Cybersecurity was a major talking point at this year’s AWS re:Invent conference — and for good reason given the relentless rise of ransomware attacks.

“The access to be able to launch attacks has become so simplified that the attacker level doesn’t have to be sophisticated,” said Dave Trader (pictured), field chief information security officer for Presidio Inc. “Really, you can get down to the 100-level, brand new hackers that are just getting into the space, they can go to a help desk and they can purchase ransomware, and they can run this ransomware that comes with quality assurance, by the way.”

Trader spoke with Lisa Martin and David Nicholson, co-hosts of theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio, during AWS re:Invent. They discussed the evolution of large-scale ransomware threats, including why they’re so easy to perpetrate. (* Disclosure below.)

A professional’s perspective

A consummate cybersecurity professional, Trader holds a plethora of certifications, including CISSP. His background in public security also led to endorsements from the FBI, NSA and Department of Homeland Security.

With modern ransomware as a service, it’s easier than ever to launch successful attacks. Alongside endpoint security and personal responsibility, a broader net, including players such as internet service providers and the government, has to be cast, according to Trader.

On the platform side of things, Presidio, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services Inc., has just launched its Ransomware Mitigation Kit.

“So, what happens is when we detect the ransomware attack, there are specific indicators of compromise that happen in the attack. The endpoint protection, which is CrowdStrike in our case, can see that and can notify that, and then can tell the backup and recovery team,” Trader explained.

Given the U.S,’ unique position, with around 80% of its critical infrastructures being privately held, according to Trader, a renewed public/private sector partnership is key to securing these resources in the long run.

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of AWS re:Invent. (* Disclosure: AWS Public Sector sponsored this segment of theCUBE. Neither AWS nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE