Surviving Ransomware—and the Wilderness—with Zach Lewis

About this episode

Zach Lewis discusses his journey from IT support to executive leadership, sharing insights on ransomware and the parallels between wilderness survival and cybersecurity.

Brought to you by: Check Point (www.checkpoint.com) Armis (www.armis.com) Guidepoint Security (www.guidepointsecurity.com) 🎙️ Episode Summary During The Professional CISO Show – St. Louis Tour Stop , Zach Lewis joins host David Malicoat to discuss his path from IT support to the executive suite, his experience navigating a real ransomware incident, and his forthcoming book Locked Up (Wiley, 2026). Wiley Books: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Locked+Up%3A+Cybersecurity+Threat+Mitigation+Lessons+from+A+Real-World+LockBit+Ransomware+Response-p-9781394357048 Zach also explores how wilderness survival parallels cybersecurity—teaching preparedness, adaptability, and mental endurance—and why CISOs must lead with transparency and authenticity. 🔑 Key Takeaways CIO and CISO roles are converging faster than ever in modern enterprises. Sharing real breach stories removes stigma and helps the community grow. Wilderness survival mirrors the mindset needed for effective incident response. Writing a book can transform your professional credibility and brand. Visibility matters: every CISO should cultivate a public voice. 💬 Notable Quotes “Being out in the woods is like one giant tabletop…

People in this episode

Host: David Malicoat

Guest: Zach Lewis

Topics covered

• ransomware
• cybersecurity
• leadership
• wilderness survival
• professional development

Keywords

• ransomware
• cybersecurity
• CISO
• leadership
• preparedness
• incident response
• personal brand
• transparency

Sponsors

Check Point, Armis, Guidepoint Security

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wiley

Books & works: Locked Up

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