Sure, that's what they ask for. What do they get?
What about the reports of wipes happening even after paying? Only fools negotiate with terrorists, though I guess there could be many foolish companies.
Sure, that's what they ask for. What do they get?
What about the reports of wipes happening even after paying? Only fools negotiate with terrorists, though I guess there could be many foolish companies.
It's certainly a gamble. Pay $50,000 and possibly get back up and running or refuse to pay and lose valuable time and possibly go out of business.
Here is a good article on the subject:
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/23/small-companies-cyber-attack-out-of-business/
You are correct, sometimes victims pay and don't get an encryption key that works. For many businesses, paying $50,000 is worth it for a shot at getting the ransom ware lifted. However, it usually takes a while to buy bitcoin if you don't have any and don't have an account, so it's worth holding some so you at least have the option to act quickly.