In this episode, Howard Solomon interviews Imran Ahmad, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright and co-head of the firm’s cybersecurity and data privacy practice in Canada. They discuss the crucial steps management and IT leaders should take when faced with a ransomware attack. Imran shares his extensive experience on how to prepare for and respond to cyber incidents, emphasizing the importance of methodical and timely reactions. He also sheds light on the role of cyber insurance, legal privileges, communication strategies, and the evolving nature of cyber threats, including the use of AI by hackers. Learn about the hallmarks of a good response and what common mistakes to avoid during a cyber crisis in this informative session.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:32 Meet Imran Ahmad: Cybersecurity Expert
01:47 Initial Response to Ransomware Attacks
04:12 Elements of a Good Ransomware Response Plan
07:13 Inside the Incident Response Room
11:56 Legal and Communication Challenges
20:18 Government Policies and Ransomware Payments
22:35 Why Organizations Aren’t Prepared
24:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts