In this gripping episode of The Defender’s Log, host David Redekop sits down with Alexander Rau, Partner in Cybersecurity at KPMG, to explore the intense world of cyber incident response.

From ransomware attacks and business email compromises to AI-driven ransom negotiations, Alexander shares firsthand experiences from the cyber frontlines, revealing what really happens when organizations are under digital siege.

They discuss the psychological toll of defending under pressure, the ethical dilemmas in paying ransom, and why small and medium businesses remain top targets. Rau also explains how threat intelligence sharing, proactive defense, and human resilience can make the difference between recovery and collapse.

This episode is a must-listen for cybersecurity professionals, executives, and anyone curious about how real digital warfare unfolds, and how to stay ahead of it.

Timestamps -

00:00 Introduction

01:13 Meet the Guest: Alexander Rau

02:05 The Reality of Cybersecurity Threats

04:32 The Importance of Threat Intelligence Sharing

17:47 Challenges in Cybersecurity for Small and Medium Businesses

23:16 Standardized Unwinding Procedures

24:46 The Human Factor in Incident Response

26:32 Memorable Incidents and Threat Actors

27:13 Ransom Negotiations and AI Involvement

30:31 Ethical Dilemmas in Ransom Payments

33:40 The Evolution of Cybersecurity Practices

41:25 Final Thoughts and Advice