BLUF
Ransomware attacks have become a persistent national security threat, causing disruptions and extorting businesses and essential services.Summary
KEY POINTS:
- The Australian government is considering banning ransomware payments, paralleling the ban on payments for terrorist-related kidnapping.
- Historical precedents question the effectiveness of payment bans in deterring ransomware attacks.
- Payment bans can lead to unintended consequences: limited information sharing and potential business disadvantages.
- Proactive measures are required to disrupt the ransomware business model, including increased regulation and governance of ransomware negotiation and payment services.
