Should Ransomware Payments Should Be Illegal? Experts Weigh In

By   ISBuzz Team
Writer , Information Security Buzz | Jun 28, 2021 02:37 am PST

BACKGROUND:

More than three-quarters of security professionals and consumers alike believe that making ransomware payments to cyber criminals should be made illegal to stem to tide of attacks, shows research from MSSP Talion and the Research Institute for Sociotechnical Cyber Security (Riscs). The study, commissioned to support the launch of a cyber campaign collective dubbed #Ransomaware, also claimed that 81% of security pros believe sharing information about ransomware is the key to building better defences.

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Jake Moore
Jake Moore , Global Cyber Security Advisor
June 28, 2021 10:39 am

<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">Making ransomware payments illegal may halt the money being siphoned into criminal networks, but a secondary level of disruption would be inevitable – and potentially even more catastrophic. Although over time ransomware could possibly be eradicated, the level of immediate upheaval, damage and data loss could be larger than in the current state of play, so this must be considered carefully before any new rules are set. Forcing companies not to pay could force them into a space where rebuilding their entire business may not be viable or even possible. Companies don’t want to pay their attackers, but they are stuck choosing the least bad outcome, the choice that will damage them the slightest. When presented with a timescale and cost analysis of potential outcomes, it is clear why some still choose to pay. This choice may seem unethical, but it is rarely taken lightly. This latest proposal will take the difficult decision out of companies’ hands, but before anything drastic is set into law, it is vital that organisations are allowed time to further protect their assets and take robust measures to protect their backup and restore functions.</span></p>

Last edited 2 years ago by Jake Moore

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