Technology · 22 July 2026
Hackers keep stolen data to extort over a third of paying businesses again
A survey of 953 businesses by the security firm Proofpoint shows that paying cybercriminals rarely makes them disappear. Instead of deleting stolen files, hackers frequently keep the information to squeeze their victims for more cash later. UK police proved this during a 2024 takedown, finding sensitive files still sitting on a major ransomware gang's network well after the targeted companies handed over the money.
Reported by TechCrunch · How we write briefs