**Krebs on Security Featured in New HBO Max Series ‘Most Wanted’**

From Random Harassment to Mass Extortion: The Kivimäki Saga Comes to Netflix

The chilling story of Julius Kivimäki, a Finnish hacker who terrorized individuals and institutions, is set to be explored in a new documentary series premiering on Netflix. The series uncovers Kivimäki’s relentless campaign of harassment and extortion, a case that shook finland and sent shockwaves globally.

The article details how Kivimäki began by randomly targeting an individual with years of relentless abuse. This initial harassment included swatting, unwanted deliveries, and threatening communications, all seemingly conducted for amusement. The victim, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed Kivimäki’s admission that the attacks were completely arbitrary.

The narrative quickly escalates five years later.Kivimäki, under the alias “ransom_man,” targeted the Counterplage Psychotherapy Center in finland. He demanded a significant ransom in Bitcoin,threatening to release highly confidential therapy session notes he had illicitly obtained. When the center refused, Kivimäki shifted to extorting individual patients, sending targeted emails demanding payment to prevent the public exposure of their private information. Finnish authorities estimate around 22,000 patients were victimized by this extortion scheme.

While facing charges in Finland, Kivimäki went on the run, enjoying a life of luxury across Europe, until he was apprehended in france in February 2023. French police, suspicious of his claimed Romanian identity and appearance, made the arrest after responding to a domestic dispute.

In April 2024, Kivimäki was sentenced to more than six years in prison for his crimes related to the Vastaamo data breach and extortion. The documentary,directed by Sami Kieksi and co-written by Joni Simple,promises to delve deep into Kivimäki’s actions and their impact.

The four-part series, each approximately 43 minutes long, is scheduled for a weekly Friday release throughout September, and will be available in Europe, the U.S, Latin America, Australia and South-East Asia.

What role did Brian Krebs’ reporting play in the development of the HBO Max series *Most Wanted*?

The Real-Life Cybersecurity Expert Inspiring a Hit Show

Brian Krebs, the renowned cybersecurity journalist behind KrebsOnSecurity.com,is now the subject of increased public attention thanks to his pivotal role in inspiring the new HBO Max docuseries,Most Wanted. The series, focusing on the U.S. Marshals Service’s pursuit of dangerous fugitives, heavily features the story of John McAfee – and Krebs’ extensive reporting was instrumental in unraveling the complex web surrounding the controversial antivirus software creator. This article dives into Krebs’ involvement, the impact of his work on the McAfee case, and why his cybersecurity expertise is so vital in today’s digital landscape.

KrebsOnSecurity: A Deep Dive into Brian Krebs’ Work

Brian Krebs isn’t just a journalist; he’s a leading voice in cybersecurity news and threat intelligence. Before launching KrebsOnSecurity in 2009, he spent over a decade as a security reporter for The washington Post. His autonomous blog quickly gained prominence for its in-depth investigations into cybercrime, data breaches, malware, and online fraud.

Here’s what sets KrebsOnSecurity apart:

Original Reporting: Krebs consistently breaks stories that other outlets miss, often relying on direct sources within the cybersecurity community.

Technical depth: He doesn’t shy away from explaining complex technical details in a way that’s accessible to a broad audience.

Focus on Victims: Krebs frequently highlights the impact of cybercrime on individuals and businesses,giving a human face to the often-abstract threat.

Investigative Journalism: His work frequently enough involves painstaking research and analysis, uncovering hidden connections and exposing criminal activity.

Key areas of coverage include ransomware attacks, phishing scams, identity theft, and vulnerability disclosures. He’s become a go-to source for law enforcement, security professionals, and anyone seeking to understand the evolving cybersecurity threats facing us today.

The McAfee Case: Krebs’ Reporting and the HBO Max Series

The Most Wanted series dedicates significant time to the story of John McAfee, the eccentric founder of McAfee Associates (now part of Intel Security). Krebs’ reporting played a crucial role in exposing McAfee’s increasingly erratic behavior, his alleged criminal activities, and his attempts to evade capture.

Specifically, KrebsOnSecurity published a series of articles detailing:

McAfee’s Financial Troubles: Krebs revealed McAfee’s mounting debts and his attempts to hide assets from creditors.

Allegations of Murder: Krebs reported on the examination into the death of McAfee’s neighbor in Belize, and McAfee’s subsequent flight from the country.

Life on the Run: Krebs documented McAfee’s nomadic existence, his use of encrypted communications, and his increasingly paranoid claims of being targeted by government agencies.

The Capture and Death: Krebs continued to follow the case through McAfee’s arrest in Spain and his eventual death in a Spanish prison in 2021.

the HBO Max series draws heavily from Krebs’ reporting, using his articles as a primary source of information. Producers consulted with Krebs extensively during the development of the series, ensuring accuracy and providing valuable insights into McAfee’s world. The series highlights how Krebs’ meticulous investigation helped piece together the puzzle of McAfee’s life and ultimately contributed to the understanding of his complex case.

Why Krebs’ Work Matters: The Importance of Cybersecurity Journalism

In an era of escalating cyber threats, the role of cybersecurity journalism is more critical than ever. KrebsOnSecurity provides a vital public service by:

Raising Awareness: Krebs’ reporting helps educate the public about the risks of cybercrime and the importance of online security.

Holding Criminals Accountable: His investigations have led to the arrest and prosecution of numerous cybercriminals.

Informing Policy: Krebs’ work frequently enough influences policy debates on cybersecurity issues.

Empowering Individuals: By providing practical advice and actionable intelligence, krebs helps individuals protect themselves from online threats.

The increased visibility from the Most Wanted series is likely to further amplify Krebs’ message and reach a wider audience. This is notably vital as cybersecurity awareness remains low among many internet users.

Staying Safe Online: Practical Tips Inspired by KrebsOnSecurity

Brian Krebs consistently offers practical advice for staying safe online. Here are some key takeaways from his reporting:

Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): add an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a code from your phone or another device.

Be Wary of phishing Emails: Don’t click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.

Keep Your software Updated: Install security updates promptly to patch vulnerabilities.

Use a Reputable Antivirus Program: Protect your computer from malware.

Be Careful What You Share Online: