Still think ransomware is just some hoodie-wearing hacker in their mom’s basement? Yeah, no, think again. Today’s ransomware isn’t a lone wolf, it’s a billion-dollar industry with better customer service than most cable companies (not really hard to do TBH), slick affiliate programs, and an “employee of the month” (probably). Welcome to the dark side of capitalism, where your data is the commodity, and the house always wins—unless you learn how to play their game.

Forget the clickbait headlines and the tired “update your backups” advice. In this session, we’ll pull back the curtain on the real business of ransomware, from the economics that drive these digital stickups to the negotiation playbooks that would make a hostage negotiator sweat. You’ll learn why ransomware gangs are basically running Fortune 500 companies (with way fewer HR policies), how victim organizations are forced to weigh ethics against survival, and the subtle ways defenders can use their business model against them.

Through jaw-dropping case studies and a dash of cybercrime economics, you’ll discover how to spot their latest tactics, where their business is booming, and where defenders are finally turning the tables. Bring your curiosity, and maybe a stress ball.

In this session, you’ll learn:
• How ransomware gangs have evolved from script kiddies to boardroom sharks
• The ins and outs of ransomware “customer service,” negotiation tactics, and affiliate programs
• Why some organizations pay while others dig in their heels