Join us in this episode of The Great Tech Game Podcast as we delve into the murky world of cybercrime with investigative journalist and author, Geoff White. We discuss why few states succeed in building effective military cyber forces, the evolution of ransomware into a national security crisis, and the actors behind major cybercrime networks. Geoff maps out where these networks function geographically and in cyberspace, and identifies both state and non-state cyber actors, including Russia's ransomware economy, North Korea's Lazarus group, and fraud networks in Southeast Asia and West Africa. We also explore how technology has revolutionized money laundering for the world's deadliest crooks, as seen in Geoff latest book, 'Rinsed,' and touch on key geopolitical impacts, defense strategies, and the intersection of gaming and cybercrime.

Key Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode

02:28: Introducing Today's Guest: Geoff White

03:51 The Evolution of Cyber Espionage Post-Snowden Leaks

07:45 Mapping the Global Cyber Landscape

11:35 Non-State Cyber Actors: A Closer Look

17:18 The Infamous Lazarus Group and North Korean Cyber Operations

20:08 The Rise of Cryptocurrency in Cybercrime

23:44 The Black Axe Group: A Global Threat

29:24 Money Laundering in the Digital Age

32:20 The Din sisters Double Life

33:28 Bitcoin as a Money Laundering Tool

34:06 The Arrest and Aftermath

35:23 Gaming and Cybercrime

37:43 How Cybercriminals Get Caught

41:10 Crypto Tech Firms Under Scrutiny

52:10 Global Responses to Crypto Crime

55:21 Geopolitics and Crypto

58:07 Conclusion and Recommendations

Book Links:

by Geoff White:

Rinsed: From Cartels to Crypto: : https://amzn.in/d/48PaZjN

The Lazarus Heist: https://amzn.in/d/f0xbAof

By Anirudh Suri:

The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My

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Book and Podcast: http://www.greattechgame.com/

Phil and Anirudh discusses the historical and modern intersections of global geopolitics and corporate strategies, using the example of the East India Company's entanglement in the Anglo-French wars and how similar patterns are observed today with tech companies in the U.S - China geopolitical competition. It delves into how corporations sometimes align with or resist broader geopolitical currents, employing strategies to navigate these challenges.

In this episode discusses the challenges governments face in implementing strategies in the chip industry, focusing on the importance of creating viable business models without overstepping and dictating terms to the private sector. The conversation highlights the significance of fostering a conducive environment for companies to innovate and sustain long-term viability. The example of Taiwan's successful ecosystem, which includes training programs, favorable investment policies, and well-equipped industrial parks, is explored as a model for effective government intervention.

In the latest episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, cyber conflict expert Max Smeets—senior researcher at ETH Zurich and co-director of Virtual Routes—draws on his books “No Shortcuts” and “Ransom War” to explore why most states struggle to build effective cyber forces and how ransomware has become a major national security threat. He breaks down the contrasting cyber strategies of the US, China, and Russia, the rise of professionalized ransomware groups like Conti, and what it takes for governments to build capable cyber commands. A must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the evolving frontlines of cyber conflict.

Chapters

00:00 Trailer

03:37 Introduction to the Great Tech Game Podcast

03:51 Meet Max Smeets: Cybersecurity Expert

06:04 Max's Journey from Finance to Cyber Warfare

08:22 Discussing No Shortcuts: Challenges in Cyber Command

17:11 Global Cyber Strategies: US vs China

27:09 Building Cyber Capacity: The PETIO Framework

46:38 Ransomware: A Growing National Security Threat

52:03 Evolution of Ransomware

53:30 The Rise of Conti

55:03 Global Ransomware Landscape

59:14 Ransomware Trust Paradox

1:02:48 Conti Group and the MOB Framework

1:09:45 Ransomware Attack Lifecycle

1:19:36 Government Responses to Ransomware

1:25:25 Comparing Ransomware to APTs and Terrorist Groups

1:29:14 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Book Links:

By Max Smeets

No Shortcuts: Why States Struggle to Develop a Military Cyber-Force:-https://a.co/d/03FfTol

Ransom War: How Cyber Crime Became a Threat to National Security:-https://a.co/d/2FuXaWS

By Anirudh Suri:

The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My

Follow Anirudh here:

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri

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Website: http://www.anirudhsuri.com/

