What should someone do if their computer gets encrypted by ransomware? What are the chances of getting your data back even after paying the ransom?

If ransomware encrypts your computer, it is generally not recommended to pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that paying the ransom will result in the restoration of your data. There are a few steps you can take if your computer is infected with ransomware:

1. Isolate the Infected Computer: Disconnect the infected computer from any network or external devices to prevent the ransomware from spreading.

2. Do Not Pay the Ransom: While it may be tempting to pay the ransom to get your data back, doing so encourages these criminal activities and there is no guarantee that you will actually get your data back.

3. Report the Incident: Contact your IT department or a cybersecurity professional to report the incident and seek their advice on how to proceed.

4. Restore from Backup: If you have backup copies of your data, you can restore your files from there after removing the ransomware from your system.

5. Use Decryption Tools: Some ransomware infections have decryption tools available that can help you recover your files without paying the ransom. Check with cybersecurity experts or organizations for such tools.

It’s essential to take preventive measures to protect your computer from ransomware attacks, such as keeping your software updated, using antivirus programs, being cautious of suspicious emails or links, and regularly backing up your data.