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Cyber Crisis in Real Time: What You Missed at IASA Xchange™ 2025

When the lights dimmed and flickered for the keynote “Under Siege: Lessons from a Ransomware Attack on an Insurance Carrier” at IASA Xchange™ 2025, attendees knew to listen up. This general session was a standout moment—part simulation, part wake-up call. A powerhouse panel walked attendees through a real-world ransomware attack on an insurance carrier, covering everything from the first signs of trouble to long-term recovery. 

 

It was eye-opening, practical, and—according to more than a few attendees—worth the price of admission all on its own. 

Below are 7 Cybersecurity Lessons We Can’t Stop Talking About: 

  1. Preparation Is Everything – A tested incident response and business continuity plan is your best shot at staying ahead of chaos. 
  2. Know the Ripple Effects – Cyber incidents don’t just hit IT—they disrupt operations, customer relationships, compliance, and reputation. 
  3. Dig Deep with Forensics – A thorough forensic investigation helps clarify what happened, meet legal obligations, and plan your next steps. 
  4. Communicate Clearly, Stay Compliant – Having a communication plan and knowing your regulatory responsibilities helps keep stakeholders informed and your company on the right side of the law. 
  5. Quantify the Damage – Understanding potential financial losses helps leadership make informed decisions in the heat of the moment. 
  6. Keep Improving – Cyber threats are constantly evolving—your response strategy should too. 
  7. Strengthen After the Storm – Post-incident? Use what you’ve learned to reinforce your defenses and reduce future risk. 

Let’s Be Real—You’ll Want to Be There Next Year 

This keynote wasn’t just informative—it offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how different departments must work together when the pressure’s on. And the conversations that followed were equally valuable. 

If you couldn’t make it to St. Louis this year, don’t worry, we’re planning an even greater event in New Orleans next year. Take this as your nudge to put IASA Xchange™ 2026 on your radar for June 7-9, 2026. 

We’ll see you there, because preparation starts now.