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Max Smeets

@maxwsmeets.bsky.social
6.3K followers 491 following 183 posts

Author of No Shortcuts & Ransom War Co-director Virtual Routes (virtual-routes.org), previously ECCRI Managing Editor Binding Hook (bindinghook.com) Senior Researcher, ETH Zurich

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Reposted by Max Smeets
Binding Hook @bindinghook.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
🙌 This was Binding Hook Live — a day filled with incredible conversations and discussions on and off stage. Read more insights from Binding Hook Live by our Managing Editors James Shires and @maxwsmeets.bsky.social: bindinghook.com/insights-fro... 🎞️ youtu.be/MOr-eZ_IJfo?...
youtu.be
This was Binding Hook Live!
YouTube video by Virtual Routes
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Binding Hook @bindinghook.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
🚨 #BindingHookLive tickets are going fast! 🚨 A little over a month to go until the very first Binding Hook Live! Don't miss the chance to be part of this one-of-a-kind event featuring a fantastic line-up of expert speakers. 🎟️ Request your invite: bindinghooklive.com
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Virtual Routes @virtualroutes.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
💭 Introducing #AI over Lunch - a new interview series exploring how leaders across sectors are grappling with the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. Read the first interview with #NATO CIO Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer: virtual-routes.org/ai-over-lunc...
virtual-routes.org
AI over Lunch: Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer
Welcome to AI over Lunch, our new interview series exploring how leaders across sectors are grappling with the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence.
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Virtual Routes @virtualroutes.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Where is #AI really shaping #ransomware – and where is it just hype? Join experts ‪‪Ciaran Martin, Jamie MacColl, Will Thomas, Taylor Grossman & Max Smeets as they discuss AI’s role in ransomware. 📅 To join, register as a member: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
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Allan “Ransomware Sommelier” Liska @ransomwaresommelier.com · 20/08/2025
I've been thinking a lot about @maxwsmeets.bsky.social Ransomware Trust Paradox and how I think it's breaking. My analysis below (btw: if you haven't you should buy Max's book).
open.substack.com
Is the Ransomware Trust Paradox Breaking?
And, is that a good thing?
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
With more writers joining and more readers returning, we felt it was time for a better space. Our new @bindinghook.bsky.social website is now live! bindinghook.com
bindinghook.com
Expert commentary on tech and security - Binding Hook
Original, insightful analysis on digital and emerging technologies and security
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Binding Hook @bindinghook.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
#PublicAttribution of cyber activities is #China’s latest technique for pressuring #Taiwan and shaping the international dialogue around #cybersecurity. @benread.bsky.social digs into the details on Binding Hook: bindinghook.com/articles-hoo...
bindinghook.com
China is using cyber attribution to pressure Taiwan
Mirroring Western tactics, China’s main intelligence agency and private sector allies are publicly unmasking alleged Taiwanese hackers in a gambit to sway domestic and international opinion
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Ben Read @benread.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
New from me: China has been ramping up its public attribution against Taiwan, likely in an attempt to shift the conversation on cyber intrusions and pressure the island and they're using their private sector cybersecurity companies to do it. Read the piece, but a few highlights, take aways in this 🧵
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Binding Hook @bindinghook.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
The increasingly popular narrative that #AIthreats need to be fought with #AIsecuritysolutions fall short upon closer inspection, argue @virtualroutes.bsky.social’s Jamie Collier and @maxwsmeets.bsky.social in their latest: bindinghook.com/articles-bin...
bindinghook.com
Time to ditch the AI arms race analogy
You don’t need AI to beat AI. Most threats still fail in the face of ordinary, well-applied defences
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
mailchi.mp/bindinghook....
