What should you immediately do when you receive a ransomware message?

1. Isolate Infected Systems: Immediately disconnect the infected device from any network connection to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices.

2. Do Not Pay the Ransom: Avoid paying the ransom as it does not guarantee the recovery of your data and may encourage further criminal activity.

3. Alert IT Department or Security Team: Inform your organization’s IT department or a trusted cybersecurity professional to assess the situation and provide guidance on how to proceed.

4. Document the Ransomware Message: Take screenshots or notes of the ransomware message including any demands or instructions provided by the attackers.

5. Implement Incident Response Plan: Activate your organization’s incident response plan to coordinate an effective response to the ransomware attack. This may involve restoring data from backups, engaging with law enforcement, or deploying specialized tools for ransomware removal.

6. Restore Data from Backup: If possible, restore affected systems from backups that were not compromised by the ransomware attack. Ensure the backups are clean and free from malware before restoring them.

Remember, every ransomware attack is unique, so it is important to seek the guidance of cybersecurity experts or law enforcement to properly address the situation.