About Ransomware Resilient
Cyberattacks are inevitable. Organizational failure is not.
Ransomware Resilient is a practical guide to surviving one of the most disruptive threats facing organizations today. Based on dissertation research, the book is constructed around the Wilson Ransomware Resilience Model, illustrating how technical defenses, business continuity planning, crisis leadership, and financial resilience work synergistically for effective cyber attack mitigation and to protect what matters most.
Through real-world ransomware case studies, proven recovery strategies, and actionable lessons backed by peer reviewed research, readers will discover how resilient organizations prepare for disruption, respond under pressure, and leverage cybersecurity insurance to emerge stronger after an attack.
Resilience is not a product. It is a strategy.
The Wilson Ransomware Resilience Model provides a structured framework that organizations can use, based on dissertation findings, to prepare for, withstand, and recover from ransomware attacks. This model identifies three essential layers of resilience that must work together to protect modern organizations from cyber attack mitigation challenges.
Technical Resilience focuses on the technologies and infrastructure required to detect ransomware activity, limit damage, and restore systems after an attack. This aspect is crucial for ensuring that organizations can implement effective cybersecurity insurance measures.
Operational Resilience emphasizes maintaining essential business operations during a ransomware incident. Even when systems are temporarily unavailable, organizations must continue delivering critical services, as highlighted in peer-reviewed research on resilience strategies.
Financial Resilience addresses the economic impact of ransomware attacks. Even when organizations recover quickly, cyber incidents may create significant financial costs related to recovery, legal services, and business interruption, underscoring the need for a Ransomware Resilient approach.
Background of the Problem
Ransomware attacks are increasing. The attacks rose by over one hundred percent in 2018; however, it is not definite that the increase is due to cryptocurrency (Cointelegraph.com, 2020). According to R. McIntosh (2020), due to being untraceable, cryptocurrencies are the preferred method of payment among ransomware attackers. In the Fruhlinger (2020) study, the author discussed how the use of cryptocurrencies as the ransom payment method of choice served as motivation for criminals to carry out ransomware attacks because cryptocurrencies are designed to provide untraceable and anonymous payments. Further, most of the ransomware criminals demanded payments in Bitcoin, which is the most popular cryptocurrency (Fruhlinger, 2020). As noted by M. Baker (2017), whether the increase in cybercrime, specifically ransomware, would have been hindered if cryptocurrencies did not exist, is a subject for debate. Further, cryptocurrency anonymity and ease of use have, at least, made it easier for online criminals to carry out ransom demands and collections.
Research Methodology
Modified Delphi Method
The insights presented in this book are informed in part by a structured expert consensus study conducted as part of the author’s doctoral research. The goal of the study was to identify the most important strategies organizations should prioritize when preparing for and responding to ransomware attacks.
To achieve this objective, the research employed a modified Delphi method, a widely used technique for gathering and refining expert opinion in complex problem domains. This method is particularly relevant in the context of cyber insurance, where rapid technological changes and emerging threats continuously reshape the landscape. Foddy (1993) noted that qualitative methods like Delphi effectively gather expert insights in complex fields. By engaging multiple rounds of expert input, researchers can refine their understanding of best practices and gather insights that quantitative methods may overlook, such as the ethical implications of insurance policies and the psychological impact of ransomware attacks on organizations (Denzin & Lincoln, 2023; Foddy, 1993; Hsu & Sandford, 2007).
About The Author
Dr. Tyrone Wilson is a cybersecurity professional with decades of experience in information systems, disaster recovery, and enterprise technology operations. He holds a Doctor of Management with a specialization in Information Systems and Technology from The University of Phoenix. Based on his dissertation, he has worked extensively in IT infrastructure and security management, focusing on cyber attack mitigation and cybersecurity insurance. His peer-reviewed research emphasizes ransomware resilience, cyber risk management, and effective disaster recovery strategies.
In addition to his expertise in cybersecurity, Dr. Wilson is the creator of the Toby Dunbar Universe, a psychologically layered urban noir series that delves into themes of survival, trauma, loyalty, fear, and the emotional cost of violence. His work seamlessly blends gritty street realism with deep psychological storytelling, resulting in emotionally powerful crime fiction that resonates with readers long after they turn the final page.
Welcome to the Dissertation Committee
Dr. Scott McCalla, Ph.D.
Maureen A. Marzano, Ph.D., MB/TM
Dr. Scott McCalla, Ph.D.
Dr. Scott A. McCalla earned his Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, completed the Higher Education Teaching Certificate from the Harvard Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, and holds an MA and BA in leadership from Bellevue University.
He serves as staff faculty and dissertation ch
Dr. Scott A. McCalla earned his Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, completed the Higher Education Teaching Certificate from the Harvard Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, and holds an MA and BA in leadership from Bellevue University.
He serves as staff faculty and dissertation chair in the College of Doctoral Studies at the University of Phoenix, where he received the John Sperling Distinguished Faculty Award in 2025 and again in 2026.
Dr. Zalika H. Etienne
Maureen A. Marzano, Ph.D., MB/TM
Dr. Scott McCalla, Ph.D.
Dr. Zalika H. Etienne, a highly qualified Educator, exemplifies 27 years of experience creating productive, and effectively curated, teaching and learning environments. Establishing strong relationships, engaging in effective consensus building, and positively influencing stakeholders of various levels within diverse PreK through Higher
Dr. Zalika H. Etienne, a highly qualified Educator, exemplifies 27 years of experience creating productive, and effectively curated, teaching and learning environments. Establishing strong relationships, engaging in effective consensus building, and positively influencing stakeholders of various levels within diverse PreK through Higher Education communities reflect a fraction of her purview. Additions to Dr. Etienne's scope of work include but are not limited to curriculum writer, school planning and management team fellow, mentor, researcher, ongoing data analyzer, goal oriented solution seeker, encourager, motivator, and life long learner.
Maureen A. Marzano, Ph.D., MB/TM
Maureen A. Marzano, Ph.D., MB/TM
Maureen A. Marzano, Ph.D., MB/TM
Dr. Marzano is an doctoral educator, University Research Methodologist, dissertation and capstone mentor, and leadership professional with more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, education, consulting, and doctoral research support. She has served in multiple faculty and leadership roles, in
Dr. Marzano is an doctoral educator, University Research Methodologist, dissertation and capstone mentor, and leadership professional with more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, education, consulting, and doctoral research support. She has served in multiple faculty and leadership roles, including doctoral chair, residency instructor, curriculum designer, and research reviewer.