These proceedings represent the work of contributors to the 19th International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ICCWS 2024), hosted University of Johannesburg, South Africa on 26-27 March 2024. The Conference Chair was Dr. Jaco du Toit, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, and the Program Chair was Prof Brett van Niekerk, from Durban University of Technology. South Africa. ICCWS is a well-established event on the academic research calendar and now in its 19th year, the key aim remains the opportunity for participants to share ideas and meet the people who hold them. The scope of papers will ensure an interesting two days. The subjects covered this year illustrate the wide range of topics that fall into this important and ever-growing area of research.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that prevents victims from accessing their computers and the information they have stored. Typically, victims are required to pay a ransom, usually using cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, to regain access. Ransomware attacks pose a significant threat to national security, and there has been a substantial increase in such attacks in the post-Covid era. In response to these threats, large enterprises have begun implementing better cybersecurity practices, such as deploying data loss prevention mechanisms and improving backup strategies. However, cybercriminals have developed a hybrid variant called Ransomware 2.0. In this variation, sensitive data is stolen before being encrypted, allowing cybercriminals to publicly release the information if the ransom is not paid. Cybercriminals also take advantage of cryptocurrency’s anonymity and untraceability. Ransomware 3.0 is an emerging threat in which cybercriminals target critical infrastructures and tamper with the data stored on computing devices. Unlike in traditional ransomware attacks, cybercriminals are more interested in the actual data on the victims’ devices, particularly from critical enterprises such as government, healthcare, education, defense, and utility providers. State-based cyber actors are more interested in disrupting critical infrastructures rather than seeking financial benefits via cryptocurrency. Additionally, these sophisticated cyber actors are also interested in obtaining trade secrets and gathering confidential information. It is worth noting that the misinformation caused by ransomware attacks can severely impact critical infrastructures and can serve as a primary weapon in information warfare in today’s age. In recent events, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to several countries retaliating against Russia. A ransomware group threatened cyber-attacks on the critical infrastructure of these countries. Experts warned that this could be the most widespread ransomware gang globally and is linked to a trend of Russian hackers supporting the Kremlin’s ideology. Ensuring cyber safety from ransomware attacks has become a national security priority for many nations across the world. The evolving variants of ransomware attacks present a wider and more challenging threat landscape, highlighting the need for collaborative work throughout the entire cyber ecosystem value chain. In response to this evolving threat, a book addressing the challenges associated with ransomware is very timely. This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution, trends, techniques, impact on critical infrastructures and national security, countermeasures, and open research directions in this area. It will serve as a valuable source of knowledge on the topic.

In a world characterized by complexity and rapid change, the intersection of healthcare, social sciences, and technology presents a formidable challenge. The vast array of interconnected issues, ethical dilemmas, and technological advancements often evade comprehensive understanding within individual disciplines. The problem lies in the siloed approach to these critical domains, hindering our ability to navigate the complexities of our modern world effectively. Change Dynamics in Healthcare, Technological Innovations, and Complex Scenarios emerges as a transformative solution, offering a beacon of insight and knowledge to those grappling with the intricate dynamics of our interconnected society. Change Dynamics in Healthcare, Technological Innovations, and Complex Scenarios dives into organizational narratives, ethical challenges, and technological promises across healthcare, social sciences, and technology. It doesn't merely acknowledge the interplay between these disciplines; it celebrates their interconnectedness. By dissecting, analyzing, and synthesizing critical developments, this book serves as a compass, providing a rich resource for comprehending the multifaceted impacts of emerging changes.

These proceedings represent the work of contributors to the 16th International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ICCWS 2021), hosted by joint collaboration of Tennessee Tech Cybersecurity Education, Research and Outreach Center (CEROC), Computer Science department and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee on 25-26 February 2021. The Conference Co-Chairs are Dr. Juan Lopez Jr, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee, and Dr. Ambareen Siraj, Tennessee Tech’s Cybersecurity Education, Research and Outreach Center (CEROC), and the Program Chair is Dr. Kalyan Perumalla, from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee.