Surviving Ransomware: Strategies and Stories with Cybersecurity Expert Matthew Waddell

In this episode of Cyber Security America, Matthew Waddell, a cybersecurity expert with 25 years of experience, shares insights on incident response, digital forensics, and ransomware defense. He recounts his experiences conducting digital forensics in combat conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan, highlighting the challenges of dealing with antiquated technology. Waddell contrasts those experiences with today's sophisticated ransomware attacks, where threat actors use anti-forensic techniques. The discussion covers strategies for combating ransomware, including network segmentation, strong password enforcement, and the importance of tested backups. Waddell and the host explore the evolving threat landscape, the role of AI in cybersecurity, and the need for caution when using AI tools due to potential risks like data poisoning and biased results. He also shares details about his upcoming book, "Survive Ransomware," aimed at providing small and medium businesses with a playbook for managing ransomware attacks.