Order Zach's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394357044 Find him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharylewis1/ In this episode, I sit down with Zack Lewis, veteran IT and cybersecurity executive and author of the forthcoming book Locked Up: Lessons Learned from a Real-World LockBit Ransomware Response. Zack shares a gripping first-person account of navigating a live ransomware attack carried out by one of the most notorious groups in the world, LockBit. This is not a theoretical conversation. It is a behind-the-scenes look at what actually happens when an organization is locked out of its systems, forced into high-stakes decisions, and pushed to its operational and emotional limits. Zack walks us through the crisis as it unfolded, how negotiations with LockBit really work, and the lessons every technical and business leader should understand before an attack ever happens. What We Cover in This Episode • The moment Zack realized the organization was under a full-scale ransomware attack • What LockBit is and why they are one of the most dangerous ransomware groups operating today • The real decision-making pressure faced by leadership during an active cyber crisis • How negotiations with ransomware groups actually happen and what most people misunderstand • Technical strategies used to limit damage and prevent catastrophic data loss • Crisis management lessons that apply far beyond cybersecurity • The emotional toll ransomware events take on teams and leaders • Why preparation is as much about people and process as it is about technology Key Takeaways • Ransomware response is a leadership challenge as much as a technical one • Clear communication and decision ownership matter under extreme pressure • Preparation before an incident determines outcomes during the incident • Real-world experience offers lessons that frameworks and checklists cannot About the Guest Zack Lewis is a seasoned IT and cybersecurity executive with deep experience leading organizations through high-risk security events. His forthcoming book, Locked Up, is a candid, darkly funny, and deeply instructive account of responding to a real LockBit ransomware attack at a major university. The book is essential reading for IT professionals, cybersecurity leaders, business executives, and anyone responsible for business continuity and risk management in higher education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations. Please Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe! #shorts #shortsfeed #podcast #leaders #stories #podcast #courage #business #Success #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #GoalSetting #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #LifeGoals #PositiveThinking #AchieveYourGoals #SuccessMindset #LeadershipSkills #MotivationalQuotes #SuccessTips #LeadershipDevelopment #InspirationalVideos #SuccessStories #money #life #rockandroll #music #CEO #COO #CFO #CAO #nextjob #goodtimes #success