Surveys 87 global ransomware incidents (2018-2024) that disrupted energy, water and health services, models macro-economic losses (~US $41 bn), and evaluates deterrence strategies (cyber-insurance, network segmentation, “secure-by-design” mandates). Concludes that critical-infrastructure ransomware now constitutes a strategic threat comparable to kinetic sabotage and recommends a layered defense-in-depth doctrine.