Book and Podcast: http://www.greattechgame.com/

#cyber #cybersecurity #cyberwarfare #ransomware #cybercrime #hackers #tech #geopolitics #thegreattechgame #thegreattechgamepodcast #tgtgpodcast #anirudhsuri #maxsmeets

Drones are revolutionizing warfare, but it’s not just about the hardware — it’s about how we use it. Lt. Gen. Dr. RS Panwar explores the strategic challenge of integrating drones and autonomous systems into modern military operations. From linking sensors to shooters across branches to rethinking battlefield tactics, he argues that true innovation lies in a technological mindset. Drawing on lessons from past and present conflicts, he advocates for a collaborative ecosystem of military, tech, and academic leaders to shape the future of combat.

Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla discusses the vital role of India’s military institutions and defence startups in driving cutting-edge technology. He emphasizes the need for strong leadership, skilled talent, and clear directives to fast-track AI and defence innovation, highlighting how technology and strategic vision are essential to strengthening India’s military capabilities.

This podcast episode features a discussion between host Anirudh Suri and two distinguished Indian Army veterans, Lt. Gen. RS Panwar (Signal Corps, specializing in technology and warfare) and Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Infantry, focusing on military futures and force modernization). The conversation analyzes the recent India-Pakistan standoff through the lens of technology, drawing lessons from the engagement and broader global conflicts (Ukraine, Hamas, Azerbaijan). Both experts emphasize the critical need for India to accelerate technological adoption and development in its military to address both Pakistan and the more significant challenge posed by China. Key themes include the evolving character of warfare driven by unmanned systems and precision weapons, the necessity of developing indigenous technological capabilities, the importance of a technology-minded military leadership, and the urgent need for structural reforms and investment in critical areas like AI, electronic warfare, and space-based capabilities.The conversation also explores the lessons learned for India's future defense capabilities, highlighting the need for greater focus and investment in areas like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, space-based technologies (particularly low-earth orbit constellations), and the development of a strong, innovative, indigenous technological ecosystem within the military and the private sector. The podcast discussion underscores the urgent need for a fundamental shift in India's approach to military technology. The recent standoff with Pakistan served as a timely reminder of the evolving nature of warfare and the increasing centrality of technology. Addressing the more significant long-term challenge from China necessitates not only increased investment but also a dramatic transformation in military mindset, talent development, R&D focus, and the integration of civilian technological expertise. Without decisive action in critical areas like AI, EW, and space, India risks being left behind in the emerging landscape of high-tech warfare. The message is clear: the time for debate is over; it is time for action.

This podcast episode features a discussion between host Anirudh Suri and two distinguished Indian Army veterans, Lt. Gen. RS Panwar (Signal Corps, specializing in technology and warfare) and Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Infantry, focusing on military futures and force modernization). The conversation analyzes the recent India-Pakistan standoff through the lens of technology, drawing lessons from the engagement and broader global conflicts (Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza). Both experts emphasize the critical need for India to accelerate technological adoption and development in its military to address both Pakistan and the more significant challenge posed by China. Key themes include the evolving character of warfare driven by unmanned systems and precision weapons, the necessity of developing indigenous technological capabilities, the importance of a technology-minded military leadership, and the urgent need for structural reforms and investment in critical areas like AI, electronic warfare, and space-based capabilities.The conversation also explores the lessons learned for India's future defense capabilities, highlighting the need for greater focus and investment in areas like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, space-based technologies (particularly low-earth orbit constellations), and the development of a strong, innovative, indigenous technological ecosystem within the military and the private sector. The podcast discussion underscores the urgent need for a fundamental shift in India's approach to military technology. Their message is clear: the time for debate is over; it is time for action.

