Explore the dynamics of malware markets in this BSides Cleveland conference talk. Delve into the economics of cybercrime, examining labor specialization, financial trust, and price discrimination in illegal markets. Investigate the challenges of hostage-taking and ransom negotiations, drawing parallels to established practices in certain cultures. Analyze the reputation-building mechanisms for malware authors and the creation of extra-legal governance structures. Discuss the impact of international laws on ransom payments to terrorist organizations and evaluate the cost-benefit analysis of cybercriminal activities. Examine the limitations on growth for ransomware operations and the trend towards vertical integration in cybercrime. Consider the impressive supply chain of malicious actors and the role of commodity malware and containerization in the evolving landscape of digital threats.