Inside the mind of a ransomware negotiator: what it’s really like to deal with cybercriminals
Raconteur | B Corp?
Stories that connect modern business. Certified B Corporation. PPA Business Media Brand of the Year 2022.
Ransomware attacks can have a devastating impact on businesses. The financial hit can be so severe that some organisations never recover. When the situation looks dire, businesses can bring in ransomware negotiators to stall for time and, if no other options remain, to bring down the price of the?ransom.?
Jeff Wichman is a one-time professional ransomware negotiator who is currently director of incident response at security company Semperis. He spoke with senior technology writer Tamlin Magee to reveal what it’s like to work on the cyberwar frontlines and provides advice on how to deal with ransomware attackers. Read more.
Why not all rule-breaking is bad for businesses
Office miscreants have been in the firing line recently as companies crack down on corporate rule-breakers. First, Meta fired two dozen staff for abusing its meal credit vouchers. Meanwhile, EY reportedly dismissed dozens of US staff who took multiple online training sessions at once – something the accountancy firm claims amounts to cheating and was in violation of its code of conduct.
Employees are getting fired for contravening company policy, but not all rule-breaking is ill-intentioned. Here, our HR editor Sam Forsdick , explores whether?it might actually be beneficial for businesses to allow employees to bend the rules. Read more.
Six ways to motivate your finance?team
As finance chief, your role goes beyond crunching numbers. Finance leaders must rally teams to deliver on ambitious goals, especially when the stakes are high. But getting the best out of your team is no mean feat, particularly amid rising levels of disillusionment in the finance function. Almost three-quarters (71%) of financial professionals in the UK are looking for a new job outside of the profession, according to findings from software firm?Medius.
A disengaged and uninspired finance team can impact the efficiency, accuracy and even profitability of the wider business. They could easily overlook inefficiencies or duplicate unnecessary expenses. They might not be proactive in finding cost-saving opportunities and are less likely to go the extra mile to ensure everything is accurate. If the finance team is unfocused and unhappy, the rest of the organisation will likely suffer the consequences. The key is to keep them motivated. Here, finance writer Sam Birchall explores six ways to do?that. Read more.
More from the business world