No Password Required

No Password Required Podcast Episode 48 — Roman Sannikov

Episode Summary

Roman Sannikov — President at Constellation Cyber, former FBI translator, and a finder of non-magical mushrooms Roman Sannikov is the President of Constellation Cyber LLC, a boutique consulting firm specializing in cyber-threat intelligence and analysis. In addition to building Constellation from the ground up, he also serves as a Research and Intelligence Advisor for CYBERA and Venation, two digital security and resilience companies that offer innovative solutions to protect organizations and individuals from cyber threats. Roman joins Carlton Fields, P.A.’s Jack Clabby, and KnowBe4’s V.P. of Remote Publishing Teams, Kayley Melton, to discuss his career journey, which started during his college years when he worked as a freelance Russian-language translator for the FBI. Throughout his journey, Roman has encountered thrilling adventures, such as scaling a cargo ship via a frozen rope ladder from a speedboat to aid in a death investigation, and enduring tense moments while safeguarding a cooperating witness from within the confines of a sealed, sweltering van. Roman's passion for a collaborative and transparent approach to cybersecurity shines through as he emphasizes the need for innovation beyond just tools and money. Roman unravels the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape, highlighting the importance of collective action in safeguarding organizations and individuals from evolving threats. To start the show, Jack and Kayley discuss John Oliver's "Last Week Tonight" segment on “pig butchering.” They explore the broader implications of this often-overlooked issue, suggesting that there might be more victims entangled in this complex crime than meets the eye. You can follow Roman Sannikov on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-y-sannikov-bb9815/ You can follow Roman Sannikov on Twitter here: @RYSannikov You can learn more about Helpster USA here: https://helpstercharity.org/

Episode Notes

Summary

Roman Sanikov, is the president of Constellation Cyber and specializes in cyber threat intelligence. In this episode, Roman discusses the importance of collaboration and transparency in the cybersecurity industry, particularly in combating ransomware attacks. He also emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to cybersecurity, involving education and empowerment for both employees and consumers. In this episode, Roman Reinhart shares his experiences as an undercover agent in the cybercrime world. He discusses maintaining a persona, dealing with forum behavior, and memorable arrests. He also emphasizes the importance of redemption and second chances. Roman also talks about his involvement with Helpster USA, an organization dedicated to providing life-saving treatment to young people in developing economies. He shares his hobbies of mushrooming and highlights the satisfying moments at work. Finally, he reflects on the cultural differences he experienced after moving overseas.

Takeaways

• Pig butchering schemes are a significant cause of financial losses globally, and it is important to approach the topic with compassion and nuance.
• Many scammers involved in these schemes are forced into this life against their will, either through human trafficking or being lured into it with false promises.
• Collaboration and transparency are crucial in the cybersecurity industry to effectively combat ransomware attacks and mitigate their secondary and tertiary impacts.
• A holistic approach to cybersecurity, involving education and empowerment for employees and consumers, is necessary to create a more secure environment. Maintaining a persona in the cybercrime world requires careful observation and adaptation.
• Memorable arrests can lead to redemption and second chances for individuals involved in cybercrime.
• Helpster USA provides life-saving treatment to young people in developing economies.
• Mushrooming is a rewarding hobby that allows for outdoor exploration and collection.
• Satisfying moments at work include helping clients have eureka moments and making positive changes.
• Cultural differences, such as politeness, can take time to understand and adapt to.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pig Butchering Schemes (opening conversation)

02:18 Online Scams and Exploitation

03:41 Forced Labor and Human Trafficking

04:41 Approaching Scams with Compassion

05:39 Guest Introduction: Roman Sanikov

07:01 Roman's Role at Constellation Cyber

08:22 Promoting Transparency in Ransomware Incidents

10:17 Mitigating Secondary and Tertiary Impacts of Ransomware Attacks

11:14 The Ripple Effect of Ransomware Attacks

13:10 The Importance of Collaboration in Cybersecurity

14:58 Roman's Career Path and Background

19:34 Educating and Empowering Employees and Consumers

21:28 Avoiding Victim-Blaming in Cybersecurity

24:16 The Need for Collaboration and Transparency in the Industry

25:10 Balancing Non-Traditional Pursuits with College

26:37 Undercover Work and Building Relationships

33:07 Maintaining a Persona

36:25 Dealing with Forum Behavior

38:18 Memorable Arrests

41:25 Redemption and Second Chances

45:13 Helpster USA

48:16 Eccentricities of NHL Players

50:56 Life's Unexpected Moments

56:19 The Joy of Mushrooming

58:43 Satisfying Moments at Work

01:01:04 Learning Politeness in America