Businesses up against a ransom threat face a difficult decision,
but going into it with open eyes and a clear decision-making
strategy can help ensure you make the right move
Ransom attacks have become big business for cyber criminals. The
sums now being demanded, and often paid, are getting higher and the
threats more alarming. The criminals don't just encrypt systems
and offer the keys back in exchange for a ransom; they now
typically steal personal data and confidential information and then
publish it if the ransom is not paid.
Those faced with a ransom attack are often faced with a moral,
legal, and reputational dilemma. Do they pay the criminals and
restore their systems and prevent the publication of stolen
information, but risk being criticised for fuelling criminal
activity? Or do they take the moral high ground and refuse to pay,
but face substantial operational damage and the publication of
sensitive information of staff and customers, together with all
