This episode about what is ransomware is the first in a new series on the topic. The episode explores what it is, how it works, and why it has become such a significant threat to businesses and individuals alike. We discuss the evolution of ransomware attacks, from simple data encryption to sophisticated extortion schemes involving data exfiltration and direct attacks on backup systems. Our conversation highlights the importance of prevention and detection measures, such as robust access controls, limiting internet-facing systems, and monitoring for data exfiltration. We also emphasize the critical role of backup and recovery strategies, including offline and immutable backups, in mitigating the impact of ransomware attacks. Throughout the episode, we provide insights into the complex ransomware threat landscape and offer practical advice for organizations looking to protect their data and systems from this ever-evolving threat.