Inside the FBI Podcast: Introducing Ahead of the Threat, Season Two
Why It Matters
The series gives businesses direct insight into FBI threat intelligence, helping them pre‑empt attacks and align with national cyber defenses, which can protect billions in economic value.
Key Takeaways
- •FBI Cyber launches Season 2 of “Ahead of the Threat” podcast.
- •Ransomware attacks rose 17% last year, targeting critical infrastructure.
- •One‑to‑many breaches now second most common entry vector.
- •Operation Winter Shield: 8‑week campaign defending critical sectors.
- •FBI urges “all‑of‑society” collaboration to mitigate cyber risk.
Summary
The FBI Cyber Division announced the launch of Season 2 of its “Ahead of the Threat” podcast, hosted by cyber assistant director Brett Leatherman. The series will feature government and industry experts discussing the bureau’s cyber strategy, emerging threats, and practical defenses for private‑sector leaders.
Leatherman highlighted a 17 % rise in ransomware attacks last year and the emergence of more than 30 new ransomware groups. He warned that “one‑to‑many” supply‑chain compromises are now the second most common intrusion vector, often remaining undetected for nine months. Nation‑state actors, especially those linked to China, are also targeting U.S. businesses through proxies and compromised vendors.
The host cited the FBI’s provision of thousands of decryption keys since 2022, saving victims over $800 million in ransom payments. He introduced Operation Winter Shield, an eight‑week campaign from January to March aimed at protecting critical infrastructure, and promised weekly updates on the most common compromise techniques.
For CEOs, CISOs, and board members, the podcast underscores that cyber risk is now business risk. By fostering an “all‑of‑society” approach and encouraging direct relationships with FBI field cyber squads, organizations can improve resilience, reduce financial loss, and help shape national cyber policy.
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