The Russian cybercrime underground has become a global hub for innovation, adapting rapidly amid the Ukraine conflict and evolving geopolitical tensions.

In this episode of MEF Podcast Perspectives, Riccardo Amati interviews Vladimir Kropotov, a cybersecurity expert from Trend Micro, about the Russian cybercrime underground. The conversation explores the complex and self-sustaining nature of Russian cybercrime, including its role as a centre for cybercrime innovation and its adaptability in response to geopolitical events.

Kropotov explores how language and culture influence cybercriminal networks, affecting recruitment and collaboration. He also examines the use of emerging technologies in attacks, the growth of hacktivism, and evolving criminal business models, stressing the need for strong cybersecurity, risk management, and innovative defenses in a shifting digital landscape.