Ransomware: From Isolated Attacks to Global Criminal Ecosystem

### Executive summary: This podcast episode overview examines how ransomware has evolved from isolated attacks into a sophisticated, scalable global criminal ecosystem, highlights the increasing speed and impact of modern ransomware (including risks to hospitals and critical infrastructure), discusses shifts in law enforcement strategy toward disrupting criminal ecosystems, and explores how AI is accelerating both offensive tactics (like phishing and access) and defensive capabilities.