Why paying a cyber ransom could land you with a big fine

Published by CyberCX on 1 October 2023

Visiting New Zealand this week, CyberCX UK Chair Ciaran Martin says they’ve struck the right stance on whether to pay a cyber-ransom.

Whilst in many circumstances it remains legal to pay a cyber ransom, new guidelines passed by the New Zealand Government, in reaction to the invasion of Ukraine, mean paying a cyber ransom could now constitute breaking the new sanctions legislation and result in criminal penalties.

“The New Zealand Government has just issued some very strong guidance on not paying to the general population and essentially ruling it out for government. The latter point is really, really welcome,” says Ciaran.

Read more in the NZ Herald