Cyber Threat Intelligence & Strategic Advisory

Independent research and strategic advisory on ransomware ecosystems, cybercrime networks, and nation-state cyber activity.

Threat Intelligence Briefings

Briefings on ransomware groups, cybercrime ecosystems, and nation-state cyber operations.

Strategic Cyber Risk Advisory

Research-driven analysis of threat actors, cybercrime trends, and geopolitical cyber risk.

Speaking & Expert Analysis

Conference presentations and executive briefings on cyber threats, ransomware ecosystems, and global cyber risk.

Research and Publications

01

Click to watch the Iran: A Top Tier Cyber Threat, 2022. Contact me to schedule the updated version, now more important than ever in 2026.

Research examining how geopolitical developments influence cyber operations and digital risk for organizations. My work focuses on Iran and its complex role in the Middle East and beyond. Using Farsi language capabilities and digital research methods, I analyze Iranian activity across both physical and cyber domains, translating geopolitical developments into clear assessments of business risk.

02

Click to watch about being ransom "a"ware in 2023. Check out my updated research for ransomware and info-stealers.

Analysis of the evolving ransomware ecosystem and the growing role of information-stealing malware in modern cybercrime. This research examines how threat actors adapt their tactics, techniques, and procedures as technologies and criminal markets evolve, and how these shifts affect organizations targeted for data theft, extortion, and operational disruption.

03

A guest on the Needle Stack podcast, 2025. Click to listen to why dark web intelligence is worth having in your investigations.

Research examining how cybercrime networks, cryptocurrency infrastructure, and hybrid threat actors interact within the modern cyber threat ecosystem. Analysis of the evolving ransomware ecosystem and the growing role of information-stealing malware in modern cybercrime.

01

Click to watch the Iran: A Top Tier Cyber Threat, 2022. Contact me to schedule the updated version, now more important than ever in 2026.

Research examining how geopolitical developments influence cyber operations and digital risk for organizations. My work focuses on Iran and its complex role in the Middle East and beyond. Using Farsi language capabilities and digital research methods, I analyze Iranian activity across both physical and cyber domains, translating geopolitical developments into clear assessments of business risk.

02

Click to watch about being ransom "a"ware in 2023. Check out my updated research for ransomware and info-stealers.

Analysis of the evolving ransomware ecosystem and the growing role of information-stealing malware in modern cybercrime. This research examines how threat actors adapt their tactics, techniques, and procedures as technologies and criminal markets evolve, and how these shifts affect organizations targeted for data theft, extortion, and operational disruption.

03

A guest on the Needle Stack podcast, 2025. Click to listen to why dark web intelligence is worth having in your investigations.

Research examining how cybercrime networks, cryptocurrency infrastructure, and hybrid threat actors interact within the modern cyber threat ecosystem. Analysis of the evolving ransomware ecosystem and the growing role of information-stealing malware in modern cybercrime.

Security and Risk Teams

Threat intelligence briefings and analysis to help security teams understand ransomware groups, cybercrime ecosystems, and nation-state cyber activity.

Business Leadership

Strategic insight into cyber threats and geopolitical developments that affect business risk and operational resilience.

Industry Conferences
& Events

Speaking engagements and expert briefings on ransomware activity, cybercrime markets, and emerging digital threats.

Research and Analysis

Research and analysis on cybercrime trends, threat actor behavior, and the evolving digital threat landscape.

S2 Advising provides research, analysis, and advisory insight on cyber threats, ransomware ecosystems, and geopolitical cyber risk. The firm focuses on helping organizations understand emerging threat actors, evolving cybercrime tactics, and the broader forces shaping today’s cyber threat landscape.

S2 Advising was founded by US Army veteran and former Intelligence community/cybersecurity analyst Steph Shample, whose work focuses on the intersection of cyber operations, geopolitical risk, and threat intelligence. Shample has spent more than two decades researching cyber threats, ransomware activity, and nation-state cyber behavior.

Her research and commentary have appeared in industry publications and policy forums, and she regularly provides briefings and presentations on cyber threats and global digital risk.

Customer Reviews

Carol L, PA

I engaged Steph following a significant identity theft incident that resulted in approximately $7,000 in losses. Her approach combined technical cybersecurity expertise with practical, real-world incident response guidance.

She began with a thorough credential security audit, identifying compromised passwords and implementing secure password remediation strategies. She also reviewed my Apple devices to ensure there were no lingering vulnerabilities, unauthorized access points, or persistence risks.

Steph then guided me step-by-step through the identity recovery process. She remained on the phone while I contacted TransUnion and Experian, ensuring I followed proper protocols. Importantly, she advised against purchasing unnecessary credit monitoring products and instead helped me implement credit freezes with all major bureaus, an immediate and effective fraud prevention measure. We confirmed that all freezes were successfully in place.

Beyond immediate remediation, Steph helped me establish a long-term personal cybersecurity strategy. This included guidance on periodic credit checks, secure password management, and how to safely unfreeze credit when necessary.

What sets Steph apart is her ability to combine deep cybersecurity knowledge with clear, actionable guidance. She brought structure, clarity, and reassurance to an otherwise overwhelming situation. I highly recommend her services for anyone facing identity theft, account compromise, or seeking to proactively strengthen their personal security posture.

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Get in Touch

For advisory engagements, intelligence briefings, or speaking inquiries, contact:

s@s2advising.com

PGP key available upon request.

Cyber Threat Intelligence & Strategic Advisory

Independent research and strategic advisory on ransomware ecosystems, cybercrime networks, and nation-state cyber activity.

Threat Intelligence Briefings

Strategic Cyber Risk Advisory

Speaking & Expert Analysis

Security and Risk Teams

Business Leadership

Industry Conferences & Events

Research and Analysis

Customer Reviews

Industry Conferences
& Events