The hostage negotiators of the digital age - The Sunday Story
The Story14 Des 2025

The hostage negotiators of the digital age - The Sunday Story

Cyber-attacks on some of Britain's biggest companies like Marks & Spencer have cost hundreds of millions of pounds. For Jaguar Land Rover, experts estimate the cost to the company and the economy ran to billions. But most of us know almost nothing about what happens behind the scenes in the hours after a hack. Who do you call? In a bank robbery, a negotiator armed with a megaphone might turn up. But what if the loot is bitcoin, and the hostages, data?


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: James Ball, freelance writer, the Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Producer: Dave Creasey.

Clips: ITV News, CNBC.

Read more: Your company has been hacked. The clock is ticking. Here’s who to call.

Photo: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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