What is ransomware? What happens if we ignore a ransomware attack?

During a ransomware attack, malicious software encrypts a victim’s files or system, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attacker, who claims to have the decryption key. If the ransom is not paid, the attacker may threaten to delete the encryption key, effectively permanently locking the victim out of their data.

The consequences of ignoring a ransomware attack can be severe. Without access to their files or systems, individuals or organizations may face significant disruptions to their operations, potential data loss, financial losses due to downtime, reputational damage, and in some cases, legal implications if sensitive data is compromised. Additionally, not addressing a ransomware attack promptly can lead to the malware spreading throughout the network, affecting more systems and potentially increasing the ransom demand.