Which ransomware payment option is best? (Hint: none)
June 8, 2022
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4
min read
Highlights
What’s the best way to pay your ransomware demand? There isn’t one… you shouldn’t pay. But that’s not what cyber criminals want. They’re now offering more options to make paying easier. It’s crazy…
Picture this: Your business gets hit by a ransomware attack, and your valuable data is locked away by cyber criminals demanding a huge ransom fee.
You can’t afford to pay it. But there's a twist – just like those "buy now, pay later" schemes, some ransomware gangs are offering victims payment extension options.
Recent research reveals that ransomware groups are getting creative with their extortion strategies. One group is even offering victims various choices when it comes to their ransom demands. These "choices" include:
Paying to delay the publication of their stolen data, with a standard fee of $10,000… or paying to have their stolen data deleted before it's made public.
The exact amounts charged are often negotiated with victims, adding a chilling dimension to the whole ordeal.
To increase the pressure on victims, these ransomware groups have added some terrifying features to their web sites. These include countdown timers displaying how much time businesses have before their data is released, view counters, and even tags revealing the victim's identity and description.
It's all designed to make victims feel cornered and more likely to give in to the demands.
You might be tempted to pay that ransom to protect your business data. Not so fast. Paying is always a bad idea and here’s why…
Paying doesn't guarantee that you'll get your data back or that the cyber criminals won't demand more money later.
By paying, you're essentially funding criminal activities, encouraging them to continue their attacks on others.
Paying a ransom might even get you into legal trouble, as some governments have made it illegal to pay cyber criminals.
So, what can you do to safeguard your business from falling victim to ransomware?
- Ensure you have regular, secure backups of your data. This way, you won't be at the mercy of cyber criminals.
- Educate your staff about the risks of ransomware and train them to recognise phishing emails and suspicious links.
- Invest in robust cyber security software and keep it up to date.
- Keep your systems and software updated with the latest security patches.
- Segment your network to limit the spread of ransomware if one device gets infected.
- Develop a clear incident response plan, so you know exactly what to do if you're ever hit by a ransomware attack.
Paying cyber criminals rarely makes things better, and we’re seeing businesses that do pay become targets time and time again. Instead, invest in the proactive measures above to help you stay secure.
And if we can help you with that, get in touch.
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This special edition of our Leading London series brings together the partners behind the rollout of the City of London Corporation’s new unified network, a major upgrade designed to strengthen public services and improve connectivity across the Square Mile and beyond.
The panel included:
- Sam Collins, Assistant Director of Digital and Data, City of London Corporation
- Chelsea Chamberlin, Chief Technology Officer, Roc Technologies
- Scott McKinnon, Chief Security Officer, Palo Alto Networks
- Rhod Morgan, Chief Operations Officer, Vorboss
- Elliot Townsend, Senior Director, Juniper Networks
- Christa Elizabeth Norton, Marketing Director, Roc Technologies
Together, they explored how the new network will improve public services, strengthen cyber resilience and support a more connected, future-ready City.
For many landlords and building managers, the word “wayleave” feels like the responsible route whenever a fibre circuit is being installed on their property. It sounds formal and safe – a neat legal box to tick.
In many cases, however, a wayleave adds unnecessary complexity and delays, frustrates tenants, and can expose landlords to long-term legal risks.
At Vorboss, we’ve connected thousands of office spaces across London without a wayleave, keeping landlords in full control and getting tenants online faster.
What is a wayleave?
A wayleave is a written agreement between a landowner and a telecoms operator. It gives the operator permission to install and keep equipment on private property.
What many people don’t realise is that signing a wayleave also activates “Code rights” under the Electronic Communications Code. These rights go beyond simple permission, they give the operator legal powers to stay on the property indefinitely, access it when needed, and even refuse removal of their equipment in certain situations.
For a typical connection into a commercial building in London, a wayleave can make the fibre installation process slower, more expensive, and limit the landlord’s flexibility long term.
Why a wayleave isn’t required for standard in-building fibre connections
For a standard in-building fibre connection serving a tenant, a wayleave isn’t a legal requirement. Important protections, like building access, fire safety, repairing any damage, and removing equipment, are already covered by the tenant’s lease and usual building rules.
If no wayleave is signed, no Code rights are triggered, meaning the landlord retains full control and the installation exists under a simple, fully revocable licence.
In practice, this gives landlords far more protection and flexibility:
- No legal lock-in – the telecoms operator has no long-term rights to stay or refuse removal.
- Landlords keep full control – equipment can be moved or removed when the building changes.
- Faster fibre installation – no time lost in drafting contracts or solicitor reviews.
- Happier tenants – connections go live quicker; tenants get to move in faster.
By contrast, signing a wayleave and granting Code rights introduces a complex and expensive legal process for any fibre removal or relocation. This can take at least 18 months, plus potential court or tribunal proceedings, making it slower, and far less flexible for the landlord.
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