[pooper]

What is to stop them once they get paid? Why wouldn't they just keep asking every month?

[voakbasda]

Nothing. This is why you don't negotiate with these kinds of people.

[wnevets]

The same thing that stops every other form of blackmail, their word. If someone is willing to blackmail you, their word is probably not worth much.

[worthless-trash]

yet ransomware exists and is profitable.

[wnevets]

And those gangs have also been caught releasing stolen data after being paid not to. There is no honor among thieves.