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Virtual Routes @virtualroutes.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Our #CyCon2025 #ransomware workshop, now in video! 🎞️ Watch the recap and join us for a quick trip back to Tallinn. 👇 @maxwsmeets.bsky.social @jamesshires.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb7G...
youtube.com
Virtual Routes at CyCon 2025
YouTube video by Virtual Routes
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Virtual Routes @virtualroutes.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
🎙️ The new episode of the @sansinstitute.bsky.social #CyberLeadersPodcast featuring @maxwsmeets.bsky.social is out now! Have a listen: sans.org/u/1Bxx
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Binding Hook @bindinghook.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Gijs van Loon, Apolline Rolland, @jamesshires.bsky.social, and @maxwsmeets.bsky.social call for increased action from the EU to support and protect European drinking- and wastewater utilities. bindinghook.com/articles-bin...
bindinghook.com
Why Europe must finally secure its water sectors from cyber threats
Despite the vital importance of both drinking water and wastewater management, these sectors are highly vulnerable to cyberattacks. What policy actions can help?
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Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · 26/06/2025
On Lawfare Daily, @jshermcyber.bsky.social and Jonathan Cedarbaum spoke to @maxwsmeets.bsky.social about his book “Ransom War,” the history of ransomware, how the threats have evolved, and some of the major drivers of innovation within the ecosystem. www.lawfaremedia.org/article/lawf...
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
I enjoyed joining James Lyne and @ciaranm.bsky.social on the Cyber Leaders podcast. It was both fun and useful to discuss state and criminal cyber activity in one episode - and to explore where the two intersect. www.sans.org/podcasts/cyb...
sans.org
The Cyber Battlefield with Max Smeets | 13 | Cyber Leaders Podcast | SANS Institute
In this episode, Ciaran and James meet Max Smeets, Co-Director of Virtual Routes and Senior Researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies at ETH Zurich, to discuss how digital threats are reshaping g...
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
bindinghooklive.com
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Ransom War is now available as an audiobook! www.amazon.com/Ransom-War-B...
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Binding Hook @bindinghook.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
⏰ Hurry up - only 1️⃣ week left until the deadline! 📝 Submit your Lightning Talk proposal by May 31: bindinghooklive.com
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Hague TIX @haguetix.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Updates to our speakers list! Looking forward to the talks by Mattijs Dijkstra & Zawadi Done (@huntandhackett.com), @joshagoldstein.bsky.social (Georgetown's CSET), & @maxwsmeets.bsky.social (@virtualroutes.bsky.social + @ethz.ch). Registration closing 1 June: www.thehagueprogram.nl/the-hague-ti...
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Electrospaces.net @electrospaces.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Het aantal gerichte taps door de #AIVD is de laatste 5 jaar aanzienlijk gedaald, daarentegen is het aantal taps door de #MIVD de afgelopen twee jaar geëxplodeerd:
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Excited to be speaking at The Hague TIX this year. Great line up once again from @monicakello.bsky.social and team! www.thehagueprogram.nl/the-hague-ti...
thehagueprogram.nl
The Hague Program: Hague TIX 2025 Welcome
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James Shires @jamesshires.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
@virtualroutes.bsky.social is expanding the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars program to the Netherlands, focusing on defending local communities against ransomware. Current university students can register interest now virtual-routes.org/initiatives/...
virtual-routes.org
Cybersecurity Seminars NL - Virtual Routes
The Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars program has been successfully implemented in higher education institutions across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and is now being launched in the Netherland...
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
We are excited to launch a new program in the Netherlands. The goal is to give students hands-on experience in cybersecurity, with courses like malware reverse engineering, digital forensics, and ransomware economics.
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Binding Hook @bindinghook.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
The arrest of a suspect after a spate of #RansomwareAttacks in the Netherlands is an unusual win for law enforcement, but a more holistic approach is required. Read the new piece by @jamesshires.bsky.social and @maxwsmeets.bsky.social: bindinghook.com/articles-hoo...
bindinghook.com
Ransomware groups are not always out of reach
The arrest of a suspect after a spate of ransomware attacks in the Netherlands is an unusual win for law enforcement, but a more holistic approach is required.
