The police reported or reported ransomware 188 times in 2019. Justice and Security Minister Ferd Grapperhaus recently wrote this in a letter to the House of Representatives.
When a computer or IT system is infected with hostage software, the files and systems are no longer accessible. The criminals behind the attack then demand a ransom.
Companies and organizations that do not have backups or are missing crucial data often feel compelled to pay the ransom. Last year, ransomware victims included Maastricht University and money exchange Travelex. European police organization Europol had previously warned that hostage software will be the biggest threat of Internet fraud in the coming years.
Companies and organizations have the option of insuring against such digital hostage-taking. The costs resulting from a ransomware attack are then reimbursed by the insurer.
View: Answering Parliamentary questions on reports 'Maastricht University paid hackers ransom' and 'Insurers cause increase in ransomware attacks'
