For years, law enforcement and cybersecurity experts have urged ransomware victims not to pay cybercriminals. Why? It just lets them know you may be an easy target next time. A report from cybersecurity company Proofpoint shows exactly why that advice still holds true.
Proofpoint's 2026 AI-Era Ransomware Report found that 54% of organizations hit by ransomware chose to pay the attackers in hopes of recovering their files or preventing stolen data from being published online. Unfortunately, many discovered that paying did not end the ordeal at all. In fact, it may have made it worse.
According to the report, 37% of organizations that paid the ransom were later contacted with additional demands for more money. Even more unfortunate, 2% paid but never regained access to their files at all.
In other words, paying the ransom often tells criminals one thing: You’re willing to pay.
Ransomware has evolved far beyond simply locking files. Today's attackers frequently steal sensitive information before encrypting computers. That allows them to threaten victims multiple times. Once by locking their systems and again by threatening to publish or sell stolen data unless another payment is made.
The report also found that artificial intelligence is making ransomware attacks more effective. Criminals are using AI to write convincing phishing emails, create realistic impersonation scams, and steal login credentials that help them break into business networks. In many cases, the attack begins with a single employee clicking a malicious link or entering a password into a fake login page.
While businesses are the primary targets, consumers are not immune. Personal computers, family photos, financial records, and online accounts can also be held hostage by ransomware or compromised through the same phishing techniques.
How to reduce your risk:
- Back up important files regularly and keep at least one backup offline.
- Be cautious of unexpected emails asking you to click links or open attachments.
- Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Keep your devices and software updated with the latest security patches.
- Use strong, unique passwords for every online account.
The biggest takeaway from the report is simple: Paying cybercriminals rarely guarantees a happy ending. It may recover your files, but it may not. In many cases it simply encourages attackers to come back asking for even more.
When it comes to ransomware, preparation before an attack is far less expensive than negotiating with criminals afterward.
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