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No. Paying a ransomware attacker does not guarantee you will get a working decryption key, recover your files, or regain access to your devices. Even if decryption succeeds, it can take time to restore operations, stolen data may still be exposed, and compromised systems may remain unsafe. Payment is not a dependable recovery plan.
What payment can—and cannot—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. The CISA and MS-ISAC ransomware guide likewise warns that payment does not ensure data will be decrypted or systems and data will no longer be compromised.
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A decryption key, if supplied, is only one part of recovery. Decrypting a complex environment can be slow, and a key may not restore every file or service to working order. The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) says clean backups may allow an organisation to recover more quickly than using a decryption key. Its guidance applies to the UK and is not legal advice for other jurisdictions.
Payment also does not resolve the separate risk that attackers copied data before encrypting it. A group may threaten to publish or disclose stolen information, and paying does not ensure that the data is deleted or kept private.
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- Slim durable design to help take your important files with you
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- 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
Why paying does not finish the recovery
Devices and networks may still be compromised
Decryption does not remove malware or close the route attackers used to get in. The UK NCSC warns that a computer may remain infected after payment. Organisations and individuals need to investigate the original compromise, contain affected systems, and address vulnerabilities or stolen credentials before returning systems to use.
Restoration takes more than unlocking files
Systems may need to be rebuilt, data checked, accounts secured, and services tested. For a large organisation, returning to normal can take substantial time even when a key works. Recovery time depends on the affected environment and the availability of clean, usable data; there is no universal timeline.
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
Legal and reporting obligations still apply
Reporting and legal considerations depend on the circumstances and jurisdiction. The FBI says it does not support paying a ransom and asks victims to contact their local FBI field office or report through IC3. Organisations should involve appropriate legal, regulatory, security, and incident-response personnel before making decisions. UK NCSC payment guidance is specific to UK organisations and should not be treated as a rule for every country.
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| Route or question | What it can offer | What it does not resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Paying the attacker | The attacker may provide a decryption key, but there is no guarantee. | It does not ensure files decrypt, restore operations quickly, prevent disclosure of stolen data, or clean compromised systems. |
| Restoring from backups | A usable, clean backup can provide another way to recover data and may be faster than decrypting a complex environment. | A backup may be missing, outdated, compromised, or unusable. Check it for malware before restoration. |
| Incident response and available decryptors | Qualified responders can help contain the incident, investigate the compromise, and assess recovery options. Law enforcement may know of available decryptors. | Neither response support nor a decryptor guarantees complete recovery; the right steps depend on the affected systems and circumstances. |
There is no general recovery-rate figure in the official guidance cited here. These sources establish that payment cannot guarantee recovery; they do not predict the odds for a particular victim or attacker.
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- No wall warts: Work freely with its bus-powered USB-C. No wall outlet required.
- Big on space: High-capacity storage to store all your files in one place.
- Reliable backup: Safeguard assignments, projects, or sensitive files with trusted performance.
- Fuss-free, clutter-free: One port, one cord, quick connect.
- Peace-of-mind: Comes with two-year limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services.
What to do during an active ransomware incident
- Contain affected systems. Follow your incident-response plan and get qualified help where possible. Avoid reconnecting affected devices or restoring data until responders have assessed the risk; the right containment steps depend on the systems involved.
- Preserve evidence and report the incident. Keep relevant messages, ransom notes, and incident details. In the United States, the FBI advises contacting a local field office or reporting through IC3. Other jurisdictions have their own reporting channels.
- Assess recovery options. Identify available backups and check that they are clean before restoring. Ask law enforcement or qualified incident responders whether a usable decryptor is available.
- Secure systems before bringing them back. Investigate how the attackers gained access, remediate the compromise, and verify restored systems and credentials before resuming normal operations.
- Review payment implications carefully. For an organisation, involve legal and regulatory advisers as well as security leadership. A payment decision does not remove the need to contain, investigate, and recover.
Official guidance: FBI ransomware guidance; FBI remarks on preventing and responding to ransomware; CISA #StopRansomware Guide; UK NCSC guidance for organisations considering payment; and UK NCSC ransomware victim guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Prepare a recovery route before an attack
Keep recent backups offline or otherwise isolated from systems that ransomware could reach, and test that they can be restored. CISA advises checking backup data for malware before restoration. A backup is a recovery option—not a way to retrieve already encrypted files or prevent attackers from stealing data.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- High-capacity external hard drive with up to 2TB of storage The ModusTech Facet portable external hard drive gives you dependable HDD storage in a slim 2.5-inch design. Multiple capacities available up to 2TB — back up photos, videos, music, documents, and game libraries with room to grow. A trusted external storage solution for everyday backup, media archives, and creative work.
- USB-C and USB 3.1 connectivity with included 2-in-1 cable The Facet ships with a USB-C to USB-C cable and tethered USB-A adapter, so this external hard drive connects to modern laptops, USB-C iPhones, tablets, and older USB-A computers without buying an extra cable. USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) interface delivers real-world transfer speeds up to 100MB/s — fast enough to back up 50GB of files in about 8 minutes.
- Plug-and-play external hard drive for PC, Mac, and laptops Preformatted in exFAT and ready to use the moment you plug it in. The Facet works out of the box with Windows PCs, macOS Macs, MacBooks, Chromebooks, and laptops — no drivers, no software, no setup required. A true plug-and-play external hard drive built for everyday use across every major operating system.
- 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.
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