. "We take all security threats seriously and have strict protocols in place to protect our systems," said a BBC spokesperson. "We are working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate this incident." Additional Perspectives Cybersecurity experts warn that insider threats can be particularly damaging because they often involve individuals who have authorized access to sensitive systems. "Insider threats are a ticking time bomb for organizations," said Mark Stanislav, Chief Security Officer at Duo Security. "They require a combination of technical and human factors to prevent." Current Status and Next Developments The BBC is working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident and prevent similar incidents in the future. "We are taking all necessary steps to ensure our systems remain secure," said the BBC spokesperson. "We will continue to work with experts and law enforcement agencies to stay ahead of cyber threats." As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, insider threats will only become a more pressing concern. Organizations must take proactive measures to prevent such incidents and protect their sensitive systems. What's Next? The incident highlights the need for organizations to implement robust cybersecurity measures to prevent insider threats. This includes regular security audits, employee training programs, and strict access controls. As Dr. Ponemon noted, "Insider threats require a combination of technical and human factors to prevent. Organizations must take proactive steps to stay ahead of these threats." In conclusion, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of insider threats in the world of cybercrime. As technology continues to evolve, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their sensitive systems from such threats. *Reporting by Bbc.*