[linhns]

If I were the hackers, why would I not release the data in this case?

Dumb move from Instructure.

[thrance]

Because then they'll have a reputation of not doing what they're paid to do, which would be the end of their hacking careers.

[kurtoid]

If they release it now, no one else will pay the ransom

[pixel_popping]

The alternative would be to ruin a part of the life of shitload of students, you find it better? It's not a dumb move at all, most companies pay ransom because the alternative is worse.