More than half (56%) of ransomware victims paid the ransom to restore access to their data over the past year, according to a global study by security company Kaspersky, which surveyed 15,000 consumers.
However, for 17% of the victims, the payment of the ransom did not guarantee the return of the stolen data. As the audience understands the potential cyber threats, there are significant reasons to approach this fight against ransomware with optimism.
Ransomware is a type of malware that cybercriminals use to extort money. It restricts access to data until the ransom is paid, using encryption or blocking users. Kaspersky’s report, “Consumer appetite versus action: The state of data privacy amid growing digital dependency,” found that for about a quarter of respondents (26%), the estimated financial loss was less than $ 100, but for 9 %, total costs are between $ 2,000 and $ 4,999.
How ransomware attacks affect people
The percentage of victims who paid the ransom to regain access to their data over the past year was highest among those aged 35 to 44, with two-thirds (65%) acknowledging that they had paid.
By comparison, just over half (52%) of those aged 16 to 24 and only 11% of those over 55 used this approach. This shows that younger users are more likely to pay a ransom than those over 55.
Whether they paid or not, only 29% of victims managed to get all files encrypted or blocked as a result of an attack. Half (50%) lost only a few of the files, 32% lost a significant amount, and 18% lost a small number of files. Meanwhile, 13% of those who experienced such an incident lost almost all their data.
Avoid paying the ransom demanded by hackers
“These data show that we have identified a significant percentage of users who have paid a ransom for their data in the last 12 months. But handing over money does not guarantee the return of data and does nothing but encourage cybercriminals to continue with this practice. Therefore, we always recommend those affected by ransomware not to pay, because this money supports this criminal system “, comments Marina Titova, Head of Consumer Product Marketing at Kaspersky.
She also adds that it would be best to ensure that they invest from the outset in the protection and security of personal devices and that they perform a regular backup of all data. This will make the attack itself less interesting or profitable for cybercriminals, reducing the use of the practice and shaping a more secure future for web users.
Currently, about four in 10 (39%) of those surveyed said they were aware of the danger posed by ransomware in the last 12 months. It is important that this number increases as remote work becomes more widespread.
To help you protect yourself, as you learn more about this form of cyber attack, it is vital that you understand what to look out for and what to do if you encounter such situations.
Thus, Kaspersky recommends the following
- Do not pay the ransom if one of your devices has been locked. The payment of ransoms encourages cybercriminals to continue their practices. Better contact local authorities and report the attack.
- Try to find out the name of the ransomware Trojan. This information can help cybersecurity experts decrypt the threat and keep access to your files.
- Go to noransom.kaspersky.com to find the latest descriptors, ransomware removal tools, and ransomware protection information.
- Avoid clicking on links in spam emails or on unknown websites, and do not open email files from untrusted senders.
- Never insert USBs or other storage devices into your computer unless you know where they come from.
- Protect your computer from ransomware with a complete internet security solution, such as Kaspersky Internet Security.
- Back up your devices so that your data stays safe if you face a ransomware attack.
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