At NexGen Cyber we are often asked the question “should our business pay the ransom if we ever encountered a ransomware attack”? In the face of a ransomware attack, panic and urgency can drive even the most security-conscious organizations to consider paying the ransom. After all, the attackers promise to restore access to critical systems and data. But here’s the hard truth: paying the ransom is never the right solution and here’s why.
1. Paying Fuels the Criminal Economy
Every ransom paid strengthens the business model of cybercriminals. Ransomware gangs operate like enterprises, reinvesting their profits into more sophisticated attacks, better tools, and wider reach. By paying, businesses inadvertently fund future attacks, possibly even against themselves.
2. There’s No Guarantee You’ll Get Your Data Back
Cybercriminals are not bound by contracts or ethics. Many businesses who pay the ransom never receive the promised decryption keys, or receive keys that don’t work. Worse, some attackers take the money and still leak or sell the stolen data.
3. You Become a Target Again
Once you’ve paid, you’re marked as a “payer.” Ransomware groups share intelligence, and your business may be targeted again, either by the same group or others who know you’re willing to pay.
4. Legal and Regulatory Risks
Depending on the jurisdiction, paying a ransom may violate laws especially if the payment goes to a sanctioned entity. Businesses may face fines, reputational damage, and legal scrutiny for financing criminal activity.
5. It Undermines Cyber Resilience
Paying a ransom is a short-term fix that avoids addressing the root causes of the breach. It delays necessary investments in cybersecurity, incident response, and employee training. True resilience comes from preparation, not payment.
What Should Your Business Do Instead?
- Have a robust incident response plan in place.
- Invest in regular backups and test your recovery procedures.
- Engage cybersecurity experts to assess the measures you have in place and advise on preventative measures.
- Report the incident to law enforcement and relevant authorities.
- Communicate transparently with stakeholders and customers.
Final Thoughts
Ransomware is a serious threat, but paying the ransom only makes it worse, for your business and for the broader digital ecosystem. At NexGen Cyber, we help businesses build proactive defences and recover from attacks without giving in to criminal demands. To learn more contact us to book a meeting today.
Don’t pay. Prepare. Protect.
