Economist and cybersecurity researcher Anja Shortland examines the global ransomware ecosystem, including cybercriminal networks, digital extortion practices, cybersecurity response systems, and the economic incentives that sustain ransomware activity. Combining perspectives from cybercrime analysis, economics, and international security, the book explores how ransomware operations affect governments, corporations, insurers, and critical infrastructure. The work also discusses ethical dilemmas, cyber defense strategies, and the evolving relationship between hackers, negotiators, and cybersecurity professionals