Ethical Hacking News
Two former employees of cybersecurity companies have pleaded guilty to targeting US companies in BlackCat (ALPHV) ransomware attacks. The case highlights the importance of maintaining high standards of ethics in the cybersecurity industry.
Two former employees of Sygnia and DigitalMint pleaded guilty to targeting US companies in BlackCat (ALPHV) ransomware attacks. Their actions used their sophisticated cybersecurity training and experience to breach networks, encrypt files, and demand ransom payments. The operation collected at least $300 million in ransom payments from over 1,000 victims until September 2023. The case highlights the importance of maintaining high standards of ethics in the cybersecurity industry.
The world of cybersecurity is often viewed as a high-stakes game where individuals and organizations are constantly on the lookout for threats and vulnerabilities. However, it appears that some former employees of reputable cybersecurity companies have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. In a shocking turn of events, two former employees of Sygnia and DigitalMint have pleaded guilty to targeting U.S. companies in BlackCat (ALPHV) ransomware attacks.
Ryan Clifford Goldberg, 33, of Watkinsville, Georgia, and Kevin Tyler Martin, 28, of Roanoke, Texas, were charged with conspiracy to obstruct commerce by extortion and are set to be sentenced on March 12, 2026. According to court documents, the two former employees worked together as ransomware threat negotiators at DigitalMint, a company that specializes in negotiating with ransomware groups.
It appears that Goldberg and Martin used their sophisticated cybersecurity training and experience to breach the networks of multiple victims across the United States between May 2023 and November 2023. They paid a 20% share of ransoms in exchange for access to BlackCat's ransomware and extortion platform, making them affiliates of the notorious ransomware group.
The indictment alleges that Goldberg and Martin used their knowledge of cybersecurity protocols to gain access to the networks of their victims. Once inside, they would encrypt files and demand ransom payments from the affected companies. The FBI had been investigating a former DigitalMint negotiator in July for allegedly working with ransomware groups, but it is unclear if this case is related to that investigation.
The BlackCat operation collected at least $300 million in ransom payments from more than 1,000 victims until September 2023. The FBI also found that Blackcat affiliates were primarily targeting organizations in the U.S. healthcare sector.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva stated that "These defendants used their sophisticated cybersecurity training and experience to commit ransomware attacks — the very type of crime that they should have been working to stop." He added that "Extortion via the internet victimizes innocent citizens every bit as much as taking money directly out of their pockets."
The case highlights the importance of maintaining high standards of ethics in the cybersecurity industry. It is unacceptable for individuals with expertise in cybersecurity to use this knowledge for malicious purposes.
The guilty plea by Goldberg and Martin brings a sense of closure to a case that has been ongoing for several months. However, it serves as a reminder that the threat of ransomware attacks remains ever-present, and organizations must remain vigilant in their efforts to protect themselves against these types of threats.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/US-Cybersecurity-Experts-Plead-Guilty-to-BlackCat-Ransomware-Attacks-A-Case-of-Betrayal-of-Trust-ehn.shtml
Published: Tue Dec 30 09:30:22 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
