Do you remember that moment when your company was paralyzed by a ransomware attack? This unforeseen situation, where your files become inaccessible and a message demanding a ransom appears, is increasingly common. How would you react if it happened again? Read on to discover how to navigate this complex dilemma.
The 3 key facts not to miss
- The number of ransomware victims jumped by 213% in early 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to the security firm Optiv.
- In France, reporting an attack to the CNIL within 72 hours is mandatory if personal data is compromised.
- 78% of companies that paid a ransom suffer another attack, highlighting the risk of giving in to cybercriminals’ demands.
Understanding the impact of ransomware
A ransomware is malicious software that locks your systems or encrypts your files to demand a ransom. Cybercriminals often copy the data before encrypting it and threaten to publish it if the ransom is not paid. The consequences for businesses are multiple: inability to access essential files, delays in customer service, and damage to reputation in case of sensitive data leaks.
Legal obligations to comply with
When a ransomware attack compromises personal data, companies in France must notify the CNIL within 72 hours. This obligation is particularly important if a cyber insurance policy has been taken out. Failure to comply with this regulation exposes the company to sanctions. Furthermore, companies must document every step of their response to the incident, even if the attack is of external origin.
The risks associated with paying the ransom
Although there is no law in France directly prohibiting the payment of a ransom, transferring funds to criminal groups carries legal risks, especially if these groups are under international sanctions. Paying a ransom does not guarantee the future security of the company: 78% of companies that gave in to these demands suffer another attack.
Prevention and preparation against attacks
The best defense against ransomware remains prevention. Companies should consider implementing attack simulations to improve their responsiveness. Cyber insurance can also provide a structured framework for incident management. Finally, although ransom payments decreased by 35% in 2024, this reflects more an improvement in companies’ countermeasures rather than a decrease in attacks.
History of ransomware
The concept of ransomware emerged in the late 1980s, but it was only with the advent of the Internet and the development of cryptocurrencies that these attacks became a major threat. Early ransomware primarily targeted individuals, but cybercriminals quickly realized the lucrative potential of attacking businesses. With the evolution of technologies, ransomware has become more sophisticated, using advanced techniques such as artificial intelligence to automate and optimize attacks. Today, they are one of the main cybersecurity concerns for businesses of all sizes.