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Alexander Martin @alexmartin.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
⏳ 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟯𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱! We're looking for talks on: 👉 Cyber & AI 👉 Surveillance 👉 Info ops 👉 Critical infra 👉 Cybercrime and more ✅ If accepted you’ll receive a 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 to the event and a £𝟱𝟬𝟬 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺. 📝 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹: bindinghooklive.com
bindinghooklive.com
Binding Hook Live
Binding Hook Live is a one-of-a-kind event bringing together leading voices in digital and emerging technologies and global affairs. This exclusive event takes place at the iconic Underbelly Boulevard...
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
The G7 Cybersec Working Group has finally put nat cyber agencies in one room to align on critical infra and AI safeguards. Now let us see if a small task force can truly overcome the deep institutional silos that have long slowed collective cyber security/defense: bindinghook.com/articles-hoo...
bindinghook.com
Sowing the seeds of enhanced cybersecurity cooperation within the G7
Officials from the Italian National Cybersecurity Agency discuss the challenges and successes of creating the new G7 Cybersecurity Working Group
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
bindinghook.com/articles-hoo...
bindinghook.com
State-backed ransomware at the intersection of espionage, sabotage, and cybercrime
The governments of Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea use ransomware for diverse ends.
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
One month left to submit a proposal for a Lightning Talk at Binding Hook Live. 10-minute presentations that should fit the same editorial scope as Binding Hook. We are interested in how digital and emerging technologies shape security. bindinghooklive.com
bindinghooklive.com
Binding Hook Live
Binding Hook Live is a one-of-a-kind event bringing together leading voices in digital and emerging technologies and global affairs. This exclusive event takes place at the iconic Underbelly Boulevard...
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Published a new Pharos report today - and learned a lot in the process from @milenkowski.bsky.social Jiro, @julianferdinand.bsky.social @tgrossman.bsky.social. The report takes a closer look at how states are using ransomware. virtual-routes.org/wp-content/u...
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Published a new Pharos report today - and learned a lot in the process from @milenkowski.bsky.social Jiro, @julianferdinand.bsky.social @tgrossman.bsky.social. The report takes a closer look at how states are using ransomware. virtual-routes.org/wp-content/u...
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The Hague Program on International Cyber Security @thehagueprogram.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Looking forward to welcome @maxwsmeets.bsky.social at our next online seminar on 22 May to talk about his new book Ransom War: How Cyber Crime Became a Threat to National Security! More info and how to register: www.thehagueprogram.nl/events/ranso...
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Virtual Routes @virtualroutes.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
💡 The third report of the Pharos Series, Ransomware’s New Masters: How States Are Hijacking Cybercrime by @milenkowski.bsky.social, Jiro Minier, @julianferdinand.bsky.social, @maxwsmeets.bsky.social, and @tgrossman.bsky.social is out now. Read the full report: virtual-routes.org/pharos-repor...
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Virtual Routes @virtualroutes.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
📘 @maxwsmeets.bsky.social Ransom War: How Cyber Crime Became a Threat to National Security is now available in the US! ⏭️ Get your copy: a.co/d/7AZEKWu
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Binding Hook @bindinghook.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Cyber operations are often either underhyped or overhyped. While life-threatening attacks get little attention, routine intelligence operations are treated as hostile #cyberattacks, clouding public perception, writes @lawsecnet.counterintelligence.pl. bindinghook.com/articles-bin...
bindinghook.com
Towards an accurate description of cyber operations
Cyber operations can range from espionage to sabotage, but they are often described in uniform ways, leading to misconceptions and inadequate responses. Using plain language to describe the goals and ...
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Virtual Routes @virtualroutes.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
📖 Pharos Report No.2: The Ransomware Trust Paradox by @maxwsmeets.bsky.social is out now. Read the full report: virtual-routes.org/pharos-repor... #Cybersecurity #Ransomware #PharosSeries #VirtualRoutes #MaxSmeets
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Excited to publish my new report on what I call 'The Ransomware Trust Paradox'. It looks at how ransomware groups build credibility to get paid - and why disrupting their reputation is key to stopping them. It is based on book and LABSCON keynote
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
I just learned that Ransom War will also be an audiobook. It runs for 9 hours and 30 minutes. I guess perfect if you are looking to fill a small gap in your schedule.
