I have been asked this question many times by customers concerned about Ransomware. Why not just pay when you are owned and the only way to get your data back is to pay? Why suffer
I agree 100% with Mayor Bernard’s answer to this question. In summary, you don’t know if they will give back your data. You don’t know who you are paying. You don’t know if they will just hold you ransom again. You don’t know if they are leaving behind back doors to do more damage. Most importantly, you are FUNDING THE ACTIVITY which encourages cybercriminals to continue this activity. The answer should always be NEVER PAY!
Watch Mayor Bernard’s answer to this question. It is a tough call to make but I’m glad to see Baltimore didn’t pay.