Ransoms

Ransom is a sum of money or other compensation paid or demanded in return for the release of a captive or the recovery of something seized or held illegally. The term originates from Old French rançon, meaning payment for release, from Latin redemptio.

Ransom transactions occur in various contexts. In kidnapping, the captor demands payment in exchange for freeing a victim. In maritime and military history, ransom has been used to secure the release of prisoners or property. In modern times, ransomware attacks involve criminals demanding payment from individuals or organizations to restore access to encrypted data or systems.

Ransoms are typically negotiated through intermediaries and may involve cash, precious metals, or digital currencies such as cryptocurrency. Payments can create incentives for further crime and are controversial because they may fund criminal networks. Authorities and many organizations discourage or prohibit ransom payments, citing risk of encouraging future attacks, while some insurers or victims consider payment to minimize harm or restore critical services.

Legal and ethical considerations vary by jurisdiction. Many countries regulate or prohibit certain ransom-related activities, including payments to terrorist organizations or sanctioned entities, and anti-money-laundering rules can apply to ransom transactions. In the cyber domain, laws often address both the act of extortion and the handling of ransom payments, with enforcement focusing on both the threat and the payment pathway.

Historically, ransom has served as a bargaining tool in conflicts and piracy. Today, it spans traditional kidnapping cases and cybercrime, reflecting evolving threats and the challenges of securing safety and property in a connected world.