Ransomware attacks are becoming more and more common, and in successful cases, can trap entire corporate networks or blackmail their victims by making their data public. The aim, unsurprisingly, is to make the ransom as high as possible.
For organizations that have been victims of ransomware attacks, paying ransoms can seem like the only reasonable solution, but it isn't the best idea – at least according to the UK Home Secretary.
However, paying the ransom does not guarantee that they will have access to their network and that their data will remain secure. In addition, paying the ransom only confirms to the attackers that they have chosen the right way to get rich.
British Home Secretary Priti Patel spoke at last week's CYBERUK 2021 virtual conference at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). She also confirmed that her government wouldn't support companies that have been victims of ransomware if they pay the ransom.
Patel said, referring to the Colonial Pipeline attack, that cybercriminals now focus on companies and organizations, and they are even doing preliminary research to ensure a successful attack.
The Secretary suggests that corporations learn these cyber-attacks and implement best security practices to avoid the possibility of becoming a victim.
