Ep 23. Ukraine; Targeting Americans

In season 54 episode 23 of 60 Minutes, the team delves into the current state of affairs in Ukraine and how it has become a hotbed for cyber attacks targeting Americans. Correspondent Scott Pelley travels to Ukraine, where he meets with cyber experts and government officials to understand how the country has become a breeding ground for hackers.

The city of Kiev is home to a booming tech industry, attracting the brightest minds in Ukraine to work for companies providing cybersecurity services. But despite its reputation as a cybersecurity hub, Ukraine is also home to some of the world's most notorious cyber criminals. Pelley speaks with one of Ukraine's top cybersecurity experts, who explains how the country's long-standing tradition of hacking has now become a lucrative industry.

The episode also delves into the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and how that has fueled cyber attacks on American targets. Pelley speaks with Ukrainian officials who claim that Russian operatives have been conducting cyberattacks on Ukraine with the purpose of stealing secrets and interfering with the country's political system. Ukraine's efforts to manage its cybersecurity have not gone unnoticed, and as a result, American companies have shown an increased interest in hiring Ukrainian cybersecurity professionals.

Pelley speaks with American companies that have partnered with Ukrainian firms, and delves into why they view the country as a cybersecurity hotbed. They explain how Ukrainian cybersecurity professionals provide a unique perspective on cyber attacks, and are often better equipped to handle such attacks because of their first-hand experience with hacking.

As the episode progresses, Pelley examines how Russian hackers have targeted the United States, and how Ukrainian authorities have helped American agencies to identify and track down the perpetrators of these attacks. In recent years, Russian hackers have conducted attacks on the United States' power grid, election systems, and businesses. Through interviews with cybersecurity professionals and security officials, Pelley shows how Ukrainian intelligence agencies have played an instrumental role in providing intelligence on Russian activities, which has allowed American agencies to take action against these attacks.

Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion on how Ukraine's burgeoning tech industry has helped to propel the country forward, and how it is focusing on innovation and growth within the cybersecurity sector. Pelley meets with Ukrainian entrepreneurs who are developing innovative cybersecurity solutions to address modern-day threats. They discuss how Ukraine's tech industry provides hope for the country's future, as it looks to emerge as a global leader in the cybersecurity space.

Overall, season 54 episode 23 of 60 Minutes provides an in-depth look at Ukraine's growing reputation as a cybersecurity hub, and how the country's experiences with cyber warfare have helped it become a key player in the fight against cybercrime. Through interviews with experts and officials, the episode sheds light on why Ukraine has become a prime location for American companies seeking cybersecurity talent, and how the country's history of hacking has been transformed into a lucrative cybersecurity industry.