Swiss Defense Firm RUAG Pays Ransom to Hackers, Defies Government, June 07

RUAG, Switzerland’s federally owned defense company, paid hackers a ransom after the criminal group Akira attacked its US subsidiary in fall 2025. The decision contradicts the Swiss Federal Office for Cybersecurity (FOCBS), which advises companies never to pay ransoms. RUAG Chairman Jürg Rötheli said the company paid “a small amount” but refused to disclose the exact figure. The move highlights tensions between corporate security decisions and government policy.

Why RUAG Paid Despite Official Warnings

RUAG decided to pay after Akira hackers stole data from its US subsidiary and threatened to publish it. Rötheli told Swiss radio the company recovered all stolen data after payment. The Federal Office for Cybersecurity opposes ransom payments because they encourage future attacks and finance criminal operations. FOCBS recommends companies refuse such demands to disrupt the ransomware business model.

What Government Policy Says

Switzerland’s federal government strongly advises against paying ransoms to cyber criminals. FOCBS warns that payments fuel organized crime and create incentives for more attacks. The Swiss government views ransom payments as counterproductive to national cybersecurity strategy. RUAG’s decision directly contradicts this official guidance.

Risks of Paying Hackers

Ransom payments can signal to criminal groups that a target will comply with demands, making future attacks more likely. Experts warn the decision risks future cyber attacks on RUAG and other Swiss firms. Payments also fund ransomware operations and support criminal networks. The Akira group now knows RUAG will negotiate, potentially encouraging repeated extortion attempts.

RUAG’s Defense and Broader Context

Rötheli justified the payment by saying the company recovered all data and paid only a small amount. He emphasized that RUAG acted in the interest of protecting sensitive information. The company faces other challenges, including a recent reduction in F-35 fighter jet assembly contracts due to high production costs. The ransom payment adds to scrutiny of RUAG’s security practices and decision-making.

Final Thoughts

RUAG’s ransom payment contradicts Swiss government policy and may encourage future attacks on the defense sector. The decision signals that paying criminals works, undermining national cybersecurity strategy and financing organized crime networks.

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The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.