Which ransomware payment option is best? (Hint: none)

When a business gets hit by a ransomware attack, and its valuable data is locked away by cyber criminals demanding a huge ransom fee, most of the time, the business can't afford to pay for it. But there's a twist – like those "buy now, pay later" schemes, some ransomware gangs offer victims payment extension options.?

Recent research reveals that ransomware groups are getting creative with their extortion strategies. One group is even offering victims various choices regarding their ransom demands. These "choices" include paying to delay the publication of their stolen data, with a standard fee of $10,000… or paying to have their stolen data deleted before it's made public.

The exact amounts charged are often negotiated with victims, adding a chilling dimension to the whole ordeal.

These ransomware groups have added some terrifying features to their websites to increase the pressure on victims. These include countdown timers displaying how long businesses have before their data is released, view counters, and even tags revealing the victim's identity and description.?

It is all designed to make victims feel cornered and more likely to give in to the demands.

While we might be tempted to pay that ransom to protect our business data, we have to keep in mind that paying is always a bad idea. Furthermore, it doesn't guarantee that we will get our data back or that the cyber criminals won't demand more money later.

By paying, businesses are essentially funding criminal activities, encouraging them to continue attacking others. Paying a ransom might even get organizations into legal trouble, as some governments have made it illegal to pay cybercriminals.

So, how can you safeguard your business from falling victim to ransomware?

• Ensure you have regular, secure backups of your data. This way, you won't be at the mercy of cybercriminals.

• Educate your staff about the risks of ransomware and train them to recognize phishing emails and suspicious links.

• Invest in robust cyber security software and keep it up to date.

• Keep your systems and software updated with the latest security patches.

• Segment your network to limit ransomware spread if one device gets infected.

• Develop a clear incident response plan, so you know exactly what to do if a ransomware attack ever hits you.

Paying cyber criminals rarely makes things better, and we're seeing businesses that do pay become targets repeatedly. Instead, invest in the proactive measures above to help you stay secure. And if we can help you with that, get in touch.