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ansomware is a pernicious plague that

shows no sign of letting up. In fact, if

Riviera Beach, Florida, is any indication,

it might be getting worse. After being crippled by

ransomware, that city voted to pay $600,000 to

the perpetrators in the hope of regaining control

of its systems.

I applaud the city leaders who put the issue to a

vote—even if it wasn’t a public vote—and handled

the issue with the seriousness it deserves. That

said, I believe no one should ever pay the ransom.

It’s not just because “we don’t negotiate with

terrorists.” It’s far simpler: there’s no guarantee

paying the ransom will work.

RANSOM WHAT?

For those who may have forgotten, ransomware is

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computer hostage. The malware encrypts any and

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a ransom payment in order to hand over the

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Some ransomware is backed by a highly

professional operation, with FAQs and even

criminal customer service. Others take a more

militant route, with countdown timers ticking

away the seconds until the encryption key is

deleted and the information is lost forever.

Never Give Ransomware

Scammers Your Money

COMMENTARY