Learning Lab | AI-Powered Ransomware Response for Higher Ed: December 2025

Part 1: December 1, 2025 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.ET
Part 2: December 4, 2025 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.ET
Part 3: December 9, 2025 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.ET
Part 4: December 16, 2025 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.ET

Overview

With 78% of higher education institutions facing ransomware attacks, every IT professional needs to be ready to respond. This hands-on lab series transforms you from a beginner into an AI-powered incident responder capable of investigating and containing sophisticated threats at speed. You'll begin by mastering ChatGPT and other AI tools for security analysis: learning to decode complex logs, analyze network traffic and hunt for threats. Then you'll put these skills to the ultimate test when you investigate and respond to a realistic ransomware attack on a university network. Through this progressive, hands-on journey, you'll build confidence with both AI tools and incident response techniques. Your final achievement: a complete incident response portfolio featuring your AI-enhanced playbook, tested detection rules, forensic findings, and battle-tested procedures you can implement immediately at your institution.

Learning Outcomes:

NOTE: You will be asked to complete assignments in between the live sessions that support the learning outcomes stated below. You will receive feedback and constructive critique from facilitators.

• Investigate ransomware attacks using industry standard tools and methodologies in a safe lab environment.
• Apply AI tools to accelerate threat detection, log analysis, and incident documentation.
• Identify and analyze indicators of compromise (IOCs) specific to ransomware in higher ed contexts.
• Develop an AI-enhanced incident response playbook customized for your institution.
• Execute containment and eradication strategies while preserving forensic evidence.
• Create effective communication templates for stakeholder updates during incidents.