The Rising Cost of Ransomware

TechSpective Podcast Episode 147   I sat down with Trevor Dearing, Director of Critical Infrastructure Solutions at Illumio, to unpack the findings of Illumio’s Global Cost of Ransomware study. The results? A wake-up call for organizations that believe they have ransomware under control. Key Highlights from the Conversation: 58% of organizations had to halt operations due to ransomware—why is this number climbing? The dangerous disconnect between confidence and reality in cybersecurity strategies. Why paying the ransom rarely works—and often leads to repeat attacks. The shift from data theft to operational disruption—why cybercriminals are changing tactics. The AI arms race in ransomware—how attackers are using AI to accelerate their attacks and what organizations can do to keep up. Ransomware isn’t just about stolen data anymore—it’s about shutting down businesses, crippling supply chains, and disrupting entire industries. And yet, many companies continue to underestimate their vulnerability. We also dive into the evolving role of zero trust, microsegmentation, and AI-powered defense strategies, exploring why containment—not just prevention—is the key to surviving modern cyber threats. Don’t miss this insightful conversation. Listen now to hear firsthand insights from Trevor on the state of ransomware, security resilience, and what organizations must do to protect themselves.