GuidePoint Security’s Research and Intelligence Team (GRIT) published a warning in August 2026 after several ransomware victims received unsolicited messages from a sender identifying itself as Ransom Busters. BleepingComputer reported those findings later the same month. In the cases GRIT reviewed, the messages arrived before the attack had been made public.

That timing is the clearest warning. Legitimate incident-response firms typically reach out only after an incident is already public. A stranger who already knows about a lockout you have not announced is not a rescuer. That person is already inside the problem.

The emails offered decryption keys and deletion of stolen data. In the incidents GuidePoint described, the requested fee ranged from $20,000 to $60,000. GRIT assesses with moderate confidence that Ransom Busters is not a genuine recovery firm. Researchers describe a ransomware affiliate using its own access to collect a second payment instead of sending victims to the original operation.

Do not send money in reply to that message. Do not start a payment conversation with anyone who already knows you were hit. Tell the person who handles incidents for your office. GuidePoint told BleepingComputer it has not seen a victim pay Ransom Busters. That is not proof the next sender is safe. It is another reason to refuse the conversation. If that email arrives, set it aside and do not reply. Call the contact you already keep for office support. Forward the unsolicited message as evidence. Do not open a new payment thread in the same inbox.

The same rule applies to any other unsolicited “rescue” offer. Treat a stranger who knows about a break-in you have not announced as part of the incident. Keep a current copy of critical files off the affected network. Keep a name and number you chose before the crisis. Businesses in Gun Barrel do not need to wait for a leak response email or stolen data to practice this habit. Write the contact rule down now. The first email after a lockout is a poor moment to invent a vendor list.

My I.T. Consultants is a managed service provider in Athens. For a short review of backups or of who to call after an incident, call 903-675-5431, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.