The Soft Side of Cyber Warfare. A Heartwarming Read for Sunday, 16th November 2025.

When Breaches Give You Lemons, Be Philanthropic

When hackers knock, make sure it's for a good cause, not a ransom cause.

What You Need to Know

In a bold shuffle that would make any CISO proud, Checkout.com has decided to snub cyber extortionists by donating the demanded ransom to charity. This intriguing twist in cybersecurity demonstrates a proactive approach to data breaches. The executive management is expected to reinforce cybersecurity protocols, support transparent communications with stakeholders, and explore enhanced defenses against potential future threats.

CISO focus: Incident Response and Resilience
Sentiment: Strong Positive
Time to Impact: Short (3-18 months)

Cybersecurity can often feel like an endless game of cat and mouse, with businesses constantly warding off relentless cyber adversaries. However, Checkout.com, an online payment solutions provider, has charted an unexpected course. Instead of succumbing to the ransom demands from the notorious cybercriminal group ShinyHunters, Checkout.com chose to counter the negativity by donating the ransom amount directly to charity. This move underscores a pivotal shift in how businesses can strategically address cyber threats, reflecting both resolve and innovation in the cybersecurity arena.

The Incident

ShinyHunters, a cybercriminal group infamous for targeting various organizations, infiltrated Checkout.com's network. Rather than succumbing to their ransom demands, Checkout.com decided to enhance its security measures while turning the act into a philanthropic opportunity. This sets a new precedent in how organizations can deal with cyber threats effectively and ethically.

A Decision Rooted in Strength

Checkout.com's decision wasn't merely a public relations move. It was an intentional strategy to undermine the influence of cybercriminals. By donating the ransom to charity, the company not only supports a good cause but also highlights the ineffectiveness of yielding to cyber extortionists. It challenges the cybercrime ecosystem, questioning the conventional notion that targeted companies are left without viable options.

The Industry Ripple Effect

• Impact on Stakeholders: This move may strengthen stakeholder confidence as it emphasizes transparency and proactive crisis management.
• Signal to Threat Actors: It broadcasts to cybercriminals that their approaches may be futile, encouraging them to rethink their targets.
• Civic Responsibility: It reflects a certain responsibility towards the community, aligning corporate practices with ethical norms.

Fortifying Defenses

While this commendable action is destined to inspire other organizations, it's also crucial for businesses to shore up their defenses. Checkout.com's response should be the start of a broader spectrum of strategic defenses including:

• Regular penetration testing.
• Enhanced security protocols.
• Training and awareness programs for employees.

The Real Gift

By defying the conventional response to cyber extortion, Checkout.com has redefined the narrative. Rather than reacting with fear, organizations now have a playbook for an empowered response that serves the community and undercuts cybercriminal profits.

A Watershed Moment

In the realm of cybersecurity, this decision marks a watershed moment. It is likely to spark discussions at board meetings and among cybersecurity professionals. Leaders are encouraged to adopt a mindset oriented towards resilience and community support, rather than succumbing to fear and immediate financial losses.

Vendor Diligence Questions

1. How does your organization ensure compliance with the latest data protection regulations?
2. Can you provide evidence of recent vulnerability assessments and penetration testing results?
3. What measures are in place to mitigate ransomware attacks, and how do you handle ransom demands?

Action Plan

1. Review Security Protocols: Conduct a thorough review of current security measures and protocols within the organization.

2. Engage with Stakeholders: Maintain transparent communication channels with internal and external stakeholders to assure them of protective measures and corporate responsibility.

3. Enhance Training Programs: Set up regular cybersecurity training sessions for all employees to bolster awareness and readiness against potential threats.

Source: Checkout.com snubs hackers after data breach, to donate ransom instead

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CISO Intelligence by Jonathan Care is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International