Ransomware Demands. Do You Pay or not!

<figure><img alt="ramsomware, pay or not to pay" class="img-responsive" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/godfather800_400.jpg?ver=6BFL7O3wT3Ci4rCsipUNcg%3d%3d" style="margin: auto;" title="ramsomware, pay or not to pay" />
<figcaption>Protection & ransoms have moved on from Don Vito's day. He'd love Ransomware.</figcaption>

<figure> 
<h2><strong>The Don is dead, Long live the Ransom.</strong></h2>

<p>Don Corleone may not have approved of drugs. Ransomware would be more his style, neat, quick and easy. Nearly victimless, no violence needed, causing no great stir with law enforcement. Insurance will pay in the end. The perfect crime and the proceeds paid into his overseas accounts. </p>

<ul>
<li>Pay or Not pay.</li>
<li>To Not Pay the ransomware demand</li>
<li>Ignore and rebuild from scratch</li>
</ul>

<p>Treachery, lying and deceit are central to ransomware attacks and the core theme of 'The Godfather' movie trilogy. </p>

<p>Treachery is a big part of ransomware attacks. Disgruntled business partners intentionally attempt to scuttle their ship rather than see others thrive. Hate and revenge are powerful stimulants. Finally, everyone agrees on this last point. Do everything you can to avoid being hit by a ransomware attack. Prevention is better than the cure.</p>

<p>Paying the ransom may be the fastest way to regain access to your data and systems. Alternatively, paying the ransom may encourage cybercriminals to carry on. After all, the victims will pay. </p>

<p>There is no guarantee paying the ransom will resolve anything. It could lead to further demands for payment. Consider the nature and value of the data that has been encrypted, as well as the potential impact on your business operations if you can't retrieve it.</p>

<section class="call-to-action with-borders button-centered mb-xl">
<div class="call-to-action-content">
<h3><br />
<font color="#333333">Want to get</font><strong><font color="#333333"><strong> started </strong></font></strong><font color="#333333">with a</font><strong><font color="#333333"><strong> KnowBe4 </strong></font></strong><font color="#333333">trial?</font></h3>

<p>Let's organise that for you now!</p>
</div>

<div class="call-to-action-btn"><strong><a class="btn btn-lg btn-primary" href="https://besecureonline.co.uk/Products/Business/KnowBe4/KnowBe4-Trial" target="_blank">Free trial for 25 users!</a></strong></div>
</section>

<h4><strong>Legal or regulatory obligations</strong></h4>

<ul>
<li>Informing your directors and staff properly</li>
<li>Police</li>
<li>Business Partners</li>
<li>Insurance Provider</li>
</ul>

<p>If you pay the ransom, you need to follow best practices to minimise the risk of further attacks. For example; </p>

<ul>
<li>A secure payment method </li>
<li>Negotiating the ransom amount </li>
<li>Make sure you are ready and able to reactivate your system.</li>
</ul>

<p>Whether you pay the ransomware demand is a matter of choice. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Remember that paying a ransom demand does not guarantee the return of your data, and may even encourage cybercriminals to target you again in the future. Weigh your options carefully and get expert advice before deciding.</p>

<figure><img alt="ramsomware, pay or not to pay" class="img-responsive" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/office_800_400_Staff_in_meet.jpg?ver=PAjbMCqoAhoqZ2zkjf03Aw%3d%3d" style="margin: auto; width: 799px; height: 400px;" title="ramsomware, pay or not to pay" />
<figcaption>Staff need cyber awareness training. Employees cause or facilitate 90% of all major cyber hits.</figcaption>

<figure>
<h4><br />
<b>Do a cyber assessment and take steps immediately.</b> </h4>

<ol>
<li>Introduce cyber awareness training immediately</li>
<li>Update cyber safety procedures</li>
<li>Upgrade cyber protection.</li>
</ol>

<h4><strong>Introduce cyber awareness training immediately.</strong></h4>

<p>Cyber awareness training teaches individuals and businesses about the risks and threats related to cybersecurity. The training educates employees and staff on how to spot and respond to cyber threats, such as;</p>