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
The Ransomware Countermeasures Tracker is now updated with all relevant 2025 government actions: virtual-routes.org/ransomware-c...
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Just wrapped up a special week of research at the NCA on a new ransomware project. Gained lots of new insights and plenty to think about. More to follow soon!
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Binding Hook @bindinghook.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
⚡️ Submit a proposal for a Lightning Talk at Binding Hook Live! A free ticket and £500 honorarium await. 🗣️ Format: 10-minute presentation ⏰ Deadline: May 31, 2025 Read more: bindinghooklive.com
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Binding Hook @bindinghook.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
🎙️ Announcing Binding Hook Live: Where Digital Tech and Global Affairs Meet 🗓️ October 27, 2025 📍 Underbelly Boulevard Soho, London 🎟️ Request an invite: bindinghooklive.com #BindingHook #BindingHookLive
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Virtual Routes @virtualroutes.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
👋 Say hello to the 2025-2026 European Cybersecurity Fellows! 12 months, 15 fellows from 10 countries across Europe, one goal: to take the next step in their careers and make it count. Learn more: virtual-routes.org/initiatives/...
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
A while ago, we started thinking: what would our ideal event look like? That is what we have been building with Binding Hook Live. bindinghooklive.com
bindinghooklive.com
Binding Hook Live
Binding Hook Live is a one-of-a-kind event bringing together leading voices in digital and emerging technologies and global affairs. This exclusive event takes place at the iconic Underbelly Boulevard...
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Thanks for upgrading my collection @ransomwaresommelier.com
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
A while ago, we started thinking: what would our ideal event look like? That is what we have been building with Binding Hook Live. bindinghooklive.com
bindinghooklive.com
Binding Hook Live
Binding Hook Live is a one-of-a-kind event bringing together leading voices in digital and emerging technologies and global affairs. This exclusive event takes place at the iconic Underbelly Boulevard...
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Excited to publish the first report as part of the new Pharos series, with more to follow soon! This series will focus on key developments shaping cybersecurity and emerging tech. The first publications take a closer look at ransomware and how to respond to it. virtual-routes.org/introducing-...
virtual-routes.org
Introducing The Pharos Report Series: The Ransomware Playbook and How to Disrupt It - Virtual Routes
Virtual Routes is launching the Pharos Report Series, a new report series shedding light on cybersecurity and emerging technology challenges. The series aims to offer clear expert insights helping pol...
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Allan “Ransomware Sommelier” Liska @ransomwaresommelier.com · 19/03/2025
SLEUTHCON is the best cybercrime focused con of the year. I make sure I don’t book travel so I can be there. Join us, won’t you?
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Virtual Routes @virtualroutes.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
🚨 Introducing the Pharos Reports - a new series shedding light on #Cybersecurity and #EmergingTech challenges with expert analysis! Read the first report in the series, The Ransomware Playbook and How to Disrupt It, authored by @maxwsmeets.bsky.social: virtual-routes.org/introducing-...
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Max Smeets @maxwsmeets.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Excited to publish the first report as part of the new Pharos series, with more to follow soon! This series will focus on key developments shaping cybersecurity and emerging tech. The first publications take a closer look at ransomware and how to respond to it. virtual-routes.org/introducing-...
virtual-routes.org
Introducing The Pharos Report Series: The Ransomware Playbook and How to Disrupt It - Virtual Routes
Virtual Routes is launching the Pharos Report Series, a new report series shedding light on cybersecurity and emerging technology challenges. The series aims to offer clear expert insights helping pol...
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Virtual Routes @virtualroutes.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
We are excited to welcome Anna Sophie den Ouden as the newest Junior Researcher to the Virtual Routes team! 🤝 Read more about Anna Sophie: virtual-routes.org/anna-sophie-...
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