On the Record

Research & Media

Original research, books, reporting, and public talks from Arkem Cyber's work on ransomware and the cybercrime economy.

Research & Publications

The Art of Cyberwarfare book cover

Book · No Starch Press, 2022

The Art of Cyberwarfare

An examination of how nation-states and criminal organizations conduct cyber operations: the strategies, tools, and tradecraft behind modern attacks, written for security professionals and leaders who need to understand the full picture, not just the technical details.

OWNED book cover

Book · No Starch Press — Coming soon

OWNED

A first-person account of ransomware investigations from inside the criminal ecosystem: the messages, access, relationships, and consequences behind some of the most significant cybercrime stories of the last several years. Authored by Jon DiMaggio and the Ransomware Gang.

Ransomware Diaries

A seven-volume investigative series built on sustained, primary-source study of specific ransomware and extortion operations. Each entry examines a single group in depth: how they gain access, how they pressure and negotiate with victims, how they communicate internally, and how they adapt when exposed.

  1. Volume 1 — Unlocking LockBit
  2. Volume 2 — The Man Behind the Keyboard
  3. Volume 3 — LockBit's Secrets
  4. Volume 4 — Ransomed and Exposed
  5. Volume 5 — Unmasking LockBit
  6. Volume 6 — Lie to Me
  7. Volume 7 — The Kaseya Hacker Breaks His Silence

Featured Media

Arkem Cyber's research has shaped major international media productions covering ransomware, cybercrime, and the criminal economy.

  • CBS 60 Minutes

    Infiltrating Ransomware Gangs on the Dark Web

    Television · 2023

  • National Geographic

    Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller

    Television documentary

    National Geographic's Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller — Jon DiMaggio contributed investigative expertise and research to this documentary series examining criminal economies, including cybercrime operations.

    Watch on National Geographic →
  • DEF CON 32

    Behind Enemy Lines: Going Undercover to Breach the LockBit Ransomware Operation

    Conference talk · Las Vegas, NV · August 2024

  • ABC Australia — Four Corners

    Hackers Inc

    Television documentary

    ABC Australia's flagship current affairs program Four Corners — a documentary investigation into the criminal ransomware economy, featuring Jon DiMaggio's investigative research into ransomware operations.

    View on IMDB →

Speaking & Conferences

Jon speaks to executive, technical, and general audiences, with talks tailored to the room.

  • DEF CON 33 Ghosts of REvil: An Inside Look with the Hacker Behind the Kaseya Ransomware Attack Las Vegas, NV · August 2025 View talk →
  • DEF CON 32 Behind Enemy Lines: Going Undercover to Breach the LockBit Ransomware Operation Las Vegas, NV · August 2024 Watch recording →
  • RSA Conference Ransomware and the Criminal Ecosystem San Francisco, CA Speaker profile →
  • Black Hat USA Adversary research and threat actor analysis Las Vegas, NV
  • SANS Cybercrime intelligence and ransomware investigation Various

For speaking inquiries, use the contact page or visit the full speaking page.

Recognition

2022 & 2023

SANS Difference Makers Award

Two-time recipient recognizing outstanding contributions to the information security community through research and education.

About the award →

Press Bio

Jon DiMaggio is the founder and principal researcher of Arkem Cyber, a boutique cybercrime intelligence advisory firm. He is a cybercrime intelligence analyst, author, and speaker whose published research examines how ransomware and extortion groups operate and the criminal economy that sustains them. He works with leaders, journalists, and research partners to make that threat landscape understandable and to inform better decisions about it.

For interviews, commentary, or speaking inquiries, please use the contact page.

Discuss an engagement

If a decision in front of you would benefit from this kind of research and judgment, the best next step is a conversation.

Schedule a Consultation