In a unanimous decision, the Ohio Supreme Court found that appellee EMOI Services, LLC’s (“EMOI”) businessowners insurance policy does not cover losses resulting from a ransomware attack on EMOI’s computer software systems.
EMOI, a computer software company, was the target of a ransomware attack in September 2019 where a hacker gained access to EMOI’s computer systems and encrypted files. As a result of the attack, when a file was opened, a ransom note appeared notifying the user that the files were encrypted and therefore unavailable, but also notifying the user that the files could be restored if the user purchased a decryption key from the hacker for three bitcoins.
