Pay up or not? Ransomware surge has victims facing tough choices.

At a glance
Nearly half of companies that are targets of a ransomware cyber attack end up paying a ransom to release their data or systems, according to 2025 research from cybersecurity group Sophos, while the median amount demanded is rising. Globally, some jurisdictions are responding by banning payments to hackers. In the UK, f
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Nearly half of companies that are targets of a ransomware cyber attack end up paying a ransom to release their data or systems, according to 2025 research from cybersecurity group Sophos, while the median amount demanded is rising.
Globally, some jurisdictions are responding by banning payments to hackers.
In the UK, for example, the government is advancing plans to prohibit public sector bodies and critical national infrastructure groups—including the National Health Service, local councils and schools—from making payouts.
The potential veto comes as ransomware hackers have become more advanced and meticulous in their targeting of companies, particularly vulnerable small and medium-sized businesses, over time. Read full article Comments
This summary comes from Ars Technica - All content. Read the full article at the original source.