Emerging Threats & Defensive Strategies

This week addresses the rapidly evolving threat landscape. Ransomware is studied from its early origins to its present role as a multimillion-dollar business model, while advanced persistent threats demonstrate the persistence and adaptability of state-sponsored actors. Insider threats add complexity, highlighting the difficulty of defending against misuse of legitimate credentials. Frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK, STRIDE, and DREAD provide structured ways to map adversary behavior and anticipate weaknesses.

Students examine case studies including ransomware attacks on healthcare and the SolarWinds compromise, illustrating the systemic and human consequences of modern campaigns. Defensive strategies such as zero trust, microsegmentation, threat hunting, and layered defense are explored, alongside the challenges of cost and complexity. By the end of the week, learners will recognize that adaptability is the defining characteristic of resilience, requiring continuous monitoring, cultural change, and leadership commitment.
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