Ep. 3: The Truth About Illicit Activity and Analytics in Crypto (pt. 1 of 2)

“Blockchain analytics firms only capture a floor of illicit activity, not the ceiling”

In this insightful episode of "Seize & Desist," Aidan Larkin hosts cybersecurity expert Carole House for a rich discussion on the complexities of digital assets, cryptocurrency, and the pressing issue of ransomware. As a veteran in the field, Carole shares her unique perspective on the growth of crypto-related crime and the importance of debunking myths surrounding illicit finance statistics.

Carole and Aidan navigate through the thorny subject of quantifying illicit activities within the blockchain, how misinformation about these metrics can undermine efforts in combating crime, and the role of regulatory institutions like FinCEN.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where the duo address the persistent underestimation of cyber threats posed by state-sponsored actors such as North Korea, and the challenges inherent in our existing countermeasures against the sophisticated use of cryptocurrency in ransomware-as-a-service models.

Timestamps

2 | Carole’s major role in public sector policy in crypto and background

13 | Blockchain analytics firms only capture a floor of illicit activity, not the ceiling

20 | The effectiveness of regulations in combating crypto-related crimes

26 | The ongoing debate of surveillance tools and a decentralised crypto society

31 | Lack of regulation and industry responsibility internationally

35 | Info sharing and other lessons from cybersecurity

Resources Mentioned:

• Estimating illicit financial flows resulting from drug trafficking and other transnational organized crimes (UNODC 2-5% stat source)
• Congressional Hearing: Crypto Crime in Context Part II: Examining Approaches to Combat Illicit Activity
• Counter-ransomware initiative (International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) -)
• Book: Investigating Cryptocurrencies (by Nick Furneaux)
• Book: Currency Cold War (by David Birch)
• Podcast: The Lazarus Heist (by Geoff White)

About our Guest:

Carole House is a cybersecurity and risk management specialist with a background in U.S. military intelligence.

Throughout her decorated career, she has held several senior positions in the government, including Senior Cyber and Emerging Tech Policy Officer at the US Treasury; Head of Virtual Assets at FinCen and Director of Cybersecurity and Secure Digital Innovation at the White House. In these roles, she spearheaded initiatives to strengthen digital infrastructure and counter cyber-enabled national security threats.

Carole currently serves as the Executive in Residence at Terranet Ventures, where she advises start-ups and non-profits on strategies to protect against emerging cyber threats.

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