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  • Bryce Cottle

    Bryce Cottle is a HDR Student within the School of Science.

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Bryce Cottle

Overview of thesis

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has transformed cybercrime into a scalable, profit-driven enterprise, significantly contributing to the global rise in ransomware attacks. By lowering technical barriers and enabling revenue-sharing between providers and affiliates, RaaS marketplaces have professionalised and expanded the ransomware ecosystem.

This research aims to analyse the economic foundations of RaaS to better understand how these illicit markets generate, distribute, and sustain profits. Using economic modelling informed by case studies and open-source intelligence, the project examines pricing mechanisms, profit-sharing arrangements, cost structures, and risk exposure across the ecosystem. It also explores how competitive pressures and systemic vulnerabilities influence offender behaviour and long-term profitability.

The expected outcome is a market-based framework that identifies practical intervention points at which forensic, regulatory, or economic strategies can disrupt the financial incentives underpinning RaaS. By reframing ransomware as an illicit market rather than solely a technical threat, this study seeks to inform policies and investigative approaches that reduce the economic viability and global impact of ransomware.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science, Radio, Television & Film Administration, The University of Texas, Austin (2002 - 2006
  • Graduate Certificate - Master of Cyber Security, Edith Cowan University (2025)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute (2015-Present)

Research

Research Interests

  • Economic modelling of RaaS ecosystems and illicit digital marketplaces
  • Quantitative analysis of cybercrime incentives, pricing structures, and profit-sharing models
  • Economic disruption strategies to reduce the viability of organised cyber-extortion markets

Past Research employment history

Bryce has over 15 years of experience in program management, consulting, and data-driven problem solving. Most recently, he led research and product testing initiatives, overseeing structured methodologies, coordinating cross-functional teams, and sharing findings that informed strategic product decisions.

Other work

  • 2021–2024, Program Manager, Austin, TX (Indeed)
  • 2020–2021, Development Program Manager, Austin, TX (Flash)
  • 2018–2020, Program Manager, Austin, TX (projekt202)
  • 2017–2018, Director of Transformation, Austin, TX (Alorica)
  • 2015–2017, Manager of Program Management, Austin, TX (Electronic Arts)
  • 2013–2015, Program Manager, Austin, TX (Electronic Arts)
  • 2006-2008, UAT Coordinator, Austin, TX (Apple)

Scholarships and Awards

  • University of Texas Dean’s List – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Supervisors

Contact

Bryce Cottle
Master of Computing and Security by Research
School of Science, Centre for Securing Digital Futures
School of Science

Office room location: Hot Desk JO.23

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