Ransomware attacks: Interview with crisis negotiators Michael Sjøberg and Peter Skovbo
Ransomware is considered one of the biggest business risks for medium-sized businesses. Crisis negotiators Michael Sjøberg and Peter Skovbo explain in an interview how companies can defend themselves.
Quick Look
- Ransomware attacks on German medium-sized businesses are increasing.
- In 2025, 1041 cases were measured.
- In an interview, crisis negotiators Michael Sjøberg and Peter Skovbo explain how companies can react.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, 1,041 ransomware attacks were reported in 2025.
Train. Ransomware, i.e. blackmail software, has long been considered one of the biggest business risks - not only for corporations, but especially for German medium-sized businesses. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, 1,041 ransomware attacks were reported in 2025, an increase of ten percent compared to the previous year.
During a ransomware attack, criminals encrypt entire IT systems and extort a ransom - usually in the form of Bitcoin and often with the threat of publishing previously stolen data.
How can companies defend themselves against this? How can they regain control in this situation? And which mistakes are particularly costly in the first few hours? This is what the crisis negotiator Michael Sjøberg, formerly specialized in hostage taking in the Danish military, and Peter Skovbo, who runs the consulting company Delta Crisis in Switzerland founded by Sjøberg, explain in an interview.
Open Questions
- What specific tips do the negotiators give for defense?
- Which mistakes are particularly costly in the first few hours?
