The ‘No More Ransom’ initiative has already helped 200,000 victims of online information theft recover their digital lives for free
The network offers information in 35 languages with tools to decrypt more than 100 types of software infections and advice on how to act
The Spanish Banking Association (AEB) has joined the ‘No More Ransom’ network, a joint initiative between law enforcement and the private sector that offers victims of online information theft and extortion (ransomware) a solution to the loss of their personal files or the demand for ransom money.
This project, which celebrates its third anniversary today, has already helped more than 200,000 victims of digital information hijacking recover their files for free through the portal https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/index.html. It is a repository of tools to decrypt 109 types of software infections and advice on how to act.
Thanks to the cooperation of more than 150 partners and this website—with information in 35 languages, including Spanish—the criminal business model behind online information hijacking has been seriously countered, allowing victims to decrypt their files and avoid paying the demanded ransoms. Europol estimates that more than $100 million in ransoms have been avoided so far.
“When we look closely at ransomware, we see that a device can be easily infected in a matter of seconds. One wrong click and databases, images, and a lifetime of memories can disappear forever,” explains Steven Wilson, Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3).
The No More Ransom campaign brings hope to victims and sends a clear message to criminals: the international community stands united with a common goal, ensuring that operational successes continue to bring criminals to justice.
A total of 42 law enforcement agencies, five EU agencies, and 101 public and private entities have joined this initiative since 2016, which is driven by Europol, the High Tech Crime Unit of the Netherlands Police, and McAfee.
Citizens and businesses can follow a series of simple steps to prevent ransomware from reaching their electronic devices, such as performing offline backups, ensuring software is up to date, using robust antivirus software, or being careful when clicking on attachments and visiting unknown websites. Find more tips here.
