Can ransomware attacks succeed without leaking data?

Ransomware attacks can succeed without necessarily involving the exposure or leak of sensitive data. In such cases, the ransomware encrypts important files or data on a computer system and demands payment for the decryption key, without actually exfiltrating the data. The attack usually begins with a user unknowingly executing a malicious file or link, allowing the ransomware to infiltrate the system. The ransomware then encrypts the files and displays a message demanding payment for decryption. The success of the attack relies on the victim either paying the ransom or having backups to restore the encrypted data.