Not paying ransomware demands can be a difficult decision for organizations, but there are instances where companies have chosen not to pay and have shared their experiences. Here are some real-life examples of organizations that did not pay ransomware:

1. Maersk (2017): One of the most notable cases is Maersk, a global shipping company. They suffered a ransomware attack known as NotPetya, which caused significant disruption. Maersk chose not to pay the ransom, instead rebuilding their systems from scratch. This decision was costly but demonstrated their commitment to not negotiating with cybercriminals.
2. City of Atlanta (2018): Atlanta faced a ransomware attack that affected various city services. They decided not to pay the ransom and invested in cybersecurity improvements and recovery efforts.
3. Norsk Hydro (2019): Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminum producer, experienced a ransomware attack. They refused to pay the ransom and opted to restore their systems. This approach showcased their resilience and refusal to give in to extortion.
4. Garmin (2020): Garmin, a GPS technology company, encountered a ransomware attack. Although the exact details of their response are not public, they reportedly did not pay the ransom and focused on recovery.
5. Colonial Pipeline (2021): Colonial Pipeline, a major fuel pipeline operator, fell victim to a ransomware attack. They decided not to pay the ransom and instead relied on their backups to restore operations.

These examples illustrate that not paying ransomware can be challenging but is a stance taken by organizations to deter cybercriminals and uphold ethical principles. However, the decision not to pay often comes with substantial recovery costs and downtime.

🌐 Sources

1. High-Profile Company Data Breaches 2023 - Electric AI
2. 6 Reasons to Not Pay the Ransom in a Ransomware Attack
3. [Ransomware Attacks in Manufacturing on the Rise 2023 ...
4. 7 Real-Life Data Breaches Caused by Insider Threats
5. 16 Ransomware Examples From Recent Attacks