<p>Phishing scams <br />
Ransomware attacks<br />
Data breaches </p>

<p>Awareness training covers password management, email security, safe web browsing, and social engineering. It includes up-to-date information on the latest cyber threats and prevention.</p>

<p>Cyber awareness training is a key component of your cybersecurity strategy. The training will reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and ensure employees have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and your business from cyber threats.</p>

<h4><strong>Update cyber safety procedures.</strong></h4>

<p>Updating your cyber safety procedures is an essential step. Here are some tips to help you get started.</p>

<p>Identify the weaknesses: Conduct a thorough assessment of your current procedures. This can include outdated software, missing security patches, weak passwords, and poor access control. Develop new policies: Based on the identified weaknesses, develop new policies that address each issue. These policies should be clear and easy to understand.</p>

<p>Communicate the new policies: Ensure that all employees are aware of the new policies and understand their role in implementing them. This can be done through training sessions, workshops, or regular communication. Enforce the policies: Make sure that the policies are consistent across the organisation.</p>

<p>Monitor and update: Cyber threats change, so it's important to monitor your procedures and update them regularly.</p>

<h4><strong>Upgrade cyber protection.</strong></h4>

<p>Upgrade your cyber protection by implementing a multi-layered security approach. Educate yourself and your employees on identifying and avoiding phishing basic everyday cyber skills. Check out our <strong><a href="https://besecureonline.co.uk/Products/Business/InboxGuard"><span style="color:#3333ff;">email Traffic Lights</span></a></strong></p>

<p>Use strong and unique passwords for all accounts, and enable two-factor authentication. Regularly update your software and systems to patch vulnerabilities and keep them secure. Trial <strong><a href="https://besecureonline.co.uk/Products/Business/Keeper-Password-Control/Keeper-Security-Trial"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Keeper Password Security</span></a></strong></p>

<p>Invest in reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and remove threats. Make sure you have at least two backups running 24/7. </p>

<p>Remember, taking proactive steps to upgrade your cyber protection can prevent potential cyber-attacks and help keep your sensitive information secure.</p>

<div class="container">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-md-12">
<h4 class="mb-none"><br />
<strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Articles of interest</span></strong></strong></h4>

<p class="mb-none">Articles, links and connections from the BeSecureOnline site you might find interesting</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>

<ol class="list list-ordened list-ordened-style-3">
<li>It all starts with your staff. <a href="https://besecureonline.co.uk/Blog/entryid/396/building-a-human-firewall"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Turn your Staff into a human firewall</span></a><a href="https://besecureonline.co.uk/Blog/entryid/379/many-it-pros-dont-know-where-to-start-when-dealing-with-security-awareness-program-for-an-organisations-it-defence"><span style="color:#3333ff;">!</span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span></li>
<li>Learn more here about Inbox guard – <a href="https://besecureonline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/InboxGuard%20-%20BeSecure%20Online.pdf?ver=0zpkvC5OGH7qwoaI0DABbQ%3d%3d&timestamp=1678709803429"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Data Sheet</span></a></li>
<li>Employees don't really care! <a href="https://www.besecureonline.co.uk/Blog/entryid/382/awareness-training-addresses-the-elephant-in-the-room-human-error"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Staff! The Elephant in the room</span></a></li>
<li>Phishing kills! <a href="https://besecureonline.co.uk/Blog/entryid/39/protecting-yourself-from-phishing-scams-what-to-look-out-for"><span style="color:#3333ff;">How Phishing Works!</span></a></li>
<li>German Insurer Allianz says  – <a href="https://besecureonline.co.uk/Blog/entryid/81/allianz-the-german-insurer-says-cyber-threat-it-failure-is-a-bigger-threat-than-fire-theft-flood"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Businesses fear a catastrophic IT failure the most</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://besecureonline.co.uk/Blog/entryid/100/essential-cyber-security-guide-for-small-business"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Cybersecurity Essentials for Business</span></a></li>
</ol>

<div class="AW-Form-2060394137"> </div>
<script type="text/javascript">(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/37/2060394137.js";
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-o4dgka1vm"));
</script></figure>
</figure>
</figure>
</figure>