Jadon Montero gives a high-level overview of the shift in cyberattack strategies over the past decade. Around 10 years ago, hackers focused on large enterprises like Goldman Sachs, where attacks were complex and time-consuming but could yield huge payouts.

However, in recent years, there's been a dramatic change. Since around 2021, about 82% of ransomware attacks have targeted small to medium-sized businesses. The reason? Attackers' technology has drastically improved, allowing them to operate like efficient, automated machines. Rather than spending years crafting a single, high-stakes attack, they now cast wide nets using automation and social engineering, grabbing whatever "fish" they can catch—often demanding a few thousand dollars in ransom from unsuspecting victims.

The problem is asymmetric: small businesses are often underprepared, lack the cybersecurity expertise or resources, and are extremely vulnerable. The economic consequences are severe—60% of small businesses hit by ransomware shut down within six months, making this not just a tech issue, but an existential threat to the broader economy.