How to Make a Deal with Ransomware Attackers, if your system got hacked.

 

    It is important to note that negotiating with ransomware attackers is not recommended and should only be considered as a last resort. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key or that they will not target the organization again in the future. Additionally, paying the ransom can fund criminal activities and incentivize further attacks.

Instead, organizations should focus on prevention, detection, and response to ransomware attacks. This includes:

1. Regularly backing up critical data and storing it offline or offsite.

2. Implementing strong security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and anti-malware solutions.

3. Conducting regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.

4. Educating employees on how to identify and avoid phishing emails and other social engineering tactics.

5. Developing and testing incident response and business continuity plans to minimize the impact of a ransomware attack.

If an organization does experience a ransomware attack, it is important to:

1. Isolate infected systems and devices to prevent the spread of the ransomware.

2. Contact law enforcement and report the incident.

3. Notify stakeholders, such as customers and partners, as appropriate.

4. Engage with a reputable incident response team to help contain the attack and recover systems and data.

5. Consider restoring data from backups rather than paying the ransom, if possible. 

    In summary, negotiating with ransomware attackers is not recommended and should only be considered as a last resort. Instead, organizations should focus on prevention, detection, and response to ransomware attacks by implementing strong security controls, conducting regular assessments, and developing incident response and business continuity plans. If an organization does experience a ransomware attack, they should isolate infected systems, contact law enforcement, notify stakeholders, and engage with an incident response team to contain the attack and recover systems and data.