Companies hit by ransomware often targeted again, research says

Hackers make untold millions every year from companies forced to pay up to regain access to systems and data that have been held ransom. Many are even getting burned twice, cybersecurity experts say. — Photo: Lino Mirgeler/dpa

LONDON: More than a third of companies who paid a ransom to cybercriminals after being hit by a ransomware attack went on to be targeted for a second time, according to a new report.

The Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report found that 36% of companies that made the ransom payment were hit again, while 41% who paid failed to recover all of their data.