Ransomware – How to negotiate with Hackers
Documentary, Reportage | 29 min | 2026 | NZZ Format, SRF
Ransomware hits a Swiss family business: Philipp Bosshard has twelve days to decide whether to pay. Otherwise, data and 200 jobs are at risk. Behind the blackmail is an entire industry. The case leads to a billion-pound business and a trail that stretches all the way to Switzerland.
Ransomware is an existential threat to businesses. Behind the attacks is a highly professional industry that operates according to business logic: Ransomware is an existential threat to businesses. Behind the attacks is a highly professional industry that operates according to business logic: infiltrate, encrypt, extort. Those who do not pay face standstill, data loss and bankruptcy. Many groups of perpetrators work in a division of labour similar to that of companies, with development teams, negotiators, ‘customer support’ and clear deadlines.
Ransomware is an existential threat to businesses. Behind the attacks is a highly professional industry that operates according to business logic: Ransomware is an existential threat to businesses. Behind the attacks is a highly professional industry that operates according to business logic: infiltrate, encrypt, extort. Those who do not pay face standstill, data loss and bankruptcy. Many groups of perpetrators work in a division of labour similar to that of companies, with development teams, negotiators, ‘customer support’ and clear deadlines.
NZZ Format shows why almost any company can be affected and how quickly an attack can become a matter of survival. In the spring of 2025, Philipp Bosshard's company is hit. Suddenly, not only is the IT system down, but the entire company is at a standstill. The survival of the business and 200 jobs is at stake. The blackmailers set a deadline: Bosshard has twelve days to decide whether to pay the ransom or find another solution in the nick of time.
At the same time, the documentary follows the trail of the cybercriminals. Through months of undercover investigations, cybersecurity analyst Jon DiMaggio gains insight into one of the most notorious ransomware gangs: Lockbit. In the process, he gets close to the mysterious leader of the group, who goes by the name ‘LockbitSupp’. And becomes his friend and executioner.
When Lockbit itself is hacked in 2025, a rare window into the inner workings of the gang opens up. NZZ data journalist Simon Huwiler analyses the leaked data and stumbles upon an unusually high ransom payment. A trail that leads to Switzerland.
At the same time, the documentary follows the trail of the cybercriminals. Through months of undercover investigations, cybersecurity analyst Jon DiMaggio gains insight into one of the most notorious ransomware gangs: Lockbit. In the process, he gets close to the mysterious leader of the group, who goes by the name ‘LockbitSupp’. And becomes his friend and executioner.
When Lockbit itself is hacked in 2025, a rare window into the inner workings of the gang opens up. NZZ data journalist Simon Huwiler analyses the leaked data and stumbles upon an unusually high ransom payment. A trail that leads to Switzerland.
Client: NZZ Format | nzz.ch
Writer & Director: Roman Hodel | romanhodel.com
Cinematographer: Lukas Gut | lukasgut.com
Film Editor: Dennis Gnoni Visconti
Sound Studio: Brauereisound | brauereisound.ch
Color Grading Studio: Kamerawerk | kamerawerk.ch
Colorist: Christian Witschi | kamerawerk.ch/team
Production Company: NZZ Format | nzz.ch
Editorial Office: Luca Froelicher
Head of NZZ Format: Jörg Walch
Writer & Director: Roman Hodel | romanhodel.com
Cinematographer: Lukas Gut | lukasgut.com
Film Editor: Dennis Gnoni Visconti
Sound Studio: Brauereisound | brauereisound.ch
Color Grading Studio: Kamerawerk | kamerawerk.ch
Colorist: Christian Witschi | kamerawerk.ch/team
Production Company: NZZ Format | nzz.ch
Editorial Office: Luca Froelicher
Head of NZZ Format: Jörg Walch
16:9, Color
No one has to be ashamed of being a victim of cyber attacks.
"They are formerly organised, they have an
HR department, holidays, two weeks pay."
– Inge van der Beijl
HR department, holidays, two weeks pay."
– Inge van der Beijl
For more information about NZZ Format
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