Checkout.com Shuns Ransom, Funds Cybercrime Research Instead!
Checkout.com turned the tables on ransomware demands by donating the ransom amount to cybercrime research instead of paying the attackers. CTO Mariano Albera apologized for the breach and took responsibility, stating, “We will not be extorted by criminals.” Their proactive stance is a refreshing change in the usual ransomware narrative.

Hot Take:
Checkout.com is taking the high road, not the highway robbery! While ransomware criminals expect a payday, Checkout.com decided to turn the tables and invest in cybercrime research instead. It’s a bold move, like telling a robber to keep their loot and investing in a security system instead. Kudos to Checkout.com for setting a precedent that’s as refreshing as finding chocolate chips in your oatmeal cookie when you were expecting raisins.
Key Points:
- Checkout.com was hit by a ransomware attack but refused to pay the ransom.
- CTO Mariano Albera publicly apologized and took full responsibility for the breach.
- The attack targeted a legacy third-party cloud file storage system used in 2020.
- The company will donate the ransom amount to fund cybercrime research.
- Checkout.com is working with law enforcement and regulators on the incident.
