Recommended Citation
Chase Hayes,
Evolving Threats, Evolving Duties: Ransomware, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity Law,
17 Case W. Res. J.L. Tech. & Internet
A5
(2026)
Available at:
https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/jolti/vol17/iss1/5
Abstract
This paper examines the evolving legal obligations of corporations and public institutions in the face of ransomware, cyber threats, and artificial intelligence, asserting that a proactive legal framework is essential to mitigate or altogether avoid liability, protect stakeholders, and ensure national security. As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated, laws and regulations struggle to keep up. Generative artificial intelligence only deepens this disruption and with technology continuously evolving, it is difficult to imagine what the cyberspace will look like in years to come. This article responds to the gap by emphasizing the need for integration between the legal profession and cybersecurity expertise. This article highlights the growing complexity of ransomware risks and argues that cybersecurity has become a fiduciary obligation for corporate leadership. Through a comprehensive analysis of ransomware litigation, sector-specific duties, and emerging legal frameworks, this article illustrates how ransomware preparedness has become legally mandated. This article calls on regulators to recognize the realities of cyberspace. The article offers insight into how organizations can navigate this new landscape, emphasizing that cybersecurity is not just an IT issue, but a legal duty that requires immediate attention, or corporate and public institutions will continue to face financial, legal, and reputational consequences.