Apollo’s “Don’t Pay the Ransom” Pledge Calls On Business Leaders To Stop Supporting Cyberterrorism

Los Gatos, CA – June 9, 2021 – Apollo Information Systems, an industry-leading provider of network and cybersecurity solutions and services, launched its “Don’t Pay The Ransom” campaign today, calling on companies to no longer meet the demands of hackers and cyberterrorist groups. By giving in to ransom demands, organizations are unwittingly supporting international cyberterrorism groups and sanctioned nation states and are encouraging malicious hackers to continue attacking others.

Apollo’s pledge to take a stand against cyberterrorism has three key tenets:

Ransomware prevention is increasingly critical for businesses with any online presence, as approximately 1 in 5 organizations were projected to be victims of ransomware attacks in 2021. These attacks lock their targets out of their online data and electronic systems, doing so by encrypting files and effectively holding a company hostage until the attackers’ demands are met. CNA Financial recently paid hackers $40 million, while Colonial Pipeline paid over $4.4 million to stop an attack that sparked nationwide fears of a gasoline shortage.

Meeting cyberterrorists’ demands is not a viable solution to preventing future attacks. The Treasury Department recently warned that such payments could lead to federal prosecution, and only encourage further demands and hacks. There is also no guarantee that paying a ransom will restore data and bring systems back online.

“Paying a ransom only empowers hackers to continue wreaking havoc on unsuspecting targets, and puts more and more Americans’ confidential data and information at risk,” said Andy Bennett, Apollo Chief Information Security Officer and Vice President of Technology. “By the time you’re under attack, it’s too late for preventative measures. No industry is immune, and it is critical that companies prioritize ransomware prevention and stay two steps ahead of malicious hackers.”

Apollo’s ransomware services provide a critical set of assessments and solutions, protecting organizations from attacks and providing effective response and recovery during and following any hacks. Services also include, but are not limited to, training employees to detect and prevent attacks, identifying gaps in a company’s defenses and recommending solutions, and simulating ransomware incident scenarios. Custom-built to fit each organization’s specified needs, Apollo establishes a holistic approach to planning and preparedness.

For a limited time, Apollo is also offering free-of-cost security consultations with Bennett, one of the world’s most practiced ransomware response and prevention leaders, valued at over $10,000 per session. As Deputy CISO for the state of Texas, Bennett led the successful response to the largest coordinated attack against local government in 2019. Interested organizations can sign up for their free session here.

Apollo Information Systems, Corp, is a national IT and cybersecurity value-added reseller founded in 2002 to enable our enterprise and government clients to effectively respond to the rapid rise in cybercrime. Apollo is led by battle-tested Chief Information Security Officers with real-world operational experience across multiple industry verticals and government branches. Apollo provides the most advanced security solutions from industry leaders, combined with our expert advisory and professional services with our commitment to the success of our clients.