Discover how to revolutionize your organization's ransomware defense strategy by integrating Zero Trust architecture with Artificial Intelligence in this 12-minute lightning talk from the SANS Ransomware Summit 2025. Learn why traditional defense models are insufficient against sophisticated ransomware attacks and explore how Zero Trust principles of continuous authentication and least-privilege access can be enhanced with AI tools to improve threat detection, incident response, and attack surface reduction. Gain practical insights through real-world examples and step-by-step strategies for implementing Zero Trust AI frameworks, including lessons learned from high-risk environments such as the Department of Defense. Understand how AI-driven predictive models can identify ransomware activity before it escalates, enabling proactive defense measures that transform your cybersecurity posture from reactive to preventive.