The Story The hostage negotiators of the digital age - the Sunday Story
Dec 14, 2025
James Ball, a journalist known for his insights into technology and national security, dives into the shadowy world of digital hostage negotiation. He reveals how cyber-attacks, like those on Marks & Spencer, disrupt not just businesses but everyday life. From double extortion tactics to the fascinating role of crisis responders, the conversation explores what happens when data becomes the prize. Ball discusses the psychological tactics used by negotiators and the broader implications of cyber warfare, highlighting the urgent need for effective cyber defense.
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British Library Woke To A Full-System Lockdown
- An IT worker at the British Library found her computer blank and a message saying 'you've been hacked'.
- Within hours the hackers had locked nearly every system, forcing a major incident and use of WhatsApp to convene executives.
Ransomware Uses Double Extortion
- Attackers now use double extortion: encrypt systems and steal data to threaten publication.
- That creates two separate ransom demands: to restore access and to avoid data exposure.
Library Chose Rebuild Over Paying Ransom
- The British Library refused to pay and faced costly rebuilding instead, spending about £7 million.
- As a public body they felt paying would reward criminals and encourage more attacks on similar institutions.