Then-acting National Cyber Director Kemba Walden, right, with Megan Stifel, chief strategy officer for the Institute for Security and Technology, at event on ransomware in Washington in May 2023. (Photo courtesy of the Institute for Security and Technology) Ex-White House cyber official says ransomware payment ban is a ways off Kemba Walden, the former acting national cyber director, said that a ransom payment ban is the ultimate goal. Apr 16, 2024 By Matt Bracken