On 3rd December, we had the privilege of hosting Paul Foster for a truly enthralling guest lecture on Operation CRONOS, the international cybercrime investigation targeting the notorious LockBit ransomware group; a disruption led by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Paul delivered a vivid deep dive into the operation, which—up until its takedown in early 2024—was responsible for nearly a quarter of all global ransomware attacks. He unpacked how multiple law enforcement agencies across the world collaborated on a complex, multinational effort that combined covert infiltration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to dismantle LockBit’s infrastructure. Operation CRONOS has since been hailed as one of the most significant cybercrime interventions in recent memory.

Attendees were captivated as Paul revealed the intricate planning, high-pressure decision making, and novel investigative techniques that shaped the operation. His talk illuminated not only the immediate disruption achieved, but also its enduring influence on international cybercrime strategy and future responses to online harms.

The session concluded with an energetic Q&A, during which participants had the rare opportunity to put questions directly to someone involved in such a landmark investigation.

Several attendees shared their reflections afterwards:

• “I’ve never heard such a clear explanation of how international cybercrime operations actually work behind the scenes. It really highlighted the scale of collaboration needed to tackle cybercrime today.”

• “Paul made an incredibly complex investigation feel both understandable and gripping - completely eye-opening.”

Overall, the lecture was both inspiring and illuminating, leaving attendees with a renewed appreciation for the sophistication of modern cybercrime enforcement—and the dedication of those working to keep digital spaces safe.

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