The Rise of Ransomware with Ann Johnson

About Show #799

Is ransomware getting worse? Richard talks to Microsoft VP of Cybersecurity Ann Johnson about the state ransomware today. Ann quotes Sutton's law: "Why do criminals rob banks? Because that's where the money is." An increasing number of cybercriminals have successfully extorted money from companies using ransomware. So yes, ransomware is becoming more popular amongst criminals and will continue to do so until it doesn't pay. Ann explains that the Zero Trust Security Model is essential - as are data backups that you know how to restore! Beyond our efforts at the IT level, Ann talks about ongoing relationships with organizations like the FBI to go after cybercriminals at a higher level, shutting down infrastructure and charging the criminals with crimes. Ransomware is getting worse, and it's up to us to fight back!

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Recorded August 23, 2021

As Corporate Vice President of the Cybersecurity Solutions Group at Microsoft, Ann Johnson oversees the go-to-market strategies of cybersecurity and compliance solutions for one of the largest tech companies on our planet. As part of this charter, she leads and drives the evolution and implementation of Microsoft’s short and long-term security and compliance solutions roadmap with alignment across the marketing, engineering and product teams. She has built and shaped one of the company’s highest performing teams whose digital transformation expertise leverages built-in cloud security capabilities. As a recognized thought leader on cybersecurity, Johnson is a sought-after global speaker and digital author specializing in cyber resilience, online fraud, cyberattacks, compliance and mobile security. Prior to joining Microsoft, her executive leadership roles included CEO of Boundless Spatial, President and COO of vulnerability management pioneer Qualys, Inc. and Vice President of World Wide Identity and Fraud Sales at RSA Security, a subsidiary of EMC Corporation. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Weber State University with a dual major in political science and communication. She has completed the majority of the required coursework toward her MBA with a concentration in statistics. Dedicated to giving back to her community, Johnson currently serves on the boards and as a board advisor of the Security Advisor Alliance, the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), Executive Women’s Forum, HYPR (a biometric security firm) as well as the Executive Sponsor of the Microsoft Women in Security Group and co-executive sponsor of Microsoft GLEAM. In addition, Johnson dedicates her philanthropy - in terms of time and fundraising - to animal and youth causes.

About Show #799

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