Summary

Dr. Stephen Neely, an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Public Administration program at the University of South Florida, discusses ransomware attacks and the need for ransomware readiness in organizations. Ransomware attacks use malicious software to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and demand a ransom in exchange for releasing information or restoring access. These attacks can have severe consequences, such as disrupting essential services and causing reputational damage. The conversation highlights the importance of closing the maturity gap for basic ransomware readiness and provides recommendations for the state legislature, including coordination, delegation, tracking progress, and providing informational and resource support. Cyber Florida is recognized as an organization that can play a significant role in society's relationship with ransomware by providing coordination, research support, technical support, and training for the future cyber workforce.

Keywords

ransomware attacks, ransomware readiness, malicious software, cyber resiliency, critical infrastructure, state legislature, coordination, delegation, tracking progress, resource support, Cyber Florida

Takeaways

• Ransomware attacks use malicious software to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and demand a ransom in exchange for releasing information or restoring access.
• Closing the maturity gap for basic ransomware readiness is crucial to protect organizations from evolving threats.
• Recommendations for the state legislature include coordination, delegation, tracking progress, and providing informational and resource support.
• Cyber Florida can play a significant role in society's relationship with ransomware by providing coordination, research support, technical support, and training for the future cyber workforce.

Titles

• Recommendations for the State Legislature
• Understanding Ransomware Attacks and Their Impact

Sound Bites

• "Can you briefly explain ransomware attacks, what they are and how they negatively impact organizations and provide a few examples?"
• "What makes ransomware attacks so effective is that they're simple."
• "A ransom isn't going to be an outrageous demand that no organization is going to meet."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Steven Neely

02:08 Understanding Ransomware Attacks

06:17 Closing the Maturity Gap for Ransomware Readiness

09:55 Gaps in Readiness and Recommendations

13:40 The Role of Cyber Florida in Ransomware Readiness