Speaking at GTBA 2025: Ransomware Threats in Telecom and Broadband

We’re pleased to share that Patrick Kelley, CEO of Critical Path Security and Léargas Security, will be speaking at the 2025 GTBA Annual Meeting of the Membership, hosted by the Georgia Rural Telephone and Broadband Association.

📍 Location: Hammock Beach, Daytona Beach, FL
📅 Dates: June 15–19, 2025
🗣 Topic: Ransomware in Telecom and Broadband: Real-World Impact and Response Strategies

Why This Talk Matters

Rural telecommunications and broadband providers have become prime targets for ransomware groups seeking to exploit infrastructure gaps and critical service dependencies. As attackers refine their tactics—often hitting operations where recovery is slow and costly—preparedness is no longer optional.

Patrick will dive into the latest ransomware attack trends, walk through recent case studies, and outline actionable steps for detection, response, and prevention tailored for rural ISPs and telcos.

What Attendees Will Gain

  • A clearer understanding of ransomware attack vectors in telecom infrastructure

  • Guidance on securing legacy and modern broadband systems

  • Tips for building layered defenses without breaking the budget

  • Real-world examples of ransomware playbooks and how to counter them

  • Discussion on insurance, legal pressure, and operational resilience

Who’s Behind the Attacks?

Several nation-state and cybercriminal groups have increasingly targeted the telecom and broadband sector:

  • VOLT TYPHON (aka FIN12/Wizard Spider): Known for high-speed ransomware operations (Ryuk, Conti) following phishing or compromised RDP. They often exploit soft targets that still deliver high-impact service disruption.

  • VOLT KAPPA (aka Sandworm/TeleBots): Notorious for disruptive attacks like NotPetya. Their recent use of tools like Prestige ransomware or Raspberry Robin makes them a concern for any org running legacy OT/ICS assets.

  • LockBit 3.0: Targets managed service providers and broadband infrastructure in double-extortion campaigns.

  • ALPHV/BlackCat: Focused on supply chain attacks with an eye toward telecom and SaaS providers.

  • Scattered Spider (VOLT KOBALT): Uses advanced social engineering and SIM-swapping to compromise telecom-linked identity platforms.

If you work in rural broadband or telecom and want to get ahead of the next threat wave, don’t miss this session.

Stay tuned for the full GTBA agenda, and we look forward to connecting with industry peers at Hammock Beach.

Speaking at GridSecCon 2025: Mental Health in Cybersecurity and the Maslach Burnout Inventory

We’re proud to announce that Patrick Kelley, CEO of Critical Path Security and Léargas Security, will be speaking once again at GridSecCon 2025. His breakout session, titled “Mental Health in Cybersecurity: Leveraging the Maslach Burnout Inventory,” will take place on October 8, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM PT.

Why This Talk Matters

Cybersecurity is more than threat detection and response—it’s a high-pressure profession where burnout, imposter syndrome, and emotional fatigue are common, yet rarely discussed. The stakes are high, the expectations relentless, and the human toll is real.

In this session, Patrick will offer a brutally honest and personal look at the psychological cost of doing this work, the systemic flaws that exacerbate mental strain, and how the Maslach Burnout Inventory can be used as a tangible tool to assess and manage burnout.

What Attendees Will Learn

  • How to recognize the warning signs of burnout before they escalate

  • How to use the Maslach Burnout Inventory to self-assess and spark change

  • Resilience strategies that have real-world applicability in high-stress environments

  • How to advocate for healthier team culture and systemic improvements in cybersecurity organizations

This isn’t a surface-level motivational talk. It’s a call for accountability and change—from the ground up and the top down.

For the Community, By the Community

Patrick’s voice in this space is deeply rooted in experience. From running Managed Security Operations Centers and Incident Response teams, to counseling colleagues through moments of extreme stress, he brings an honest, no-nonsense perspective that many in our industry have lived—but few have said aloud.

Join us at GridSecCon 2025 and be part of the conversation we all need to be having.
Learn more and register here: GridSecCon 2025 Event Summary