Win VIP Access to Two Step Inn Georgetown. 
When most organizations hear the words ransom threats, panic usually follows. Leaders worry about downtime, public fallout, regulatory exposure, and whether customers will ever trust them again. For many businesses, the instinct is to stay quiet, involve attorneys, and hope the problem goes away.
But sometimes a cyber incident reveals a better path forward.
In late 2025, Checkout.com faced a real-world ransom threat that could have damaged its reputation and shaken customer confidence. Instead of hiding behind silence, the company’s CTO, Mariano Albera, chose accountability, transparency, and a response that turned a moment of crisis into something far more powerful.
For business leaders in Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, and communities across Central Texas, this story offers critical lessons on how to respond when ransom threats become real.
How Real Ransom Threats Exposed a Hidden Risk
Checkout.com was targeted by ShinyHunters, a well-known cybercrime group. The attackers gained access through a legacy third-party cloud storage system that was no longer actively used but still connected. Inside were internal operational documents and merchant onboarding materials dating back to 2020 and earlier.
This scenario is more common than many leaders realize. Healthcare providers, legal firms, professional services companies, construction firms, manufacturers, and nonprofits often inherit outdated systems as they grow. Old storage accounts, forgotten cloud tools, and unused integrations quietly sit in the background.
These blind spots are exactly what attackers look for.
The breach did not involve current payment systems, but the presence of sensitive historical data created a real ransom threat. Instead of downplaying the incident, Albera addressed it head-on.
He acknowledged the breach, clearly explained what was accessed, and estimated that only a portion of customers were affected. That transparency set the tone for everything that followed.
Why Accountability Matters During Ransom Threats
Many organizations assume that admitting fault during ransom threats will damage trust. In reality, the opposite is often true.
By owning the situation early, Checkout.com demonstrated leadership under pressure. Customers were not left guessing. Partners were not fed vague statements. Regulators were not forced to uncover details on their own.
This approach reinforced a powerful truth for business leaders across Central Texas. Trust is preserved through clarity, not silence.
Accountability during ransom threats shows customers and stakeholders that leadership is in control, even in difficult moments. It also prevents misinformation from filling the void.
Turning Ransom Threats Into a Strategic Advantage
Rather than paying a ransom or quietly spending money on legal containment, Checkout.com made a bold move. The company pledged the funds that would have gone toward ransom payments and legal battles into independent cybercrime research.
This decision sent a clear message.
Extortion would not be rewarded. Instead, the incident would fuel better defenses for the future.
By funding research into attack patterns, cloud security practices, and emerging threats, Checkout.com turned a reactive event into a proactive investment. The company did not just recover. It contributed to strengthening the broader cybersecurity ecosystem.
This kind of response reframes how leaders should think about ransom threats. A breach does not have to be the end of the story. It can become the beginning of stronger systems, smarter policies, and renewed trust.
Practical Lessons Businesses Can Learn From Ransom Threats
Checkout.com’s response highlights several practical lessons that apply to organizations of every size, especially those operating in fast-growing markets like Austin and Round Rock.
Audit legacy systems regularly
Old cloud storage accounts, decommissioned tools, and unused integrations create unnecessary exposure. If it is not actively monitored, it should not exist.
Eliminate ghost access
Former employees, vendors, and outdated service accounts often retain access longer than intended. These gaps are common entry points during ransom threats.
Control the narrative early
Clear communication prevents speculation and reduces reputational damage. Customers value honesty over perfection.
Refuse to fund criminal activity
Redirecting funds toward prevention, research, and security improvements strengthens long-term resilience.
Treat incidents as learning opportunities
Every breach reveals weaknesses. Addressing them openly helps prevent repeat events.
These principles apply equally to healthcare organizations protecting patient data, legal firms safeguarding client confidentiality, professional services firms handling proprietary information, construction companies managing project data, manufacturers protecting intellectual property, and nonprofits responsible for donor trust.
Why Ransom Threats Are a Growing Risk in Central Texas
Businesses in Georgetown, Pflugerville, and Cedar Park are growing quickly, adopting cloud tools, remote work, and integrated platforms. Growth brings opportunity, but it also expands the attack surface.
Many organizations assume they are too small or too specialized to attract attention. In reality, attackers target weaknesses, not size.
Ransom threats often succeed because no one was watching an old system or questioning whether a tool was still needed. Without regular security reviews, even well-run organizations can fall behind.
How CTTS Helps Businesses Stay Ahead of Ransom Threats
This is where having the right IT partner makes all the difference.
CTTS works with organizations across Central Texas to proactively reduce exposure to ransom threats before attackers find them. Rather than reacting after an incident, CTTS helps businesses build security into daily operations.
CTTS supports clients by:
- Identifying and eliminating legacy systems and unused cloud services
- Monitoring access controls and enforcing least-privilege policies
- Providing ongoing security assessments tailored to each industry
- Supporting compliance needs in regulated environments
- Creating incident response plans that prioritize transparency and trust
Whether you lead a healthcare practice in Austin, a legal firm in Round Rock, a nonprofit in Georgetown, or a construction company expanding across the region, CTTS acts as a guide through an increasingly complex threat landscape.
The goal is not just protection. It is confidence.
Ransom Threats Do Not Have to Define Your Business
Checkout.com’s experience proves that leadership decisions during a crisis shape long-term outcomes. Ransom threats test more than technology. They test values, communication, and preparedness.
Organizations that plan ahead, audit regularly, and partner with experienced IT providers are far better positioned to respond with clarity instead of panic.
Ransom threats are not a matter of if. They are a matter of when. How your business prepares today determines how strong it will be tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ransom Threats
What are the most common causes of ransom threats?
Most ransom threats originate from outdated systems, weak access controls, phishing attacks, or misconfigured cloud storage. Legacy tools that are no longer actively monitored are a frequent entry point.
Should a business ever pay during ransom threats?
Paying does not guarantee data recovery and often encourages future attacks. A structured response focused on containment, communication, and recovery is typically more effective.
How can businesses reduce their risk of ransom threats?
Regular security assessments, removing unused systems, enforcing strong access controls, and working with a trusted IT partner like CTTS significantly reduce exposure.
Contact CTTS today for IT support and managed services in Austin, TX. Let us handle your IT so you can focus on growing your business. Visit CTTSonline.com or call us at (512) 388-5559 to get started!