Black Hat , Ransomware Zscaler’s Brett Stone-Gross on which roles are targeted in ransomware attacks August 7, 2026 Share By SC Staff When a ransomware attack makes headlines, attention usually turns to the organization that was breached, the systems encrypted, data stolen, and disruption or ransom demand that followed. Less, if anything, is revealed about the employees compromised at the start of the attack, and what makes those individuals valuable targets. New Zscaler ThreatLabz research examines this early stage of a real-world ransomware attack. ThreatLabz identified victims of a campaign associated with a ransomware group known for gaining initial access, stealing large amounts of corporate data, and selectively encrypting critical systems. The findings show who those victims were and how their roles and authority could help an attacker move deeper into an organization. This is part of ongoing ransomware research by ThreatLabz. Brett Stone-Gross, senior director of threat intelligences, discusses the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2026 Ransomware Report, coming in the next two months, will include additional data on ransomware victims, the latest ransomware trends, targets, and tactics, and the risks enterprises should prepare for next. This segment is sponsored by Zscaler. Visit https://securityweekly.com/zscalerbh to learn more about them! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/bh26-2 An In-Depth Guide to Ransomware Get essential knowledge and practical strategies to protect your organization from ransomware attacks. Learn More SC Staff Related Black Hat F5’s Sean Murphy on securing frontier AI as attack and defense accelerate SC Staff August 7, 2026 Murphy discusses how security teams can prepare for the next generation of AI-powered threats. Black Hat Orca’s Gil Geron on securing the AI-powered enterprise SC Staff August 7, 2026 Geron explores why security must evolve alongside the next generation of AI-powered software creation. Black Hat Island’s Michael Leland on the hidden risks of the AI supply chain SC Staff August 7, 2026 Leland discusses how enterprises can govern AI capabilities without slowing adoption. Get daily email updates SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news Business Email By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Subscribe You can skip this ad in 5 seconds