The government cyber agencies like CBI, FBI etc. does not recommend paying a ransom in the event of a ransomware attack, as it does not guarantee that the data will be recovered Cybersecurity experts also advise against paying the ransom, as ransomware groups are aware of this and may take advantage of organizations who have no other choice but to pay. There are 5 things you can consider on this situation.
- The likelihood of recovering your data: One of the main factors to consider is the likelihood of recovering your data without paying the ransom. If you have up-to-date backups, you may be able to restore your systems from these backups without paying the ransom. If you do not have backups, or if the backups are not recent enough, you may need to consider paying the ransom to recover your data.
- The amount of the ransom: The amount of the ransom can also be a factor in your decision. If the ransom is very high, you may decide that it is not worth paying. On the other hand, if the ransom is relatively low, you may decide that it is worth paying to recover your data.
- The reputation of the attackers: It is important to consider the reputation of the attackers when deciding whether or not to pay the ransom. Some attackers have a reputation for not following through on their promises to decrypt your data after the ransom is paid. If the attackers have a reputation for not following through, you may decide that it is not worth paying the ransom.
- The potential impact on your business: You should also consider the potential impact on your business if you do not pay the ransom. If the attack has disrupted your business operations, you may need to weigh the cost of paying the ransom against the cost of lost revenue and damage to your reputation.
- The legal implications: Finally, you should consider the legal implications of paying the ransom. In some cases, paying the ransom may be illegal or may be seen as supporting criminal activity. You should consult with legal counsel to understand the legal implications of paying the ransom.