Dive Brief:

• Security vendor F-Secure released transcripts this week from the group chat used by the creators of the Spora ransomware family, showcasing enterprising cybercriminals help "customers" with issues related to Bitcoin, Computerworld reports. 
• The transcripts reveal how criminals offered "customer service" help to their victims, directing them on how to obtain Bitcoin to pay their ransom and even extending their payment deadlines in some cases.
• Many of the questions had to do with how to obtain and use BitCoin. F-Secure representatives say the fact that BitCoin is difficult to use works against the hackers in many cases.

Dive Insight:

It’s a frightening example of how creative hackers can be when it comes to getting paid. Not only did the hackers provide the customer support services to guide their victims in how to pay them in the first place, they were also brash, ruthless and unforgiving.

Many of the victims asked for discounts or deadline extensions, but requests were rarely granted.

"Hello crooks. I agree to pay," said one victim. "But 570 dollars for a lot of photos of my grandmother. Can I expect a discount if I leave good feedback on the forum about you?" In reply, a support specialist said they did not provide discounts and "also, we cannot be sure, that you have only photos."

Maybe with the rise of automation, they too will see cybercriminal jobs displaced.