Why do so few pay for ransomware?

Many ransomware victims choose not to pay the demanded ransom due to various reasons, such as:

1. No Guarantee: There’s often no guarantee that paying the ransom will actually result in the decryption of files or the release of data. Victims may fear that even after paying, they won’t get access to their data.

2. Supporting Criminals: Paying the ransom funds criminal activities and encourages further attacks. Many victims choose not to support criminal organizations by refusing to pay.

3. Potential Legal Consequences: Some victims may fear legal repercussions for paying ransoms since it might be illegal in their jurisdictions or could expose them to further extortion.

4. Data Integrity Concerns: Victims may worry about the integrity of their data even if they pay the ransom. There’s no assurance that the hackers haven’t tampered with the files, and they may still be at risk even after paying.

5. Cost vs. Recovery: Sometimes, the cost of the ransom demands may outweigh the value of the encrypted data. Victims might opt to invest in data recovery solutions or backups rather than pay the ransom.

6. Ethical or Moral Reasons: Some individuals or organizations may have ethical objections to negotiating with cybercriminals and prefer to take a stand against supporting illegal activities.

These factors contribute to the hesitancy of ransomware victims to pay the demanded ransom.