Chapters:* Introduction: Backgrounds of the Guests (00:04 /)* Setting the Stage: Reflecting on Op Sindoor and the Evolving Nature of Warfare (04:34 /)* Lt. Gen. Panwar's Perspective: Glimpse of Changing Warfare (05:10 /)* Lt. Gen. Shukla's Perspective: Seminal Moment for Indian Statecraft (11:54 /)* Changing Character of War: Unmanned Systems & Precision (15:08 /)* The Critical Need for Low Earth Orbit Satellites and Space Presence (16:37 /)* From Technology Debate to Action: Focusing on AI, Electronic Warfare, and Space (17:50 /)* Leveraging Army's Technical Institutions and Startups (21:04 /) * Talent, R&D, and Technological Conviction (23:23 /)* Action Plan for Technology Adoption for Future Warfare (28:59 /) * Deep Dive: AI, EW, and LEO Constellations (30:55 /)* Need for AI/LLMs for Defence and Counter-UAS (33:40 /)* LEO Constellations: Surveillance and Resilience and Precision (38:41 /) * Cyber Capabilities: The Imperative for Offensive Cyber** (40:33 /)* Developing a Captive Cyber Force and Scaling up Cyber Talent (46:00 /)* Persistent Surveillance and SAR Satellites (52:43 /)* Civil-Military Fusion and China's Model (58:27 /)* R&D, Private Sector, and Digital Macaulay (57:56 /)* Importance of Innovative Warfighting Concepts (65:53 /)* Four Prongs for AI Ecosystem: Compute, Data, Expertise, Power (80:27 /)* Conclusion: Call to Action in the critical areas: data, talent, R&D, compute, AI, EW, Space, Cyber. (84:04 /)

Anirudh Suri:

The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in

Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/)

Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)

#IndiaPakistanWar #Geopolitics #India #Pakistan #BorderStandoff #IndoPak #OperationSindoor #OpSindoor #DroneWars #AkashTeer #RajShukla #RSPanwar #AIWars #AI #ElectronicWarfare #SpaceWars #Satellites #LEO #PrecisionStrikes #PrecisionWarfare #AnirudhSuri #TheGreatTechGame #TGTGPodcast #Podcast

In this engaging episode, renowned diplomat and author Kishore Mahbubani discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape of Asia and the world. Highlighting key themes from his latest book, 'Living the Asian Century,' Kishore delves into the interplay between Western and Eastern values, China's rapid rise, and the strategic dynamics between major global powers like the United States, China, and India. He shares insights on Singapore’s phenomenal success, ASEAN’s role in balancing global influence, and the necessity for multipolar governance in the current age. A must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of global politics and the shifting balance of power.

In this engaging episode, renowned diplomat and author Kishore Mahbubani discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape of Asia and the world. Highlighting key themes from his latest book, 'Living the Asian Century,' Kishore delves into the interplay between Western and Eastern values, China's rapid rise, and the strategic dynamics between major global powers like the United States, China, and India. He shares insights on Singapore’s phenomenal success, ASEAN’s role in balancing global influence, and the necessity for multipolar governance in the current age. A must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of global politics and the shifting balance of power.

Chapters

03:53 Introduction and Guest Background

04:46 Personal Journey and Early Influences

05:56 Clash of Western and Eastern Values

08:11 Rise of Asia and Western Complacency

13:49 US-China Geopolitical Conflict

15:44 China's Peaceful Rise and Strategic Planning

23:03 Challenges Facing the US and China

48:47 India's Potential and Global Competition

55:17 Singapore's Pragmatic Approach

56:03 Singapore's Economic Miracle

57:58 US-China Relations and Singapore's Neutrality

59:55 ASEAN's Strategic Position

01:02:45 China's Influence in Asia

01:04:00 Managing US-China Competition

01:22:38 India-China Relations

01:28:48 India's Geopolitical Strategy

01:31:36 Global Governance and Multilateralism

01:36:15 BRICS vs. G7

01:38:28 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Book Links:

Has China Won?: The Chinese Challenge to American Primacy: https://amzn.in/d/fJUnl8U

LIVING THE ASIAN CENTURY: https://amzn.in/d/j2SLOSA

Has the West Lost It?: https://amzn.in/d/7b7dfsZ

Anirudh Suri:

The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My

Follow Anirudh here:

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuri

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suri

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.in

Website: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/)

Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)

#China #USA, #GeopoliticalRealism, #ChinaRise, #IndiaChinaRelations, #Meritocracy, #UnipolarAsia, #MultipolarWorld, #USChinaTensions, #ASEAN, #EconomicGrowth, #Globalization, #SocietalChallenges, #TechnologyCompetition, #IndustrialRevolution, #GlobalSouth, #Corruption, #DiplomaticRelations, #ChinaEconomy, #USDebt, #CulturalAffinities, #AsiaDevelopment, #GlobalTrade, #Liberalization, #PoliticalSuccession, #MediaInfluence, #HistoricalAnalysis, #StrategicPatience, #InternationalInstitutions, #GlobalGovernance, #ChinaUSConflicts