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No. Paying a ransomware attacker does not guarantee that you will receive a working decryption key, recover your files, restore access to devices, or keep stolen data private. Payment is not a dependable recovery plan: recovery also requires containing the incident, checking systems and backups, and restoring operations safely.
What paying may—and may not—do
The FBI states: “Paying a ransom doesn’t guarantee you or your organization will get any data back.” Some victims have paid and received no key. Even when an attacker provides one, it may not restore every file or device, and decrypting a complex system can take time.
A decryption key is not the same as a clean, fully recovered network. UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) guidance says that for a large organization, restoring normal operations with a key can take time; clean backups may be quicker. The NCSC also warns that a computer may remain infected after payment.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesPayment does not settle the separate question of data theft. Attackers may copy files before encrypting them and threaten to publish them. Paying does not ensure that stolen data is deleted or kept confidential.
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- Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware
- Help secure your important files with password protection and hardware encryption
- 3-year limited warranty
Compare recovery routes before making a decision
| Question | Paying the attacker | Recovering from clean backups |
|---|---|---|
| Is there a usable copy of the data? | A key may not arrive or may not work; payment does not guarantee decryption. | Recovery depends on having a usable, uncompromised backup. |
| How quickly can operations resume? | A key may require time to decrypt systems and data; payment does not guarantee a faster recovery. | Clean backups may enable a quicker return than decrypting a large organization, according to the UK NCSC. |
| Does this resolve possible data theft? | No. Payment does not ensure stolen files will be deleted or kept private. | Restoring a backup does not determine whether attackers copied data. |
| Does this secure affected systems? | No. Devices may remain infected, and the original compromise still needs investigation and remediation. | Backups should be checked for malware before restoration; affected systems and credentials still need attention. |
| Are there legal or regulatory considerations? | Yes. Payment decisions may require legal and regulatory review, depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances. | Recovery planning also needs to account for applicable reporting and regulatory obligations. |
If an attack is happening now
- Contain the incident. Follow your organization’s incident-response procedures and get qualified help. The right actions depend on the affected systems and circumstances.
- Preserve relevant evidence and report the incident. The FBI asks victims to contact a local FBI field office or report through IC3. Its ransomware guidance explains its position on payment.
- Assess recovery options. Check whether backups are available and usable, and verify they are clean before restoring. CISA also advises consulting law enforcement about potentially available decryptors.
- Investigate and remediate the compromise. Do not treat restored or decrypted files as proof that affected devices and accounts are secure. Determine how access was gained and address the compromise before resuming normal operations.
- Review legal and regulatory implications. Organizations should obtain appropriate advice for their jurisdiction before deciding whether to pay. The UK NCSC’s payment guidance is specific to the UK and is not legal advice for other jurisdictions.
Official response guidance includes the CISA #StopRansomware Guide and the joint CISA and MS-ISAC Ransomware Guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Prepare a recovery route before an attack
Keep recent offline backups and make sure they can be restored. Offline copies can provide another route if systems are encrypted, but they help only if they are usable and uncompromised. They do not prevent data theft or recover files that were never backed up. The NCSC’s ransomware victim guidance recommends keeping a recent offline backup.
Rank #2
- Slim durable design to help take your important files with you
- Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware
- Help secure your important files with password protection and hardware encryption
- 3-year limited warranty
Official guidance does not establish a general recovery-rate statistic or predict what a particular attacker will do. The reliable conclusion is narrower: payment cannot guarantee recovery.
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Quick Recap
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- External hard drive for PS4, Xbox One, and Smart TV gaming The Facet is compatible with PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Smart TVs with USB support. PS4 and Xbox One games run directly from the drive — plug it in, format through the console, and add to your storage. Also works with Smart TVs that support USB recording or external media playback.
- Slim, shock-resistant portable external hard drive — 160g At 2.5 inches and just 160g, this portable external hard drive is bus-powered through a single USB-C cable — no separate power adapter, no extra cables. Slim enough for a laptop bag, jacket pocket, or camera bag, with a shockresistant casing and faceted diamond-texture top panel that resists fingerprints and everyday wear. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty from ModusTech, a consumer electronics brand specializing in external storage.
Rank #3
- No wall warts: Work freely with its bus-powered USB-C. No wall outlet required.
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- Peace-of-mind: Comes with two-year limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
