Mob Museum Launches “Digital Underworld” Exhibit on Oct. 21

The Mob Museum, officially known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, is set to unveil its latest exhibit, “Digital Underworld,” on **October 21, 2025**. This new exhibition highlights the evolution of cybercrime, marking it as a significant frontier in organized crime. It traces the journey from early hackers in the 1970s and 1980s to today’s complex ransomware operations that siphon millions of dollars daily, posing a threat to users of internet-connected devices everywhere.

A prominent feature of the exhibit will be a live cyberthreat map developed by **Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.** This innovative display will showcase real-time cyberattacks occurring globally, providing visitors with a striking visual experience that emphasizes the scale and immediacy of contemporary cyber threats. Alongside this dynamic map, a mural and informational panel will focus on ransomware, revealing how these criminal enterprises function similarly to high-tech startups. The financial impact of ransomware is staggering, with losses estimated at **$156 million** per day.

“Cybercrime has become one of the most pressing, pervasive, and profitable threats of our time,” stated **Geoff Schumacher**, Vice President of Exhibits and Programs at The Mob Museum. He emphasized that “Digital Underworld” not only offers historical context and compelling artifacts but also provides a live perspective on current cybercriminal activities. This exhibit underscores the reality that organized crime has transitioned from the streets to the digital realm.

**Cindi Carter**, Americas Chief Information Security Officer at Check Point Software Technologies, noted that in September 2025, organizations faced an average of **1,900 cyberattacks** each week, with ransomware incidents increasing by **46%** year-over-year. “Crime has moved from streets to screens—exploiting trust, distraction, and our digital dependence,” she explained. The partnership with The Mob Museum aims to enhance awareness and encourage vigilance among visitors, equipping them to defend and protect their digital lives.

The exhibit will feature several historical artifacts, including a floppy disk containing the Form.A virus, donated by cybersecurity expert **Mikko Hyppönen**. Visitors will also encounter a Cap’n Crunch cereal toy whistle, used to manipulate pay phones, and tools previously owned by reformed hacker **Brian Markus**, who used them to infiltrate telephone systems. An additional highlight will be a book by **Joseph Popp**, creator of the first ransomware in **1989**, as well as equipment utilized by reformed hacker **Alissa Knight** to expose vulnerabilities in modern automobiles.

“Digital Underworld” will be housed within the Organized Crime Today gallery on the first floor of the Museum and will be accessible daily from **9 a.m. to 9 p.m.** Entry to the exhibit is included with museum admission. For more details or to purchase tickets, visitors can visit The Mob Museum’s official website.

The Mob Museum serves as a vital educational resource, providing a comprehensive look at the history and current landscape of organized crime. It has earned numerous accolades, including recognition as one of **Tripadvisor’s** “Top 25 U.S. Museums” and receiving multiple “Travelers’ Choice” awards. The museum’s interactive exhibits, such as a Crime Lab and a Firearm Training Simulator, offer engaging experiences for visitors, alongside its renowned Prohibition exhibition featuring a speakeasy and distillery.

For more information about The Mob Museum, including admission rates and operating hours, interested individuals can visit their website or contact them directly.