Should companies pay ransomware? What should they do to avoid paying ransomware?

Paying a ransom to cybercriminals is generally discouraged as it does not guarantee that the encrypted data will be restored or that the attackers won’t strike again. It also contributes to the profitability and motivation of ransomware operations. Instead, companies should focus on preventive measures such as robust cybersecurity defenses, employee training, regular data backups, incident response plans, and maintaining up-to-date software. Additionally, seeking assistance from law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals can help in mitigating ransomware damage effectively.