How organisations can ethically negotiate ransomware payments

By 2021, a new organisation will be falling victim to ransomware every 11 seconds.1 However, ransomware figures have been skyrocketing since 2017 when the globe was hit by WannaCry and NotPetya. At that time, the term ‘ransomware entered common parlance and 54% of businesses were hit by these attacks. Ransomware figures have been skyrocketing since 2017 when the globe was hit by WannaCry and NotPetya. The onus lies on business leaders to make the ultimate decision – to pay or not to pay. Many leaders will take the high ground because they don't want to be seen negotiating with criminals. Yet other organisations have no option but to pay if they are to survive. Tom Hofmann of Flashpoint negotiates a way through this ethical minefield. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd