Ransomware Payments Illegal?

What’s happening? Supports of prohibiting ransom payments to hackers say that by prohibiting the payment of ransomware we will see a decline in ransomware.

Why is this important? For those playing along at their offices, we know that Oklahoma passed a bill , HB 1759 (OK | 2021 )this year to make ransomeware specifically a crime. 3 states, PA, NY and NC are considering making payments to ransomware attacks illegal. A bill died in Texas to this effect.

How will this be important? Bans will be part of a multi prong approach including: incentives, mutual aid where the governments identify experts that can help businesses, and building business resiliency.

Government Technology | States Consider Legislation to Ban Ransomware Payments

WSJ | Should Ransomware Payments Be Made Illegal?