Most Japanese Firms That Paid Ransomware Still Lost Data, Survey Finds

At least 222 Japanese companies have paid ransomware attackers, yet about 60% of them still failed to recover their data, according to a recent survey, Kyodo News reported.

Among companies that paid the attackers, 83 were able to restore their systems and data, while 139 were not.

Of 1,107 firms that responded to a January survey by the Japan Institute for Promotion of Digital Economy and Community, 507 reported being hit by ransomware attacks, in which hackers block access to data and demand payment to restore it.

Among companies that paid the attackers, 83 were able to restore their systems and data, while 139 were not.

Meanwhile, 141 firms reported being hit by ransomware but successfully restoring their systems and data without paying.

Experts advise against paying ransoms, as doing so funds criminal organizations. The institute noted that the findings highlight the reality that “paying a ransom does not guarantee data recovery.”