Half of Ransomware Victims Pay, but Few Get Their Data Back

According to a survey conducted by Kaspersky Lab, more than half (56%) of ransomware victims pay the ransom to restore their files. However, for 17% of those who paid, the payment resulted in the loss of all their data.

The global survey on IT-related risks was carried out in September and October of last year, with over 15,000 participants from 23 countries, including Russia.

Why Do Victims Pay?

Despite numerous warnings, ransomware victims often choose to pay cybercriminals to regain access to their locked data. This decision is most common among users aged 35 to 44. Older, more experienced individuals are less likely to trust the promises of extortionists.

Data Recovery Rates Remain Low

Only 29% of respondents managed to recover all their data after infection—regardless of whether they paid the ransom or not. Half of those who paid reported losing some files, and for 32%, the losses were significant. In 13% of cases, victims lost almost all their data.

How to Protect Yourself from Ransomware

Kaspersky recommends following these simple rules to avoid trouble:

• Do not neglect regular backups.
• Avoid clicking on links in spam messages or on unfamiliar websites, and do not open email attachments from untrusted senders.
• Do not use USB drives of unknown origin.
• Always use security software—preferably comprehensive protection suites.

What to Do If You Become a Victim

Experts strongly advise ransomware victims not to negotiate with criminals. Instead, contact law enforcement immediately. You can also try to identify the name of the malicious program, which can help experts find a free decryption tool created by cybersecurity specialists.