Ransomware Response Policy

The Ransomware Response Policy provides a detailed framework for responding to ransomware and extortion-based cyber incidents. It helps businesses prepare for, detect, and recover from ransomware attacks in full compliance with UK data protection, sanctions, and criminal law.

What Does this Ransomware Response Policy Do?

This policy sets out a structured approach for identifying ransomware infections, isolating affected systems, assessing ransom demands, and coordinating communication with regulators, law enforcement, and insurers. It ensures that all response actions — including any consideration of ransom payments — are lawful and fully documented.

Developed in line with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018, Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, and the Terrorism Act 2000, this policy guides organisations through every stage of ransomware management, from detection and containment through to recovery and review.

It includes clear procedures for decision-making, record-keeping, and evidence preservation to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the response process.

Who Is This Policy For?

This document is suitable for:

• Businesses of all sizes that store, process, or rely on digital data;
• IT, compliance, or legal teams responsible for managing ransomware threats;
• Managed service providers (MSPs) and cybersecurity consultants;
• Organisations seeking to demonstrate UK legal compliance and operational resilience.

What Are the Key Features of this Ransomware Response Policy?

• Comprehensive Legal Framework: Covers all relevant UK cybersecurity, criminal, and sanctions legislation.
• Ransomware Classification Table: Defines incident severity and provides practical examples.
• Decision-Making Procedure: Sets out approval and documentation requirements for ransom considerations.
• Record Retention Schedule: Ensures proper storage and disposal of investigation and reporting records.
• Integration Across Policies: Designed to coordinate with other incident and malware response documents for end-to-end management.

This policy is part of the Cyber & IT Policy Suite, a collection of templates designed to help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity resilience, meet compliance obligations, and respond effectively to digital threats.

The Ransomware Response Policy forms part of the Simply-Docs Cyber & IT Policy Suite, complementing:

• Incident Response Policy – the overarching governance and escalation framework;
• Cyberattack Response Policy – addressing general cyber intrusions and system breaches;
• Malware Response Policy – managing malicious code and infection containment; and
• Phishing Response Policy – preventing and responding to social-engineering attacks.

Together, these documents provide a complete toolkit for managing, investigating, and recovering from all types of cyber incidents.

This Ransomware Response Policy contains the following sections:

1. Introduction
2. Scope
3. Legal and Regulatory Context
4. Objectives of this Policy
5. Ransomware Classification
6. Response Procedure
7. Record Keeping
8. Confidentiality
9. Cross-Reference and Integration
10. Implementation of Policy

Optional phrases / clauses are enclosed in square brackets. These should be read carefully and selected so as to be compatible with one another. Unused options should be removed from the document.

This Ransomware Response Policy is unlocked and in .docx format. Either enter the requisite details in the highlighted fields or adjust the wording to suit your purposes.

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