Cyber security expert warns against paying ransom for encrypted data

Mimecast cyber security expert, Brian Pinnock, warns businesses against paying ransom to hackers for encrypted company data. Pinnock was speaking to the Business Hour, regarding Mimecast’s latest State of Email Security Report which reveals that cyber attacks rose significantly in 2020 especially with the advent of Covid-19. According to the report, 85% of the organisations surveyed in South Africa experienced business disruption due to the lack of preparedness. He says the vast majority of organisations affected by ransomware opted to pay the hackers for the encrypted data and he is of the view that this is not a good idea, because there is no guarantee that an organisation will be able to access its data after paying a ransom. Furthermore paying ransom makes a company susceptible to more cybercrime.